PolyU Researchers Win Big at the Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival 2024

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to announce that its research teams and startups have achieved exceptional success at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival (SVIIF), held from July 26-28 in Santa Clara, California.   This global event, the largest of its kind in the United States, drew participation from approximately 30 countries and regions, representing a diverse array of academic institutions, research centers, and enterprises. Supported and attended by leading multinational corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs, the SVIIF serves as a crucial platform for inventors and the business community to explore commercialization opportunities and forge new partnerships.   Led by Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation), the PolyU research teams and startups showcased their innovations on the international stage, connecting with investors and business partners worldwide to raise the University’s global profile.   This year, PolyU research teams garnered nine prestigious awards at the SVIIF, including a semi-grand prize, two special prizes, five gold medals and one silver medal. The award-winning PolyU research projects spanned a diverse range of fields, including healthcare devices, advanced materials, artificial intelligence of things (AIoT), and sensing technology. These innovations exemplify PolyU's commitment to driving progress and addressing global challenges through cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship.   Notably, the project "ICU-grade Wireless Breathable Cardiac Electronic Skin" led by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, was awarded a Semi-grand Prize and a Gold Medal. This groundbreaking invention provides a seamless, continuous, comfortable, non-invasive, and inflammation-free electrocardiogram monitoring solution with ICU-grade accuracy, without the need for traditional wired and bulky clinical devices.   Additionally, Prof. ZHAO Xin, Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Founder of ReNew Biotechnology Limited, won the Silver Medal of the Croatian Union of Innovators for her project "3D Printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Bone Scaffolds."   Moreover, a collaborative project titled "MicroFish: A Lab-on-a-chip for On-site Detection of Microbial Contamination and Pollutants," led by Dr. CHUA Song Lin, Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Co-founder of Microfish Limited, Dr. LIU Yang Sylvia, GBA Startup Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Co-founder of Microfish Limited, and Dr. KHOO Bee Luan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, was awarded a coveted Gold Medal.   We invite you to learn more about these groundbreaking PolyU projects by visiting the Appendix or the website of the PolyU Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office.   PolyU's outstanding performance at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival is a testament to the university's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global impact. We congratulate our talented researchers and innovators on their remarkable achievements, which have once again positioned PolyU as a leading hub of cutting-edge research and technological breakthroughs.   Project Description Principal Investigator(s) Award(s) ICU-grade Wireless Breathable Cardiac Electronic Skin   This innovation offers a seamless and non-invasive electrocardiogram experience. It ensures continuous, comfortable and inflammation-free heart monitoring with accuracy as high as achieved in intensive care units (ICU), but without traditional wired and bulky clinical devices. It has been adopted for early detection of heart disease in daily life and in outpatient clinics, while also being suitable for monitoring ICU patients both during and after surgery. The wearable cardiac electronic system is ultrathin and ultralightweight with a thickness of only 181 μm and weight of 0.489g. It is highly stretchable and permeable, and of a high-integration-density. It also allows realtime acquisition, analysis and wireless transmission of cardiac data via a smartphone. Prof. ZHENG Zijian Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Associate Director, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, and University Research Facility in Materials Characterisation and Device Fabrication   Semi-Grand Prize Gold Medal   3D Printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Bone Scaffolds   The 3D-printed triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) bone scaffolds use β-tricalcium phosphate with a hyperboloidal shape that mimics trabecular bone. The scaffolds are highly porous and interconnected, which helps reduce stress and increases their strength. They can support the adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells and promote the transformation of these cells into bone cells to support the formation of blood vessels, a process known as “osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling”. This is achieved by the shape of scaffold which reorganises the cell’s internal structure, with focal adhesion kinase and mitogen activated protein kinase pathway activation. In-vivo evaluation demonstrates that TPMS scaffolds boost new bone formation and blood vessel growth. The scaffolds guide the development of bone and blood vessel cells using only their physical properties and demonstrate substantial improvements in bone regeneration without any additional substances. They pave the way towards a simple, safe, efficient and personalised bone graft solution with very significant potential for clinical use. Prof. ZHAO Xin Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Founder, ReNew Biotechnology Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup) Prize of the Croatian Union of Innovators   Silver Medal MicroFish: A Lab-on-a-chip for On-site Detection of Microbial Contamination and Pollutants MicroFish is a palm-sized lab-on-a-chip device that can detect microbial pathogens and environmental pollutants. It is easy to operate by injecting samples into the lab-on-a-chip, which contains colorimetric chemical sensors, and then analyzing the positive or negative result. It allows for rapid, low-cost on-site monitoring of potential microbial outbreaks in aquacultures and livestock farms with limited access to diagnostic laboratories. The result is early detection of microbial pathogens or pollutants, enabling prompt responses to potential outbreaks of disease or environmental pollution. This innovation will reduce livestock mortality, thereby helping to prevent serious economic losses and will contribute to food security. This project supports UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Life Below Water, and Clean Water and Sanitation. Dr CHUA Song Lin Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Co-founder, Microfish Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup)   Dr LIU Yang Sylvia GBA Startup Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of PolyU; Co-founder, Microfish Limited (a PolyU academic-led startup)   Dr KHOO Bee Luan Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong Gold Medal  

Interview with Prof. Zheng Zijian on i-Cable’s "InnoAction" Programme

Prof. Zheng Zijian , Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Associate Director of the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication and Founding Member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, was interviewed by i-Cable’s programme “InnoAction” on the positive impacts of the “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One plus Scheme” on young scientists as well as his research projects on soft electronics. Online coverage: i-Cable 智·創未來 (00:10 - 12:33) 27 July 2024  

Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024

Congratulations to the recipients of Faculty Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024 in recognition of their outstanding performance in respect of teaching, research & scholarly activities and knowledge transfer. The award recipients are as follows:   Individual Awards Category Awardees Research and Scholarly Activities: Outstanding Researcher Prof. YAO Zhongping, Professor Teaching: Outstanding Teacher Dr LAM Kim Hung, Lecturer Knowledge Transfer: Industry Dr MA Cong, Associate Professor Knowledge Transfer: Society Dr CHUA Songlin, Assistant Professor   Congratulations to all the awardees for their remarkable accomplishment.

Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science 2024

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce that Prof. Liu Dongsheng has been awarded as Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Science. The Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU Faculty of Science (FS) aims to give recognition to outstanding graduates of FS for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater. We are pleased to announce the result as follows:   Professor LIU Dongsheng Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement of PolyU Faculty of Science Prof. Liu Dongsheng earned his PhD in Chemistry from PolyU in 2002, and he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University. Prof. Liu has published 150 papers, which have garnered over 7000 citations, and the filing of 10 patents. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Prof. Liu has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2011) and a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (2020). He has also been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Chinese Academician election. His accolades include the 100 Talent Program Awards of CAS (2005), the First CCS-RSC Young Scientist Award (2009), the 7th CCS-BASF Youth Innovation Prize (2014), and the Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professorship (2016). Prof. Liu has played a significant role in the academic community, serving as an editor or deputy editor for several esteemed journals. His leadership and influence have also been instrumental in nominating PolyU colleagues for fellowship in professional bodies, including the FRSC and FCCS.   Please join us in congratulating Prof. Liu on this well-deserved award.

Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2024 of Department of ABCT

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is delighted to announce the recipients of the Department of ABCT for the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Awards 2024. These awards aim to acknowledge exceptional graduates of PolyU who have excelled in their respective fields, demonstrated active support for their alma mater, and made significant contributions to the broader community.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals for receiving the Department's Outstanding Alumni Award: Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2024 - Scholarly Achievement Professor LIU Dongsheng Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Doctor of Philosophy (2002)   Prof. Liu Dongsheng graduated with a B.S. degree in Polymer Sciences from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1993. He then worked as a research associate at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where he earned his Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry in 1999. From 1999 to 2002, he pursued his Ph.D. studies on self-templated DNA circularization at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University under the supervision of Professor Albert S. C. Chan. In 2003, he joined the Chemistry Department of Cambridge University as a postdoctoral research associate, working on DNA nanotechnology with Professor Shankar Balasubramanian.   In 2005, Prof. Liu joined the National Centre for NanoScience and Technology, China, as a principal investigator. In June 2009, he moved to the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University as a full professor. His accolades include the 1st “CCS-RSC Young Chemist Award” in 2008 and the 7th CCS-BASF Youth Innovation Prize in 2014. He was invited as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2011, became a “Changjiang” Chair Professor in 2015, and was named a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS) in 2020.   Prof. Liu's research primarily focuses on the assembly of DNA and its hybrids, hydrogels, and DNA/RNA drugs and delivery. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the field of DNA nanotechnology and polymer sciences, making substantial contributions to both academic research and practical applications.   Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award of Department of ABCT 2024 - Scholarly Achievement Dr. FU Zhongjie Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology with Biotechnology (2007)   Dr. Fu Zhongjie received the University Grants Committee Scholarship for Outstanding Mainland Students in 2004 and joined the Applied Biology with Biotechnology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After graduation, she pursued her Ph.D. studies in Ophthalmology at The University of Hong Kong. Her graduate research focused on the effects of aldose reductase deficiency in a well-established mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, modeling retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a common complication in premature infants. During these studies, she became aware of the importance of altered cell metabolism in retinal disorders.   As a postdoctoral fellow in Ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Fu continued investigating the role of nutrient supply and lipid metabolism in ROP and other retinal metabolic disorders. In 2019, she established her own laboratory as an Assistant Professor, aiming to explore the effects of nutrient supplementation on retinal vascular homeostasis in ROP and key modulators in retinal lipid processing. Her research seeks to expand our current understanding of retinal metabolism and provide the fundamental basis for the translational application of nutrients in patients with neurovascular retinal diseases.   Congratulations to our distinguished alumni for their remarkable achievements and contributions to their fields and society!

Department of ABCT and Our Scholar, Prof. Thomas Leung, Honoured as Awardees for the Inaugural PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023

We are delighted to announce that the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and our scholar, Prof. Thomas Leung, have been honoured with the prestigious PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023. This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional achievements of our department and our scholar in the field of intellectual property (IP) filing and innovation.   The PolyU Patents Achievement Award was launched this year to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of departments and inventors engaged in IP filing. This scheme encompasses two categories of awards, namely the "Top Patents Filing Award" and the "Most Active Patents Filing Award." The former evaluates the IP filing activities over the past five years, while the latter focuses on the IP filing activities within the award year. We are thrilled to share the achievements of our department in both categories.   We are proud to announce the following awards received by our department:   Awards Unit/Awardees Top Patents Filing Award 2023 (Department) Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Most Active Patents Filing Award 2023 (Department) Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Top Patents Filing Award (Inventor) Prof. LEUNG Yun Chung, Thomas   These awards highlight the relentless efforts and innovative spirit of our department members, researchers, and students. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in making these accomplishments possible.   We remain committed to fostering an environment that promotes intellectual property protection, innovation, and technological advancements. The recognition we have received motivates us to continue our pursuit of research excellence and contribute to society through impactful inventions and discoveries.   Once again, congratulations to the Department of ABCT and Prof. Thomas Leung for being honored as awardees for the inaugural PolyU Patents Achievement Award 2023! 

ABCT Retreat 2024

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology successfully held a departmental retreat in Zhongshan from June 20 to June 21, 2024. The retreat aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote strategic development within the department. During the retreat, members of the department were divided into groups to allow for in-depth discussions on research sharing. The department also had the privilege of visiting the Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery. The visit included a presentation by experts from the institute, followed by a discussion on potential research and development collaborations. This experience has ignited the department's commitment to innovation and opened doors for potential collaborations. The department extends its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement, which contributed to the retreat's success. The outcomes of this retreat will shape the department's strategic plans, fostering further collaboration and ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the department. More details on the event photos can be found at the following link: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/abct/news-and-events/photo-gallery/abct-retreat-2024/    

Seminar on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability

We are pleased to announce that the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification and the Hong Kong Association for Testing, Inspection, and Certification jointly organized a successful seminar on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability on 11 April 2024. The seminar delved into the challenges faced by businesses in relation to ESG and sustainability, covering key topics such as managing ESG-related data and strategies to meet reporting and regulatory requirements.   Prof. Yu Wing-yiu, Michael, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, was invited as a distinguished speaker at the seminar. Prof. Yu presented on the topic "How the TIC industry helps organizations to achieve and demonstrate Carbon Neutrality." He emphasized that carbon neutrality is grounded in science, and testing and certification bodies serve as independent third-party assessors to ensure objective and accurate results, providing secure quality assurance for various industries.   The seminar generated an enthusiastic response from the participants, with an engaging Q&A session that proved to be highly beneficial for all attendees. The exchange of ideas and knowledge further enriched the discussions on ESG and sustainable practices.

PolyU startup to showcase innovative product at BIO 2024

YnnoMed Limited, a PolyU startup co-founded by Dr Ma Cong, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, is set to make its mark at the highly anticipated BIO International Convention 2024 (BIO 2024) in California next week. As the world's largest and most comprehensive event for biotechnology, the convention provides an ideal platform for YnnoMed to unveil its groundbreaking drug candidates. The drug R&D startup has successfully developed a new class of antibiotic agents and obtained patents in several key regions, including the United States, mainland China, Europe, and Japan. Dr Ma said they target to obtain Food and Drug Administration accreditation for the new product, and to commence clinical trials in 2026. With its potential to revolutionize the field of antibiotic treatments, YnnoMed is poised to make waves at this prestigious event and shape the future of biotechnology.

PolyU research project in new materials and new energy receives funding from RAISe+ Scheme

The Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR government held the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme Signing Ceremony on 28 May 2024 and announced the results of the Scheme’s first round of review. A research project from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded RAISe+ funding, showcasing the University’s commitment to promoting excellence in research and innovation, and to creating impact in the community by translating its world-class scientific research into real-world applications. The funded project, titled “Pilot and Mass Production of Next-Generation Composite Current Collectors for Mobility and Energy Storage Batteries (New Materials and New Energy)”, is led by Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices and Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. This project aims to develop an ultrathin, ultralight, flexible and durable composite film to serve as a current collector (CC) for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and future solid-state Li batteries, aiming at boosting their energy density. The CC is an essential component for the conduction of electrons during the charge/discharge process in LIBs. However, CCs do not contribute to the energy storage in batteries. Therefore, reducing their thickness and weight is an efficient approach to improving the energy density of batteries, a consistent goal in the battery industry over the past decades. Currently, commercial LIBs use copper and aluminum foils as CCs in the anode and the cathode, respectively, the densities of which are thus high. Further reduction of the thickness or weight of metal foils has encountered a bottleneck due to mechanical reliability and processibility. The composite CC developed by the group is 80%~85% lighter and 65%~80% thinner than the current metal foils, with a cost reduction of 40%~60%. Importantly, compared to metal foils, the composite CC better maintains electron and thermal conductivity, chemical and electrochemical stability, and compatibility with various electrode materials. It increases the gravimetric energy density of LIBs by 20%~25% and the volumetric energy density by 9%~12%.