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PolyU wins three TechConnect Global Innovation Awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won three "Global Innovation Awards" at the TechConnect Business Virtual Summit and Showcase 2020 (TechConnect). It is the fourth year that PolyU research teams snatched the prestigious awards at the world's largest multi-sector event for fostering development and commercialisation of innovations. The TechConnect Global Innovation Awards identify the top 15% of submitted technologies based on their potential positive impact on a specific industry sector. Over 400 submissions were received this year including those from global top-notch universities and technology enterprises. Only 13 were presented with the global awards designated for non-US-funded innovations across the world; and PolyU received three of them. Other awardees include global-renowned institutes such as The University of Melbourne and The University of British Columbia. PolyU’s three award-winning innovations are: (1) “Water Dispersible Autofluorescent Polymer Dots Comprising of Non-Conjugated Polymers” by Professor LI Pei, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology This new type of photoluminescent nanoparticles uses inexpensive nonconjugated polymers as building blocks, and has the ability to display ultra-bright and multi-colour fluorescence upon excitations in both water and dry states. It also has excellent water dispersibility, low toxicity, high absorptivity, good photostability, and high quantum yield. This innovation has various potential applications, including serving as: bioimaging markers for in vitro cell imaging, autofluorescent nano-carriers for image-guided therapy, nanofillers in plastics for LED diffuser applications, fluorescent ink in anti-counterfeiting applications, chemosensors for heavy metal detection and structural health monitoring. (2) “PolyUStimulator – Ultrasound Driven Piezoelectric Stimulator for Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation” by Professor Yong-ping ZHENG and Dr Monzurul ALAM, Department of Biomedical Engineering As existing electroceutical stimulators are bulky with a limited life span and pose transmission efficacy and safety concerns, wireless power delivery to electrical implants deep inside the body remains a critical challenge. The PolyUStimulator presents a battery-free, ultrasonically-powered, piezoelectric stimulator for functional muscles, nerves and bones. Ultrasound can reach deep into the body where conventional inductive energy cannot reach safely; it is also safe from radio frequency interference and is fully MRI and X-ray compatible. This innovation can treat patients, ranging from neurological to orthopedic conditions, whom are paralysed or suffering from non-union bone fractures or neuromusculoskeletal pain. (3) “A Time-dependent Machine-Learning-based Prediction System for Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis” by Mr Toby LI and Mr Justin CHAN, MPhil students under the supervision of Dr Chunyi WEN, Department of Biomedical Engineering (submission made under CLAIRE Clinical AI Research) Early detection of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is critical for early intervention to prevent disease progression and to reduce the need for salvage joint replacement surgery. However, there remains a lack of a reliable prediction method for disease progression and a user-friendly platform for patient self-management. As such, an artificial intelligence based KOA screening system has been developed which predicts the risk of KOA progression at different time points in the future. This innovation leverages multiple modalities of medical data, including tabular electronic health records and knee radiographic images for a comprehensive analysis which could aid clinical practitioners to perform efficient triage and construct personalised treatment plans. Moreover, a mobile application is being developed to measure and record relevant physiological data of the patients regularly, facilitating continuous tracking and self-management of the disease. Dr Terence LAU, Interim Associate Vice President (Innovation and Technology Development) of PolyU, congratulated the teams and remarked, “We feel very proud to learn that our PolyU research teams have once again been recognised by the prestigious Global Innovation Awards. These award-winning technologies span from benefiting human health to various industrial applications. Our efforts in research, development and innovation at PolyU not only sparks a fundamental scientific understanding of the world, but also focuses at shaping the world by addressing global unmet needs through innovation. These awards reassure us about the strategic direction of our research and innovation and our goal of being a world-class research university.” PolyU is currently showcasing its latest innovative technologies, including the three award-winning innovations, at the virtual summit. During the online event, PolyU participants are taking the opportunity to explore research and collaboration opportunities with major industry end-users, top multinational companies and academic institutions to apply the innovations and generate a positive impact to the global community. For more details, please refer to the official website of the TechConnect Business Virtual Summit and Showcase 2020 and the list of awardees.

Researchers from PolyU and M.U.S.T. Collaborate in the Development of a Recombinant RBD Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus (the virus that causes COVID-19) has continued to spread across the world. Here in Hong Kong, people are confronting a third wave of outbreaks, with the number of confirmed infections surging to over 3,000 in just a few weeks. Since the early days of the outbreak, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been working with various research partners in the fight against COVID-19 through the development of different diagnostic and preventive measures. PolyU and the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T), in collaboration with other Chinese institutions, announced today a significant breakthrough in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Their study is the focus of a research paper recently published in the prestigious science journal Nature, entitled “A Vaccine Targeting the RBD of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 Induces Protective Immunity”. (link) At the most critical step during infection, SARS-CoV-2 uses its Spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) to engage with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this study, the research team found that a recombinant vaccine comprising S-RBD could induce a potent functional antibody response in the immunised mice, rabbits and non-human primates (Macaca mulatta) as early as seven or 14 days after a single dose injection. The sera from the immunised animals blocked RBD binding to ACE2 expressed on the cell surface and neutralised infection by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus and live SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Importantly, the vaccination also provided protection in non-human primates from SARS-CoV-2 challenge in vivo. Elevated RBD-specific antibodies were also found in the sera from patients with COVID-19. Professor Kang ZHANG from the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T., the corresponding author of the paper, explained, “The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of a candidate vaccine based on the RBD domain of SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, we wanted to evaluate the appropriate dosing regime, to test its effect in generating neutralising activity against SARS-CoV-2 in the recipient animals and to determine the immune pathways involved in the generation of the immune response, so as to provide the groundwork for the design of an effective SARS-CoV-2 preventive vaccine. According to the study, the vaccine had given potent and complete protection to the vaccinated animals including monkeys. He added that “Our finding highlights the importance of the RBD domain in the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine design, which provides the rationale for the development of a protective vaccine through the induction of antibody against the RBD domain”. According to Dr Johnson LAU, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, the baculovirus expression system was chosen to express the various proteins for this study as this is a commercially feasible system and can be used to manufacture the candidate vaccine, if successful, on a commercial scale. He stated that “In this study, the research team has demonstrated that recombinant vaccines against Spike protein RBD region can effectively induce a potent immune response in the body with a good safety profile. In addition, the biotechnology method used in creating the recombinant RBD vaccine is mature and feasible in aiding mass vaccine production. It is expected to provide a practical solution to fight against COVID-19.” Representatives of PolyU and M.U.S.T.: (from left) Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Dean of Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, PolyU; Dr Johnson LAU, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Prof. Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Manson FOK, Faculty of Medicine of Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.); Dr Terence LAU, Interim Associate Vice President (Innovation and Technology Department); and Prof. Kang ZHANG, Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. Ir Professor Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said, “We all know there is an urgency to producing an effective preventive vaccine for COVID-19. Apart from the diagnostic and preventive tools available that help to contain the virus transmission in the community, our researchers foresee the threat of further outbreaks which may only stop once a vaccine is available to everyone. With the ongoing efforts of PolyU and M.U.S.T., the recombinant RBD protein vaccine may be the best vaccine choice to combat this pandemic. It is our mission to make use of our expertise and to utilise scientific technologies for prevention and control of the virus, so as to help people to live under the ‘new normal’ of coronavirus.” Professor Manson FOK, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. remarked, “Our research team has faced many challenges when designing our vaccine for best effect, while keeping side effects to a minimum and relieving other production concerns. To move forward, the efficacy of the vaccine needs to be evaluated and validated in human clinical trials, which will be initiated shortly. This breakthrough in COVID-19 vaccine could not have been achieved without the concerted efforts of our researchers and we hope mass vaccination can be conducted in the nearest future.”

PolyU Food Safety Consortium becomes the first and only Codex Observer as non-governmental organisation in Hong Kong and Mainland China

The Food Safety Consortium (FSC) hosted at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to have become an Observer at the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), a body established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to develop food standards under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. FSC is the first and only non-governmental organisation in Hong Kong and Mainland China to have been admitted as a Codex Observer. The Codex Observer status creates a unique opportunity and a significant step forward for FSC to participate in this pre-eminent international food standards-setting body that protects the health of consumers and ensures fair practices in food trade through contributing to international standards, guidelines and codes of practice.   “As the leading institution on food safety and quality in Hong Kong, with a voice in the Codex standard-setting process, FSC is set to make an impactful contribution in tackling world food safety issues and PolyU is proud to host FSC,” said Professor Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “FSC will continue to bring about synergistic collaborations among the supranational body, government, industry and academia.” Since its establishment in 2015, FSC has been devoted to addressing food safety needs through innovation & technology development, and its conception reflects PolyU’s determination and commitment to advancing global food safety. FSC comprises over 60 members from academia, industry and related organisations, plus a global network striving to tackle food safety challenges with cutting-edge and applied technologies, and timely in-depth communications on food safety related matters. Dr Terence LAU, Convener of FSC and Interim Associate Vice President (Innovation and Technology Development) of PolyU, remarked, “We support the view that food safety is a shared global responsibility. It is only through continuous exchanges and collaboration that we can jointly tackle food safety challenges around the world.” He added that by being a Codex Observer, FSC could further bring the views and suggestions of its members to the attention of the wider Codex community, directly channeling its views during Codex’s standard formulation process, and invigorating exchanges at all levels. “Through FSC Committee Meetings, seminars and gatherings with members and industry stakeholders, it is expected that FCS members can gain greater access to scientific advice and cutting-edge expertise through this global network, and thus more effectively work towards a safer global food supply chain for improved public health,” said Dr LAU. Codex has set standards for nearly 200 food products and established over 120 guidelines and codes of practice on a vast range of issues linked to food safety, quality and trade. It has also set thousands of food additive limits as well as pesticide and veterinary drug Maximum Residue Limits since its establishment in 1963. Mr Tom HEILANDT, Codex Secretary, stated, “Codex values collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Governmental and non-governmental, public and private organisations play a vital role in ensuring Codex texts are of the highest quality and based on sound science. We are excited that FSC is bringing on board their expertise, working closely with us to open up a new page for global food safety.”  As a Codex Observer, FSC can interact more directly with committees and working groups at the Codex Alimentarius Commission. “FSC has been providing the industry a great platform to connect and engage with different stakeholders. Being an Observer of Codex will truly open up our connections and participation towards global standards setting, an unprecedented opportunity for public-private partnership,” commented Mr Yves REY, FSC Advisory Board Member and former Corporate Quality General Manager at Danone Group.  About the Codex Alimentarius The Codex Alimentarius, or “Food Code”, is a collection of internationally adopted food standards, guidelines and codes of practice presented in a uniform manner. These food standards and related texts aim at protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. Over time, the Codex system has evolved into an open, transparent and inclusive way to meet emerging food safety related challenges. Codex includes standards for all the principal foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, for distribution to the consumer. It includes provisions in respect of food hygiene, food additives, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, contaminants, labelling and presentation, methods of analysis and sampling, and import and export inspection and certification.  For more information about Codex Alimentarius, please visit the website: http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/home/en/ About the Food Safety Consortium The FSC was launched by PolyU in 2015 to address food safety needs through innovation and to advance global food safety. FSC has developed an industry-academia network to provide support to the food industry with advanced technology and science, and to enhance food safety capability and competence through academic and industrial collaborations, international conferences and exchanges. FSC is also the Hong Kong Affiliate of the International Association for Food Protection. With continuous support from food stakeholders, FSC will contribute its expertise and recommendations to advance food safety and quality standards worldwide. For more information about PolyU’s Food Safety Consortium, please visit the website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/itdo/fsc/en/index/Food-Safety About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University While boasting a proud history of over 80 years, PolyU is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission. Committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world, PolyU provides the best holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact.  We embrace internationalisation and engage the Nation for education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations. With “Opening Minds. Shaping the Future” as our brand promise, the University is currently offering more than 160 taught programmes in six faculties and two schools, engaging in 3,200 exciting research projects, and collaborating with over 660 institutions overseas and in the Chinese mainland on a wide variety of initiatives. We have over 400,000 alumni around the globe and currently 28,000 students. PolyU website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/ Please click here to view the press release

PolyU collaborates with Macau University of Science and Technology to advance diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia

COVID-19 is taking its toll on the world, affecting more than 200 countries and regions. In the face of a surge in cases, rapid diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients for early intervention is crucial for controlling the pandemic. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to the fight against COVID-19 and has been collaborating with various partners in the prevention and control of the disease. PolyU today announced the launch of a new AI system jointly developed with the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) in conjunction with other Chinese institutions, to assist in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. This research was published in the prestigious international journal Cell, in a paper entitled “Clinically Applicable AI System for Accurate Diagnosis, Quantitative Measurements, and Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Using Computed Tomography” (link). The novel AI-assisted diagnostic system, based on computed tomography (CT) chest imaging, can efficiently distinguish COVID-19 pneumonia from other viral pneumonia, and predict the severity level in 20 seconds, with an accuracy of up to 90% or above. It assists radiologists and physicians in performing a quick diagnosis, especially when the health system is overloaded. According to Professor Kang ZHANG of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T. – the first author of the research paper, the research team used a large CT database of 3,777 patients to train and test the AI system to differentiate novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) from other common pneumonia and normal controls. This system is able to provide accurate clinical prognosis that can aid clinicians when considering appropriate early clinical management and appropriate resource allocation. It has been developed to assist global clinicians in combating COVID-19. Dr Johnson LAU, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU, explained that the AI team uses deep learning, semantic segmentation and multiple neural network architectures to create an accurate AI diagnostic system comprising texture analysis, quantitative measurements and diagnosis classification. In addition, based on the international standard for related research on lung lesions, lung, liver damage and relevant clinical indicators, they have also developed a comprehensive rating system to project the emergence of pneumonia severe lesions accurately for the follow-up treatment. The scientists from PolyU and M.U.S.T. have also collaborated on other projects, including the seroconversion study in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) patients in China, which helped pave the way for further diagnostic and therapeutic development to treat SARS-CoV-2. The study “Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in China” was also recently published in another prestigious scientific journal Nature Medicine (link). “Leveraging PolyU’s strengths and our collaborations with different research partners, we are able to contribute to the well-being of humankind. During the outbreak, we have developed a rapid automated diagnostic system to detect COVID-19 and have conducted various scientific experiments related to the pandemic,” said Professor Alexander WAI, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU. “Since the establishment of the biotechnology and translational medicine international collaborative platform in 2018, PolyU has been working closely with M.U.S.T. and other partners from the United States and the Greater Bay Area for high-impact research. Our long-term cooperation has paved the way for us to respond quickly, and to use our expertise to develop this new AI system for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19.” Professor Manson FOK, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T., remarked that this AI system had been implemented in many hospitals in different countries. M.U.S.T. is collaborating with several prominent universities including Baylor University, University of Buffalo and Stanford University to serve the US populations. He believed this application could soon be adopted in Hong Kong, more regions of Mainland China and worldwide. COVID-19 is a new and highly contagious virus with over 7 million people infected (as of June 10). Researchers from PolyU and M.U.S.T. with their supportive partners will continue their efforts in COVID-19 research to use scientific technologies to combat this pandemic through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control. Please click for photo shots

PolyU Explores the Application of Peptides in Data Storage for Space Exploration in China’s Next-generation Manned Spacecraft

With the huge amount of digital data generated and recorded during space missions, the data storage devices currently used for this purpose reveal great limitations in terms of their data storage capacity and the durability of the retained data. To meet this challenge, a team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers has developed a novel technology for massive data management involving the use of peptides, which has been developed to optimise data storage for space exploration in China’s next-generation manned spacecraft in the new Long March-5B rocket. Led by Dr YAO Zhong-ping, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Prof. Francis LAU, Professor and Associate Head, Department of Electronic & Information Engineering, the team has used peptides for the storage of digital data and tandem mass spectrometry for its retrieval. Compared with existing commercial data storage devices and other developing technologies such as DNA data storage, peptides offer a much higher storage density and longer storage duration – with the data still viable for sequencing even after millions of years when DNA would have already degraded. As such, this new technology has very great potential for handling the enormous amount of data generated during space missions. Dr Yao considers the peptide synthesis industry to be already well-developed, allowing fast peptide synthesis at a reasonable cost; with the development of proteomics, the process of sequencing thousands of peptides in a mixture can now be completed within a short period of time. Combining proteomics and data storage technology for the first time, this innovation has the potential to transform the data storage industry. Besides its application in data management for space missions, this technology has potentially wide applications, and could benefit governmental agencies and corporations that generate and archive large volumes of big data. Dr Yao adds that the further advancements in the peptide synthesis industry and sequencing technology would enable the peptide data storage to be applied at a more reasonable cost. Launched on 5 May 2020, the manned spacecraft of the Long March-5B rocket, with the support of Space Biology Group, carried mixtures of peptides encoding a bilingual text file containing the PolyU motto ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’ and ‘PolyU 80th Anniversary’, as well as an audio file of the music ‘Silent Night’, prepared by the PolyU research team. The purpose of this space ride-share experiment is to test the reliability and stability of the peptides for data storage and retrieval after exposure to the space environment. Upon the safe return to Earth of the spacecraft along with the experimental materials, the PolyU team will decode and retrieve the data. It is expected that this technology will hold promise in supporting data management in space exploration in the coming future. PolyU has a strong research track record in space technology, with its researchers having been involved in a number of national and international space exploration projects since the 1990s, and with this important space ride-share experiment, the University has now participated in the historic launch of the China’s Long March-5B rocket along with the next-generation manned spacecraft to support the nation’s plan for space exploration to Mars. PolyU looks forward to further collaboration with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Space Biology Group, China Resources Life Sciences Group and various other research partners to develop other forward-looking research projects for future space missions. About The Hong Kong Polytechnic University While boasting a proud history of over 80 years, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission. Committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world, PolyU provides the best holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact. We embrace internationalisation and engage the Nation for education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations. With “Opening Minds. Shaping the Future” as our brand promise, the University is currently offering more than 160 taught programmes in six faculties and two schools, engaging in 3,200 exciting research projects, and collaborating with over 660 institutions overseas and in the Chinese mainland on a wide variety of initiatives. We have over 400,000 alumni around the globe and currently 28,000 students. PolyU website: www.polyu.edu.hk About Space Biology Group Space Biology Group manages and operates space biological experiments for the China aerospace industry. It provides a platform for conducting space biology experiments for research centers, tertiary educational institutions, and agricultural and life sciences companies, through the provision of a one-stop service, as well as advanced instruments for space biological experiments, including those at the high-level operation modes of civil space crafts and space station modules.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University joins hands with Peng Cheng Laboratory to promote the application of big data and artificial intelligence research

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence play an important role in implement technological innovation and application in various industries. After several visits and exchanges, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Peng Cheng Laboratory (PCL) reached a cooperation intention. A strategic cooperation signing ceremony was held on 20th April 2020 to carry out close scientific research cooperation. The agreement was signed by Ir Professor Alexander Wai, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU and Professor Wen Gao, Director of Peng Cheng Laboratory, via a cloud-based video conferencing. PolyU and PCL will utilize the predominance of both parties in applied research to advance the development of Big Data Analytics, Advanced Networks, Internet of Things (IoT), AI and Robotics, Blockchains and Smart Health through the sharing of laboratory equipment and scientific research resources, thus to foster the development and application of innovative technologies, as well as academic exchanges and talent cultivation. At the signing ceremony, Professor Wen Gao gave an overview of PCL and the fruitful results of the joint cooperation. He welcomed PolyU to join hands with PCL to carry out a comprehensive and in-depth research collaboration in the related fields in the future. PCL is approved by the Guangdong Provincial Government, funded and established by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. It gathers high-quality innovative resources at home and abroad, and has built a number of major scientific infrastructures and platforms in the research areas of network communications, artificial intelligence and cyberspace security. Ir Professor Alexander Wai said, “PolyU is committed to promoting high-impact research and development through different faculties, and has also been actively participating in national scientific research projects. PolyU’s Department of Computing (COMP), which participated in this collaboration, has topnotch achievements in data science, information retrieval, networking and mobile computing, cyber security and privacy, knowledge-based theory and software, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, computer vision and natural-language interpretation. In addition, University Research Facility in Big Data Analytics (UBDA) pulling together expertise in computing, applied mathematics and information technology on campus, with three major research areas, namely smart city and IoT, finance and healthcare, fosters interdisciplinary research cooperation, strengthens collaboration with industrial partners, and promotes big data training and education in Hong Kong. The signing of this strategic cooperation agreement can further develop PolyU and PCL’s scientific research advantages, bring new opportunities for cooperation between both parties, and jointly foster the future scientific development, and apply the research results to Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and other domestic and foreign cities, benefiting social development together. Please click for photo shots

The power of technology: a world-class most comprehensive rapid, automated multiplex diagnostic system to identify up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens (including COVID-19) in a single test within 1 hour has been developed by PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the development of the world's most comprehensive automated multiplex diagnostic system (the System) on 11th Feb 2020, which includes a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for the point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious disease including COVID-19. Infectious diseases represent an important portion of global public health concerns, in particular with regard to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The challenge of frontline diagnosis in hospitals, clinics and ports is that infectious diseases could exhibit similar symptoms or can be asymptomatic. Most Comprehensive Rapid, Automated Multiplex Diagnostic System In one single test and within approximately one hour, the System can identify 30 to 40 pathogens including seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and COVID-19. Leveraging the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the system is fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification, to signal detection and analysis. The System adopts patent-pending microfluidic and biochemical technologies that achieve ultra-sensitive detection (down to 5 gene copies) and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity. It is also user-friendly, with manual handling not being required throughout the testing process. "Early and accurate detection of pathogens could contribute to effective and efficient disease control and management, and prevent spreading of any contagious pathogens. The existing challenge is that we lack full panel POCT technologies for early and on-site diagnosis, which should ideally be capable of differentiating between different pathogens at the same time," said PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Ir. Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU said, "In this difficult and challenging time that Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and even the global community is encountering, it is important that the research community can quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions. The PolyU-HKU partnership is a prime example of effective coupling of multidisciplinary innovation and translation." The research team for this project is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting and supported by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung. In the past year, the team has optimised the System and conducted trials on different clinical samples. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the team has also conducted tests on clinical samples using the system. Professor Yuen commented, "The System's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment." "This fully automated, quantitative rapid diagnostic platform possesses a proprietary technology which overcomes limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity – and hence significantly enhancing the reliability of test results. Most importantly, our innovation can substantially reduce the cost of the microfluidic cartridge manufacturing thus making it feasible for wide adoption. It is ready for mass-scale production," added Professor Lau. The research team has received indispensable support from a local biotechnology company Avalon Biomedical Management Ltd for this project. We believe this advanced point-of-care diagnostic system can revolutionize the current diagnostic paradigm and provide a powerful tool to fight against infectious diseases," said Dr Manson Fok, Chairman of the Board of the company, Executive & Trust Committee member of Macau Henry Fok Foundation and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology. Towards this end the research team will continue to urgently focus on developments to ensure the system's robustness and cost-effectiveness, and to collaborate with relevant parties on clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and frontline applications of this POCT system. We thank you for the generous support from the community which fosters further development of the automated multiplex diagnostic system. “The PolyU research team is going in the right direction, so please do not be put off by overtaken by ever evolving new technology. If the system (automated multiplex diagnostic system) fills a need, it deserves to be developed.” – The Lo Family “The novel coronavirus have impacted the global community and our daily life. As an alumnus, I hope to support the worthwhile research projects of PolyU, which brings positive changes to the world.”  – Ms Liu Mei Chui, Applied Science and Textiles graduate (Alumnus) Please click for photo shots To review PolyU community’s efforts in fighting COVID-19, please visit here

PolyU, CASICloud and Altai Technologies to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Lab

On 9 December 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), CASICloud and Altai Technologies signed a collaborative research agreement to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Laboratory with research facilities in both Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The research lab shall spearhead research on industrial big data, artificial intelligence, industrial internet-of-things and industrial safety, as well as develop research talents in the Greater Bay Area. The signing ceremony was attended by Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU; Mr. YU Liang, Chairman of CASICloud; Mr. CHAI Xudong, General Manager of CASICloud; and Dr. Raymond LEUNG, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altai Technologies. Representatives from PolyU and Altai Technologies highly commended on CASICloud’s excellent research facilities following a visit to its Beijing headquarters and Guizhou branch. Riding on CASICloud's strong foundation and its leading role in the industry plus R&D capability, together with Altai Technologies’ holistic Industrial 4.0 solutions ranging from Industrial SuperWiFi, sensors, IoT networks, cloud and data acquisition platforms, to big data analytics, as well as the track records of commercializing lab-based R&D technologies, in conjunction with PolyU's strong research and development track record in industrial applications, it is anticipated that this research collaboration will greatly accelerate the pace of development and adoption of industrial big data in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

A Food Safety Collaboration between PolyU and Bright Food to Advance Industry Food Safety Standard

On November 8, 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bright Food International Limited (Bright Food) on food safety R&D collaboration in Shanghai during the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE). Both parties have reached a collaborative understanding of the framework for food safety research and development, technology transfer and the intention to establish a joint research laboratory for food safety and technology innovation, based on each networks and resources for technology transfer into practical applications to support the advancement of food safety and quality to benefit a wider community. The MoU was signed by Dr. Terence Lau, Convener of Food Safety Consortium and Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU, and Mr. Zhi-dong Min, General Manager of Bright International Food Industry Fund (previously Managing Director of Bright Food Hong Kong Limited). The joint research laboratory is committed to the development and testing of agricultural and food innovation technologies, with at least five promising international projects for R&D each year for incubation and application.  Bright Food as the second-largest food conglomerate in China with a comprehensive food supply chain, they would provide resources and support to PolyU researchers and build a mutually beneficial platform with PolyU to advance the transfer of research results into applications through close collaborations among industry, academia and research & development sector.  Bright Food and PolyU will also synergize the advantages and resources of Shanghai and Hong Kong to build a joint Food Safety and Innovation Technology Training Center to nurture young scientists and talents for food-related industries to contribute to their sustainable development.

PolyU and JITRI sign Memorandum of Understanding to foster research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), witnessed by The Hon. Mrs Carrie LAM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and WU Zhenglong, Governor of Jiangsu Province. The MoU offers a framework for research collaboration to develop basic research in science and technology, as well as for developing and implementing applied research projects in Jiangsu Province. Held during the 2nd Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development in Nanjing, the signing ceremony was attended by Professor Guohua CHEN, Associate Vice President (Research Support) of PolyU, and Professor Qing LIU, President of JITRI, and marks a milestone in joint research efforts between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. With the aim of commercialising high-level innovative technology outputs in global markets, basic research collaboration in a number of disciplines will be explored. Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said "PolyU has a proven record in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit society. Leveraging Hong Kong's strengths in advanced innovative technology and high-caliber talents, as well as JITRI's expertise in technology research for enterprises, we believe the collaboration will help elevate the profile of research and development for both parties." Professor Qing Liu, President of JITRI, added that the Institute is dedicated to serving as a bridge linking industrial research and development, as well as global resources, with a view to fostering technological innovation in Jiangsu Province. The signing of the MoU will further attract high-level innovative technology outputs for commercialisation in Jiangsu. JITRI has established matching funding of RMB40 million which includes RMB20 million from JITRI headquarters in Nanjing and RMB20 million from local JITRI institutes/partner companies initially for five years, to support collaborative research projects with PolyU. Please click here for the press release & snapshots.