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PolyU-Wuxi Technology and Innovation Research Institute officially inaugurated, driving collaboration and advancements in innovation and technology industry

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Young PolyU scientist lauded in MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific 2023

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Assistant Professor Dr Kathy K. LENG from the Department of Applied Physics, has been named by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review as one of the “Innovators Under 35” (TR35) in the Asia Pacific region in 2023. This prestigious recognition highlights Dr Leng’s outstanding achievements and advancements in science and technology innovation. Dr Leng is actively engaged in research focused on discovering new physics in the emerging field of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites. She has developed a set of nanotechnology tools and methods for investigating these materials at the molecular level and harnessing their potential for multifunctional smart device applications. Currently, her team is focusing on the large-scale growth of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskite films and exploring their novel spintronic device applications. She is the first scholar to observe the atomic structure of molecularly thin hybrid perovskites and correlate it to their optoelectronic properties. She discovered that very thin perovskites undergo structural relaxation, resulting in changes to their optical properties, which can be reversibly controlled by light or strain. This breakthrough has enabled her to fabricate the first monolayer perovskite photodetector that converts light to electricity with very high efficiency. The capability to tune the optoelectronic properties of these materials through external stimuli enables applications in intelligent and multifunctional devices. This research outcome will play a significant role in advancing the field of flexible optoelectronics and fundamental physics in the future. Dr Leng said, “Throughout my research journey, I have been inspired and encouraged by my peers and senior colleagues. Some of them have served as my mentor and role model, while others have collaborated with me and provided advice. Being part of this supportive and collaborative research network gives me much inspiration and encouragement. Recognition through impactful publications, grants, and conference presentations also spurs me on to work harder.” Based on her niche area of molecularly thin 2D hybrid perovskites, Dr Leng has recently received several awards in recognition for her outstanding achievements, including the Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) from the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2023. She was also the recipient of a Young Innovative Researcher Award 2023 from PolyU. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, said, “PolyU has consistently dedicated itself to nurturing exceptional young scientists, providing ample resources to cultivate a vibrant environment for innovation and technology, and advocating for groundbreaking research. We take great pride in honouring PolyU’s talented scholars as they shine globally through their remarkable scientific research capabilities and impactful contributions.” MIT Technology Review identifies the TR35 annually from diverse technical fields, including biotechnology and medicine, energy and material, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and telecommunications, and intelligent manufacturing. This recognition is given to 35 top-notch young innovators who have demonstrated significant impact, leading capabilities, and ground-breaking achievements in their respective research areas.

PolyU develops first-of-its-kind multimodal robot empowering post-stroke ankle-foot telerehabilitation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved another breakthrough in rehabilitation device development. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is the first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation specifically designed for stroke patients with hemiplegia, which helps improve the motor function of their lower limb and walking ability. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the device enables telerehabilitation for remote management of patients’ rehabilitation progress and allows them to undertake self-help rehabilitation exercises at home. Therapists can remotely monitor the rehabilitation progress of multiple patients. In recent years, Hong Kong has seen around 50,000 new cases of stroke annually, with 85% of patients experiencing varying degrees of impaired physical mobility. Regular, repeated and intensive rehabilitation training is critical for restoring the physical mobility of stroke patients, thereby alleviating post-stroke symptoms such as disability. However, due to overwhelming demand, access to daytime outpatient rehabilitation services in local hospitals and rehabilitation clinics is challenging. Consequently, stroke patients are often unable to undergo timely and routine rehabilitation exercises. Common functional impairments among stroke patients include foot drop and inversion, which significantly disrupt their daily lives. Developed by a research team led by Dr Hu Xiaoling, Associate Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PolyU, the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is an innovative multimodal wearable robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation that integrates the advantages of exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscles, tactile sensory feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation technology in one system. The device can not only correct foot drop and foot inversion effectively, but also improve the gait of stroke patients. Additionally, it can help improve balance while walking and contribute to rehabilitative neuroplasticity in the long term. Stroke patients with hemiplegia generally have weakened muscle strength and discoordination at their affected lower limb, especially in the foot and ankle. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton can automatically detect patients’ gait events including the standing state, heel strike, heel off and toe off. The multimodal assistance from the device can help a patient stand firm on their affected foot with mechanical support from the exoskeleton and soft pneumatic muscles, learn to balance the plantar pressure and exert propelling force when walking with the vibration tactile feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and improve foot drop with the neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton features a lightweight design weighing about 400g which, together with its sportswear features, makes it more suitable for the hemiplegic patients to wear it unilaterally on their own. This device also has the advantage of low power consumption and can be used continuously for four hours with a 9V rechargeable battery, enabling patients to practice anytime, anywhere – at home, outdoors, or indoors. Other exoskeleton lower-limb robots available on the market, which rely solely on external force to assist patients in walking, they are of very limited value in improving ankle joint and muscle coordination for stroke patients with hemiplegia. These robots are also limited to use in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics due to their high weight and power consumption. As for conventional ankle-foot orthoses, these are prone to causing muscle atrophy and interference to patients regaining voluntary motor control over the ankle of the affected leg. Dr Hu stated, “Combining the research capabilities of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Industrial Centre, School of Fashion and Textiles and Department of Computing, the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton is a testament to PolyU’s exceptional strength in interdisciplinary research. This research achievement provides stroke patients a better option for lower limb rehabilitation training, incorporating the training into their daily activities. It also enables therapists to provide tele-supervision of the rehabilitation progress of multiple patients. We hope such flexible self-help training can effectively supplement traditional outpatient rehabilitation services, helping stroke patients achieve more efficient rehabilitation progress.” Dr Hu’s research team is collaborating with several local and Mainland hospitals and rehabilitation clinics to conduct clinical studies on the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton. Research studies have confirmed that rehabilitation training for stroke patients using the device is 40% more effective for stroke rehabilitation than applying external mechanical forces alone. Among the 12 patients participating in the clinical studies who completed a 1.5-month training programme consisting of 20 one-and-a-half-hour sessions, ankle dorsiflexion improved from an initial five degrees to 10 degrees without equipment assistance, approaching the normal level of 15 degrees. In addition, more than 90% of the patients successfully corrected their foot inversion. The research team also utilised IoT technology to record patients’ rehabilitation progress via a mobile app. This approach, incorporating functions such as real-time monitoring and progressive evaluation, as well as personalised guidance and reminders, enables patients to effectively engage in rehabilitation training even without the physical presence of a therapist, thereby improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes. The rehabilitation progresses of multiple patients can be matched to each other via the app for fostering mutual support and companionship throughout their training journey. It also enables therapists to provide remote monitoring and supervision on the progress of multiple patients, ensuring that rehabilitation proceeds smoothly. Dr Hu’s research team plans to commercialise the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton next year. In 2021, she co-founded the startup Thecon Technology (HK) Limited, which has been supported by the Incu-Bio Programme of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. Last year, the startup successfully launched a mobile exoneuromusculoskeleton for upper limb rehabilitation, the “Mobilexo Arm”, onto the market. This product has been adopted by a number of local and Mainland hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.

PolyU and Rhein-Koester to set up joint lab on intelligent manufacturing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Rhein-Koester have agreed to launch the "PolyU-Rhein-Koester Joint Laboratory Project on Intelligent Manufacturing" during the signing ceremony of the 2nd Shandong-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Fair. Dr Zheng Pai, Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at PolyU and Mr Cui Zhi, the General Manager of Rhein-Koester, attended the signing ceremony as representatives. PolyU is an innovative, world-class university that has excelled in professional education and applied research, consistently striving to promote technological innovation and knowledge transfer. Rhein-Koester is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to digital factory, technology transfer, and cultivating professional technical talents in the field of intelligent manufacturing in China and Germany. Through the joint laboratory, both parties will leverage their expertise and advantages to focus on technological research and development in digitalised intelligent production and human-machine collaborative manufacturing systems. They will also establish a training centre and jointly develop a talent cultivation system targeting the future industry, aiming to achieve a deep integration of industry and education.  

PolyU and Hefei Luyang People’s Government to establish joint technology and innovation research institute

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hefei Luyang People’s Government have reached an agreement to jointly establish the PolyU-Hefei Technology and Innovation Research Institute (the Research Institute), with the aim of fostering in-depth and effective collaboration in industry, academia and research and cultivating talents. The establishment of the Research Institute contributes to enhancing and facilitating research development, academic exchange, nurturing of talent and knowledge transfer in various fields, including biomedical and sensing precision technology, and aerospace information. By leveraging the research and academic excellence of PolyU, these collaborations support the development of a top-notch innovation platform in Hefei. Hefei is one of the national core areas for comprehensive technological innovation development. It has the first batch of national laboratories and is one of the cities with the most large-scale scientific facilities in the Mainland. The cooperation will also focus on creating a sustainable incubator for start-ups, driving innovation in emerging industries, developing key core technologies, and promoting their application based on the needs of Hefei’s economic development. The agreement was signed in Heifei city on 25 October in Hefei city by Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr SHI Kun, Executive Vice-Head of the Luyang District Government. The signing was witnessed by Prof. DONG Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Wu, Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of PolyU; Prof. NI Yiqing, Director of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre (Hong Kong Branch) of PolyU; Mr GAO Qiang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Luyang District Committee; Mr ZHU Huajun, Director of the Luyang District Party Committee Office; and Mr SHEN Bin, Director of the Administrative Committee of Luyang Economic and Development Zone. Prof. Christopher Chao, said, “PolyU is a research-oriented university known for its innovation and unique strengths in fundamental research and technology innovation. By partnering with Hefei to establish the Research Institute, we will actively engage in diverse projects encompassing technological research and development, entrepreneurial incubation, and talent cultivation. Our aim is to make valuable contributions to the advancement of cutting-edge industries in the country, while staying at the forefront of global technology.” Mr Gao Qiang, said, “PolyU is a world-renowned comprehensive research university, consistently ranking among the top 100 in global university rankings for its educational and research excellence. Luyang District serves as an important carrier for Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center and has been included in the top 100 regions in terms of comprehensive strength for five consecutive terms. The successful establishment of the Research Institute reflects the strategic vision of both parties and will undoubtedly create a bright development prospect in the future. It will also help Luyang to reach to new heights in technology.” During this trip, the delegation also visited local universities and research institutes, as well as relevant industrial chain enterprises in Luyang District, to conduct in-depth exchanges and explore opportunities for university, industry, and government collaboration.

PolyU and HKMA sign MoU to establish CBDC Expert Group

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with four other local universities, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert Group to support the HKMA’s exploration of key policy and technical issues surrounding CBDC. The MoU signifies a strategic partnership aimed at fostering collaboration and gathering expert insights from technical, analytical and academic perspectives on various topics related to CBDC. The establishment of the Expert Group demonstrates mutual recognition of the pivotal role played by financial technology (fintech) and CBDC in Hong Kong’s development landscape. This collaboration aims to promote interdisciplinary discussion on CBDC and address pertinent fintech issues, thus contributing to Hong Kong’s continued success in maintaining its status as an international financial centre. Prof. H.C. MAN, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of PolyU and Mr Colin POU, Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of HKMA signed the MoU, witnessed by PolyU representatives including Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation Office; Prof. Qing LI, Head of the Department of Computing; Prof. Allen Man Ho AU, Professor of the Department of Computing, and Prof. Daniel Xiapu LUO, Professor of the Department of Computing. Prof. Man endorsed the formation of the CBDC Expert Group, stating that, “Our faculty is committed to advancing fintech and CBDC research and development in Hong Kong through promoting innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange.” As part of this initiative, PolyU and HKMA will collaborate closely on a range of topics related to CBDC, leveraging their respective expertise and resources. The CBDC Expert Group, which includes Prof. Au and Prof. Luo as founding members, will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions in CBDC and other emerging fintech areas. Prof. Li said, “Our expertise in influential research and innovation has primed our department in shaping the future of CBDC as a focal point in the field of finance.” Prof. Au and Prof. Luo expressed their excitement about joining the CBDC Expert Group, saying “We strive to conduct pioneering research that instils public trust in CBDC by tackling privacy and security challenges, reinforcing our commitment to an advanced financial system.”

208 PolyU scholars ranked among world’s top 2% most-cited scientists

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) now has 208 scholars ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in the newly released metrics compiled by Stanford University, surpassing last year’s record of 201 scholars, based on career-long impact. PolyU stands out globally with the largest representation of top scholars in the fields of Building and Construction (19 scholars) and Civil Engineering (13). It also demonstrates the strongest research performance in Hong Kong with the largest representation of top scholars in six specific fields. In addition to Building and Construction and Civil Engineering, it leads locally with the most top scholars in Energy (14), Operations Research (9), Optoelectronics and Photonics (9) and Nursing (7). Remarkably, four PolyU academics are placed within the top 10 scholars worldwide in their respective fields, while six scholars are ranked among the top 20. This is the highest number among universities in Hong Kong. The scholars were named in the latest release of the Stanford University-led compilation of citation indicators covering over 100,000 top scientists. They were grouped into 22 subject fields and 174 sub-fields using indicators including information on citations, individual’s scientific research output, co-authorship and a composite indicator for career-long citation impact up to the end of 2022. The inclusion of a large number of PolyU academics in the list is a testament to the University’s aspiration to become an innovative world-class university and its commitment to translate research excellence into positive societal impact on various fronts.

PolyU and Wuhan city to drive the development of joint research institute

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Propelling Biomaterial Innovations for Advanced Cell Therapy

At the heart of biomaterials research lies the pursuit of enhancing human well-being.  Translational regenerative medicine is a dynamic and rapidly advancing field that requires multi-disciplinary research approaches to develop innovative clinical solutions, therapies, and devices to improve human health and well-being. Dr Xin ZHAO, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Associate Professor in Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is at the forefront of this field.  Dr ZHAO's research interests involve the integration of multidisciplinary approaches, combining various fields such as material science, cell biology, engineering and medicine. The focus of her studies is on modulating cell microenvironments, manipulating cell behaviours and advancing tissue-engineered organ development. To synthesise patient-oriented biomaterials with unique structures and properties, her research team actively investigates how cells sense, interact and develop with biomaterials to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues.  Dr ZHAO said, “I begin by conducting a comprehensive study of the needs and developing a fundamental understanding of the clinical problem. I then design biomaterials with tailored features and structures to provide effective solutions.”  Specifically, photocrosslinkable polymers play a pivotal role in the research. They have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their mild polymerization conditions, highly tunable physical properties, excellent biocompatibility and precise spatiotemporal control. These polymers offer immense potential for replacing or regenerating diseased or damaged tissues, such as skin and bone. In her research journey, Dr Zhao endeavours to develop and advance the revolutionary application potential of these materials for tissue engineering.   Uncovering practical uniqueness  Dr ZHAO’s discovery of the Photocrosslinkable Gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel offers a breakthrough solution in epidermal tissue engineering, which exceeds the conventional limitations of collagen- or gelatin-based hydrogels. Due to its tunable mechanical, degradation, and biological properties, GelMA hydrogel emerges as a promising option for various applications, such as epidermal substitutes, wound dressings, or substrates, to construct various in vitro skin models.  The research “Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogel for Epidermal Tissue Engineering” was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, and has garnered widespread citations.1  The ability of cells to attach, spread and grow on hydrogels is fundamentally important to tissue development. Photocrosslinkable GelMA hydrogel with tunable mechanical and degradation features ideally makes it suited for skin-tissue engineering scaffolds. By varying the concentration of GelMA prepolymer solution, the physical and biological properties of the resulting hydrogels could be adequately controlled to meet the requirement for epidermis formation.  Hydrogels of higher concentrations display improved material mechanical and degradation properties for cell adhesion and keratinocyte monolayer formation. Also, GelMA hydrogels support the formation of a stratified epidermis with certain barrier functions such as electrical resistance and prevention of water loss.    Persistent pursuit of novel approaches Dr ZHAO and her research team have showcased the exceptional processability of photocrosslinkable polymers, rendering them inherently compatible with a diverse range of biomanufacturing technologies. Their groundbreaking work has unveiled a multitude of new possibilities in this field.  Stem cell transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for various injuries ranging from bone fractures to bone cancers and for other disorders. Very often, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are used for bone regeneration due to their osteogenic differentiation potential. In this research area, Dr ZHAO presents a strategy of microfluidics-assisted technology encapsulating BMSCs and growth factors in photocrosslinkable GelMA microspheres to ultimately generate injectable osteogenic tissues constructs.  The findings were published in Advanced Functional Materials, titled “Injectable Stem Cell-Laden Photocrosslinkable Microspheres Fabricated Using Microfluidics for Rapid Generation of Osteogenic Tissue Constructs”. The research demonstrated that the GelMA microspheres can sustain stem cell viability and proliferation, support cell spreading inside the microspheres, and facilitate migration from the interior to the surface.2 In vitro and in vivo studies showed that BMSCs encapsulated GelMA microspheres exhibit enhanced osteogenesis. This approach holds promise for facilitating bone regeneration with minimum invasiveness and can potentially be combined with other matrices for broader applications.  Putting patients at the centre “Scientific research is a highly dynamic field that demands continuous innovation. It allows us to delve into fascinating new phenomena and discover unexplored realms that undoubtedly broaden our horizons,” said Dr ZHAO.  Large-scale bone defects caused by injuries, diseases, or trauma impose significant challenges in orthopaedic surgery due to the limited capacity of damaged bone tissues for self-repair and complete remodelling. Dr ZHAO has persistently investigated a new approach to advance therapeutic development in this area. In particular, for 3D printing, it shows great potential in the rapid and accurate fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffolds to the patients’ needs.  Dr ZHAO’s team envisions the novel photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink as an ideal candidate for 3D printing bone grafts. The research “Photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink for printing strong, biodegradable and bioactive bone graft” was published in Biomaterials and has received significant attention.3 Compared with commonly used polymer or composite inks, the proposed material holds great promise in the 3D printing of bone grafts tailored to meet the specific needs of patients. This is attributed to its suitable rheological characteristics, rapid photocrosslinking solidification, adequate mechanical strength and toughness, tunable degradation rate and excellent bioactivity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the printed nanocomposite scaffolds.  Dr ZHAO said, “I believe that accumulating numerous citations is a cherished goal for every researcher. By making a high impact with research, it inspires further exploration and expands the functionality and applications of the developed materials. These collective efforts foster the development of superior materials and innovative solutions to clinical challenges.” Research Interests: Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, Cell Micro-environment, Microfluidics Highly Cited Researcher: 2022 (Clarivate Analytics) Selected Highly Cited Publications: X. Zhao, Q. Lang, L. Yildirimer, Z. Lin, et.al., Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogel for Epidermal Tissue Engineering, Advanced Healthcare Mater, vol 5, Jan 2016 X. Zhao, S. Liu, L. Yildirimer, H. Zhao, et.al., Injectable Stem Cell-Laden Photocrosslinkable Microspheres Fabricated Using Microfluidics for Rapid Generation of Osteogenic Tissue Constructs, Advanced Function Mater, vol 26, May 2016 X. Zhao, Y. Yang, Q. Zhang, T. Xu, et.al., Photocrosslinkable nanocomposite ink for printing strong, biodegradable and bioactive bone graft, Biomaterials, vol 263, Dec 2020 Download Version

Media interview: Prof. Zuankai WANG Award-winning breakthroughs contribute groundbreaking discoveries for the world

Professor Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has made groundbreaking discoveries for the world. His research on inhibiting the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C for sustained thermal cooling tackles the longstanding challenges posed by the Leidenfrost effect since 1756. He shared his remarkable discovery which has enabled the development of new materials that reduce the contact time between drops and surfaces, leading to revolutionary advancements in scientific knowledge and practical applications, in an interview with Hong Kong Commercial Daily. Please click here for details. For more about Prof Wang's research: Drawing inspiration from nature to advance established scientific knowledge PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023