Press Release

HKBU scholars' innovations recognised at Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions

Saturday, 29 April 2023

Innovative research projects conducted by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) researchers shone at the 2023 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions held from 26 to 30 April, receiving four prizes including three Gold Medals and one Silver Medal.

Aspiring to be a leading, research-led, liberal arts university in Asia, HKBU is committed to conducting world-leading investigations that extend the frontiers of knowledge, tackle global challenges and benefit the community at home and abroad. HKBU’s award-winning projects reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to conducting innovative and impactful research to improve human wellbeing.

The award winning HKBU research projects are:

Gold Medal

  • “Multi-mode photodetectors and methods of fabricating the same” by Professor Zhu Furong of the Department of Physics

The multi-mode photodetector (PD) responds in near infrared (NIR) and visible light ranges, generating either NIR or visible light photocurrents. The bias-switchable spectral response PD can obtain quality information via photocurrents, and it offers an attractive quality control option for applications in environmental pollution, bio, medical, agricultural, automotive, fishery, food, wellness and security monitoring, detection and imaging.  Please click here for more details about the research.

  • “Bladder Cancer Photodynamic Therapeutic Agents with Off-On Magnetic Resonance Imaging Enhancement” by Professor Wong Ka-leung of the Department of Chemistry

The invention shows both impressive photodynamic therapy effects (PDT) and robust in vivo MRI signal enhancement, which enables precise diagnosis and local staging evaluation of bladder cancer. With the presence of targeting peptides and the “off-on” responsive MRI signal enhancement, the invention features a significant binding specificity and provides theranostic effects on site.

  •  “A rapid and sample-to-answer AST microfluidic system applicable in resource-limited conditions” by Dr Ren Kangning of the Department of Chemistry

The rapid and sample-to-answer antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) microfluidic system, which addresses antimicrobial resistance, is applicable in resource-limited conditions, such as low-income countries that lack expensive instruments. The new technology can provide information about any drug-resistant pathogens present in samples by simply using a cell phone, enabling a quick screening of samples via onsite testing within three hours. Please click here for more details about the research.

Silver Medal

  •  “An aptamer drug targeting sclerostin loop3 for bone anabolic therapy without increasing cardiovascular risk” by Dr Yu Yuanyuan of the School of Chinese Medicine

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease which leads to a reduction in bone density. The research team designed a specific aptamer targeting sclerostin loop3 as a treatment for osteoporosis, and it effectively inhibits sclerostin’s antagonistic effects, thus promoting bone formation in osteoporotic animal models. It did not increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Please click here for more details about the research.

The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions is a signature annual global event devoted exclusively to inventions. More than 1,000 inventions (online & on-site) from more than 40 countries or regions were evaluated by a panel of professional judges.

 

 

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Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (middle) visits HKBU’s booth at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.
HKBU researchers received four prizes including three Gold Medals and one Silver Medal at the 2023 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
Professor Zhu Furong’s “Multi-mode photodetectors and methods of fabricating the same” project was awarded a Gold Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
The “Bladder Cancer Photodynamic Therapeutic Agents with Off-On Magnetic Resonance Imaging Enhancement” project led by Professor Wong Ka-Leung was awarded a Gold Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
Dr Ren Kangning’s “A rapid and sample-to-answer AST microfluidic system applicable in resource-limited conditions” project won a Gold Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.
“An aptamer drug targeting sclerostin loop3 for bone anabolic therapy without increasing cardiovascular risk” project led by Dr Yu Yuanyuan (left) won a Silver Medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.