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PolyU researcher advances in rare-earth-based materials for biomedical imaging and therapy applications

In the realm of biomedical research, the development of advanced imaging agents stands as a cornerstone in modern healthcare. Prof Gary Ka-Leung WONG, Chair Professor of Chemistry of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University leads efforts to modify existing properties of rare-earth materials and forge new radiocontrast agents tailored for diverse medical applications. Comparatively, luminescent rare-earth materials offer distinct advantages over traditional organic fluorophores. Their sharper emission peaks and significantly longer luminescence lifetimes afford superior resolution and enable background noise reduction through time-resolved detection techniques. Furthermore, rare-earth-based materials hold promise in revolutionising healthcare practices, particularly in detecting diseases earlier and improving treatment efficacy. This is highlighted by their potential as theranostic platforms for brain diseases, leveraging unique properties to overcome challenges such as blood-brain barrier permeability and facilitating advanced imaging and therapeutic strategies. Prof Wong's research on the functional design of rare-earth-based materials for biomedical purposes emphasises several key aspects, elucidating the paramount importance of stability. This concern resonates deeply with researchers and end-users alike, driving the need not only to enhance material functionality but also to ensure safety through collaboration and the integration of diverse technologies. His research also focuses on structural control, a critical factor in enhancing the stability, biocompatibility and targeting capabilities of luminescent rare-earth materials. The research underscores the pivotal role of chelator structure in influencing biological performance, advocating for the use of more rigid chelators and specific peptides to enhance stability and imbue targeting capabilities into their products. In enhancing luminescent rare-earth materials, Prof Wong strategises to optimize luminescent quantum yield and brightness, emphasizing the importance of minimizing non-radiative processes and introducing structural modifications like conjugated rings. This facilitates clearer imaging and precise diagnosis, spanning applications in bioimaging, drug delivery, and disease detection, enabling enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Looking ahead, Prof Wong's research extends beyond pre-clinical efforts to develop novel radiocontrast agents with varied emission kinetics, catering to uses such as cancer therapy. Additionally, his team aims to develop agents capable of interfacing with different materials, expanding their utility across diverse medical contexts, including applications in gene therapy.

Media Interview: PolyU scholars shared research mission to study Chang'e-5 lunar soil samples

The PolyU research team has obtained two distinct lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission. The samples are currently stored in the lunar regolith storage and analysis system on the PolyU campus which is a unique state-of-the-art integrated multifunctional system for in-situ analysis. This system enables researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the lunar regolith without the need for leaving the storage environment.   Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) was featured in media interviews to share this research mission.   The lunar soil samples are rare and scientifically valuable, holding immense potential for pioneering scientific discoveries and future utilisation of lunar resources. A single grain of lunar soil may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Moon’s formation, evolution, and dynamic environment. The achievements from lunar sample research can also bring long-term benefits to Earth and benefit humanity.   Also, Prof. Yung and the research team will delve into “Finding Water in Lunar Soil” through a microstructural analysis of lunar regolith, including its water content and formation process. Their findings will shed insights into the formation of soil on the Moon’s surface and other celestial bodies, as well as lunar water resources induced by solar wind implantation.

Media Interview: PolyU research helps build positive mental health at schools

Dr Angel Lai, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU, joined hands with NGO Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service to launch the “Healing Together – Building Positive School Mental Health in Post-COVID Hong Kong” project. Funded by Phase 2 of the Mental Health Initiatives Funding Scheme (MHIFS) provided by the Government, the 18-month project collaborates with 8 secondary schools to cultivate students' awareness and concern for emotional and mental health.   The MHIFS aims to support projects that could help provide better support to those in need in the community and to raise public awareness on mental health.   Led by Dr Lai, the funded project  aims to promote mental health and its awareness for stakeholders of secondary schools including students, teachers, administrative staff and management. Healing Spaces are constructed in the partnering schools. It combines with the strengths in research and practice, bringing impactful solutions for the benefit of various community groups.   The programme also adopts a train-the-trainer approach to help secondary students become mental health ambassadors for programme sustainability and student empowerment, raising mental health awareness in society. PolyU researchers have been working closely with the community to provide impactful and innovative solutions for the betterment of society with the integration of academic, scientific and pragmatic expertise.

PolyU secures funding support from the General Research Fund and Early Career Scheme for academic and research merits

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received a total funding support of HK$207.8 million from the General Research Fund (GRF) and the Early Career Scheme (ECS), marking it as the top three universities in terms of total granted amounts. A total of 203 PolyU projects have been awarded grants amounting to HK$185.7 million from the GRF, positioning it as the third-highest ranked university in terms of granted amounts. In the field of engineering, PolyU stands out among universities by securing the largest amount of funding support, reaching HK$93.5 million. The GRF aims to supplement universities’ own research support to researchers who have achieved or have the potential to achieve excellence. It covers two areas of research focused on broad knowledge enhancement and specific purposes. A total of 34 PolyU projects have been funded, amounting to HK$22.1 million from the ECS, positioning it as the second-highest ranked university in terms of granted amounts. In the field of engineering, PolyU ranks at the top among universities, receiving the largest amount of funding support at HK$10.3 million. The ECS aims to nurture junior academics and to prepare them for a career in education and research. Scientific and scholarly merit, and qualification and track record of the principal investigator are among the assessment criteria. 

2024 Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong and Macau Regions Competition) fostered youth innovation

The 2024 Underwater Unmanned Systems Challenge (Hong Kong and Macau Regions Competition) organised by the Hong Kong Science Popularisation and Science Fiction Academy, and co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yau Tsim Mong Youth Society, was successfully held on 2 July at the PolyU Jockey Club Auditorium. More than 700 teachers, students, parents and stakeholders from the technology and education sectors gathered to watch the competitions of various teams. To enhance the celebratory atmosphere in commemoration of the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the organiser made a special invitation to the Guangdong Guo Qi Hu Wei Dui to perform a National Flag display ceremony and foot drill during the opening ceremony, showcasing the team’s high spirit and confidence. Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, remarked that PolyU has always been committed to cultivating future leaders with innovative spirit and interdisciplinary thinking. By participating in competitions and trainings, students could gain a better understanding of cutting-edge marine science and technology, acquire scientific research methods and skills and develop their interest and ability in interdisciplinary studies. Young people are the pioneers in the innovation and development of the country. PolyU spares no effort to build a platform for the youth to showcase their talents and innovations, laying a solid foundation for their future development. This event attracted over 90 teams from more than 60 primary and secondary schools across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. After over 3 months of professional training and guidance, and passing the preliminary round, the teams demonstrated outstanding comprehensive strength and teamwork at the finals. The selected teams will participate in the national finals, which are scheduled in August.

PolyU contributes to Nation’s Chang’e-6 historic lunar far-side sampling mission and acquires Chang’e-5 lunar soil samples; Leading deep space exploration research

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) research team, after developing and manufacturing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, has assisted the Nation in completing the world’s first lunar far-side sampling for the Chang’e-6 lunar exploration mission. PolyU also recently obtained approval for the lending of lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission from the Lunar Sample Management Office under the China National Space Administration’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre. The PolyU research team has obtained two distinct lunar soil samples: a surface soil sample weighing 400 milligrams, which was collected by PolyU’s Surface Sampling and Packing System; and a subsurface soil sample totalling 42.6 milligrams. The samples are currently stored in the lunar regolith storage and analysis system on the PolyU campus which is a unique state-of-the-art integrated multifunctional system for in-situ analysis, enabling researchers to conduct a comprehensive study on the lunar regolith without the need for leaving the storage environment. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, congratulated the team for marking a magnificent chapter in the Nation’s aerospace history and said, “This year, PolyU is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a University. In the recently announced Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings for 2025, PolyU has reached new heights and ranked 57th globally. In addition to achieving this significant milestone, PolyU has successfully obtained approval from the Nation and acquired lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission. The PolyU team will treasure this incredibly precious gift.” Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, said, “PolyU is committed to becoming an innovative, world-class university, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific research in driving innovation and positively impacting society. We focus on nurturing young scientific research talents and passing on research experience from one generation to the next. We will continue to collaborate with interdisciplinary experts and contribute to the Nation’s development towards becoming a major player in deep space exploration and scientific innovation.” The Chang’e-5 lunar sample in-depth analysis and research programme is spearheaded by a PolyU team with extensive experience in deep space explorations, led by Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), and Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Associate Director of RCDSE. The research team, which also includes Dr Wang Xing, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Dr Sergey Krasilnikov, Research Assistant Professor of the same department, will delve into “Finding Water in Lunar Soil” through a microstructural analysis of lunar regolith, including its water content and formation process. Their findings will shed insights into the formation of soil on the Moon’s surface and other celestial bodies, as well as lunar water resources induced by solar wind implantation. Prof. Wu Bo said, “We are glad that our team has successfully applied for and received lunar soil samples from the National Astronomical Observatories in Beijing and brought them back to the PolyU campus for further analysis. The samples will provide valuable scientific insights. Our interdisciplinary team has extensive experience in space missions and our research embraces areas that encompass lunar geological research, topographic and geomorphological analysis of landing sites, development and manufacturing of space payloads, in-depth analysis of lunar soil samples, and space resource utilisation. We look forward to leveraging our research strengths to make further valuable contributions to innovation and technology development in Hong Kong and the Nation.” Prof. Yung Kai-leung noted, “The fact that our team designed and manufactured the Surface Sampling and Packing System for the 2020 Chang’e-5 probe, and brought back the youngest lunar samples yet discovered to Earth, which are now being stored on our campus, holds special meaning for our team. We also plan to apply for lunar samples from the Moon’s far side brought back to Earth by Chang’e-6 in order to make further contributions to humanity’s understanding of the Moon and outer space. With the return of the Mars samples and China’s manned lunar landing ranking high among its scientific priorities through 2030, we look forward to continuing to contribute to the Nation in the years ahead.” The lunar soil samples are rare and scientifically valuable, holding immense potential for pioneering scientific discoveries and future utilisation of lunar resources. A single grain of lunar soil may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Moon’s formation, evolution, and dynamic environment. The achievements from lunar sample research can also bring long-term benefits to Earth and benefit humanity. As space exploration evolves, with space resource utilisation now emerging as a priority for future programmes, the Space Resources Laboratory at PolyU’s RCDSE has developed resilient capabilities to store and analyse extraterrestrial samples in high-purity nitrogen protection devices for long-term interdisciplinary research. With a vision for the future, the Laboratory is well poised to handle samples from Mars and asteroids, laying the groundwork for the Nation’s further aerospace development. Led by Prof. Yung Kai-leung (centre) and Prof. Wu Bo (left), both seasoned experts in deep space exploration initiatives, the Chang’e-5 lunar soil analysis research has brought together a distinguished team, including Dr Wang Xing (right), to pioneer research on water trapped in lunar soil. Prof. Wu Bo (left) and Dr Wang Xing (right) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geoinformatics bring together decades of combined research experience in lunar geology, and landing area mapping and analysis. PolyU has successfully acquired lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission, including a 400 mg surface sample(left)and a 42.6 mg deep drill sample(right).The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunar soil sample storage and analysis facility to properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth. The Space Resources Laboratory of the PolyU Deep Space Exploration Research Center has set up a lunarsoil sample storage and analysis facilityto properly store and analyse the lunar soil in depth.

Two PolyU projects receive funding support from RGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding support from the RGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) for two social science projects, which aims to provide insights into human history and individual development. The two awarded projects demonstrate PolyU’s impactful research in connection with human well-being in both the present and historical context. Led by Dr TSUI, Kai Hin Brian, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese History and Culture, the project titled “Bridging Cold War Divides: Perceptions of "New China" in a Decolonizing British Empire” has secured funding support of HK$214,509. The other project led by Dr LU, HuiJing, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, titled “Impact of Environmental Harshness and Unpredictability on Individual Development: A Comprehensive Analysis” has received grant of HK$305,000. Dr TSUI’s project aims to examine the perception of New China in the 1950s as a resource for globally circulating postwar critiques of imperial political, economic and cultural inequalities. The study will explore published materials and archival sources in Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, New Delhi, Kent and London. It seeks to reconstruct how China established significant presence among prominent activists in Asia, despite having limited formal diplomatic relations with capitalist bloc states. Dr LU’s project aims to deepen our understanding of how the childhood environment influences individual development by reevaluating the definitions of environmental harshness and unpredictability while exploring alternative ways to measure these concepts. The research will provide valuable insights for creating intervention and policies that target specific environmental factors, ultimately promoting more optimal development trajectories for children and adolescents.

PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies

The more we discover about the natural world, the more we find that nature is the greatest engineer. Past research believed that liquids can only be transported in fixed direction on species with specific liquid communication properties and cannot switch the transport direction. Recently, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have shown that an African plant controls water movement in a previously unknown way – and this could inspire breakthroughs in a range of technologies in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials, including applications that require multistep and repeated reactions, such as microassays, medical diagnosis and solar desalination etc. The study has been recently published in the international academic journal Science. Liquid transport is an unsung miracle of nature. Tall trees, for example, have to lift huge amounts of water every day from their roots to their highest leaves, which they accomplish in perfect silence. Some lizards and plants channel water through capillaries. In the desert, where making the most of scarce moisture is vital, some beetles can capture fog-borne water and direct it along their backs using a chemical gradient. Scientists have long sought to hone humankind’s ability to move liquids directionally. Applications as diverse as microfluidics, water harvesting, and heat transfer depend on the efficient directional transport of water, or other fluids, at small or large scales. While the above species provide nature-based inspiration, they are limited to moving liquids in a single direction. A research team led by Prof. WANG Liqiu, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart and Sustainable Energy, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has discovered that the succulent plant Crassula muscosa, native to Namibia and South Africa, can transport liquid in selected directions. Together with colleagues from the University of Hong Kong and Shandong University, the PolyU researchers noticed that when two separate shoots of the plant were infused with the same liquids, the liquids were transported in opposite directions. In one case, the liquid travelled exclusively towards the tip, whereas the other shoot directed the flow straight to the plant root. Given the arid but foggy conditions in which C. muscosa lives, the ability to trap water and transport it in selected directions is a lifeline for the plant. As the shoots were held horizontally, gravity can be ruled out as the cause of the selective direction of transport. Instead, the plant’s special properties stem from the tiny leaves packed onto its shoots. Also known as “fins”, they have a unique profile, with a swept-back body (resembling a shark’s fin) tapering to a narrow ending that points to the tip of the plant. The asymmetry of this shape is the secret to C. muscosa’s selective directional liquid transport. It all has to do with manipulating the meniscus – the curved surface on top of a liquid. Specifically, the key lies in subtle differences between the fin shapes on different shoots. When the rows of fins bend sharply towards the tip, the liquid on the shoot also flows in that direction. However, on a shoot whose fins – although still pointing at the tip – have a more upward profile, the direction of movement is instead to the root. The flow direction depends on the angles between the shoot body and the two sides of the fin, as these control the forces exerted on droplets by the meniscus – blocking flow in one direction and sending it in the other. Armed with this understanding of how the plant directs liquid flow, the team created an artificial mimic. Dubbed CMIAs, for ‘C. muscosa-inspired arrays’, these 3D-printed fins act like the tilted leaves of C. muscosa, controlling the orientation of liquid flow. Cleverly, while the fins on a natural plant shoot are immobile, the use of a magnetic material for artificial CMIAs allows them to be reoriented at will. Simply by applying a magnetic field, the liquid flow through a CMIA can be reversed. This opens up the possibility of liquid transport along dynamically changing paths in industrial and laboratory settings. Alternatively, flow could be redirected by changing the spacing between fins. Numerous areas of technology stand to benefit from CMIAs. Prof. Wang said, “There are foresee applications of real-time directional control of fluid flow in microfluidics, chemical synthesis, and biomedical diagnostics. The biology-mimicking CMIA design could also be used not just for transporting liquids but for mixing them, for example in a T-shaped valve. The method is suited to a range of chemicals and overcomes the heating problem found in some other microfluidic technologies.”

PolyU and AELIS Couture forge innovative partnership for Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is excited to announce its partnership with the esteemed Paris fashion house AELIS Couture (AELIS) for the Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection that was showcased during the haute couture week in Paris on 27 June 2024. Created by the legendary haute couture designer Sofia Crociani, the Collection introduces sustainable metal-coated textiles developed by PolyU, blending cutting-edge technology with luxury fashion. This innovative textile technology was developed by the research team led by Prof. Kinor JIANG, Professor of the School of Fashion Textiles at PolyU, using developed metallising technology to place ultra-thin, nano-scale metal films onto textiles. Without discharging any polluted water or chemicals, the non-aqueous process results in textiles that are not only visually stunning but also sustainable. For this collection, the PolyU team created a precious gold and silver coated sustainable silk organza with a metallic pearly sheen while maintaining the comfort and flexibility of traditional textiles. The collaboration with AELIS, renowned for its artful designs and sustainable approach to fashion, reflects PolyU’s commitment to advancing textile technology and its applications in the fashion industry. The integration of PolyU’s metal-coated textiles into AELIS Couture’s designs reveals a collection that embodies both style and state-of-the-art technology. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU said, “We are thrilled to partner with AELIS for their Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Collection. The collaboration with AELIS Couture is a shining example of how PolyU’s research can be translated into real-world applications, bridging the gap between technology and artistry in fashion. We are proud to see our sustainable innovations contribute to the creation of couture that is as technologically advanced as it is beautiful.” Sofia Crociani, Founder of AELIS, expressed her excitement at the partnership, “For AELIS Couture, the project with PolyU, born after a cycle of ‘sustainable lectures’ jointly organised by PolyU and the French Consulate in Hong Kong, is the result of a wonderful effort to advance in the ecological and technological research field. Working with PolyU has been an inspiring journey. Their precious metal-coated textiles have allowed us to explore new dimensions of design and sustainability. We are proud to present a collection that reflects the synergy between PolyU’s technological expertise and our commitment to eco-conscious couture.” Through this international collaboration, PolyU joins hands with AELIS to make a bold statement in the fashion world, showcasing the potential of merging sustainability with luxury art-to-wear. The AELIS Fall/Winter 2024/25 Couture Fashion Show that took place during the “haute couture week” in Paris represents an event where innovation meets grace and elegance, setting a new standard for the future of couture.

PolyU and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital co-host seminar on immunotherapy’s new frontier with a clinical focus

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI) and Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital have collaborated to organize a seminar that aims to delve into the new frontier of immunotherapy, with a specific focus on its clinical application. The conference centered around discussions in four areas: precise targeted disease diagnosis and treatment, immune cell regulation for disease treatment, cell metabolism research in immunotherapy, and nanomedicine. Interactive sharing and engaging discussion also took place with the guests.  Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Director of SZRI stated that PolyU was committed to cultivating top-tier talent and conducting both fundamental and applied research, as well as promoting world-class innovation and entrepreneurship. The stem cell engineering and immunotherapy research platform being developed by SZRI would become the twelfth research institute under PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research. It would also be the first interdisciplinary research platform established outside of the University's main campus, reflecting PolyU's commitment to integrating local medical research and clinical practice, and accelerating the transfer and application of research results.