News

The power of technology: a world-class most comprehensive rapid, automated multiplex diagnostic system to identify up to 40 infectious respiratory pathogens (including COVID-19) in a single test within 1 hour has been developed by PolyU

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the development of the world's most comprehensive automated multiplex diagnostic system (the System) on 11th Feb 2020, which includes a fully automated machine and a multiplex full-screening panel for the point-of-care genetic testing (POCT) of respiratory infectious disease including COVID-19. Infectious diseases represent an important portion of global public health concerns, in particular with regard to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The challenge of frontline diagnosis in hospitals, clinics and ports is that infectious diseases could exhibit similar symptoms or can be asymptomatic. Most Comprehensive Rapid, Automated Multiplex Diagnostic System In one single test and within approximately one hour, the System can identify 30 to 40 pathogens including seasonal influenza viruses, such as influenza A subtypes H1, H2 and H3, avian influenza viruses H5, H7 and H9, human respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and COVID-19. Leveraging the current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, the system is fully automated from sample nucleic acid extraction and amplification, to signal detection and analysis. The System adopts patent-pending microfluidic and biochemical technologies that achieve ultra-sensitive detection (down to 5 gene copies) and simultaneous differentiation of various pathogens with extremely high specificity. It is also user-friendly, with manual handling not being required throughout the testing process. "Early and accurate detection of pathogens could contribute to effective and efficient disease control and management, and prevent spreading of any contagious pathogens. The existing challenge is that we lack full panel POCT technologies for early and on-site diagnosis, which should ideally be capable of differentiating between different pathogens at the same time," said PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. Ir. Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU said, "In this difficult and challenging time that Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and even the global community is encountering, it is important that the research community can quickly pool their expertise and resources to develop practical solutions. The PolyU-HKU partnership is a prime example of effective coupling of multidisciplinary innovation and translation." The research team for this project is led by PolyU Professor Terence Lau Lok-ting and supported by HKU Professor Yuen Kwok-yung. In the past year, the team has optimised the System and conducted trials on different clinical samples. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the team has also conducted tests on clinical samples using the system. Professor Yuen commented, "The System's versatility and capability will provide for comprehensive monitoring during disease outbreaks or routine surveillance. It will become a crucial technology for ensuring the effective control of infectious diseases, medical diagnosis, and treatment." "This fully automated, quantitative rapid diagnostic platform possesses a proprietary technology which overcomes limitations of existing technologies by ensuring sensitivity – and hence significantly enhancing the reliability of test results. Most importantly, our innovation can substantially reduce the cost of the microfluidic cartridge manufacturing thus making it feasible for wide adoption. It is ready for mass-scale production," added Professor Lau. The research team has received indispensable support from a local biotechnology company Avalon Biomedical Management Ltd for this project. We believe this advanced point-of-care diagnostic system can revolutionize the current diagnostic paradigm and provide a powerful tool to fight against infectious diseases," said Dr Manson Fok, Chairman of the Board of the company, Executive & Trust Committee member of Macau Henry Fok Foundation and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology. Towards this end the research team will continue to urgently focus on developments to ensure the system's robustness and cost-effectiveness, and to collaborate with relevant parties on clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and frontline applications of this POCT system. We thank you for the generous support from the community which fosters further development of the automated multiplex diagnostic system. “The PolyU research team is going in the right direction, so please do not be put off by overtaken by ever evolving new technology. If the system (automated multiplex diagnostic system) fills a need, it deserves to be developed.” – The Lo Family “The novel coronavirus have impacted the global community and our daily life. As an alumnus, I hope to support the worthwhile research projects of PolyU, which brings positive changes to the world.”  – Ms Liu Mei Chui, Applied Science and Textiles graduate (Alumnus) Please click for photo shots To review PolyU community’s efforts in fighting COVID-19, please visit here

PolyU, CASICloud and Altai Technologies to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Lab

On 9 December 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), CASICloud and Altai Technologies signed a collaborative research agreement to establish the Greater Bay Area Industrial Big Data Laboratory with research facilities in both Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The research lab shall spearhead research on industrial big data, artificial intelligence, industrial internet-of-things and industrial safety, as well as develop research talents in the Greater Bay Area. The signing ceremony was attended by Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development), Deputy President and Provost designate of PolyU; Mr. YU Liang, Chairman of CASICloud; Mr. CHAI Xudong, General Manager of CASICloud; and Dr. Raymond LEUNG, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altai Technologies. Representatives from PolyU and Altai Technologies highly commended on CASICloud’s excellent research facilities following a visit to its Beijing headquarters and Guizhou branch. Riding on CASICloud's strong foundation and its leading role in the industry plus R&D capability, together with Altai Technologies’ holistic Industrial 4.0 solutions ranging from Industrial SuperWiFi, sensors, IoT networks, cloud and data acquisition platforms, to big data analytics, as well as the track records of commercializing lab-based R&D technologies, in conjunction with PolyU's strong research and development track record in industrial applications, it is anticipated that this research collaboration will greatly accelerate the pace of development and adoption of industrial big data in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

A Food Safety Collaboration between PolyU and Bright Food to Advance Industry Food Safety Standard

On November 8, 2019, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bright Food International Limited (Bright Food) on food safety R&D collaboration in Shanghai during the 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE). Both parties have reached a collaborative understanding of the framework for food safety research and development, technology transfer and the intention to establish a joint research laboratory for food safety and technology innovation, based on each networks and resources for technology transfer into practical applications to support the advancement of food safety and quality to benefit a wider community. The MoU was signed by Dr. Terence Lau, Convener of Food Safety Consortium and Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU, and Mr. Zhi-dong Min, General Manager of Bright International Food Industry Fund (previously Managing Director of Bright Food Hong Kong Limited). The joint research laboratory is committed to the development and testing of agricultural and food innovation technologies, with at least five promising international projects for R&D each year for incubation and application.  Bright Food as the second-largest food conglomerate in China with a comprehensive food supply chain, they would provide resources and support to PolyU researchers and build a mutually beneficial platform with PolyU to advance the transfer of research results into applications through close collaborations among industry, academia and research & development sector.  Bright Food and PolyU will also synergize the advantages and resources of Shanghai and Hong Kong to build a joint Food Safety and Innovation Technology Training Center to nurture young scientists and talents for food-related industries to contribute to their sustainable development.

PolyU and JITRI sign Memorandum of Understanding to foster research collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") with Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI), witnessed by The Hon. Mrs Carrie LAM, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and WU Zhenglong, Governor of Jiangsu Province. The MoU offers a framework for research collaboration to develop basic research in science and technology, as well as for developing and implementing applied research projects in Jiangsu Province. Held during the 2nd Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development in Nanjing, the signing ceremony was attended by Professor Guohua CHEN, Associate Vice President (Research Support) of PolyU, and Professor Qing LIU, President of JITRI, and marks a milestone in joint research efforts between Hong Kong and Jiangsu. With the aim of commercialising high-level innovative technology outputs in global markets, basic research collaboration in a number of disciplines will be explored. Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said "PolyU has a proven record in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit society. Leveraging Hong Kong's strengths in advanced innovative technology and high-caliber talents, as well as JITRI's expertise in technology research for enterprises, we believe the collaboration will help elevate the profile of research and development for both parties." Professor Qing Liu, President of JITRI, added that the Institute is dedicated to serving as a bridge linking industrial research and development, as well as global resources, with a view to fostering technological innovation in Jiangsu Province. The signing of the MoU will further attract high-level innovative technology outputs for commercialisation in Jiangsu. JITRI has established matching funding of RMB40 million which includes RMB20 million from JITRI headquarters in Nanjing and RMB20 million from local JITRI institutes/partner companies initially for five years, to support collaborative research projects with PolyU. Please click here for the press release & snapshots.

PolyU’s Food Safety Consortium Received the Affiliate Communication Award from IAFP

PolyU’s Food Safety Consortium received the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Affiliate Communication Award for our development of various communication channels with our members and high-quality materials in promoting science and technology as the foundation of advancing food safety and quality with informative content and attractive layout. The award ceremony was held on July 21, 2019 at the Affiliate Council Meeting during the 2019 IAFP Annual Meeting which took place in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1911, IAFP is home to educators, government officials, microbiologists, food industry executives and quality control professionals from 50 nations who are involved in all aspects of growing, storing, transporting, processing and preparing all types of foods. IAFP aims to provide food safety professionals worldwide with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply. FSC was recognized as the Hong Kong affiliate of IAFP since mid-2015, as the two organizations have consistent objectives and the affiliation will effectively synergize their efforts in advancing food safety in various regions of the world. In four years, FSC has grown from its budding stage to: • being the home of 61 local and multinational Corporate Members from different sectors of the food industry – manufacturing, retail & wholesale, catering, testing & services, food security management, and other stakeholder organizations and internationally renowned Advisors ; • organizing the first Global Food Safety & Technology Forum (GFSTF), and co-organize GoFood 2017 (second edition GFSTF) and GoFood 2019 (third edition GFSTF)- an international technology exchange conference to address food safety problems with science and technology - and ensuring its sustainability in collaboration with LU, DTU and Unibo; • participating in global initiatives such as the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), FAO/WHO Codex Ailmentarius (Codex); • initiating and participating in various collaborative projects in food fraud, food supply intelligence and technology development, and the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program; • facilitating the communication channels with our members and industry by FSC’s website, flyers, PolyU food safety eNewsletter and social media such as Linkedin to promote advancing food safety and quality with informative content; and • organizing various other activities and outreaching globally to foster exchanges among the industry, academia, government, and other food safety stakeholders. While the Affiliate Communication Award is a significant recognition of FSC’s effort in promoting and developing science and technology as the foundation of advancing food safety and quality, PolyU will continue to be a key driver propelling most cutting-edge food safety and food technologies to benefit the global community.

World Food Safety Day - Food Safety, Everyone’s Business

Dr. Terence Lau, Convener of Food Safety Consortium (FSC) and Director of Innovation and Technology Development of PolyU was invited to share his view in the inaugural World Food Safety Day on the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration and academia’s role on technology innovation to tackle emerging food safety challenges. His views were echoed by Mr. Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Mr. Guilherme da Costa, Chairman of CODEX Ailmentarius Commission. FSC, as the only participant from Hong Kong, will make every effort to support this initiative by the WHO. The World Food Safety Day (WFSD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and first launched on 7 June 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), was pleased to facilitate Member States’ effort to celebrate the World Food Safety Day which debuts in 2019 and will be celebrated for the years to come. “Access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health.  Foodborne diseases impede socio-economic development by straining healthcare systems and harming national economies, tourism and trade.  With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne diseases annually - almost 1 in 10 people in the world fall ill after eating contaminated - food safety is an increasing threat to human health.  Children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden with 125 000 deaths every year. Food safety is key to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals and is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers.  Everybody has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and will not cause damages to our health.  Through the World Food Safety Day, WHO pursues its efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of foodborne diseases globally.” -          WHO, Celebration of World Food Safety Day  For more information about WFSD, please click here.  Watch the launch event of WFSD here.

PolyU wins two global innovation awards at TechConnect 2019

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) won two "Global Innovation Awards" at TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo 2019 (TechConnect) staged in the United States. It is the third year in a row that PolyU research teams snatched the awards in the world's largest multi-sector event for fostering development and commercialisation of innovations. The PolyU awardees at TechConnect 2019 are: Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (3rd from right) and Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing (2nd from right) The two PolyU winning innovations are: "New Antibiotic Drug Candidates" invented by Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU, and Dr Xiao YANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Using computer-aided approaches in drug discovery, the interdisciplinary research team discovered small molecules with high potential to be developed into novel antimicrobial agents fighting against the superbugs. Based on a new target, new chemical structure and new mechanism different from the existing antibiotics, these compounds demonstrated great effect of inhibiting bacterial growth, yet with no toxicity to human cells. They are now approaching the pre-clinical development stage. New antimicrobial resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening human health. These novel drug candidates could potentially be strong complements to the current antibiotics for treating infectious diseases. Dr Cong MA, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, PolyU (right), and Dr Xiao YANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, introduce the new drug candidate they research on   "Seeded Sonochemical Coatings" by Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU Currently known techniques for coating/incorporating inorganic metal oxide layers on fabrics require high temperature, low pressure and specialised gaseous environments. Output materials also often face leaching issues, which degrade the original function (e.g. UV protection etc.).The innovative seeded-sonochemical deposition method, however, utilises the small seeding layers to direct a more durable overcoating for inorganic metal oxide layer. Processed in room temperature environment, pure products can be developed at high quality in a cheaper, faster and more efficient manner. The research findings can be applied to different areas such as functional clothing and glazing. Dr Nuruzzaman NOOR, Research Assistant Professor, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU, at TechConnect 2019. Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said, "These awards not only recognise the efforts of our researchers in conducting impactful research, but also affirms PolyU's endeavours in developing and translating our technologies into practical applications with intrinsic value for the benefit of the global community." There are over 600 submissions at TechConnect each year, from global top tier universities and national laboratories such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sandia National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory and EPFL-LPAC etc. The Innovation Awards go to the top 15% technologies submitted. This year, 30 global awards were presented for non-US-federal-funded innovations across the world, while another 59 national awards were granted to innovations with US federal funding. The PolyU delegation showcased 21 technologies this year, two of them received global innovation awards at the event held in Boston on 17-19 June. Besides attending various exchange sessions, the delegation also explored product development and co-operation opportunities with industry end-users, multi-national companies and academic institutions for applying the innovations for the benefits of the world. Over the years, the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo has connected top applied research and early-stage innovations from universities, laboratories, and start-ups with industry end-users and prospectors.   ***** For details, please refer to TechConnect 2019 official website. To view the snapshots, please click here.

PolyU signs a collaborative agreement with top textile university in Southern China to promote green and healthy textiles

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today announced the signing of a collaborative framework agreement with Wuyi University (WYU). The two universities will join hands for research on the development of green and healthy textile materials over a span of three years. The collaboration marks an important milestone of joint R&D effort between Hong Kong and Jiangmen – two major cities in the Greater Bay Area. As one of the world's largest textile and garment production and consumption regions, the Mainland's growing demand for "green and healthy" textile has created a huge market potential for antibacterial and mildew resistant textiles. The collaboration aims to facilitate the experts from the two universities to innovate dyeing and finishing technologies for fabrics so as to address the health and environmental concerns associated with man-made fibers and their chemical processes. As textiles are good substrates for exponential bacterial growth and microbial proliferation under appropriate moisture, nutrients, and temperature conditions, the research will also study the ingredients and methodologies to enhance the antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal performances in textiles. The two parties, represented by Ir Prof. Alex Wai, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU  (left), and Prof. Zhang Kun, Party Committee Secretary of Wuyi University,  exchange the signed copies of the collaborative agreement. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development) of PolyU, said "PolyU has proven records in translating impactful research results into applicable technologies and solutions to benefit the society and humankind. Leveraging our research strengths in textile technology for smart materials, textile-based wearable electronics and biomedical textiles, we believe the collaboration will bring further success in developing next generation "green and healthy" fabrics. We are very pleased to collaborate with universities in the Greater Bay Area such as WYU. Such cooperation platforms will accelerate innovation, new technology development and commercial applications of R&D in the region." The collaborative agreement is signed by Prof. John H. Xin of PolyU (front left) and  Prof. Yu Hui of WYU (front right). Prof. ZHANG Kun, Party Committee Secretary of WYU, thanked PolyU for kick-starting the collaboration in textile research. He hoped this is just the beginning and the cooperation could be extended to other disciplines between the two universities. The signing ceremony was attended by Ir Prof. Alex WAI, Vice President (Research Development); Prof. K.Y. WONG, Associate Vice President (Research Support); and Prof. John H. XIN, Chair Prof. of Textile Chemistry and Lee Family Professor in Fashion and Textiles from PolyU; as well as Prof. ZHANG Kun, Party Committee Secretary; Mr NG Wing Chi, Council Chairman; and Professor YU Hui, Dean of School of Textile Materials and Engineering from WYU. To view the snapshots, please click here.

2019 BIO International Convention & Study Mission

2019 BIO International Convention (BIO 2019) – June 3-6, Philadelphia, PA & Side Mission – 30 May – 3 June, Los Angeles and Philadelphia BIO is the largest, most influential biotech meeting in the world with an average of over 1800 exhibitors and 15,500+ top tier biotech executives from 69 countries. Why BIO We were able to showcase, in our previous participations, PolyU’s research excellence and establish valuable connections with leading scientific and industrial partners, such as Harvard School of Public Health, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Illumina, Wyss Institute, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, The Scripps Research Institute, Gladstone Institute, etc.   Financial Support – Limited, First-come-first-served ITDO is able to offer financial support to interested PolyU faculty members e.g. flight ticket and accommodation within event period, biotech mission participation fee. ITDO Support to Your Participation ITDO will continue to promote our research capabilities at BIO 2019, through   1.      Preparing your technology leaflet - Please fill out the Collaborative Opportunities Exploration Form and return to us by April 12, 2019. 2.      Exhibiting and promoting your research at the Hong Kong Pavilion. 3.      Coordinating participation in the biotech mission to introduce our research capabilities (please click here for tentative program), and 4.      Scheduling one-on-one partnering meetings with potential collaborators. More Information and Contact If you are interested in participating, please contact Ms. Nelly Lam, Senior Manager, ITDO (Email: nelly.lam@polyu.edu.hk, Tel: +852 3400 2819) preferably by April 10 so that we could work with you on how to best prepare for the event. More information about BIO 2019 - check out https://convention.bio.org/2019/ and the BIO 2018 Event Summary. To learn more about ITDO’s Life Science & Biotechnology Collaborative Platforms, please click here.

PolyU ranked eighth in field-weighted citation impact of AI research

According to a study on the citation impact of research papers in the area of artificial intelligence (AI), PolyU is ranked number eight, the highest ranking among Hong Kong universities by field-weighted citation impact among the global universities under this study. And the top three are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. In terms of field-weighted citation impact by region, Hong Kong was on the top three, with a citation impact score of 2.00 although it produced fewer than 2,500 publications on AI over the time frame. This study is held by Times Higher Education and supported by Elsevier’s Scopus database. AI is one of the emerging areas for the education and research development of PolyU which has established various research collaboration platforms and has been carrying out many projects in this advanced technology. For instance, PolyU - Alibaba Cloud on Artificial Intelligence Collaboration particularly in smart cities and smart healthcare, PolyU - Royal College of Art to set up AI powered Design Laboratory, PolyU's funded projects in Alibaba Innovative Research Program, AI-powered system in textile industry, etc. Institution  Country  Publications  Field-Weighted Citation Impact   Massachusetts Institute of Technology  United States  1,011  3.57  Carnegie Mellon University  United States  1,311  2.53  Nanyang Technological University  Singapore  1,197  2.51  University of Granada  Spain  587  2.46  University of Southern California  United States  627  2.35  Technical University of Munich  Germany  656  2.27  Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences  China  588  2.26  Hong Kong Polytechnic University  Hong Kong  602 2.20   National University of Singapore  Singapore  807  2.14  Chinese University of Hong Kong  Hong Kong  530  2.09 Source: Elsevier/Scopus Source of article: Times Higher Education (THE), May 2017