Research Collaboration with FSN
Probiotics and prebiotics are hot topics in nutrition and their positive effects on human health are widely discussed these days. Our researchers study the therapeutic potential of different probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease with mouse models. Preliminary results show that probiotic therapy can significantly modulate inflammatory responses and help restore the impaired intestinal structure. The team believes that evidence-based research will form a basis to increase awareness and understanding of probiotics and prebiotics amongst the public and contribute to the entire world.
With the donation of HK$2M from Hong Kong Yakult Co. Ltd. (Yakult), the “PolyU-Yakult Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health” was established under PolyU Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood). It will further promote interdisciplinary research in the fields of food science and human health, and focus on the cutting-edge research of probiotics and prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of intestinal, brain diseases, eczema and women’s health.
SUGA lab is Hong Kong's first research platform on urban agriculture. FSN and Suga International Holdings Limited (SUGA) share the common goal of advancing research and development for the betterment of mankind. With sustainable urban green agriculture and pet food safety becoming increasingly important issues in society, SUGA has donated HK$8M to establish a research laboratory at PolyU’s campus, with the objective of achieving breakthroughs in the research and development of these two areas. With the use of innovative technologies, we aim to develop the next generation of urban agriculture model for cultivating high-quality and safe fruits and vegetables in small indoor spaces. Our research will focus on exploring the optimal environmental conditions for crop growth, as well as systematic assessment and comparison of food safety risks of harmful chemicals and food-borne bacteria found in vegetables grown from hydroponics and traditional farming.
FSN has set another landmark for industrial partnerships in 2021 with a collaborative research study on “Hong Kong Microbiome and Nutritional Pathway”, supported by Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition (Hong Kong) Ltd. The joint project looks at the associations between early-life nutrition and gut microbiome development among Caesarean-born Chinese babies.
With support from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund (SFDF), FSN is working with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on a project led by Dr Kevin KWOK that promotes modernised and sustainable mariculture at the demonstration farm. It provides hands-on training at the demonstration farm and lectures to conventional mariculturists and participants who intend to join the mariculture industry with a view to helping the local trade to develop modernised and sustainable mariculture practices. As of March 2023, more than 100 participants have completed the training and produced 7,200 kilograms of high-quality fish certified by the Government Accredited Fish Farm Scheme.
Get Connected with FSN Research Team
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