PolyU Science in the News

PolyU’s developments in textile introduced in industry journal

The latest issue of HK Textile News, the journal of HK General Chamber of Textiles, mentioned recent developments of PolyU in regards of textiles and clothing.   Professor Fan Jintu, Head of PolyU’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) and Chair Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Engineering, has developed a “skin-like” fabric that keeps people dry during exercise. Professor Zheng Zijian, Professor of ITC, has developed a highly permeable and superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic devices that can withstand long-time wearing. Dr Fei Bin, Associate Professor of ITC, has developed a revolutionary fibre, IcypetTM, that reflects solar heat away yet without stopping the body from releasing heat.   Besides, PolyU has invented the “Bionic Functional Footwear for Pregnant Women” in hands with Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel which can adapt to foot dimensional variations, enhance arch support and reduce peak plantar pressure, thus relieving foot pain and improving foot health. 騰訊 紡織新技術——改善孕婦足痛情況的仿生功能足護系統 13 September 2021 騰訊 理大紡服系時尚科技 提升港企競爭力 13 September 2021 香港文匯報 紡織新技術——改善孕婦足痛情況的仿生功能足護系統 13 September 2021 香港文匯報 理大紡服系時尚科技 提升港企競爭力 13 September 2021

PolyU nurtures new blood for fishery industry through internship programme

PolyU has launched an aquaculture programme with the support from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund at the demonstration farm in Tung Lung Chau. From fry breeding to fish pricing, operating strategies and relevant laws, 67 youths will learn everything in the industry from veteran fishermen in this one-year programme.   Dr Kevin Kwok Wing-hin, Assistant Professor at PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology who is in charge of the modernised and sustainable mariculture programme, said the instructors of the programme include fishermen with decades of experience. Each student was provided with fries in March, and some of them will be ready for sale next month at the earliest. 明報 深海網箱養魚 避風避病避紅潮 智能管理自動投餌實時監控 魚產最快10月應市 12 September 2021 明報 兩網箱供理大授課 漁民做導師 學養殖學法例 12 September 2021 星島日報 新聞追擊｜東龍洲網箱養殖場助漁業轉型 12 September 2021 頭條日報 新聞追擊｜東龍洲網箱養殖場助漁業轉型 12 September 2021 巴士的報 理大獲資助67學員漁排實習 傳授養殖技術吸引年輕人入行 12 September 2021 Line 理大獲資助67學員漁排實習 傳授養殖技術吸引年輕人入行 12 September 2021 MSN HK 理大獲資助67學員漁排實習 傳授養殖技術吸引年輕人入行 12 September 2021

PolyU fashion design graduates shine at Fashion Show 2021

The Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of PolyU staged the PolyU Fashion Show 2021 Award Ceremony yesterday (27 August). In response to the pandemic, this year’s fashion show integrates online video broadcast and mini catwalk show on the campus as a runway stage, to reveal students’ talents in a unique platform. Thirty show finalists have overcome multiple challenges during the pandemic, showcased their outstanding creations to the industrialists, fashion designers and fashionistas from all over the world, and competed for ten awards and scholarships.   Prof. Fan Jintu, Chair Professor of Fiber Science & Apparel Engineering and Head of ITC, said the Institute has shown the prescience in response to the “new normal” under the epidemic. The use of the exclusive online video in combination with the show on campus broke through the social, geographical and time constraints of the physical showcases. This was also a telling testament of the resilience of the students, which has inspired them to transform their experience into creative thinking, and to present the local designs from multiple perspectives on this interactive fashion stage.   Details: ITC stages MA in Fashion & Textile Design Fashion Show 2021 新华财金社 PolyU fashion design graduates shines at Fashion Show 2021 in Campus – Creative responses to the "New Normal" 27 August 2021 ETNet PolyU fashion design graduates shines at Fashion Show 2021 in Campus – Creative responses to the "New Normal" 27 August 2021 經濟通 2021理大時裝展疫下新常態　融會線上實體表演為本地時裝界注入時尚新勢力 27 August 2021 Government World Magazine CE visits Hong Kong Polytechnic University 27 August 2021 Asiaone PolyU fashion design graduates shines at Fashion Show 2021 in Campus – Creative responses to the "New Normal" 27 August 2021 Quamnet PolyU fashion design graduates shines at Fashion Show 2021 in Campus – Creative responses to the "New Normal" 27 August 2021 Cheer Magazine 2021理大時裝展疫下新常態 融會線上實體表演為本地時裝界注入時尚新勢力 27 August 2021 今日時事 2021理大時裝展疫下新常態 融會線上實體表演為本地時裝界注入時尚新勢力 27 August 2021 DBPower 2021理大時裝展疫下新常態　融會線上實體表演為本地時裝界注入時尚新勢力 27 August 2021 Yam 2021理大時裝展疫下新常態　融會線上實體表演為本地時裝界注入時尚新勢力 227 August 2021

Chief Executive visits PolyU

Chief Executive Carrie Lam visited PolyU yesterday (23 July) to learn about its scientific research and meet the senior management to understand the University’s latest developments. She toured the Precision Robotics Laboratory of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization & Device Fabrication, where she was briefed on the University’s research and applications in aerospace technology and advanced materials. The University and the China Academy of Space Technology jointly manufactured various advanced space instruments that were adopted in the nation’s lunar and Mars exploration missions. “The University’s cross-discipline scientific research team has distinguished deep space exploration capability and possesses practical experience in international space missions, contributing to the nation’s aerospace development with encouraging achievements,” she noted. Lam then visited the Clean Room which supports the development of products like COVID-19 antibody biosensors, health monitoring devices, soft robotics, on-skin electronics and neuromorphic vision sensors using microfabrication tools for advanced device innovation. With Hong Kong’s innovative and technological capabilities fully recognised by the central authorities in recent years, Lam hoped the University will continue to pursue excellence and encourage more young people to join in research and development field. She also anticipated that coupling with the massive resources allocated by the Government, the University will play a role in the Greater Bay Area’s development as an international innovation and technology hub and make more contributions to the nation’s space projects. 無線電視 特首稱政府投入大量資源 為國家航天事業作更多貢獻 23 July 2021 香港電台 特首到理大參觀科研設施 23 July 2021 Dim Sum Daily Chief Executive visits Hong Kong Polytechnic University 23 July 2021 Government World Magazine CE visits Hong Kong Polytechnic University 23 July 2021 信報 林鄭:港創科能力獲中央充分肯定 23 July 2021 香港經濟日報 林鄭月娥到訪理大參觀科研設施 稱香港創科能力近年得到中央充分肯定 23 July 2021 星島日報 訪理大參觀科研設施 林鄭冀研發工作繼續精益求精 23 July 2021 頭條新聞 訪理大參觀科研設施 林鄭冀研發工作繼續精益求精 23 July 2021 文匯報 特首訪理大 23 July 2021 香港商報 林鄭月娥：冀理大為國家航天事業作出更多貢獻 23 July 2021 香港01 林鄭到訪理大參觀航天科研措施 稱香港創科能力獲中央充份肯定 23 July 2021 巴士的報 訪理大參觀科研設施 林鄭冀研發工作繼續精益求精 23 July 2021 點新聞 林鄭參觀理大科研設施 冀為國家航天事業作更多貢獻 23 July 2021 六度世界 林郑月娥到访理大参观科研设施 称香港创科能力近年得到中央充分肯定 23 July 2021 Line Today 訪理大參觀科研設施 林鄭冀研發工作繼續精益求精 23 July 2021 MSN HK 訪理大參觀科研設施 林鄭冀研發工作繼續精益求精 23 July 2021 新华网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 香港新聞網 行政長官到訪香港理工大學 23 July 2021 人民网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 中新网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 全国党媒 林郑月娥：期望香港高校为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 人民政协网 林郑月娥：期望香港高校为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 封面 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 海外网 林郑月娥：期望香港高校为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 中国经济网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 光明网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 中工网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 东方网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 新浪网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 快资讯 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 头条 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 搜狐 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 网易 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 腾讯网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 一点号 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021 镁客网 林郑月娥：期望香港理工大学为国家航天事业作出更多贡献 23 July 2021

PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at PolyU has developed a novel type of biomimetic nanosheet. By harnessing two emerging cancer therapies, namely immunotherapy and photothermal therapy, the nanosheet enables effective and precise treatment of tumours, reduce side effects and increase patients' survival rates. The research findings have been published in the prestigious international journal Advanced Science. The research team, led by Professor Wing-tak Wong, Chair Professor of Chemical Technology of the ABCT and the Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, used 2D nanosheets (FePSe3) to develop a novel multifunctional nanomaterial for cancer theranostics. The FePSe3 nanosheets are loaded with anti-PD-1 peptide which can block the conjugation between cancer cells and T cells. Without directly attacking the cancer cells, blockage of such interaction has been reported to revoke T cell functions, leading to enhanced antitumour immunity. After coating with cancer cell membranes, the nanosheets will become a biomimetic nanomaterial with tumour cell membrane characteristics that provide effective camouflage, enabling them to target the tumour site efficiently. Dr Summy Lo Wai-sum from ABCT explained that the innate immune system attacks foreign objects, making it difficult for the drug-loaded nanomaterials to reach the tumour site. The cancer cell membrane has a tumour-targeting characteristic that will converge homologous cells. In addition, the large specific surface area of the 2D nanomaterials is conducive to improving the drug loading ratio of the anti-PD-1 peptide. Besides, FePSe3 possesses good photothermal conversion efficiency, so it can convert near infrared laser irradiation into heat to kill tumour cells directly, thus achieving effective photothermal therapy. The heat can further promote immunotherapy by effectively inhibiting tumour growth, which results in a synergistic effect of immunotherapy and photothermal therapy. Dr Lo said by applying the synergistic therapy in an experiment for colorectal tumour treatment, they found that it was more effective than single therapy and had fewer side effects. FePSe3 can also achieve the goals of theranostics. By harnessing magnetic, optical and thermal properties, FePSe3 enables three imaging modalities, namely MRI, PAI and PTI for real-time tracing and tracking of the tumour sites and the nanosheets, in order to achieve multimodal diagnosis in cancer treatment. The PolyU team carried out experiments on mice bearing subcutaneous colorectal tumours to investigate the application in living animals. It showed that the tumour volume had significantly reduced after 25 days of synergistic therapy, whereas the survival rate of the mice was three times higher than that of the control groups. The research team also utilised the MRI and photoacoustic imaging capabilities of the biomimetic nanosheet to observe the tumour for 24 hours, visualising the targeting and accumulation of the nano-theranostic material at the tumour site. Dr Lo said they will further expand the application of this nanomaterial to other cancer therapies and study the metabolism of the nanosheet in the living body. Clinical trials are expected in five years the earliest. 理大研發用於腫瘤治療及成像的新型仿生納米材料 (Chinese)   無綫新聞 理大研發注射超薄仿生納米材料入體內 直接攻擊癌細胞 26 March 2021 NowTV 理大研發新型仿生納米片或有助治療癌症 25 March 2021 東方日報 醫健：理大仿生納米片 迅速偵測殺滅癌細胞 25 March 2021 明報 理大研納米片 混入腫瘤殺癌細胞 25 March 2021 星島日報 【教育要聞】理大研仿生納米材料 助追蹤殺死癌細胞 25 March 2021 am730 https://polyu.me/3vD5LaA 1 June 2021 晴報 理大研仿生納米片 配新興療法醫腫瘤 1 June 2021 信報 理大研納米片精準治癌 1 June 2021 香港經濟日報 新型仿生納米片 助治療腫瘤 1 June 2021 News for Hong Kong 醫健：理大仿生納米片 迅速偵測殺滅癌細胞 1 June 2021 頭條日報 理大研新型仿生納米材料 助改善腫瘤治療效果 31 May 2021 大公報 理大研发仿生纳米材料 助治疗肿瘤 31 May 2021 香港商報 理大研發用於腫瘤治療和成像之新型仿生納米材料 31 May 2021 HK01 理大研新型納米材料增免疫治療效果 實時監測腫瘤發展 31 May 2021 經濟一週 助精準治療癌症 理大研仿生納米片追蹤腫瘤 文章版權為新傳媒集團所擁有，原文請按： https://www.edigest.hk/285296/?utm_campaign=ED_ContentCopy&utm_source=Web-inventory&utm_medium=Content-Copy_ED 31 May 2021 U Lifestyle 創新科技｜理大研發新型仿生納米片 助追蹤腫瘤發展精準治療 31 May 2021 Bastille Post 理大研新型仿生納米材料 助改善腫瘤治療效果 31 May 2021 Line Today 理大研新型仿生納米材料 助改善腫瘤治療效果 31 May 2021 MSN HK 理大研新型仿生納米材料 助改善腫瘤治療效果 31 May 2021 Yahoo HK 理大研新型仿生納米材料 助改善腫瘤治療效果 31 May 2021 Mirage News PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 My Star Job PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 TMCnet PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 Manhattan Week PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 Asiaone PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 A-Performers PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021 PR Newswire PolyU develops biomimetic nanosheet for cancer therapy and imaging 31 May 2021

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

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

PolyU scientists find way to remove polluting microplastics with bacteria

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

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

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

知多啲：玻璃樽可樂最好飲之謎

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

PolyU scholar interviewed on EdTech

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