HONG KONG, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The fruitful translation of innovative research projects undertaken by scholars at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) took centre stage at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva held from 9 to 13 April, capturing a total of nine awards including two Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, three Gold Medals, three Silver Medals and one Bronze Medal.
The award-winning HKBU research projects are:
Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury
-- A novel herbal formulation (CDD-2103) for remission maintenance of
ulcerative colitis by Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/BZXIANG], Associate
Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Director of the Centre
for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development (CDD); Professor Tan
Hor-yue [https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/HYHTAN], Assistant
Professor of CDDDeveloped based on a traditional Chinese medicine
formulation comprising nine Chinese herbal medicines including
Codonopsis Radix (dang shen) and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma (jiang huang),
CDD-2103 is applicable for remission maintenance in ulcerative colitis
patients. Precisely balancing the combination of herbal ingredients,
this new formulation was authorised by the National Medical Products
Administration last year for clinical trial.
-- A method to produce an unusual monoterpenoid by Professor Liao Pan
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/PANLIAO], Assistant Professor
of the Department of BiologyThis invention provides a cost-effective
method for producing an unusual monoterpene compound commonly used in
the perfume and fragrance industry. The method is expected to be less
expensive than traditional approaches and more environmental-friendly.
Gold Medal
-- Advanced catalysts and catalytic systems for green hydrogen production
from biomass waste by Professor Zhao Jun
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/ZHAOJUN], Associate Professor
of the Department of BiologyAn advanced catalytic system that converts
wet and dry waste such as food waste, wastepaper and yard waste into
hydrogen, offering high efficiency, low operating costs and energy
savings. It can operate in conditions with low temperature and pressure.
Theoretically it is capable of achieving up to a maximum of 88% hydrogen
output from biomass waste, which offers a sustainable yet economical
alternative to traditional hydrogen production. The system secured a
gold medal at the 15th International Invention Fair in the Middle East
held in Kuwait in February this year.
-- Broad absorption spectrum for sunscreen compounds and its applications
by Professor Jill Chiu
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/JILLCHIU], Associate Professor
of the Department of Biology; and Dr Jenny Ng, Research Associate of the
Department of BiologyThis advanced sunscreen technology utilises
patented, FDA-approved compounds to provide broad-spectrum protection
covering UVA, UVB, near-UV, and visible light spectra, which is a wider
coverage than traditional sunscreens. By immobilising UV filters, these
compounds eliminate the endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic risks
associated with chemical sunscreens while preventing skin absorption.
-- Production of chitin using green and recyclable ionic liquid by
Professor Matthew Lui
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/MATTHEW-LUI], Assistant
Professor of the Department of ChemistryThis innovative project
introduces an eco-friendly, recyclable ionic extractant for isolating
high-quality chitin from crustacean shells, which allows the production
of purer, high quality chitin for uses in healthcare and food packaging.
This method reduces chemical use and waste, enhancing the efficiency of
chitin production for various industries.
Silver Medal
-- Novel Chinese medicine formulation (CDD-2101) for constipation by
Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/BZXIANG], Associate
Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Director of CDD;
Professor Zhai Lixiang
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/lixiang-zhai-6], Assistant
Professor of CDDDNA fingerprinting, spectroscopic and chromatographic
methods were employed to characterise and standardise the
pharmacologically active constituents of the traditional Chinese herbal
formulation "MaZiRenWan". CDD-2101 has demonstrated improved bowel
movements in several randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical trials in Hong Kong. In 2023, the drug was authorised by the US
FDA to conduct a clinical trial. It is the first time that a new
botanical drug developed in Hong Kong has obtained the authorisation to
conduct a clinical trial in the US and the phase I study was completed
in 2024.
-- Water misting system for enhancing bathing experience for wheelchair
users by Professor Anna Qin
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/ANNAQIN], Assistant Professor
of the Academy of Visual ArtsThe revolutionary, portable water misting
system generates two types of intersecting water mists: a fine, even
mist and a more concentrated, powerful mist. This allows users to
effectively cleanse themselves in a temperature-controlled environment
while significantly reducing water consumption compared to traditional
showers. The system features voice control and pre-programmed settings,
enabling users to operate and control the mist independently without
assistance.Its zero-installation, wireless design offers flexibility and
adaptability to various bathroom environments, promoting safer and more
independent bathing for people with mobility limitations.
-- Intellectual property (IP) protection solution for 3D assets
"Guardian3D" by Professor Wan Renjie
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/RENJIEWAN], Assistant Professor
of the Department of Computer Science"Guardian3D" is an innovative IP
protection solution for 3D assets, using encryption, and dynamic
watermarking to prevent unauthorised access and duplication. By
embedding invisible, traceable watermarks directly into 3D models, it
enables verifiable ownership and accountability even if the asset is
modified. This IP protection solution offers comprehensive analytics and
real-time monitoring, which allows creators to track asset usage across
different platforms and enforce licensing agreements, empowering
creators to protect and monetise their work in a digital world.
Bronze Medal
-- A novel botanical remedy (CDD-2107) for the rare disease myofibrillar
myopathy (caused by BAG3 gene mutation) by Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
[https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/BZXIANG], Associate
Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Director of CDD; and Dr
Lin Chengyuan, Assistant Director (Administration) of CDDThe novel
botanical remedy CDD-2107 integrates Chinese medicine theory, clinical
experience and advanced drug screening technologies to identify active
compounds for treating the disease caused by BAG3 gene mutation. It
utilises multi-omics analysis and artificial intelligence to identify
precise therapeutic targets and ensure treatment efficacy. CDD-2107 has
obtained the orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), and is the first botanical drug in Hong Kong to
have received this qualification. It is used to alleviate the clinical
symptoms of myofibrillar myopathy caused by BAG3 gene mutation.
Aspiring to be a leading research-led university in Asia for the world, HKBU engages in cutting-edge, innovative and transdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer endeavours that push the boundaries of knowledge, address global issues, and contribute to the well-being of both local and international communities. HKBU's award winning projects at this year's International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva exemplify the university's unwavering dedication in translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of mankind.
The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is an annual global event devoted exclusively to inventions. This year, a total of 1,050 inventions from over 40 countries and regions were evaluated by a panel of professional judges.
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christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk
