The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Industrial Centre (IC) not only fosters a focus on cutting-edge technologies among scientific researchers but also actively encourages their involvement in start-up ventures, transforming research outcomes into a driving force for the advancement of our society. Prof. Thomas Lee, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, and his team have been developing portable nucleic acid testing devices since 2014. The initial version of the device was employed in Gold nanoparticle-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (Gold-LAMP) testing. With the technical support of the IC, the team successfully refined the device and collaborated with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for avian influenza detection.
️During the COVID-19 in 2020, there was a substantial increase in demand for rapid testing. The IC promptly produced 20 portable devices within a brief timeframe, introducing portable detection technology at the Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital to provide on-site and real-time support for epidemic prevention and control. This innovative technology enhances safety and stability while making a significant contribution to social health management.
Prof. Lee emphasised that the IC provides extensive support, guiding projects from conceptualisation to final product implementation and offering expert guidance at every stage. With the greatest assistance from PolyU and the IC, Prof. Lee established a start-up to commercialise the developed technology. In addition to medical applications, the team has also developed nucleic acid detection technology for non-medical applications including testing for food safety and public environmental hygiene, transforming research into practical societal benefits.
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