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PolyU researchers harness generative AI to preserve Cantonese Porcelain art and heritage

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked concerns about the diminishing value of traditional art forms and the potential for substitution. Nonetheless, through their fusion, they offer new avenues for conserving art and culture while also igniting interest in passing down the heritage from generation to generation. Embracing generative AI as an innovative tool to expand artistic and cultural horizons, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have developed a creative painting platform named “Beauty of Cantonese Porcelain” to preserve and educate the artistry of this legacy porcelain. This handcrafted decorative porcelain showcases the distinct folk art of the Lingnan region, highlighting its intricate and refined painting techniques that embody the rich heritage and ingenuity of traditional Chinese art and craft culture. Led by Prof. Henry DUH, Associate Dean (Global & Industry Engagement) and Professor of the School of Design, Director of both PolyU-NVIDIA Joint Research Centre and Research Centre for Art and Culture Technology at PolyU, the research team meticulously collected and processed thousands of images of Cantonese porcelain. They used these images to build a robust generative model aimed at making this cultural heritage more accessible and understandable. Prof. Duh said, “Generative AI can significantly enhance human culture by preserving traditional art forms, fostering artistic innovation, and improving accessibility to art creation. It supports educational initiatives and draws newcomers to intangible cultural heritage while providing tools that require less technical skill. However, ensuring ethical practices, transparent AI processes and human supervision are crucial to uphold cultural values and artistic integrity.” Generative AI’s expansive text-to-image models are the main technology that drives this platform to guide and generate traditional cultural content, such as Cantonese porcelain painting techniques. The models can create images from text descriptions, which is essential for ensuring consistency with the traditional style. Moreover, this innovative platform highlights several technological features, including few-shots fine tuning, layered generation, and symbol element generation.  The research team then integrated the concept of 2D and 3D painting into an art platform, creating a user-friendly interface tailored especially for beginners. This platform assists users in swiftly learning the painting techniques of Cantonese porcelain through an intuitive design. Through real-time evaluation by a large AI model, users receive personalised guidance to enhance their skills as they create artwork. By merging symbolic painting language with the advanced localised controllable generation, the platform enables users to creatively express their artistic ideas with meticulous details. This ensures that the artworks created closely adhere to the traditional Cantonese porcelain style, thus preserving and promoting the history and culture of Cantonese porcelain through innovative utilisation of modern technology. Utilising this technology to expand datasets would increase the variety and quantity of training data to include more cultural products and styles, allowing the model to generate a broader range of traditional content. By creating a more intuitive user interface, artists can interact more naturally with the platform while professionals can explore the potential of generative AI to enrich cultural and artistic heritage. Prof. Duh said, “By collaborating with museums and cultural preservation organisations, it could validate and improve this innovative approach across a wider spectrum of intangible cultural heritage fields. Further enhancements to the multimodal large-scale models with a feedback system that provides insights into the generated content can be used for additional training and refinement of the models.”

14 Oct, 2024

Research and Innovation

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PolyU InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming to be held on 19 Oct; an opportunity to witness the University’s remarkable achievements in empowering Hong Kong’s I&T development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) will hold the “InnoTech Open Day x Alumni Homecoming” on 19 October 2024 (Saturday). The InnoTech Open Day will showcase the University’s impactful achievements in interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship that contribute to Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. PolyU faculty members, students, alumni, I&T entrepreneurs, industry partners, researchers, students and technology enthusiasts are all welcometo register for participation. Concurrently, the Alumni Homecoming Day will offer a range of dynamic activities, including campus adventures, sports events, family-friendly activities and a talent show, allowing PolyU alumni to reunite and witness the advancement of their alma mater. As one of the flagship annual I&T events for both PolyU and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the InnoTech Open Day, this year themed “Vision through Innovation, Connecting Intelligence”, will feature a wide array of activities including innovation showcases that highlight the power of collaboration between PolyU and industry partners in driving cutting-edge innovations to accelerate new quality productive forces, as well as research outcomes led by PolyU young award-winning scholars. The innovations range across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data sciences, life sciences and healthcare, new energy and materials, sustainability, novel electric vehicle charging technologies and other fields. In addition, the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), the largest interdisciplinary research platform in Hong Kong and GBA, will exhibit various inspiring inventions developed by its constituent research institutes (RIs) and research centres (RCs). These include food waste-derived 3D-printed materials, smart companion doll, a cutting-edge foot scanner, a novel 3D model depicting the topography and landscape of the lunar south pole, low-carbon construction materials and more. At the PAIR InnoTech Forum, RI and RC Directors will also highlight their ground-breaking advanced technology in health and well-being, artificial intelligence and resilient urban infrastructure. PolyU is committed to nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs among PolyU students, alumni and academics through its technology startup ecosystem, PolyVentures. Nineteen PolyU-nurtured startups will showcase their innovations and entrepreneurial achievements and offer various experience activities, including portable system for liver fibrosis assessment, smart wheelchair and more. Other highlights include a sharing session by outstanding alumnus Mr SHEN Peng, Founder and CEO of Waterdrop Inc., who will share his journey to entrepreneurial success. Representatives from incubation and investment platforms in mainland China will also give insights into the challenges and opportunities of attracting investment in the region, providing valuable inspiration for those wishing to start their own business. As an annual signature event for PolyU alumni, the Alumni Homecoming Day this year will set the stage for a campus celebration, with the enthusiastic support of over a hundred alumni. Alumni and their families can participate in campus hunt, thematic guided tours, and an Outstanding PolyU Alumni jogging tour to discover new and old constructions on campus and visit state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities that are rarely open to the public.Groups of talented alumni will also take the stage in the Alumni Got Talent show, presenting a vibrant showcase that includes Chinese music, dance, taekwondo, magic show and choir performance, and more. The event will also feature a friendly futsal match and a table tennis demonstration match, along with Ping-Pong training sessions and play zones for kids, allowing participants to enjoy sports and games. Meanwhile, special booths hosted by various faculties, schools, departments, and alumni associations will showcase numerous creative achievements, including ReST Hub, flexible scoliosis brace with artificial hinge, and speech therapy games. These enriching activities will give participants the chance to experience the vibrant and diverse PolyU campus of today. For more event details and registration, please visit: https://polyu.me/3N18SU4

9 Oct, 2024

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Bridging the Future: PolyU and Arup jointly inaugurated a lecture series and signed an MoU for research excellence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Arup jointly launched the Arup and PolyU Research & Technical Excellence Lecture Series. The inaugural joint lecture, themed "Bridging the Future – Pushing the Boundaries of Bridge Design and Operations," brought together over 100 participants including industry practitioners, academic professionals and students. The event focused on cultivating collaborations between industry and academia to research excellence and impactful applications. We were honoured to have Ir Prof. Yong Xia, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Joint Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure at PolyU, who shared his pioneering research in bridge engineering and structural health monitoring. Ir Prof. Naeem Hussain, Arup Fellow and Global Bridge Leader, also discussed his innovative work in bridge design and engineering worldwide. In establishing a long-term research partnership, PolyU and Arup signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the event. Witnessed by Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU and Ir Michael Kwok, East Asia Region Chair of Arup, the MoU was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Dr Ricky Tsui, Director of R&D East Asia of Arup. This MoU formalises our collaboration in joint research, training, and education, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of engineering.

7 Oct, 2024

Partnership

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232 PolyU scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024 for career-long citation impact

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved remarkable results in the World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2024 lists, according to the latest two rankings compiled by Stanford University. Notably, 232 scholars were included based on their career-long citation impact. Together with the scholars named for their single-year citation impact, a total of 355 PolyU scholars were recognised. Based on career-long citation impact, PolyU stands out globally with the largest representation of top scholars in the sub-field of Building and Construction, boasting 18 scholars. It also demonstrates the strongest research performance in Hong Kong with the largest representation of top scholars across 12 sub-fields. Beyond Building and Construction, the University leads locally with the most top scholars in Materials (19 scholars), Energy (15 scholars), Civil Engineering (13 scholars), Operations Research (10 scholars), Optoelectronics and Photonics (10 scholars), Nursing (7 scholars), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (7 scholars), Logistics and Transportation (6 scholars), Mechanical Engineering and Transports (6 scholars), Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (4 scholars), and Rehabilitation (4 scholars). In addition, four PolyU academics are placed among the top 10 scholars worldwide in their respective sub-fields, seven scholars are ranked among the top 20, while 17 scholars are placed within the top 50 worldwide. This represents the highest number of top-ranked scholars among universities in Hong Kong. The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists compiled by Stanford University is divided into two lists, based on scholars’ career-long (1960-2023) and single-year (2023) impact, recognising  their lifetime achievement and recent research impact respectively. Over 100,000 top scientists globally were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields. The lists were based on indicators including citations, scientific research output and a composite indicator for citation impact, up to the end of 2023. As one of the world’s top 100 universities, PolyU is committed to promoting research and innovation for the betterment of society. This international recognition is a testament to the University’s research excellence. PolyU will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer, for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.

4 Oct, 2024

Awards and Achievements

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PolyU’s “Digital Strolling” programme wins Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2024 for alleviating depression in mobility impaired individuals

Advancements in technology have provided inventive solutions with health and rehabilitation programmes for mobility impaired individuals addressing concerns related to depression and quality of life. Dr Yan LI, Assistant Professor (Presidential Young Scholar) of the School of Nursing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been awarded the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) 2024 for the project “The Impact of ‘Digital Strolling’ on Depression and Quality of Life of People with Severe Mobility Impairment.” According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 figures, approximately 16% of individuals with severe mobility impairment (SMI) globally and 7.1% in Hong Kong often faces health issues like marginalisation. Research indicates that more than 50% of individuals with SMI experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. Digital strolling refers to the use of virtual reality technology to simulate the experience of walking or moving around in a digital context, representing a novel and promising intervention for the SMI population. Dr LI’s study aims to develop and test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a digital strolling intervention among people with SMI, with a focus on addressing problems related to depression, chronic pain, and sleep quality. Participants use head-mounted displays (HMDs), wireless handheld controllers, and laptops to engage in a virtual environment. The HMD connects to a laptop, allowing users to see simulated arms and legs, while the handheld controller tracks arm movements and positions in three dimensions. This data is then converted into virtual leg movements, enabling participants with SMI to “walk” in a three-dimensional space. Dr. Li is a registered nurse with over 10 years of experience and is an active nurse researcher. Her research interests include digital psychosocial health, mental health among individuals with physical disabilities, and the integration of artificial intelligence ( in educational innovations. Dr Li said, “Digital strolling is highly transformative as it can be conducted easily and interestingly, allowing patients to enjoy themselves during treatment. Additionally, this controller-based approach allows individuals with mobility challenges to engage in an experience that simulates walking, often set against natural backdrops like forests. This experience can help alleviate mental symptoms and positively impact other conditions such as sleep quality, and thus overall quality of life.” The research findings will lay the foundation for subsequent large-scale trials and provide recommendations for medical staff and rehabilitation experts to develop innovative and comprehensive community healthcare programs for people with SMI. The Research Grants Council (RGC) has collaborated with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) of the United States for the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) (HLCA (HK)) since 2022, aiming to call for bold and innovative ideas from any discipline that has the potential to extend the human healthspan.

3 Oct, 2024

Awards and Achievements

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PolyU and Huizhou government jointly establish PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held an unveiling ceremony for the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute) in Huizhou, in collaboration with the Huizhou Municipal People’s Government and the Huizhou Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone. Marking the official launch of the Research Institute in Huizhou, the unveiling ceremony was officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, PolyU President; Mr Arthur LEE Kam-hung, PolyU Council Member; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, PolyU Deputy President and Provost; Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation); Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Director of the PolyU-Daya Bay Technology and Innovation Research Institute; Mr LIU Ji, Secretary of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal People’s Congress; Mr LI Ming, Member of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Head of the Organisation Department of the Huizhou Municipal Committee; Mr YUAN Guangxia, Director Level Officer (Grade 1) of Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province; Ms ZHONG Yonglan, Executive Deputy Head of the United Front Work Department of the Huizhou Municipal Committee and Director of Bureau of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of Huizhou; Mr GUO Wupiao, Chairman of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone; Mr SAN Jinfeng, Vice Chairman of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Management Committee of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone; and Mr CHEN Zhiming, Member of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Building Office of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone. Dr Lam Tai-fai stated in his opening speech that since the signing of the tripartite agreement among PolyU, the Huizhou Municipal Government, and the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone in May this year, the basic infrastructure of the office and the incubation building had been completed within four months. This demonstrates the efficiency of the collaboration and the strong commitment to promoting technological innovation. The Research Institute will focus on the development of local industries through optimizing resource allocation and promoting the industrialisation of research outcomes, and contribute to the high-quality development of Hong Kong, Huizhou and the Nation as a whole. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng saidthat while PolyU strives for excellence in teaching and research, it also pays great attention to global environmental protection and sustainable development. The Research Institute aims to develop green energy and technologies, taking social responsibility by promoting modernisation, digitalisation and environmental protection. The collaboration with the Huizhou city government and the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone will foster an in-depth integration of government, industry and academia, and the Research Institute will help serve as an important platform for green energy and advanced technological innovation between Hong Kong and Huizhou. Mr Liu Ji also delivered a speech during the ceremony. He stated that Huizhou is implementing closely with the key ideas conveyed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the specific arrangements of the “1310” scheme of the Provincial Party Committee through in-depth participation in the development works of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the collaboration in technological innovation between Huizhou and Hong Kong. With the establishment of the Research Institute, Huizhou and PolyU work together to consolidate the resources of the cutting-edge technology and nurture a group of high-quality scientists and talents in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Research Institute strives towards a first-class platform for high-end technology and innovation and a new model for collaboration between school and local industry in both cities. The four key research areas of the Research Institute were highlighted at the Ceremony. Prof. Zijian ZHENG, Director of the Research Institute, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices of PolyU, introduced the Research Institute’s overall development plans, as well as his research topic on new materials and new energy; Prof. Ka-fu YUNG, Associate Director of the Research Institute, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Director of the University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis of PolyU, spoke on green chemistry and sustainable catalysis; Prof. Minchen WEI, of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of PolyU, spoke on spatial computing and imaging; and Dr RUAN Haihui of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, spoke on green and smart manufacturing. These four core research areas not only address the upgrading needs of existing industries but also focus on future development, laying a solid foundation for sustainability and technological self-reliance. The Research Institute also held a signing ceremony with eight local enterprises for collaborative projects, further advancing technology transfer and application. Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, shared his insights in the inaugural Daya Bay scientific seminar. Prof. C. C. Chan, Distinguished Chair Professor of PolyU and Director of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles, shared his insights in the inaugural Daya Bay scientific seminar. A first-ever Daya Bay scientific seminar, “Technological Innovation in Fostering the New Productivity” was also held, at which Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, Dr Sunny CHAI, Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Chairman of the PolyU Foundation, and Prof. C.C. CHAN, Distinguished Chair Professor of PolyU and Director of the Research Centre for Electric Vehicles shared their views. The seminar provided forward-looking insights for officials, researchers and business representatives on how technological innovation can enhance productivity, as well as highlighting the trends and challenges of industrial transformation. Looking forward, the Research Institute aims to become a new model of cooperation between Huizhou and Hong Kong. By leveraging the solid foundation and policy support of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone, it will introduce Hong Kong’s expertise to Huizhou’s industrial landscape, accelerating the establishment of green and low-carbon system, enhancing the development of the manufacturing sector, and building two major industrial clusters in petrochemical energy, new materials and electronic information with higher competitiveness.

30 Sep, 2024

Events

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PolyU and Arup engaged in research sharing at Eureka Moments for sustainable development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is harnessing its world-class academic and research excellence to develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Recently, PolyU hosted a networking event titled “Eureka Moments” in partnership with Arup, bringing together brilliant minds to explore key themes of green energy and carbon-neutral technologies. During the event, participants shared their research projects on various topics, such as hydrogen synthesis and storage, low-carbon construction materials, offshore wind energy, and carbon dioxide to fuel conversion, etc. PolyU researchers actively engaged in discussions and gained valuable insights from the latest industry practices, which sparked new research ideas and directions. The “Eureka Moments” event serves as a vital platform to facilitate and inspire the exchange of ideas, skills, and knowledge between Arup specialists and PolyU researchers. Additionally, it opened doors for potential partnerships with Arup in pursuing diverse research endeavors and paving the way for in-depth collaborations and exciting funding opportunities.

30 Sep, 2024

Events

Media report: PolyU and UNIQLO release joint survey on Hong Kong Consumer Sustainable Fashion

A survey titled "Hong Kong Consumer Awareness of Sustainable Fashion”, conducted by the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in collaboration with Japanese clothing retailer UNIQLO, showed that 70% of Hong Kong consumers are aware of sustainable development goals, indicating a significant increase in environmental awareness. The survey found that 1 in 10 consumers purchases more than 21 items of clothing each year, but concerningly, about 20% reported that each item is worn less than 10 times on average. Additionally, the survey revealed consumer clothing disposal habits. Although 90% of respondents expressed their willingness to participate in clothing recycling, the actual recycling rate is only 11%, according to the Environmental Protection Department. The main reasons include inconvenient recycling locations and a lack of understanding of recycling channels. Consumers expect fashion brands to enhance recycling incentives, such as offering shopping discounts and cash rewards to encourage greater participation in recycling. The survey results indicate that the recycling behaviour of Hong Kong consumers is primarily driven by intrinsic motivations, suggesting that more support from the community and stakeholders can provide more support to further promote sustainable consumption.

27 Sep, 2024

Research and Innovation

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PolyU and Shaoxing government jointly establish technology and innovation research institute to advance technological development

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the People’s Government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, have jointly established the PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute (Research Institute). The Research Institute will focus on a number of cutting-edge technologies including textile technology, carbon composite materials and application, and modern construction. Mr SHI Huifang, Secretary of the Shaoxing City Committee and other representatives joined the “Shaoxing Talent Week” event on 21 September. PolyU and the People’s Government of Keqiao District, Shaoxing, held an official ceremony to sign a cooperation agreement at the event. A plaque unveiling ceremony was also held to establish the Research Institute, marking a significant milestone in fostering the scientific research and technological advancements of both parties. This partnership signifies a commitment between Hong Kong and Shaoxing to advancing innovation and excellence, serving as a dynamic platform that connects academia, industry and the community. Leveraging PolyU accomplishments and accolades in fashion and textiles, impactful technologies in civil and environmental engineering, and outstanding research in mechanical engineering, in conjunction with Shaoxing’s resources and strengths, the Research Institute will harness PolyU research outcomes to foster technology transfer and research incubation, thus enabling real-world implementation of scientific innovation. Moreover, the Research Institute will play a pivotal role in nurturing a new generation of engineers with global perspectives, as well as top-tier technological innovation and entrepreneurial skills. The plaque unveiling ceremony was co-hosted by Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation); Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement); Mr YUAN Jian, Deputy Secretary and Mayor of Keqiao District, and representatives of the Keqiao District Government, signifying the official establishment of the “PolyU-Shaoxing Technology and Innovation Research Institute”. In his speech, Prof. Teng highlighted the outstanding talent pools in Shaoxing and PolyU. With a rich history spanning 86 years, PolyU boasts over 2,900 researchers, including over 200 individuals recognised among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in Stanford University’s Scientist Rankings. Renowned for its excellence in the civil engineering, construction and building domains, PolyU holds a distinguished global reputation. The Research Institute is committed to advancing technological innovation, cultivating scientific and technical expertise, and fostering robust partnerships with international collaborators to drive progress not only in Hong Kong and the Nation but also on a global scale. PolyU and the Shaoxing government will both play pivotal roles by leveraging their respective strengths. This partnership signifies a significant advancement in fortifying the University’s research ties with the Mainland, bolstering research capabilities, nurturing exceptional talent and collaboratively addressing pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary cooperation.

26 Sep, 2024

Partnership

20240715  PolyU scientist advancing in siteselective bioconjugation for enhanced therapeutic develop

PolyU scientist advancing in site-selective bioconjugation for enhanced therapeutic development

Bioconjugation, particularly targeting lysine residues and N-termini of peptides and proteins, has opened new avenues in chemical biology research. These sites, due to their reactivity and accessibility, are prime targets for attaching functional molecules. This process forms covalent bonds between biomolecules and other molecules, emerging as a potent tool for creating multifunctional bioconjugates with diverse applications. Proteins, fundamental to organisms, fulfill critical roles in various biological activities. Yet, their instability and the need for additional functionalities for specific applications like drug delivery or targeting have led researchers to explore modification techniques. Traditional methods often lack selectivity, causing batch-to-batch inconsistencies and decreased efficacy. Hence, there's a growing demand for site-selective bioconjugation approaches enabling precise modification without compromising protein function. Prof. Man Kin WONG, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, along with his research team, leads the forefront, focusing on the N-terminal modification of peptides and proteins. They have strategically targeted the N-terminus due to its solvent exposure and minimal interference with protein activities. By utilizing 2-ethynylbenzaldehydes (2-EBA) under slightly acidic conditions, they have achieved remarkable selectivity, enabling the modification of proteins while preserving their biological functions. This approach has shown promising results in various applications, including drug delivery systems and cancer therapeutics. Moreover, Prof. Wong's team has expanded the scope of bioconjugation by developing novel visible light-responsive and thermal-responsive bioconjugation reagents. These advancements pave the way for stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, antibody-drug conjugates and cell surface engineering. By harnessing the power of light or temperature stimuli, these bioconjugates provide improved control over drug release and targeting, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The development of site-selective bioconjugation technologies represents a significant advance in therapeutic research. Prof. Wong's team aims to improve the stability, efficacy and pharmaceutical kinetics of multifunctional therapeutic bioconjugates to treat human diseases more effectively. Their work has resulted in numerous academic papers and patents, with collaborations across departments at PolyU to explore wider medical applications. This interdisciplinary effort not only advances chemical biology research but also promises innovative therapeutics for potentially better clinical outcomes.

25 Sep, 2024

Research and Innovation

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