PolyU Science in the News

PolyU develops the world’s first eco-friendly anti-COVID-19 coating

Prof. Pauline Li Pei, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU, and her team have developed the world's first eco-friendly long-lasting antimicrobial coating "Nano En-core" for Yip's Chemical. The technology behind the product is CareCoatexTM, a biomaterial-based core-shell particles for safe and effective antibacterial and antiviral applications developed by Prof. Li's team. The technology won the Gold Medal in the Special Edition 2021 Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days – Virtual Event. Nano En-core incorporates food-grade eco-friendly disinfectant Chitosan and a film-forming agent to create a long-lasting antimicrobial coating, to protect surfaces from bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. The protection is proved to be able to last as long as 180 days. toutiao.com 联合香港理工大学，紫荆花与叶氏集团推出全球首创环保长效抗病毒涂层黑科技 10 May 2021

PolyU scientists find way to remove polluting microplastics with bacteria

Researchers from PolyU have found a way to use bacteria to trap microplastics, removing them from the environment and making them easier to recycle. The novel technique was discussed yesterday (28 April) at the Microbiology Society's Annual Conference. The paper was presented at the conference by researcher Yang Liu, a PhD student at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. The method uses bacterial biofilms – a sticky substance created by micro-organisms – to trap microplastic particles. Microplastics pose a major risk to the environment and human health, as they are not easily bio-degradable and retain in the ecosystems for prolonged durations. This results in the uptake of microplastics by organisms, leading to transfer and retention of microplastics down the food chain. Liu and the team uses the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to capture microplastics in a bioreactor. This species of bacterium is found in all environments and has previously been shown to colonise microplastics in the environment. P. aeruginosa biofilms cause the microplastics to aggregate together and eventually sink, which makes the microplastics more convenient to collect. Once the microplastics are captured by the biofilms and sink to the bottom of the reactor, the researchers use a biofilm-dispersal gene to cause the biofilm to release the microplastics. The plastics could then be recovered for recycling. Next, the researchers plan to move the proof-of-concept from the lab to an environmental setting. They hope the technique will eventually be used in wastewater treatment plants, stopping microplastics from escaping into the oceans. Science X Using microbes to remove microplastics from the environment 28 April 2021 The Guardian Scientists find way to remove polluting microplastics with bacteria 28 April 2021 Earth.com Bacteria can help remove microplastics from the environment 28 April 2021 EurekAlert Using microbes to remove microplastics from the environment 28 April 2021 The Hill Scientists weaponize bacteria to fight microplastics in the environment Microplastic pollution has been found in a diversity of ecosystems. 28 April 2021 Institution of Mechanical Engineers Bacteria could ‘trap’ microplastic and stop it polluting the ocean 28 April 2021 USA News Hub Scientists find way to remove polluting microplastics with bacteria 28 April 2021 鳳凰網 微生物学家发现了一种利用细菌去除环境中微塑料的方法 28 April 2021 cnBeta 微生物学家发现了一种利用细菌去除环境中微塑料的方法 28 April 2021 搜狐 微生物学家发现了一种利用细菌去除环境中微塑料的方法 28 April 2021

Bionic Functional Footwear jointly developed by HKRITA and PolyU wins Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days medal

"Bionic Functional Footwear for Pregnant Women", jointly developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and PolyU, is one of the silver medal winning entries at this year's Inventions Geneva Evaluation Days. Weight gain and relaxin hormone increases during pregnancy can lead to swollen feet and arch drop for pregnant women. This project has developed bionic functional footwear which can adapt to foot dimensional variations, enhance arch support and reduce peak plantar pressure, thus relieving foot pain and improving foot health.  Inspired by terrestrial animal and human foot structures, technologies of 3D hybrid knitting-printing-moulding materials and biometric ergonomic design are used to develop the bionic functional shoes. Apart from pregnant women, the footwear is also suitable for flat feet sufferers. Dr Liu Rong, Assistant Professor of Institute of Textile and Clothing, said the project was already completed. The team intends to contact local manufacturers for production, and wishes the products can be launched onto the market as soon as possible. 香港經濟日報 A09 紡織廢料 研變天然抗水耐洗物料 21 April 2021

知多啲：玻璃樽可樂最好飲之謎

不少人都會覺得玻璃樽裝可樂最好飲，最夠「氣」。不過，根據香港太古可口可樂官方回應，每一款可樂的成分與配方都是相同，難道這真的是我們多年來的「錯覺」？ 香港理工大學應用物理學系專任導師蔡紹康從化學和物理學的角度分析，認為可樂包裝或許真的會對飲用口感有影響，原因主要出在二氧化碳（CO2）的濃度。雖然各包裝都是以相同的配方、成分及生產程序製成，但不同包裝對於CO2有不同滲透度，當中鋁罐與玻璃樽相對於膠樽滲透度較低，因此存氣效果相對較好。 另有一個說法是，可樂有可能與包裝產生一些化學反應，導致味道改變。蔡紹康相信產品推出前，廠商已完成一系列品質監控，選擇了穩定安全的容器。但單從理論上來說，玻璃的確是3種容器材質中，相對穩定的物質，最不易與弱酸的汽水產生化學反應。此外，玻璃樽瓶身相對膠樽和鋁罐都厚實，使它的導熱度變低，因此更有助保持汽水從雪櫃取出來時的溫度，令整個喝汽水過程保持冰凍。 詳情轉載自明報 > 副刊  

PolyU scholar interviewed on EdTech

Dr Fridolin Ting, Teaching Fellow, Department of Applied Mathematics, was interviewed on the development of EdTech, i.e. the use of technology to facilitate learning and teaching. Dr Ting and his team developed free educational technology platforms like "Badaboom!" and "The Cell Game", incorporating gaming elements. These platforms are not only suitable for primary school students, but also secondary and university students. Another platform developed by Dr Ting is the anonymous messaging app "YoTeach!" which includes functions like voting, picture annotation, handwritten number and symbol recognition, for demonstrating concepts in graphs and formulae. Now being used by eight local secondary schools in math education, this well-received app is useful in distant STEM education as well as supplementing face-to-face classes. Dr Ting's team regularly visits schools to introduce the app to teachers and students.   In terms of EdTech development, Dr Ting said Hong Kong is behind countries like the US, Sweden and Finland. The reason is that Hong Kong currently has no large scale EdTech companies to help promote development in this area. However, he believed the city could catch up if more resources could be put into this aspect. Dr Ting also said that many issues in the field of education have been brought up by the pandemic and reforms are underway. He remarked that EdTech is no longer a supporting role but will play a leading role in education even after the pandemic. Applicable during classes or outside classes, EdTech can improve class atmosphere, enhance learning interests, and motivate active learning. Dr Ting also said, in developing Ed Tech, pedagogy is more important than technology. Therefore, one should consider how to provide solutions to education problems by developing tech products. Hong Kong can make reference to the US, Sweden and Finland. HK01 A01, B01-B04 全球學子厭倦上Zoom？ 教育科技迎黃金時代 30 March 2021

製黏膠纖維化學劑 可致污染 人造絲 輕柔背後藏危機

Dr Manas Kumar Sarkar, Teaching Fellow from the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at PolyU, gave an interview with Ming Pao Daily News to compare the differences among various artificial textiles. According to Dr Sarkar, Viscose, a cheaper alternative to silk which is commonly used in the fashion industry, is made from natural fibres like wood and cotton. However, the manufacturing process involves NaOH, carbon disulfide and other chemical solvents, which is hazardous to humans and the environment.  Lyocell, or Tencel as the brand name, is a greener alternative in the market. Also made of wood pulp, the manufacturer of Tencel claims the wood is lumbered from sustainable forests. Besides, the solvent used, NMMO, is organic, nontoxic and almost completely reusable.  Dr Sarkar opines that both Viscose and Tencel are made of wood pulp and therefore consume natural resources. As a consumer, our responsibility is to buy clothes that are more durable so as to prolong their lives and reduce wastes.  Apart from wood pulp, a textile called Cupro made of cotton linter is commonly known for its environmental friendliness. However, Dr Sarkar clarified that the manufacturing process of Cupro, or Cuprammonium rayon, involves copper and ammonia. While ammonia is corrosive and hazardous to our respiratory tracts, copper sulfate released during the process is harmful to both human eyes and the environment. 明報C08 製黏膠纖維化學劑 可致污染 人造絲 輕柔背後藏危機 30 March 2021 明報C08 小知識：棉花製人造絲 「綠色」誤會 30 March 2021

鬆緊適中 不卡髮不易斷 實測束髮橡筋 唔使揀最貴

試想像束頭髮時，橡筋「啪」一聲斷掉，手上留下一道紅印；或者想從秀髮脫下橡筋，幾經掙扎拉扯，換來頭皮受罪和一手頭髮絲……光是想像，已喚起不少女生的痛苦回憶。 一條小小橡筋，令無數人又愛又恨：太緊，怕在頭髮上留有痕迹；太鬆，又怕紮不住頭髮，多用幾次已淪為垃圾。要找到一條耐用又不卡頭髮的橡筋，該按何準則挑選？近年有橡筋被譽為「髮圈界的LV」，聲稱「不咬髮、不易鬆」，一條售價逾20元，到底是否物有所值？ 橡筋富有彈性，是將物件集中綁在一起的好幫手。文具橡筋及髮圈，同是橡筋，為何彈性各異？一條橡筋又是怎樣製成的？香港理工大學紡織及服裝學系副教授葉曉雲解釋，橡筋使用了可令物件變得有彈性的物料製作，例如橡膠（rubber）或熱塑性聚氨酯（thermoplastic polyurethane，TPU）。橡膠是較原始製作橡筋的物料，有不俗的拉力及回彈力，惟橡膠製成的橡筋不可受熱，較TPU易斷裂，紮在手中也會「紮到有條痕」。TPU則常被用來為紡織物料增加彈性，如緊身牛仔褲，就是在牛仔褲布料加入TPU製作而成。 不一定由彈性物料製成 不少人以為，橡筋必定要由彈性物料製成，其實不然，例如電線圈橡筋便是使用沒有彈性的尼龍來製作。葉指，雖然尼龍本身沒有彈性，但電線圈橡筋仍可被拉長、綁實頭髮，是因為製作電線圈時改變了尼龍的形態，變成一圈圈像電話線的小圈，「就好似將沒有彈性的意粉，製成可以被拉長的公仔麵一樣」，令尼龍由沒有彈性的物料，變為可伸縮、有彈性的橡筋。 她續指，橡筋要「成圈」，須加熱令橡筋頭尾融合，部分橡筋會在接駁位加上膠扣為裝飾。為令外觀更吸引，製作橡筋時亦會在外層圍上紡織物料，甚至將橡筋染色，例如加入有色紗線（yarn）令橡筋「閃令令」，搖身一變成不同式樣。 橡筋是否耐用，物料固然重要，但坊間橡筋未必會列明用料，單靠外表該如何選出好橡筋？請來葉曉雲聯同碩士研究生鍾穎欣，以英士特4411拉力機（instron 4411）測試10款不同類型橡筋的耐用程度。每條橡筋會被儀器拉至其最大而不拉斷的範圍5分鐘，重複3次，再計算每條橡筋的拉伸力（stretch）及回彈力（recovery）。拉伸力愈大，代表物料可以被拉得愈長；回彈力愈接近100%，反映橡筋愈耐用。透過比較拉伸力及回彈力，可以得知橡根的鬆緊，以及其回復原狀的表現。 舊式橡筋表現佳 電線圈回彈力差 根據測試結果，回彈力以無扣橡筋（大）及舊式橡筋最好、電線圈最差，較不耐用；拉伸力方面，文具橡筋表現最好，有扣橡筋（粗）則最差。葉曉雲綜合結果比較，認為舊式橡筋的表現較佳，但提醒雖然文具橡筋拉伸力最好，但因材質不同，文具橡筋會較其他橡筋易斷。至於以數十條彈力繩及紡紗編織而成的「髮圈界的LV」，又有何表現？她表示這款橡筋的回彈力不錯，惟外層紗線較易鈎出，對其性價比有保留，「係咪值咁貴呢」？ 她笑言，橡筋的拉力無法改變，「要斷點都會斷」；不同人有不同需要，可按造型、髮量等選擇橡筋，如髮量多可以選擇較「粗身」、「紮實」，即較難拉開的橡筋，避免橡筋在郁動時鬆脫。若想橡筋更耐用，建議儲存在陰涼地方，以免橡膠、TPU等物料因受陽光熱力影響而變脆。清洗橡筋則要確保表面布料乾透，避免有罨味。 詳情轉載自明報 > 副刊  

PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications

PolyU has developed a highly permeable and superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic devices that can withstand long-time wearing and be employed in various applications, including health monitoring devices, soft robotics and on-skin electronics. This research was recently published in Nature Materials (link). Currently, many stretchable electronics are fabricated with impermeable elastic thick films, the long-time wearing of which can cause health concerns including skin irritation and inflammation. Moreover, low permeability will limit the use of multi-layered devices and hinder the development of advanced functionality of stretchable electronics. To overcome these limitations, the research team led by Professor Zijian Zheng, Professor of PolyU's Institute of Textiles and Clothing, and comprised of interdisciplinary academics from the Department of Applied Physics and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PolyU, developed a new type of highly permeable superelastic conductor.  The conductor, called "liquid-metal fibre mat" (LMFM), enables the fabrication of biocompatible and multifunctional monolithic stretchable electronics. It is fabricated by coating or printing liquid metal onto an electrospun elastomeric fibre mat followed by a mechanical activation process in which the liquid metal self-organises into a laterally porous and vertically buckled film hanging among the fibres.  The LMFM possesses excellent permeability, retains super elasticity and ultrahigh conductivity in tensile testing. In addition, it shows excellent biocompatibility when directly applied to the human skin. Professor Zheng explained that eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn), a type of liquid metal commonly used in soft electronics such as flexible printed circuit boards, is used as the conductive component for printing on the stretchable poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) (SBS) mat, a material that is usually used for rubber products like gloves or balloons as an elastomer, to fabricate the LMFM. The moisture permeability of the sample is 22 times higher than that of the medical patch. In vivo animal experiments on rabbit skin, it showed the excellent biocompatibility of the LMFM without causing any irritation, Professor Zheng added. EGaIn is a metal that can be maintained in a liquid state under room temperature. It has low viscosity, high conductivity and low toxicity, and is also capable of forming a thin solid layer of oxide rapidly on the surface of EGaIn upon exposure to air offering soft and stretchable features. Furthermore, the LMFM can be fabricated vertically and stacked in three layers of printed EGaIn electrical circuits on monolithic elastic mats – with one layer acting as an electrocardiography sensor, another as a sweater sensor, and the final layer as an electrothermal heater. The fabricated three-layer sample, with a total thickness of 1mm, performs well while maintaining high permeability; it implies that the stacked architecture of the LMFM can provide excellent wearing comfort and multifunctionality. This research project received a total funding of HK$1.8 million, mainly from the Hong Kong Scholars Program and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. Professor Zheng said they will apply for another funding in hope of converting the research into application. The team's priority is to develop wearable electrocardiographic monitoring equipment. Further research may take three to five years, and development of a prototype may require a few million dollars. 理大研發高透氣超彈性導電材料 適用於穿戴式電子設備 (Chinese) 無綫新聞 理大團隊研高透氣導電材料 解決貼身電子產品透氣度不足問題 26 March 2021 新华网 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 中國新聞網 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 中國評論新聞網 创科前线：导电毡制健康监测器可长期穿戴 25 March 2021 光明科技 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 中國經濟網 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 金羊網 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 网易 香港理大研发高透气超弹性导电材料适用于穿戴式电子设备 25 March 2021 信報 A10 理大研高透氣彈性導電物料 長期穿戴不致敏 適合心電圖監測 25 March 2021 明報 A09 理大研液態金屬纖維布 可製穿戴式裝置 25 March 2021 經濟日報 A14 液態金屬纖維氈 盼助長期監測健康 25 March 2021 星島日報 F02 理大研發超彈性導電材料 25 March 2021 晴報 理大研高透氣彈性導電材料 適用各種電子設備兼可長戴 25 March 2021 AM730 A06 理大研高透氣液態金屬纖維氈 可製膠布型健康監測儀 25 March 2021 大公報 A07 导电毡製健康监测器可长期穿戴 25 March 2021 文滙報 A10 理大研透氣液態金屬氈 可「貼身」監測健康 25 March 2021 香港01 理大研高透氣導電材料　適用於穿戴式電子設備長期監測健康 25 March 2021 經濟一週 理大研高透氣液態金屬纖維氈 可製膠布型健康監測儀 25 March 2021 The Exeter Daily PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 Finanzen.net PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 Education World PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 ZonaUtara.com PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 WalasTech PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 Top 10 of Asia PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 Times Tech PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 The Frugal Networker PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 Yahoo Finance PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021 東方日報 理大研發可穿戴導電物料　有望用於長期監測健康 24 March 2021 香港商報網 理大研高透氣超彈性導電材料 適用於穿戴式電子設備 24 March 2021 e-zone 理大液態金屬物料　穿戴設備適用 24 March 2021 Yahoo HK 理大研發可穿戴導電物料 有望用於長期監測健康 24 March 2021 PR Newswire PolyU develops a highly permeable superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic applications 24 March 2021

PolyU’s antiviral mask PU30TM available online

PU30TM, the antiviral, reusable and washable face mask developed by the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, PolyU, is available on various online platforms for HK$60 each. The patented mask is developed by a team led by Professor Kan Chi-wai, Professor of Institute of Textiles and Clothing and Dr Joanne Yip Yiu-Wan, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles.  PU30TM can be washed and reused for 30 times. It uses Water Repellent Cationic Antiseptic Coating developed by PolyU, and is proven to be able to inhibit COVID-19, H1N1 and other viruses. It attains ASTM F2100 level 1, and all of the PFE, BFE and VFE are over 98%.   香港經濟日報hket.com 理工大學可重用口罩 「 PU30TM」 測試證實重複清洗30次後仍有效抑制新冠病毒 10 March 2021

PolyU’s master programme in nutrition with register system helps boost professional level

Launched last year, PolyU's MSc in Nutrition and Healthy Ageing programme has introduced the registered nutritionist system, which not only enhances the professional level of graduates, but also ensures the quality of service of the industry. Professor Wong Man-sau of Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at PolyU said the programme is the first in Hong Kong that provides workplace learning in the community to its students. The programme aims at providing a unique and profession-oriented education opportunity for bachelor degree holders with relevant backgrounds, who want to contribute to the health and well-being of the ageing population. The curriculum design is based on the requirements of the UK Association for Nutrition for programme accreditation. Graduates can apply for direct entry as Registered Associate Nutritionists, with the prospect of becoming Registered Nutritionists with three years' experience. Professor Wong said currently there is no law in place regulating the qualification of nutritionists. Registered Nutritionists will become a new professional qualification in Hong Kong, which will help improve the graduates' status as well as regulate the industry.   明報 F22 理大「營養與健康活齡理學碩士課程」致力培育營養學家 推廣社區營養為公眾健康把關 5 February 2021