Campus Digest

HKBU research projects clinch awards at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions

13 Apr 2022

{{currentSlide}} / 2
The skin whitening and anti-ageing skincare products developed by the research team led by Professor Zhang Hongjie (middle), Director and Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the SCM, received the Silver Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2022.
The phytonutrient-based remedial fluid for the management of scars developed by Dr Tsang Siu-wai (right), former Research Assistant Professor of the SCM, and Dr Tsang Nga-yi (left), Post-Doctoral Research Fellow of the SCM, received the Silver Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2022.

Two research projects conducted by HKBU research teams clinched Silver Medals at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2022.

 

HKBU aspires to be a leading research-led liberal arts university in Asia, combining quality whole-person education with impactful research to serve society. The University was recognised at this year’s Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions for its innovative and impactful research projects.

 

The two award-winning projects are:

 

  • Skin whitening and anti-ageing skincare products from the research team led by Professor Zhang Hongjie, Director and Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM)

 

Excessive exposure to sunlight not only darkens our skin, but its UV irradiation also generates harmful substances including free radicals that damage our skin, and exposure can even lead to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The research team has discovered a specific class of natural compounds in the Dendrobium plants used in Chinese herbal medicine. It can achieve skin whitening and protection as well as anti-ageing effects by inhibiting the formation of melanin and eliminating harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species.

 

The team has produced skincare products based on their investigations and put the products on the market. Patents have been granted in Singapore, Malaysia, China, the US and Taiwan.

 

  • Phytonutrient-based remedial fluid for the management of scars from the research team led by Dr Tsang Siu-wai, former Research Assistant Professor of SCM

 

Hypertrophic and keloidal scars occur due to damage to the dermal tissue upon skin injury. The award-winning scar remedial fluid contains small molecules of flavanol glycosides extracted from ferns, which help improve the appearance of elevated scars by suppressing the activated myofibroblasts in the skin.

 

The majority of similar products that are currently available on the market contain silicone as their main ingredient to smooth down scars. The phytonutrient-based remedial fluid developed by HKBU is natural and non-irritating. It is suitable for use by people who are allergic to silicone. Patents have been granted in Hong Kong, China and the US.

 

The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions is a signature global annual event devoted exclusively to inventions. This year’s competition was held online in March. Around 800 inventions from 25 countries were evaluated on virtual platforms by a panel of professional judges.