News

Pioneering Semiconductor Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies

Prof. Wang Lianzhou, Chair Professor of Energy Materials of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, leads cutting-edge research on semiconductor nanomaterials for renewable energy conversion and storage, with a focus on solar-to-chemical and solar -to-electricity conversion and storage systems. His work addresses two major challenges in the field: efficiency and cost. By designing advanced catalysts and electrode materials, his team aims to improve energy conversion—from solar water splitting to hydrogen production—and storage capacities in batteries, making renewable technologies more practical and economically competitive. A key focus of Prof. Wang’s research is improving solar water splitting—a well-established process for generating green hydrogen through artificial photosynthesis. His team develops advanced semiconductor nanomaterials to boost the efficiency and stability of this reaction. While titanium dioxide remains a reliable, low-cost photocatalyst, its limited sunlight absorption restricts performance. He is designing new materials that capture a broader solar spectrum, aiming to significantly enhance conversion efficiency and move solar hydrogen production closer to large-scale application. Prof. Wang’s team has incorporated AI and machine learning to accelerate materials discovery, particularly in designing catalysts and selecting dopants. Though the approaches are currently constrained by the limited size and reliability of current databases, AI assisted approach is promising and has huge potential, allowing faster identification of potential materials, guiding experimental validation and development. Beyond renewable energy, Prof. Wang’s research has expanded into industrial and environmental applications. His group is scaling up cathode materials for commercial batteries and developing new catalysts that can decompose high-crystalline plastics into reusable monomers, offering a sustainable pathway for plastic recycling. He is also advancing eco-friendly, lead-free perovskite solar cells, achieving certified record efficiencies and paving the way for flexible, semi-transparent and indoor solar technologies. Several of Prof. Wang’s innovations in semiconductor materials have been patented, ranging from UV-blocking nanomaterials used in cosmetics to new-generation battery electrodes, plastic upcycling catalysts and lead-free perovskite solar cells. His team continues to explore collaborations with industry partners in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to bring these technologies closer to commercialization. Through his work, Prof. Wang exemplifies the integration of fundamental science, innovative materials design and translational research, driving sustainable solutions for the world’s energy and environmental challenges.    Source: Faculty of Science Newsletter (December 2025)  

PolyU HEROCARE earns global recognition and reaches a new milestone in paediatric cancer care

The HEROCARE (Holistic Empowerment in Radiation Oncology) programme, led by experts from the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and the Industrial Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has achieved international acclaim. It recently received both the “Global Excellence Award” and “Impact Catalyst Award” at the 2025 International Sustainable Design Awards, demonstrating PolyU’s leadership in design-driven innovation that enhances healthcare experiences and treatment outcomes.  Since its launch, HEROCARE has utilised Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment (HiVE) technology to integrate design, healthcare, and education, introducing a novel approach to paediatric cancer care. This approach enhances the physical and mental well-being of patients and their caregivers throughout the radiotherapy process. To date, HEROCARE has supported 64 families, including patients, caregivers, and siblings. It has also engaged over 400 PolyU students in co-design workshops, fostering empathy and human‑centred design thinking among the younger generation. Early research findings have revealed that approximately 89% of participating paediatric cancer patients completed radiotherapy without anaesthesia, significantly higher than the baseline of 5% prior to the project’s implementation. Treatment process time was reduced by about 70%, saving around 45 hours per patient, while healthcare costs decreased by HK$370,000 per patient, amounting to over HK$10.1 million in total savings. These outcomes demonstrate HEROCARE’s success in merging empathetic design with clinical practice, delivering positive benefits to patients, families, and the healthcare system. In November 2025, PolyU premiered its original short film “The Starless Boy.” Inspired by a true story, the film portrays the emotional journey of children with cancer and their families, highlighting how imagination, family support, and immersive pre-treatment preparation can help them bravely face the challenges of treatment. The event also featured a Community Impact Forum, where over 200 participants, including radiotherapy professionals, medical educators, and caregivers, to discuss the role of patient-centred care and design thinking in healthcare. Looking ahead, HEROCARE plans to expand its collaborations with local and international partners, including medical physicists and radiation therapists, to create new clinical distraction tools enhancing comfort and safety during radiotherapy treatment. The PolyU team also aims to develop HEROCARE into a regional service and education platform, working with healthcare institutions in Indonesia and Canada to facilitate experience exchange. Additionally, the initiative is actively localising and enhancing its AI-guided reflection tool to help healthcare professionals improve their emotional literacy and capacity for empathy in practice, thereby systematically integrating humanistic care into medical workflows. PolyU remains committed to advancing people‑centric, sustainable healthcare innovation, driving more innovative projects with both global vision and local care, and bringing a warmer and more hopeful treatment journey to paediatric cancer patients and their families.  

Two PolyU research projects receive Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards from Ministry of Education

Two research projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the second-class award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) by the Ministry of Education. The accolades serve as recognition of the research teams’ breakthrough contributions in the frontier fields of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria and flexible electronics technology, affirming the University’s research strength in both fundamental research and technological innovation. The two projects are: “Research on the Convergent Evolution and Mechanisms of Carbapenem Resistance and Hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae” led by Prof. CHEN Sheng, Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Chair Professor of Microbiology at PolyU; and “Multiscale Coupling Regulation Mechanisms of Flexible Electronic Conductive Interfaces and Applications” led by Prof. ZHENG Zijian, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices at PolyU. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the two award-winning professors and their research teams, stating: “PolyU scholars are committed to pursuing research excellence, and the Awards represent the Nation’s recognition of the University’s strength in research innovation. As an innovative world-class university, PolyU will continue to strive for excellence in talent cultivation, scientific research, and knowledge transfer, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.” Prof. Chen Sheng has closely collaborated with Prof. ZHANG Rong and Prof. DONG Ning from Zhejiang University, focusing on research in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The team successfully identified the molecular mechanisms underlying its antibiotic resistance and hypervirulence. This research is the first to confirm that carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence can converge through evolutionary pathways in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and it clarifies the molecular mechanisms that accelerate their evolution and transmission. The breakthrough discovery revolutionises academic theories on the co-evolution of resistance and virulence, providing important scientific evidence for the formulation of global public health policies and clinical practices with far-reaching impact. Prof. Zheng Zijian led his research team in focusing on the multiscale coupling and regulation of conductive interfaces in flexible electronics, achieving multiple breakthroughs in metal-polymer interface engineering, porous conductive networks development and the design of fully flexible devices. The team established a collaborative framework that integrates molecular, micro-nano and macroscopic scales, successfully addressing core challenges such as electrical failure due to interfacial instability and limited device elasticity. Their research outcomes provide key theoretical foundations and technical support for the advancement of flexible electronic systems, driving innovation and application in related fields. Established by the Ministry of Education, the Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) recognises educators, researchers and relevant units of higher education institutions who have achieved outstanding results and significant impact in natural science research and engineering technology innovation, and those with contributions to the cultivation of innovative talent.  

PolyU develops real-time predictive vehicle self-diagnosis system supported by Smart Traffic Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pioneering innovative transportation technologies that enable sustainable and efficient mobility. A novel research project of PolyU, aimed at developing a universal vehicle self-diagnosis system driven by automotive component data and real-time predictive analytics, has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund. This support strengthens the capabilities in intelligent vehicle management and maintenance. Led by Prof. Li-Ta HSU, Associate Professor and Limin Young Scholar in Aerospace Navigation in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, the project titled “Automotive Component Data-Driven and Real-Time Predictive Universal Vehicle Self-Diagnosis System” has been awarded approximately HK$6.19 million in funding over a 24-month period.  The project aims to develop a universal vehicle self-diagnosis system capable of analysing automotive component data and providing real-time predictive functions. The system integrates multimodal sensing technology, aggregating sensor data from vehicle OBD-II parameters, GNSS, high-resolution cameras, acoustic sensors, and inertial measurement units. Through deep fusion and synchronized processing of these multi-source datasets, the system accurately extracts vehicle fault features and abnormal behaviour patterns. The collected multimodal data will be transmitted to a cloud analytics platform, which employs deep learning and time-series analysis models to deliver fault classification for accurate detection and lifespan prediction. The system also develops GNSS reasoning algorithms to enable location-aware analytics, including indoor and outdoor environment inference. It connects with fleet management platforms to support daily operations and maintenance decisions. PolyU has long been committed to the research and application of vehicle-related innovation and technology, with 28 projects supported by the Smart Traffic Fund to date. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology, with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, improving efficiency of the road network or road space, and strengthening driving safety.

PolyU develops new human-safe magnetorheological fibres, leading innovations in smart wearable textiles

A research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a revolutionary breakthrough in smart materials, successfully developing soft magnetorheological textiles that can flexibly deform and modulate their mechanical properties under a human-safe magnetic field. Driven by electricity and programmable control, these new materials combine lightweight, flexible and breathable textile characteristics, making them widely applicable in smart wearables, soft robotics, virtual reality and metaverse haptic experiences. Traditional magnetorheological materials have long faced two major drawbacks: heavy magnetic powders and the potential health risks posed by high-strength magnetic fields to the human body. Prof. TAO Xiaoming, Director of the PolyU Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textiles Technology and Chair Professor of Textile Technology of the School of Fashion and Textiles, who led the research, elaborated, “The core objective of our research team is to overcome the application limits of traditional magnetorheological technology, extending it to fibre form, and enabling precise intelligent modulation while remaining compatible with textile properties such as softness and breathability.” The research team fabricated soft magnetic polymer composite fibres – just 57 micrometers in diameter – by uniformly dispersing magnetic powders in a plastic material (a low-density polyethylene matrix). These fibres not only achieve precise control under low-strengthmagnetic fields but also solve the problem of heavy magnetic powders. Furthermore, they can be spun into yarns and multi-layer fabrics to realise large-area, controllable deformation. This groundbreaking research was awarded HK$62.37 million under the Research Grants Council’s 2024/25 Theme-based Research Scheme, and has been published in the international journal Nature, in the paper titled “Vector-Stimuli-Responsive Magnetorheological Fibrous Materials”. Unlike traditional smart materials that respond to scalar stimuli such as voltage, current or temperature, these in-house-developed magnetorheological textiles offer unique directionally controllable responses, enabling the development of the following three innovative fabric materials. Flexible Smart Gripper: With electric current controlling the fabric stiffness, the gripper can flexibly grasp soft, fragile or irregularly shaped items – such as worms, tofu, blueberries, mung bean cake, potato chips and fusilli – just like human fingers, significantly reducing the risk of damage or deformation during operation. Remote Emulation Haptic Finger Glove: The all-fabric materials can accurately replicate the surface textures and tactile hardness of different objects. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they are suitable for diverse applications ranging from remote surgical training, stroke rehabilitation training and virtual fitting, addressing the common drawbacks of bulkiness and heaviness in similar haptic gloves available on the market. Active Ventilation and Thermal-Regulation Fabrics: Addressing the moisture and thermal management challenges in textile clothing, these fabrics can intelligently adjust air permeability by driving fibre structure deformation through electronically controlled magnetic fields, thereby significantly enhancing wearer thermal and moisture comfort. Prof. Tao explained the materials’ potential, “The key breakthrough of this research lies in converting traditional rigid magnetic devices into flexible alternatives. This success can be extended to the development of hard magnetic fibre materials, laying a foundation for the next generation of soft robotics, electromagnetic devices and wearable technologies.” Regarding the prospects for industrialisation, Dr PU Junhong, Assistant Professor (Research) of the School of Fashion and Textiles, added, “From raw material selection to processing technology, we have taken industrialisation needs into consideration. We adopt commodity-grade, mass production-ready raw materials and mature processing techniques, paving the way for rapid translation in fields such as food production, medical rehabilitation and metaverse interaction.”

PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.” Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.  The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.  Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows: PolyU Startups FeaturedInnovations Company Representatives AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING CEO, DRESIO Limited Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device (CES 2026 Innovation Award) Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited   Ms YIP Chi-hay Partner, Feelings Group Limited Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian CEO, Gembody Limited     Dr YANG Fan CTO, Gembody Limited ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration   Dr JIANG Tianshu Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited     Prof. KAN Chi-wai Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited   Dr MA Zongrui Postdoctoral Fellow，Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng Founder, Nuvatech Limited On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW CEO, ReSaTech Limited UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited     Dr LIANG Zhixuan Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot (CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award) Mr WANG Meng PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited The Smart Firefighting Robot received the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

PolyU research finds frequent Arctic wildfires could cut snow cover by 18 days, impacting global climate and ecology

The correlation between Arctic wildfires and abnormal snow cover under global warming is of growing concern. A comprehensive quantitative assessment by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has shown that increasingly frequent seasonal wildland fires across the Arctic in recent years have delayed snow cover formation by at least five days and could lead to a future 18-day reduction of snow cover duration, with implications for global ecosystems. Against the backdrop of the United Nation’s “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences”, this study not only underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, but also provides critical scientific evidence to inform global climate adaptation strategies. Snow cover in the Arctic plays a key role in the global climate system. It reflects solar radiation back into space thus keeping the surface cool, while its meltwater is an important source of freshwater. Snow is therefore central to the planet’s energy balance, hydrological cycles and weather patterns. Anomalies such as delayed snow formation or earlier melt can intensify warming, affect water supplies, and reduce forest ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration beyond the Arctic, ultimately disrupting global ecosystems and biodiversity. Led by Prof. Shuo WANG, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, a core member of the Research Institute for Land and Space, and a member of the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities, the study is conducted in collaboration with international researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and Columbia University. The findings have been published in the international journal Nature Climate Change. Prof. Wang elaborated, “Global warming has intensified Arctic wildland fires, making such fires increasingly frequent, larger in scale and in some cases more intense. In 2023, Canada experienced record-breaking fires, with over 45 million acres burned - nearly 10 times the average annual burned area over the past 40 years. This research aims to quantify the links among wildfires, snow formation and snow cover duration, thereby advancing our understanding of land-atmosphere interactions under climate change.” The research team compiled long-term satellite remote sensing data of the burned area together with the start day and end day of snow cover in the Arctic from 1982 to 2018. They integrated these data with an artificial intelligence model built on the state-of-the-art XGBoost machine learning algorithms, incorporating a range of climate factors before, during and after fires (such as albedo, surface temperature and air temperature), as well as fire location, to evaluate the influence of these variables on snow cover. The satellite data indicated that as burned area in the Arctic increased, the duration of snow cover decreased. Between 2001 and 2018, the average snow cover lasted 205 days, 10 days shorter than that from 1982 to 2000. The team further utilised the CMIP6 climate model projections to simulate future changes in Arctic wildfires and snow under different emission scenarios. They discovered that, under the high-emission scenario SSP5-8.5, the annual burned area of the Arctic could expand by 2.6 times by year 2100, while snow duration may shrink to about 130 days — approximately 18 days shorter than the historical average from 1950 to 2014. The study also found that major wildland fires significantly delay the formation of snow cover. Through regional impact analysis, the team determined that in the first year following a major wildfire, the snow start date is postponed by more than five days compared with the three-year average prior to the fire; moreover, the larger the burned area, the longer the delay. The research team identified the underlying physical mechanism as the deposition and persistence of black carbon on the ground after fires, which reduces surface albedo and enhances the absorption of solar radiation. This additional energy increases both land surface temperature and near-surface air temperature, thereby suppressing effective snow accumulation and ultimately postponing snow formation.  “Wildland fires alter surface properties in the Arctic and subsequently shorten the duration of regional snow cover,” Prof. Wang added. “The reduction of snow cover further disrupts surface energy balance, prolongs land exposure, and leads to warmer, drier surfaces, which create favourable conditions for an earlier start and broader spread of fires. Such a feedback loop underscores the vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems to cascading climate impacts.” The research team envisions these findings will not only provide solid evidence for predicting the future hydrological cycle and climate dynamics of the Arctic, but also offer scientific guidance for assessing ecosystem resilience and formulating effective climate adaptation strategies to help mitigate the chain effect of climate change.

PolyU researchers reveal hidden health risks from urban air microbes, mapping their sources, pathways and health impacts

Air pollution poses a widespread threat to human health, particularly due to its strong link to respiratory diseases. Airborne microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cellular debris, are estimated to account for approximately 25% of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), some of which are pathogenic to humans. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the sources, composition and health-related toxicity of these microbial particles, revealing concerning connections between air pollution and its impact on human health.  The contribution of microbial components and their sources to the bioactivity of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains unclear. To address this research gap, Prof. JIN Ling Nathanael, Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Health Technology and Informatics, and Prof. Polly Hang Mei Leung, Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, along with their jointly supervised PhD student, Ms Jinyan YU,  and other well-known international scholars, have systematically assessed bacterial endotoxin in PM2.5 and traced its association with inflammatory response of bronchial epithelial cells.The research, titled, “Disproportionately higher contribution of endotoxin to PM2.5 bioactivity than its mass share highlights the need to identify low-concentration, high-potency components” was published in Environmental Science & Technology. After regularly collecting airborne PM2.5 samples, the research team examined their components to identify those responsible for triggering the production of inflammation-related proteins in bronchial epithelial cells. Endotoxins are found to account for up to 17% of the inflammation response, despite making up less than 0.0001% of PM2.5’s total mass. They exhibit low concentration and high potency characteristics. Notably, endotoxins show the highest toxicity-to-mass contribution ratio among all PM2.5 components with known related data. These finding suggest that reducing PM2.5 toxicity may not require a proportional reduction in its overall mass, and identifying and controlling high potency components should be the priority.  The research assessed the toxic effects of inhalable microbial components, revealing that bacteria, particularly Gram-negative species, dominated the atmospheric microbial community. Endotoxin, a structural component of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls, was identified as a key contributor. Notably, the sources of coastal site Gram-negative bacteria mainly originate from the natural environment, but their sources in the urban area increasingly shifts to anthropogenic contributions, including those from the built environment, sewage treatment and human activity.  Prof. JIN said, “Accurately identifying toxic components and sources is key to effective air quality management and health protection. We link endotoxin toxicity to its bacterial origin through microbial source tracking of its Gram-negative bacterial producers. As major pollution sources such as industrial and vehicular emissions decline due to global clean-air initiatives, previously overlooked high potency components will become increasingly importance in health risk management.” Ms YU noted, “This study provides a novel method to assess the role of microbial compounds in PM2.5-induced human immune response. It lays the foundation for identifying and measuring various toxic substances in air pollution.”  Enhancing public health protection requires an integrated framework that links air pollutants, its sources and health risks. In another recent study, Prof. JIN and Dr Franklin Wang Ngai CHOW, Research Assistant Professor of the PolyU Department of Health Technology and Informatics, along with their jointly supervised Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Chunlan FAN and PhD student Mr Tian CHEN, and other well-known international scholars, have focused on a group of airborne fungi called Candida.  They are the largest genus of yeasts, which can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening, found in respirable suspended particulate (PM10) from urban areas. The research titled, “Public health implications of airborne Candida: viability, drug resistance, and genetic links to clinical strains,” were published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.  Candida species are classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as priority pathogens due to their server health impacts, drawing global attention on potential health risk. The team identified multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis in urban air and revealed its close genetic links to clinical strains from infected individuals. This suggests that people may be exposed to drug-resistant fungi through inhalation or skin contact, raising concerns that urban pollutants may promote antifungal resistance. The research highlights the urgent need to recognise urban air as a significant medium for the spread of antifungal-resistant strains.  The research also revealed that Candida species are seasonally prevalent in urban ambient air. Viable Candida were detected in air of anthropogenic settings such as wastewater treatment facilities, healthcare environments and ventilation systems of residential buildings. Notably, Candida parapsilosis showed consistent abundance throughout the year, highlighting its strong environmental resilience and widespread occurrence in urban areas. It was also identified as the most dominant Candida and most antifungal-resistant species.  Significantly, the research provides a systematic investigation into how airborne Candida may spread in the community, including how it is carried, transmitted, and causes infection. Prof. JIN said, “The spread of drug-resistant fungi in both environmental and clinical settings, alongside a growing at-risk population, highlights antifungal resistance as a critical global environmental health issue. Moving forward, it is important to identify urban-specific reservoirs, investigate conditions that promote resistance, and model airborne transmission pathways.”    

PolyU project secures support from NSFC’s Original Exploration Program, the sole institution awarded from Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) remains committed to pioneering innovative research and contributing to the nation's science and technology development. Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research), Dean of Graduate School, Director of Research Center for Nature-Inspired Science and Engineering, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has secured support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)'s 2025 Original Exploration Program for his groundbreaking research in thermal management. The Original Exploration Program aims to cultivate pioneering achievements from the ground up and supports projects that address scientific challenges, lead research directions, or pioneer new research fields, thereby driving the high-quality development of national basic research. PolyU is the only Hong Kong higher education institution selected for the program this year. Prof. WANG's research project, which focuses on design and optimisation of chip cooling systems based on fluid-thermal field matching principle (基於流-熱場匹配的芯片散熱系統優化研究), has been approved for RMB 3 million in funding under the “New Mechanisms and Strategies for Thermal Management in Extreme Environments” initiative within the Program. The project will be initiated by the Shenzhen Research Institute of PolyU (SZRI). As PolyU’s extended campus in Shenzhen, the SZRI has been integrated into the University's strategy in all aspects of space deployment, management, and research. It undertakes research projects for national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as industry partners. Learn more about Prof WANG's research achievements: PolyU develops ultra-stable, mucus-inspired hydrogel to boost gastrointestinal wound healing PolyU researchers develop breakthrough method for self-stimulated ejection of freezing droplets, unlocking cost-effective applications in de-icing PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023 Meet PolyU Academician: Prof. WANG Zuankai

Next generation of stablecoins: safer, smarter and more transparent

Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are often too volatile for everyday use. Stablecoins, digital coins linked to steady assets like the US dollar, make using crypto for daily payments more practical. Prof. Min DAI, Chair Professor in Applied Statistics and Financial Mathematics at the Department of Applied Mathematics, and Director of The Research Centre for Blockchain Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presents a robust stablecoin design using option pricing theory and smart contracts on Ethereum. The dual-class structure delivers fixed-income and stablecoin options, effectively separates speculation from real usage and demonstrates resilience to extreme market event.  Over the past decade, the cryptocurrency market has experienced explosive growth, evolving from a niche innovation into a global financial phenomenon. However, the prices of cryptocurrencies remain highly volatile, limiting their effectiveness as reliable means of payment or stores of value. In response, stablecoins have rapidly emerged as a crucial solution, offering price stability and fostering broader adoption within the digital economy.    By using the option pricing theory and the Ethereum (ETH) platform that allows the running of smart contracts, Prof. DAI and his research team have spearheaded a pioneering study on the design of fixed-income-like stablecoins. This research integrates rigorous mathematical modelling with economic theory to address the challenge of achieving price stability in decentralised currencies.   Broadly, stablecoins can be categorised into two main types. The first type, exemplified by USDT and USDC, is fiat-collateralised. The second major category is crypto-collateralised stablecoins, with DAI being the most prominent example.    While these models promise improved capital efficiency and flexibility, their long-term stability is highly dependent on the robustness of their hedging strategies and the prevailing market conditions, introducing new layers of risk that must be carefully managed.   To tackle these challenges, Prof. Dai's research team has proposed a novel stablecoin architecture inspired by option pricing theory and implemented via smart contracts. The core innovation lies in a dual-class structure combined with automated upward and downward reset mechanisms. This structure not only enhances capital efficiency by allowing more flexible use of collateral, but also enables dynamic risk allocation through automated upward and downward reset mechanisms. These automated resets help isolate risk, enhance resilience, and ensure the stablecoin's value remains robust even during extreme market movements. The team’s analysis based on numerical tests confirms that the dual-class structure and reset mechanisms provide strong stability and resilience, outperforming traditional stablecoins like DAI, especially during extreme market events.   The dual-class structure presents a compelling and forward-thinking framework for achieving price stability in the highly volatile cryptocurrency landscape. By integrating risk tranching, automated upward and downward resets, and smart contract-based governance, this system not only isolates market risk but also significantly improves capital efficiency. The design enables differentiated exposure for investors, allowing conservative participants to enjoy fixed-income-like returns while risk-tolerant users pursue leveraged gains. This innovative architecture addresses key shortcomings of traditional stablecoins, such as their opacity and rigidity, and offers a scalable, transparent and decentralised solution that aligns with the evolving needs of modern financial ecosystems.   Source: Innovation Digest Issue 5