Sustainability Report 2019/20 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Sustainability Report 2019/20 / Building a Sustainable Community / Research for the Betterment of Society

Building a Sustainable Community

Research for the Betterment of Society

PolyU places strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and drives impactful innovations to meet social needs. During the reporting year, five PolyU-led projects were granted funding by the Research Impact Fund of the Research Grants Council. Our continuous research excellence and effort for the betterment of society are highlighted in the following research achievements in 2019/20, contributing to both social well-being and environmental sustainability.

Dr Joanne Yip Yiu-wan introducing the two sets of flexible scoliotic braces

Innovative scoliotic braces

Developed to address the inconvience issue of traditional ones.

Innovative scoliotic braces

To address the heaviness, bulkiness and visible nature of traditional scoliotic braces under clothes, Dr Joanne Yip Yiu-wan and her research team collaborated with the University of Hong Kong to develop two sets of flexible scoliotic braces for different degrees of spinal curve. They are considerably lighter than traditional braces, thus allowing greater body mobility. Their underwear-like design also enables them to be hidden under clothing. Given these advantages, users will be more willing to wear their braces for a longer duration, therefore enhancing the effectiveness in treating scoliosis. The two sets of braces, following extensive clinical trials, are expected to be launched at an affordable price in four to five years.

Dr Joanne Yip Yiu-wan introducing the two sets of flexible scoliotic braces

Dr Ma Cong showcasing the new class of antibiotic candidates, “Nusbiarylins”

New class of antibiotics candidates, "Nusbiarylins"

Developed to assist inhibitation of bacterial cells growth.

New class of antibiotic candidates, “Nusbiarylins”

The World Health Organization deemed multi-drug resistant superbugs to be one of the biggest threats to global health in 2019. In light of that, Dr Ma Cong and his research team collaborated with experts from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to develop a new class of antibiotic candidates named “Nusbiarylins”. “Nusbiarylins” is capable of inhibiting the interaction between two proteins ― NusB and NusE ― which are related to the growth of bacterial cells. Pre-clinical studies of “Nusbiarylins” on human cells demonstrated excellent intestine absorption and no hemolysis, meaning it is safe for oral consumption and injection. The innovation was granted the Global Innovation Award at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2019.

Dr Ma Cong showcasing the new class of antibiotic candidates, “Nusbiarylins”

Dr Alvin Ma Chun-hang and his discovery on PTU-activated autophagy in zebrafish embryos

Zebrafish and cancer research

It opened the door to new cancer medication researches.

Zebrafish and cancer research

Zebrafish embryos are used to investigate the causes of leukemia and its relationship with autophagy. It is a vital element in anti-ageing, cell death, and tumour suppression. Dr Alvin Ma Chun-hang discovered that the use of 1-phenyl 2-thiourea (PTU) to suppress pigmentation in zebrafish embryos actually induced higher autophagy levels, which implied that the countless studies using PTU in zebrafish embryos in the past could have produced invalid results. His findings were published in the April 2020 issue of “Autophagy”, the highest impact journal in the field. The chief editor of “Autophagy” has invited Dr Ma as a co-author to publish new guidelines on autophagy research using zebrafish embryos, a revision that occurs every four years. The new guidelines encourage researchers to alter the way they conduct autophagy-related studies with zebrafish embryos, and open the door for new treatments to various diseases.

Dr Alvin Ma Chun-hang and his discovery on PTU-activated autophagy in zebrafish embryos

Using remote sensing-based technology to detect SO2 levels

Remote sulfur dioxide sensor

Developed with remote-sensing technology.

Remote sulfur dioxide sensor

To reduce the excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emitted from cargo vessels in local container terminals and prevent the consequential harmful effect to the environment, Professor Li Zhilin and Associate Professor Charles Wong Man-sing developed a remote sensing-based technology. It can capture the images of stationary or sailing vessels with running engines from a long distance and differentiates between particulates and SO₂ pollutants. Vessels are alerted if their SO₂ emissions exceed a certain threshold. It can be deployed on a car ashore to function remotely without the need to board or stop the vessel for monitoring. PolyU will collaborate with the Environmental Protection Department to deploy the technology at local container terminals.

Using remote sensing-based technology to detect SO₂ levels

Atmospheric acidic ultrafine particle measuring device

Atmospheric acidic ultrafine particle (AUFP) measuring device

It measured a reliable concentration of AUFPs.

Atmospheric acidic ultrafine particle (AUFP) measuring device

Accumulating evidence suggests that atmospheric acidic ultrafine particles (AUFPs) can bring an adverse impact to air quality and human health. Addressing this issue, Professor Guo Hai and his team developed the “Atmospheric Acidic Ultrafine Particle Measuring Device” to measure a reliable concentration which allows researchers to conduct associated pollution and epidemiological studies. The device is portable and easy to operate, safe and reliable, as well as suitable for both indoor and outdoor measurement purposes. With these special features and advantages, the “Atmospheric Acidic Ultrafine Particle Measuring Device” won the Gold Medal at the 71st International Trade Fair for Ideas, Inventions and New Products.

Atmospheric acidic ultrafine particle measuring device

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (right), Professor Sophia Chan (middle) and Dr Ng Chi-ho (left) commemorating the establishment of the “Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture”

Sustainable urban green agriculture

The Laboratory was established to cultivate quality and safe food.

Sustainable urban green agriculture

Aiming to cultivate high quality and safe agricultural produce by developing indoor hydroponic technology, PolyU established the “Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture”. The laboratory is dedicated to investigating the optimal correlation between major environmental factors and the growth of hydroponics vegetables, as well as the systematic assessment of food safety risks, harmful chemicals and food-borne bacteria in vegetables grown by traditional farming and in hydroponics. Through establishing the Core Technology Exchange Platform, the Laboratory aspires to promote knowledge transfer in urban agriculture, make contributions to urban agriculture development, and help safeguard public health by fostering a “Healthy Eating” culture in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (right), Professor Sophia Chan (middle) and Dr Ng Chi-ho (left) commemorating the establishment of the "Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture"