Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
East Meets West in Fighting Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Rational Design of Novel Anti-AD Dimers from Tacrine and/ or Huperzine A
We have developed three series of novel anti-AD homo- and hetero-dimers including particularly those derived from huperzine A,
an effective anti-AD drug derived from Chinese medicine.
Current therapeutics to AD Structure-based design of three classes of novel dimers
Investigation of Multi-functional Neuroprotections and Characterization of the Underlying
Mechanisms In Vitro
These dimers have been demonstrated to provide promising anti-AD effects via their superior acetylcholinesterase inhibition,
moderate N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism and multi-targeted neuroprotections in various in vitro models associated with
AD.
LOW RES.
The dimer prevents the excitotoxicity in a time- The dimer blocks the hallmarks of excitotoxicity- The dimer prevents excitotoxicity more potently
dependent manner induced apoptosis in CGN
Molecular docking simulation of selective inhibition The dual mechanism of synergistic neuropro- Potential intracellular mechanisms of the neuro-
of nNOS by the dimer tection against excitotoxicity by the dimer protection by the dimer against excitotoxieity
Evaluation of the Cognitive Function Enhancement and Mechanisms In Vivo
These dimers effectively prevented the neurotoxins (such as Aß oligomers)-induced memory impairments in in various in vivo
models associated with AD.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 49
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr HO Cheuk Lam
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8887
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. Hong Kong Baptist University
ORCiD B.Sc. Hong Kong Baptist University
Publication
H-index Rational Design and Synthesis of Functional Materials for Photovoltaic
Sum of the Times Cited
and Optoelectronic Devices, Light-driven Water Splitting and Carbon
Dioxide Reduction Applications, Nanoparticle Preparation and Patterning
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6264
Awards and Honours (selected) •• G. Tan, S. Chen, C.-H. Siu, A. Langlois, Y. Qiu, H. Fan,
C.-L. Ho, P. D. Harvey, Y. H. Lo, L. Liu and W.-Y. Wong,
•• 國家級科技項目獎先進個人稱號, 深圳市科技創新委員會 “Platinum(II) Cyclometallates Featuring Broad Emission
(2016) Bands and Their Applications in Color-tunable OLEDs
and High Color-rendering WOLEDs.” J. Mater. Chem.
•• Materials Research Contribution Award, Asia Pacific C 2016, 4, 6016–6026.
Society for Materials Research (2014 and 2016)
•• W.-Y. Wong and C.-L. Ho, “Organometallic Photovoltaics:
•• Asian Core Program Lectureship Award (2014) A New and Versatile Approach for Harvesting Solar
Energy Using Conjugated Polymetallaynes.” Acc.
•• State Natural Science Awards (Second Class), State Chem. Res. 2010, 43, 1246–1256.
Council, China (2013)
•• C.-L. Ho, W.-Y. Wong, Z. Q. Gao, C. H. Chen, K. W.
•• Natural Science Award (First Class), Ministry of Education, Cheah, B. Yao, Z. Xie, Q. Wang, D. Ma, L. Wang, X.
China (2010) M. Yu, H. S. Kwok and Z. Lin, “Red-Light-Emitting Iridium
Complexes with Hole-Transporting 9-Arylcarbazole
Publications (selected) Moieties for Electrophosphorescence Efficiency/Color
Purity Trade-off Optimization.” Adv. Funct. Mater. 2008,
•• P.-Y. Ho, Y. Wang, S.-C. Yiu, W.-H. Yu, C.-L. Ho and 18, 319–331.
S. Huang, “Starburst Triarylamine Donor-Based
Metal-Free Photosensitizers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen •• C.-L. Ho, W.-Y. Wong, G. J. Zhou, B. Yao, Z. Xie and
Production from Water”, Org. Lett. 2017, 19, 1048−1051. L. Wang, “Solution-Processible Multi-component
Cyclometalated Iridium Phosphors for High-Efficiency
•• C.-H. Siu, L. T. L. Lee, P.-Y. Ho, C.-L. Ho, T. Chen, S. Orange-Emitting OLEDs and Their Potential Use as
Suramitr, S. Hannongbua, Z. Xie, M. Wei and W.-Y. White Light Sources.” Adv. Funct. Mater. 2007, 17,
Wong, “Bis(phenothiazyl-ethynylene)-Based Organic 2925–2936.
Dyes Containing Di-Anchoring Groups with Efficiency
Comparable to N719 for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells”,
Chem. Asian J. 2017, 12, 332–340.
•• Z. Meng, G. Li, H.-F. Wong, S.-M. Ng, S.-C. Yiu, C.-L. Ho,
C.-W. Leung, I. Manners and W.-Y. Wong, “Patterning of
L10 FePt Nanoparticles with Ultra-high Coercivity for
Bit-patterned Media”, Nanoscale 2017, 9, 731–738.
•• C.-L. Ho and W.-Y. Wong, “High Performance Ay-
lamine-based Metallated and Metal-free Organic
Photosensitizers for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells.” J.
Photochem. Photobio. C: Photochem. Rev. 2016, 26,
138–158.
•• C.-L. Ho, Z.-Q. Yu and W.-Y. Wong, “Multifunctional
Polymetallaynes: Properties, Functions and Applications”,
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2016, 45, 5264–5295.
50 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Our research focuses on the molecular design and synthesis of luminescent materials, functional metal-containing and organic
molecules/polymers for optoelectronic, photonic, solar cell and photocatalytic applications and nanomaterials.
Metal-free/ Noble-metal-free Photosensitizers for Low Cost Light-driven Water Splitting
Photocatalytic System for Hydrogen Production
In the field of solar-fuel production, photocatalytic water splitting reaction which converts water molecules been regarded
as the primary research direction, because nature provides us with abundant amount of the feedstock and the fuel obtained
does not discharge carbon-containing species during the energy conversion. Metal-free photosensitizers for photocatalytic
hydrogen generation are sparsely reported in literature and most of them suffer from instability (only active within 10 hours) and/
or poor activity (TOF < 100 hr−1). It is valuable to design and construct some efficient metal-free/ noble-metal-free molecular
photosensitizers, since this may be advantageous to lower the production cost of water splitting devices. In this project, different
metal-free photosensitizers with highly absorbing in the visible light region have been developed.
Noble metal-free photosensitizers
starburst triarylamine donor
CB Excited State
Photosensitizer PS*
H2O
Oxidized State
Pt Photosensitizer PS+
H2 Electron
Sacrificial Donor
VB
TiO2 Photosensitizer PS
Patterning of Magnetic Bimetallic Nanoparticles with Ultra-high Coercivity for Bit-patterned Media
We are interested in extending our research profile to the areas of nanotechnology and nanoscience based on metal-containing
polymers/ molecules. One of the applications of these compounds is as precursors for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles
(NPs) via thermal or radiation treatment. As metal-containing compounds can be readily shaped and patterned using various
lithographic techniques, they offer the prospect of access to patterned nanodot/nanoline arrays of metal NPs with control of
composition and density per unit area, which are crucial factors for device and catalytic applications.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 51
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr HUANG Bolong
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8679
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. University of Cambridge
ORCiD B.Sc. Peking University
Publication
H-index Theoretical Calculations on Nanomaterials, Lanthanide Oxides Materials,
Sum of the Times Cited
Band Structure Calculations Method, Defect Levels, Lanthanide Oxides
Luminescence
0000-0002-2526-2002
39
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327
Awards and Honours (selected) •• L. Bu, Q. Shao, Y. Pi, J. Yao, M. Luo, J. Lang, S.
Hwang, H. Xin, B. Huang*, J. Guo, D. Su*, S. Guo*,
•• Honorable Speaker for the Inorganic Chemistry and X. Huang*, ‘Coupled s-p-d Exchange in
Lecture Series, Changchun Institute of Applied Facet-Controlled Pd3Pb Tripods Enhances Oxygen
Chemistry (CIAC) (2017) Reduction Catalysis’, Chem, 4, 359 (2018).
•• Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Post-doctoral •• H. Liu#, B. Huang#(1), J. Zhou, K. Wang, Y. Yu*, W.
Fellowship, City University of Hong Kong, (2013-2014) Yang*, and S. Guo*, ‘Enhanced Electron Transfer
and Light Absorption on an Imino Polymer Capped
•• Cambridge Overseas Trust (2007–2010) PdAg Nanowire Networks for Efficient Room-
Temperature Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid’, J.
•• Top-Chairman’s Prize, 18TH China Adolescents Mater. Chem. A, 6, 1979 (2018).
Science & Technology Innovation Contest (CASTIC),
(2003) •• K. C. Lam, B. Huang* and S. Q. Shi*, ‘Room temper-
ature methane gas sensing properties based on
Book Chapters (selected) in-situ reduced graphene oxide incorporated with tin
dioxide’ J. Mater. Chem. A 5, 11131 (2017).
•• Zhong Lin Wang, Wenzhuo Wu, Christian Falconi,
Yan Zhang, Bolong Huang, “Theory of piezotronics •• B. Huang*, M. Sun, A. W. Dougherty, H. Dong, Y.
and piezo-phototronics” MRS Bulletin theme issue, Xu, L. D. Sun*, C. H. Yan*, ‘Unravelling the energy
invited (2018). transfer of Er3+-self-sensitized upconversion in
Er3+–Yb3+–Er3+ clustered core@shell nanoparticles’
•• Jianfu Li, Bolong Huang, Rui-Qin Zhang, ‘Solid full- Nanoscale, 19, 12683 (2017).
erene under compression based on DFTB sim-
ulation’ Chapter 8, Carbon Nanomaterials Source •• J. Han, L. Li, M. Peng*, B. Huang*, F. Pan, F. Kang,
Book, Taylor & Francis (CRC Press), Edited By L. Li,1 J. Wang, and B. Lei, ‘Towards Bi3+ Red
Klaus D. Sattler, 2016. Luminescence with None Visible Reabsorption
through Manageable Energy Interaction and Crystal
Publications (selected) Defect Modulation in Single Bi3+ doped ZnWO4
Crystal’ Chem. Mater. 29, 8412 (2017).
•• Y. Xue, B. Huang, Y. Yi, Y. Guo, Zicheng Zuo, Y. Li,
Z. Jia, H. Liu and Y. Li* ‘Anchoring zero valence •• J. Hu, B. Huang, C. Zhang, Z. Wang, Y. An, D. Zhou,
single atoms of nickel and iron on graphdiyne for H. Lin, K. H. Leung and S. Yang, ‘Engineering
hydrogen evolution’, Nat. Commun. 9, 1460 (2018). stepped edge surface structures of MoS2 sheet
stacks to accelerate the hydrogen evolution reaction’
•• B. Huang*, M. Sun, D. Peng, ‘Intrinsic energy con- Energy Environ. Sci. 10, 593 (2017).
versions for photon-generation in piezo-phototronic
materials: A case study on alkaline niobates’, Nano
Energy, 47, 150 (2018).
•• J. Lai#, B. Huang#(1), Y. Tang, F. Lin, P. Zhou,
X. Chen, Y. Sun, F. Lv, and S. Guo, ‘Barrier-free
Interface Electron Transfer on PtFe-Fe2C Janus-like
Nanoparticles Boosts Oxygen Catalysis’, Chem, in
Press, DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.02.010 (2018).
52 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Lanthanide Doped Insulator for Persistent Luminescence
• Ionic insulators usually induced F-center defects that produces exciton traps
• Defect levels predict the doping range and modulated Fermi level (EF)
• Predict the maximum wave-length of luminescence
Inorg. Chem. 54, 11423 (2015)
Bulk Properties and Native Point Defects on Lanthanide Oxides or Compounds
• Up-conversion luminescence (increase the luminescence efficiency)
• Predict the doping limit for tunable optical properties
• Defect related properties applications (catalysts, SOFCs, luminescence)
J. Phys. Chem C 118, 24248 (2014) Inorg. Chem. 56, 7975(2017)
Complex Oxides Design
• Different types oxides with various stochiometries synthesis predictions
• Taylor-made for demands of potential applications in clean renewable energy
• Flexible luminescence properties modulations
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.18, 13564 (2016) J. Comput. Chem. 37, 825 (2016)
Inversed Band Structure for Materials Design for Piezophototronic Nanogenerators
• Band-levels determines the optical transitions and charge transfers between orbitals
• Inversed way of materials design based on the demands of optical applications
• Theoretical methods development on suitable selection range for choosing materials
Nano Energy 47, 150 (2018)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 53
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr KENG Wee Keong Vincent
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8728
Email [email protected]
Education Ph.D. Fukui Medical University
M.Sc. University of Western Australia
Research Interests B.App.Sc. Curtin University of Technology
ORCiD Cancer, Genetics, Molecular Biology
Publication 0000-0003-3473-0653
H-index 38
Sum of the Times Cited 21
1229
Publications (selected) • Rahrmann, E.P., Watson, A.L., Keng, V.W., Choi, K.,
Moriarity, B.S., Beckmann, D.A., Wolf, N., Sarver, A.,
• Riordan, J.D., Feddersen, C.R., Tschida, B.R., Beckmann, Collins, M.H., Moertel, C.L., Wallace, M.R., Gel, B.,
P.J., Keng, V.W., Linden, M.A., Amin, K., Stipp, C.S., Serra, E., Ratner, N. & Largaespada, D.A. (2013) For-
Largaespada, D.A. & Dupuy, A.J. (2018) Chronic liver ward genetic screen for malignant peripheral nerve
injury alters driver mutation profiles in hepatocellular sheath tumor formation identifies novel genes and
carcinoma in mice. Hepatology. 67, 924-939. genetic pathways driving tumorigenesis. Nat. Genet. 45,
756-766.
• Tschida, B.R., Temiz, N.A., Kuka, T.P., Lee, L.A., Riordan,
J.D., Tierrablanca, C.A., Hullsiek, R., Wagner, S., • Riordan, J.D., Keng, V.W., Tschida, B.R., Scheetz,
Hudson, W.A., Linden, M.A., Amin, K., Beckmann, T.E., Bell, J.B., Podetz-Pedersen, K.M., Moser, C.D.,
P.J., Heuer, R.A., Sarver, A.L., Yang, J.D., Roberts, Copeland, N.G., Jenkins, N.A., Roberts, L.R.,
L.R., Nadeau, J.H., Dupuy, A.J., Keng, V.W.* & Largaespada, D.A. & Dupuy, A.J. (2013) Identification
Largaespada, D.A.* (2017) Sleeping Beauty insertional of Rtl1, a retrotransposon-derived imprinted gene, as
mutagenesis in mice identifies drivers of steatosis-as- a novel driver of hepatocarcinogenesis. PLoS Genet.
sociated hepatic tumors. Cancer Res. 77, 6576-6588. 9: e1003441. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1003441.
• Wu, J., Keng, V.W., Patmore, D.M., Kendall, J.J., Pa- • Keng, V.W.*, Sia, D., Sarver, A.L., Tschida, B.R., Fan,
tel, A.V., Jousma, E., Jessen, W.J., Choi, K., Tschida, D., Alsinet, C., Solé, M., Lee, W.L., Kuka, T.P., Moriarity,
B.R., Silverstein, K.A.T., Fan, D., Schwartz, E.B., B.S., Villanueva, A., Dupuy, A.J., Riordan, J.D., Bell,
Fuchs, J.R., Zou, Y., Kim, M., Dombi, E., Levy, D.E., J.B., Silverstein, K.A.T., Llovet, J.M. & Largaespada,
Huang, G., Cancelas, J.A., Stemmer- Rachanimov, D.A.* (2013) Sex bias occurrence of hepatocellular
A.O., Spinner, R.J., Largaespada, D.A. & Ratner, N. carcinoma in Poly7 molecular subclass is associated
(2016) Insertional mutagenesis identifies a STAT3/ with EGFR. Hepatology. 57, 120-130.
Arid1a/ß-catenin pathway driving neurofibroma
initiation. Cell Rep. 14, 1979-1990. • Keng, V.W., Rahrmann, E.P., Watson, A.L., Tschida,
B.R., Moertel, C.L., Jessen, W.J., Rizvi, T.A., Collins,
• Chiu, A.P., Tschida, B.R., Lo, L.H., Moriarity, B.S., M.H., Ratner, N. & Largaespada, D.A. (2012) PTEN
Rowlands, D.K., Largaespada, D.A. & Keng, V.W.* and NF1 inactivation in Schwann cells produces a
(2015) Transposon mouse models to elucidate the severe phenotype in the peripheral nervous system
genetic mechanisms of hepatitis B viral induced that promotes the development and malignant
hepatocellular carcinoma. World J. Gastroenterol. 21, progression of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Cancer
12157-12170. Res. 72, 3405-3413.
• Tschida, B.R., Largaespada, D.A. & Keng, V.W.*
(2014) Mouse models of cancer: Sleeping Beauty
transposons for insertional mutagenesis screens and
reverse genetic studies. Semin. Cell. Dev. Biol. 27,
86-95.
54 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
The development of human cancer is a complex process involving the acquisition of multiple genetic changes that confer a
selective advantage on a tumor clone. Many of the genes involved in these genetic changes have been identified based on
mutation analyses in cancer model organisms, inheritance of a mutant form in cancer-prone families, or presence of recurrent
translocation breakpoints. However, the genetic mechanisms of most cancers remain unclear.
Transposon-tagged mutagenesis has proven invaluable for functional genomic screens. Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a DNA-type
transposable element that transposes in a “cut-and-paste” manner and integrates at “TA” dinucleotides. SB is a two-component
system, composed of the transposase transgene and a transposon vector, flanked by special inverted terminal repeats (IRs).
When the transposon vector is present in a cell expressing the transposase transgene, the “cut-and-paste” transposition reaction
occurs. The SB transposase enzyme recognizes specific binding sites within the IRs, excises and then integrates the transposon
elsewhere at a TA-dinucleotide. In order to elucidate novel cancer-associated genes in solid tumors, a conditional SB expression
system was generated where the SB transposase is knocked into the Rosa26 locus but expression is initially blocked by a
floxed-stop cassette. To obtain tissue-specific SB transposase expression, the floxed-stop cassette is removed by a tissue-
specific Cre transgene. When these two components are combined with a transposon mutagenic vector capable of either disrupting
tumor suppressor genes or misexpressing oncogenes, we have a powerful conditional SB somatic mutagenesis forward
genetics screen for cancer-associated genes. To explore the potential of this system for cancer gene identification we decided
to test whether we could use it to various cancers/sarcomas:
• Hepatocelluar carcinoma (Keng et al., Nat. Biotech. 2009)
Diagram taken from Uren & Berns, Nat. Biotech. 2009
• Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (Rahrmann et al., Nat. Genet. 2013 & Wu et al., Cell Rep. 2016)
Diagram modified from Uren & Berns, Nat. Biotech. 2009
Based on the genetic information obtained from these forward genetic screens, we can compare with existing human mutation
data to identify strong candidate cancer genes. Subsequently, we can establish valuable reverse genetic mouse models for
validation and importantly, testing novel therapeutic drugs.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 55
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr KO Chi Bun Ben
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8699
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD B.Sc. The University of Hong Kong
Publication
H-index Oncogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Drug Discovery and
Sum of the Times Cited
Chemical Biology, Cellular Responses and Adaptation to Hypertonic
Stress
0000-0003-2027-5899
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24
3880
Award (selected) •• Pseudolaric acids: isolation, bioactivity and synthetic
studies. Chiu P, Leung LT and Ko BC. Natural Product
•• Thesis Advisor of Eli Lilly Asia Outstanding Graduate Reports, 2010, 27(7),1066-83.
Thesis Awardee 2010
•• Alisol B, a novel inhibitor of the SERCA pump, induces
Publications (selected) autophagy, ER-stress and apoptosis. Law B, Wang M,
Ma DL, Al-Mousa F, Michelangeli F, Wong A, Ng M, To
•• CTCF regulates tumor growth and metastasis in hepatoc- KF, Mok A, Ko R, Lam SK, Chen F, Che CM, Chiu P, and
ellular carcinoma. Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zou X, Chan AWH, Ko BC*. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2010, 9(3),
Zhang R, Lee TKW, Liu H, Lau EYT, Ho NPY, Lai PBS, 718-730.
Cheung YS, To KF, Wong HK, Choy KW, Keng VW, Chow
LMC, Chan KKY, Cheng AS, and Ko BC*. Journal of Pa- •• Phosphorylation by casein kinase 1 regulates tonicity-in-
thology, 2017; 243:418-430. duced OREBP/TonEBP nucleocytoplasmic trafficking.
Xu SX, Wong CC, Tong EH, Chung SS, Yates, III JR, Yin
•• Tetrandrine, an activator of autophagy, induces autoph- YB, and Ko BC*. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2008,
agic cell death via PKC-αinhibition and mTOR-depen- 283, p17624-17634.
dent mechanisms. Wong VKW, Zeng W, Chen J, Yao XJ,
Leung ELH, Wang QQ, Chiu P, Ko BC*, Law BYK*. Front •• Regulation of Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking of
Pharmacol (IF2016=4.4, rank 33/256, Q1, Pharmacology Transcription factor OREBP/TonEBP/NFAT5. Tong EH,
and Pharmacy) 2017; (8)35:1-13. Guo JJ, Huang AL, Liu H, Hu CD, Chung SS and Ko BC*
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2006, 281: 23870-9.
•• NFAT5 in mammalian cellular adaptation to hypertonic
stress — signaling pathways and functional significance. •• Pseudolaric Acid B, a novel microtubule-destabilizing
Cheung Y.K. and Ko BC*. Journal of Molecular Signaling, agent that circumvents multi-drug resistance phenotype
2013, 8(1):5. and exhibits antitumor activity in vivo. Wong VK, Chiu P,
Chung SS, Chow LM, Zhao YZ, Yang B, Ko BC*. Clinical
•• Sirtuin 2 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma Cancer Research, 2005, 11:6002-11.
mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocel-
lular carcinoma via Akt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling path-
way. Chen J, Chan AW, Chen W, Zhang Z, To KF, Cheng
SH, Ng MH, Lai PB, Huang A, Ko BC*. Hepatology 2013,
57(6):2287-98.
•• Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is upregulated in a subset of hepatocel-
lular carcinoma where it is essential for telomeric mainte-
nance and tumor cell growth. Chan J, Zhang B, Wong N,
Lo W, To K, Chan A, Ho C, Ng M, Cheng S, Lai P, Ng H,
Ling M, Huang A, Cai X, and Ko BC*. Cancer Research,
2011, 71(12): 4138-49. Featured in “Key Scientific Arti-
cles” in 3rd Aug, 2011 issue of Global Medical Discovery
(www.gloalmedicaldiscovery.com).
56 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Functional Roles of Sirtuins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Sirtuins are a class of proteins that possesses deacetylase or mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. They are involved in
a wide range of cellular functions such as aging, metabolism, transcription, DNA repair, and inflammation. We are
the first to show that sirtuins are involved in the oncogenesis of HCC. Currently we aim to further delineate their functions
and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targting sirtuins in HCC.
Gene knockdown of sirtuin 1 induces Overexpression of sirtuin 2 is
DNA damage at the telomere and nuclear abnormalities associated with poor prognosis
TRF2 y=H2AX Merged DAPI Enlarged
shCont
shSIRT1-1
shSIRT1-2 LOW RES.
Untreated shCont shSIRT1-1 shSIRT1-2 Gene knockdown of sirtuin 2 changes
DAPI cellular distribution of ß-catenin
DAPI + α-tubulin
Overexpression of sirtuin 1 in HCC
Chemical Biology of Biologically Active Compounds
Bioactive compounds from natural products contribute to the discovery of new drugs. However, cellular targets of bioactive
natural products are often unknown. By using chemical biology approaches we aim to understand the mode
of actions and identify the molecular targets of bioactive compounds. These information are crucial for further
development of these compounds into therapeutics.
• Compound X-01 is a natural product isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal plant which induces autophagy in cells
• To elucidate the cellular target of X-01, an alkynyl diazinine derivative was generated
• Coupling different functional groups to the modified compound by click chemistry will lead to the identification of its site of
action and molecular target
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 57
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr KWOK Wai Ming
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8709
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Postdoc. Imperial College London
ORCiD
Publication Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited B.Sc. National Taiwan University
Time-resolved Spectroscopy, Photophysics, Photochemistry
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Awards and Honours (selected) •• “Design and synthesis of bipyridine platinum(II)
bisalkynyl fullerene donor-chromophore-acceptor
•• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), The triads with ultrafast charge separation” S. H. Lee, C. T. L.
Royal Society of Chemistry, UK 2013 Chan, K. M. C. Wong, W. H. Lam, W. M. Kwok* and V. W.
W. Yam*, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 136,
•• Croucher Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 1998 10041-10052 (2014).
Book Chapter (selected) •• “The solvent effect and identification of a weakly emissive
state in nonradiative dynamics of guanine nucleosides
•• D. L. Phillips, W. M. Kwok and C. Ma “An introduction and nucleotides - a combined femtosecond broadband
to time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption
its application to reactive intermediates” In Reviews study” C. C. W. Cheng, C. Ma*, C. T. L. Chan, K. Y. F.
of Reactive Intermediate Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons Ho and W. M. Kwok*, Photochemical & Photobiological
Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2007, pp.123-182. Science, 12, 1351-1365 (2013).
Publications (selected) •• “Ligand p-conjugation dictated intersystem crossing in
phenyleneethynylene gold(I) complexes” C. Ma, C. T. L.
•• “Nonradiative dynamics determined by charge transfer Chan, W. M. Kwok* and C. M. Che*, Chemical Science,
induced hydrogen bonding: a combined femtosecond 3, 1883-1892 (2012).
time-resolved fluorescence and density functional
theoretical study of methyl dimethylaminobenzoate in •• “Water-soluble mitochondria-specific ytterbium complex
water” C. Ma, Y. Q. Ou, C. T. L. Chan, A. K. W. Wong, R. with impressive NIR emission” T. Zhang, X. Zhu, C. C. W.
C. T. Chan, B. P. Y. Chung, C. Jiang, M. L. Wang* and Cheng, W. M. Kwok*, H. L. Tam, J. Hao, D. W. J. Kwong,
W. M. Kwok*, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 20, W. K. Wong* and K. L. Wong*, Journal of the American
1240-1251 (2018). Chemical Society, 133, 20120-20122 (2011).
•• “Deciphering Photoluminescence Dynamics and •• “A doorway state leads to photostability or triplet
Reactivity of the Luminescent Metal - Metal-Bonded photodamage in thymine DNA” W. M. Kwok*, C. Ma* and
Excited State of a Binuclear Gold(I) Phosphine Complex D. L. Phillips*, Journal of the American Chemical Society,
Containing Open Coordination Sites” C. Ma, C. T. L. 130, 5131-5139 (2008).
Chan, W. P. To, W. M. Kwok* and C. M. Che*, Chemistry-
A European Journal, 21, 13888- 13893 (2015).
•• “Remarkable effects of solvent and substitution on the
photo-dynamics of cytosine: a femtosecond broadband
time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption
study” C. Ma*, C. C. W. Cheng, C. T. L. Chan, R. C. T.
Chan and W. M. Kwok*, Physical Chemistry Chemical
Physics, 17, 19045-19057 (2015).
58 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Development of Ultrafast Time-resolved Spectroscopy Schematic diagram of the fs-TA apparatus
Ultrafast pump-probe based time-resolved spectroscopic Pump (267nm, ~70fs) • 300 ~ 700 nm
techniques are important and effective tools for mechanistic
photophysical and photochemical studies. A variety of ultra- Sample • IRF = ~100 fs
fast time-resolved spectroscopies, including the broadband • sensitivity 10-4 DA
femtosecond (10-15 s) time-resolved fluorescence (fs-TRF)
and transient absorption (fs-TA), the picosecond (10-12 s) • magic angle
time-resolved resonance Raman (ps-TR3) and time-resolved
infrared (TRIR), will be developed in this laboratory. The Vdaerlaiayb,lte l ½ Probe Spectrometer,
combined applications of these complementary time-resolved CCD and
methods provide extremely powerful tools for comprehensive Continuum Reference Computer
molecular-level mechanistic characterization for a wide range CaF2
of photo-initiated physical and chemical reactions. Schematic diagram of the fs-TRF apparatus
800nm Fluorescence • 280~700nm
~50fs pulse • IRF = ~200fs
• magic angle
Pump time 0 time 0 time 0
(267nm, 70fs)
Sample
Horizontal Spectrometer,
Polarizer CCD and
Computer
Kerr
medium
(quartz)
l½ Vertical
Vdaerliaayb,lte Polarizer
DNA Photostability and Photodamage Gating
(800nm, ~50fs)
Solar ultraviolet light absorbed by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) creates DNA excited states that predominantly eliminate the
excitation energy by returning to the ground state (photostability) or initiate photochemical events leading to base damage
and genetic modification (photodamage). As a major application of the time-resolved spectroscopy, we are interested and
will carry on our ultrafast time-resolved study on UV-excited DNA nucleobases, base derivatives and some selected
oligonucleotide systems. The goal of this research is to provide the needed direct experimental evidence to determine the
dynamics and deactivation pathway underlying the DNA photostability and to reveal the identity, structure and dynamics
of key reactive intermediates involved and accounting for the DNA photodamage. We also seek to explore the effects of
inter-base interactions, the base-stacking vs. base-pairing, on the excited-state decay pathways. Our comparative work on
thymine monomer and thymine oligomer reveals a singlet nature doorway state leading to photostability or a triplet mediated
photochemical pathway responsible for the most common cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photodamage in thymine DNA.
JACS, 130, 5131-5139 (2008)
Dynamics and Reactivity of Transient Molecules in Prototype Photochemical Reactions
Photo-induced charge transfer, energy transfer, proton transfer and dissociation are fundamentally important photo-initiated
reactions that have strong and broad practical application in numbers of areas. We are interested in using the
combined time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to directly monitor and characterize the dynamics and structural
property of the intermediates involved in these photo-reactions. By doing so, we seek to understand the role of molecular
conformation in governing the chemical reaction pathway and ensuing dynamics and to discover the relationship
among the molecular structure, reactivity and photophysical and photochemical property of the correlated systems. We also
seek to extend application of our time-resolved spectroscopy as analytical tools to characterize photo-property of some specially
designed organic compounds and materials, such as the energy or charge transfer property of organometallic complexes
and the lasing property of ZnO nanostructures. We expect the time-resolved characterization can provide new insight to help
understanding and further development of the functionality of these compounds and materials.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 59
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr KWOK Wing Hin Kevin
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8687
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD B.Sc. The University of Hong Kong
Publication
H-index Nanotoxicology, Environmental Quality, Food Authentication,
Sum of the Times Cited
Food Contaminants
0000-0003-3264-134X
23
15
809
Awards and Honours (selected) •• Kwok, K.W.H., Auffan, M., Badireddy, A.R., Nelson,
C.M., Wiesner, M.R., Chilkoti, A., Liu, J., Marinakos,
•• Marine Pollution Bulletin Highly Cited Author Award S.M., Hinton D.E. (2012). Uptake of Silver nanoparticles
(2005-2009) by Elsevier and Toxicity to Early Life Stages of Japanese
Medaka (Oryzias latipes): Effect of Coating Materials.
•• The Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology Prize for Aquatic Toxicology 120-121: 59-66.
Outstanding Presentation at the 5th International
Conference on Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology •• Kwok, K.W.H., Leung, K.M.Y., Flahaut, E., Cheng, J.,
2007 Cheng, S.H. (2010) Chronic toxicity of double-walled
carbon nanotubes to three marine organisms: influence of
Book Chapter different dispersion methods. Nanomedicine 5: 951-961.
•• Kwok, K.W.H., Souissi, S., Dur, G., Won, E.J., Lee, Development of Environmental Quality Guidelines
J-S. Copepods as References Species in Estuarine
and Marine Waters. In: Amiard-Triquet C, Amiard J-C, •• Kwok, K.W.H., Batley, G.E., Wenning, R.J., Leung,
Mouneyrac C (eds.) Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Advanc- K.M.Y., Zhu, L., Vangheluwe, M., Lee, S. (2013)
ing tools for dealing with emerging risks, pp 281-308. Sediment Quality Guidelines: Challenges and
Elsevier Inc, London, UK., 2015. Opportunities for Improving Sediment Management
in Developing Countries. Environmental Science and
Publications (selected) Pollution Research 21:17-27.
Nanotoxicology •• Crane, M., Kwok, K.W.H., Wells, C., Whitehouse,
P., Lui, G.C S. (2007). Use of field data to support
•• Shi,M.,Zhang,C.,Xia,I.F.,Cheung,S.T.,Wong,K.S.,Wong, European Water Framework Directive Quality Standards
K-H., Au, D.W.T., Hinton, D.E., Kwok, K.W.H. (2018). for dissolved metals. Environmental Science & Technology
Maternal dietary exposure to selenium nanoparticle led 41: 5014-5021.
to malformation in offspring. Ecotoxicology and
Environmental Safety 156:34-40.
•• Kwok,K.W.H., Wu, D., Marinakos, S.M., Lie, J., Chilkoti,
A., Wiesner, M.R., Chernick, M., Hinton, D.E.* (2016).
Silver nanoparticle toxicity is related to coating materials
and disruption of sodium concentration regulation.
Nanotoxicology, 10: 1306-1317.
60 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Molecular Database for Authentication of Seafood
• Identification of seafood commonly rely on morphology only
• This method is not reliable after seafood is cooked or processed
• Molecular methods (e.g. genetic barcoding) are useful under such condition,
but require a reliable database for comparison
We are currently assenmbling a molecular database for common seafood in Hong Kong (fish and shellfish). This database is also
useful for identification of larvae of shellfish in lacal waters (e.g. for EIA).
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 61
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LAW Ga Lai
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8680
Email [email protected]
Education Postdoc. University of California, Berkeley Durham University
Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
Research Interests MChem The University of Manchester
Chemical Biology, Inorganic Chemistry with F-Block Elements and
ORCiD Luminescent Materials, Chiral Compounds/ Materials, MolecularImaging
Publication 0000-0002-2192-6887
H-index 67
Sum of the Times Cited 25
1779
Patents / Book Chapters •• Gadolinium and Platinum in Tandem: Real-time Mul-
ti-Modal Monitoring of Drug Delivery by MRI and
•• PA:20120190012 Compositions and Methods for DNA Fluorescence Imaging. Hongguang Li, Bethany I
Sequencing - Inventors: Nathaniel G. Butlin (Pacifica, Harriss, Alkystis Phinikaridou, Sara Lacerda, Gregory
CA, US) Ga-Lai Law (Berkeley, CA, US) Christopher Ramniceanu, Bich-Thuy Doan, Ka-Lok Ho, Chi-Fai
Andolina (Berkeley, CA, US) Chan, Wai-Sum Lo, René M Botnar, Rongfeng Lan,
Cyrille Richard*, Ga-Lai Law*, Nicholas J Long*,
•• G-L. Law and W.-T. Wong - Introduction to Molecular Ka-Leung Wong* Nanotheranostics (2017) 1 (2), 186-
Imaging Nicholas Long and Wing-Tak Wong, 195.
editors - The Chemistry of Molecular Imaging. Wiley
Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-118-09327-6, 2014. •• New Class of Bright and Highly Stable Chiral Cyclen
Europium Complexes for Circularly Polarized
•• M. H.-W Lam, G-L. Law, C.-S. Lee and K.-L Wong Luminescence Applications Lixiong Dai; Wai-sum Lo;
Organic Molecules for Imaging Nicholas Long and Ian D. Coates; Robert Pal; Ga-lai Law * Inorganic
Wing-Tak Wong, editors - The Chemistry of Molecular Chemistry (2016), 55 (17),9065–9070.
Imaging. Wiley Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-118-09327-6,
2014. •• In vivo selective cancer-tracking gadolinium eradicator
as new-generation photodynamic therapy agent; Tao
•• G.-L. Law, “Multiphoton processes and nonlinear Zhang; Rongfeng Lan; Chi-Fai Chan; Ga-Lai Law*;
harmonic generations in lanthanide complexes.” in Wai-Kwok Wong*; Ka-Leung Wong* Proceedings of
Tomorrow’s Chem. Today, pp. 161–184. John Wiley the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
and Sons, 2008. of America (2014), 111(51), E5492-E5497.
Publications (selected) •• Circularly polarized luminescence of curium: a
new characterization of the 5f actinide complexes,
•• Chiral DOTA chelators as an improved platform for bio- Ga-Lai Law, Christopher M Andolina, Jide Xu, Vinh Luu,
medical imaging and therapy applications Lixiong Dai, Philip X. Rutkowski, Gilles Muller, David K. Shuh, John K.
Chloe M Jones, Wesley Ting Kwok Chan, Tiffany A Gibson, Kenneth N. Raymond* Journal of the American
Pham, Xiaoxi Ling, Eric M Gale, Nicholas J Rotile, William Chemical Society, 134 (2012), 15545-15549.
Chi-Shing Tai, Carolyn J Anderson*, Peter Caravan*, Ga-
Lai Law* Nature communications (2018), 9 (1), 85. •• A single sensitizer for the excitation of visible and nir
lanthanide emitters in water with high quantum yields,
•• Chiral Transcription in Self-Assembled Tetrahedral Ga-Lai Law, Tiffany A. Pham, Jide Xu, Kenneth N.
Eu4L6 Chiral Cages Displaying Sizable Circularly Raymond* Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
Polarized Luminescence. Chi-Tung Yeung, King-Him 51 (2012), 2371-2374.
Yim, Ho-Yin Wong, Robert Pal, Wai-Sum Lo, Siu-Cheong
Yan, Melody Yee-Man Wong, Dmitry Yufit, Danil E. •• Octadentate cages of Tb (III) 2-hydroxyisoph-
Smiles, Laura J. McCormick, Simon J. Teat, Laura J. thalamides: a new standard for luminescent
McCormick, David K. Shuh, Wing-Tak Wong* & lanthanide labels, Jide Xu, Todd M Corneillie, Evan G.
Ga-Lai Law* Nature Communications (2017), 8 (1), Moore, Ga-Lai Law, Nathaniel G. Butlin, Kenneth N.
1128. Raymond* Journal of the American Chemical Society,
133 (2011), 19900-19910.
•• EBNA1-targeted probe for the imaging and growth
inhibition of tumours associated with the Epstein–Barr •• Emissive terbium probe for multiphoton in vitro cell
virus. Lijun Jiang, Rongfeng Lan, Tao Huang, Chi-Fai imaging, Ga-Lai Law, Ka-Leung Wong, Cornelia
Chan, Hongguang Li, Sam Lear, Jingyi Zong, Wing-Yin Man, Wing-Tak Wong*, Sai-Wah Tsao,
Wing-Yan Wong, Magnolia Muk-Lan Lee, Brandon Dow Michael Hon-Wah Lam, Paul Kwan-Sing Lam Journal
Chan, Wai-Lun Chan, Wai-Sum Lo, Nai-Ki Mak*, Maria Li of the American Chemical Society, 130 (2008),
Lung, Hong Lok Lung, Sai Wah Tsao, Graham S Taylor, 3714-3715.
Zhao-Xiang Bian, William CS Tai, Ga-Lai Law*, Wing-
Tak Wong*, Steven L Cobb*, Ka-Leung Wong* Nature
Biomedical Engineering (2017) 1, 0042.
62 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Molecular Imaging
Molecular imaging involving d and f block elements
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111 (2014), E5492-E5497
Nature Biomedical Engineering, (2017), 0042
Nature Communications, 9 (2018), 857
Lanthanide Spectroscopy
Different types of optical phenonmena on the f elements are investigated such as multiphoton, mechano and CPL
Inorganic chemistry, 54 (2015), 3725-3727
Chemical Communications, 51 (2015), 592-595
Inorganic Chemistry, 56 (2017), 5135-5140
Chiral Compounds
Study of chiral materials and circulary polarized luminescence
Nature Communications, 8 (2017),1128 Inorganic Chemistry, 55 (2016), 9065-9070
Reaction Studies Imaging and Sensing
Different methods of more efficient and bio compatible reac- Development of lanthanide probes as a tool box
tions
ChemCatChem, 6 (2014), 1599-1603 Chemical Communications, 50 (2014), 9603-9603
Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 4 (2015), 875-878 Chemical Communications, 50 (2014), 9603-9603
Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis, 359 (2017), 1588-1593 Dalton Transactions, 45 (2016), 928-935
Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 6.(2017), 1845 –1850 Chemical Communications, 53 (2017), 557-5
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 63
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LEE Kin Wah Terence
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8799
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Postdoc. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
Publication
H-index B.Sc. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Sum of the Times Cited
Cancer Stem Cells, Molecular Aspects of Cancer Metastasis and
Drug Resistance, Cancer Immunology
0000-0003-0682-322X
80
40
5228
Awards and Honours (selected) •• Lau EY, Lo J, Cheng BY, Ma MK, Lee MF, Ng KY, Chai S,
Lin N, Ma S, Ng IO, Lee TK. Cancer-associated fibrob-
•• Faculty Outstanding Research Output Award, Faculty last derived hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) regulates
of Medicine, HKU 2012 tumor initiating cell plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma
through c-Met/Fra1/Hey1 signaling. Cell Reports 2016;
•• Faculty Outstanding Research Output Award, Faculty 15:1175-89.
of Medicine, HKU 2011
•• Lo J, Lau EY, Ching RH, Cheng BY, Ma MK, Ng IO,
•• Young Researcher Career Development Scheme Lee TK. NF-KB mediated CD47 upregulation promotes
(YRCDS), State Key Laboratory for Liver Research sorafenib resistance and its blockade synergizes the
2011 effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepa-
tology 2015; 62:534-45.
Patents (selected)
•• Lee TK*, Cheung VC*, Lu P, Lau EY, Ma S, Tang KH,
•• Combination use of CD47 antibodies/inhibitors with Tong M, Lo J, Ng IO. Blockade of CD47 mediated
sorafenib for treatment of liver cancer (US patent CTSS-PAR2 signaling provides a therapeutic target for
US20170071918) 2017 hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2014; 60:179-91.
•• Method for predicting and detecting tumor metastasis” •• Lee TK*, Murthy S*, Cawley NX, Dhanvantari S, Hewitt
(US patent US2009050460) 2009 SM, Lou H, Lau S, Ma S, Huynh T, Wesley RA, Ng IO,
Pacak K, Poon RT, Loh YP. An N-terminal truncated
•• Cytotoxicity mediation of cells evidencing surface ex- Carboxypeptidase E splice isoform is a novel tumor in-
pression of CD44 (CA patent application No. 25/36359) ducer and biomarker for predicting future metastasis in
2008 human cancers. Journal of Clinical Investigation 2011;
121:880-92.
Publications (selected)
•• Lee TK, Castilho A, Cheung VC, Tang KH, Ma S, Ng
•• Cheng BY, Lau EY, Leung DH, Ho NP, Cheng LK, Lin IO. CD24+ liver tumor-initiating cells drive self-renewal
CH, Lo RC, Ma S, Ng IO, Lee TK. IRAK1 augments and tumor initiation through STAT3-mediated nanog
cancer stemess and drug resistance via the AP-1/ regulation. Cell Stem Cell 2011; 9:50-63.
AKR1B10 signaling cascade in hepatocellular carci-
noma. Cancer Research 2018; Epub ahead of print.
•• Ma MK, Lau EY, Leung DH, Lo J, Ho NP, Cheng LK, Ma
S, Lin CH, Copland JA, Lo RC, Ng IO, Lee TK. Stearoyl-
CoA desaturase regulates sorafenib resistance via
modulation of ER stress induced differentiation.
Journal of Hepatology 2017; 67:979-90.
•• Ching RH, Sze MF, Lau EY, Chiu EY, Lee JM, Ng IO,
Lee TK. C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X pro-
tein regulates tumorigenicity, self-renewal and drug
resistance via STAT3/Nanog signaling pathway. Onco-
target 2017; 8: 23507-16.
64 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Identification, Characterization and Therapeutic Targeting Against Liver Cancer Stem Cells
• Identification of CD133, CD24 and CD47 as novel markers for liver cancer stem cells
• Anti-CD47 approach for targeting cancer stem cells
• Reverse cancer drug resistance by targeting cancer stem cells
• Role of viral factors in regulation of cancer stem cells
Gastroenterology 2007, 132, 2542-56; Liver Int. 2009, 29, 955-65;
Hepatology 2011, 53, 160-70; Cell Stem Cell 2011, 9, 50-63;
Hepatology 2012, 55, 807-20; Cancer Lett.2013, 338, 101-9;
Hepatology 2014, 60, 179-91; Hepatology 2015, 62,534-45;
Oncotarget 2017;8:23507-16;
Study of The Microenvironmental Factors in Liver Cancer
• Identification of the critical role of cancer associated fibroblasts in regulation of cancer stem cells
• Study of the role of adipocytes in regulation of cancer
• Stem cells, metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion
Cell Rep. 2016, 15, 1175-89; Stem Cell Int. 2017, 3714190; AACR abstract, 2018
Therapeutic Targeting Against Cancer
• Cancer immunology - Anti-CD47 antibody induces
• macrophage-induced phagocytosis
• Immune checkpoint therapy
• Targeting SCD1, a crucial metabolic enzyme, for cancer therapy
• Targeting IRAK1/4 by IRAK1/4-Inh for therapy of liver cancer
• Combinations of natural compounds for cancer therapy
• Identification of kinase inhibitor for cancer therapy
• Combination drug therapy to circumvent drug resistance
BMC Complement Altern. Med. 2014, 14,303; Liver Int. 2016,36, 737-45, J. Hepat. 2017, 67, 979-90; Cancer Res. 2018, ePub ahead of print
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 65
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LEE Yoon Suk Lawrence
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8696
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Postdoc. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
ORCiD Ph.D. McGill University
Publication
H-index B.Sc. Concordia University
Sum of the Times Cited
Functional Nanomaterials, Photocatalysis, Electrocatalysis, Sensor,
Batteries
0000-0002-6119-4780
20
10
398
Awards and Honours (selected) •• L. Hu, X. Peng, K. Huo, J. Fu, L. Y. S. Lee, K.-Y. Wong, P.
Chu, Dominant Factors Governing the Electron Transfer
•• Postdoctoral Fellow Scholarship, PolyU, 2010 Kinetics and Electrochemical Biosensing Properties
of Carbon Nanofiber Arrays, ACS Applied Materials &
•• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Interfaces, 2016, 8(42), 28872.
of Canada (NSERC) Post-Graduate Scholarship
(PGSA), McGill University, 1998 •• W. Zheng, L. Hu, L. Y. S. Lee,* K.-Y. Wong, Copper
nanoparticles/polyaniline/graphene composite as
Book Chapter (selected) a highly sensitive electrochemical glucose sensor.
Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2016, 781, 155.
•• L. Y. S. Lee and K.-Y. Wong, “Recent Development
in Water Oxidation Catalysts Based on Manganese •• X. Peng, L. Hu, L. Wang, X. Zhang, J. Fu, K. Huo,
and Cobalt Complexes” In Organometallics and Related L. Y. S. Lee, K.-Y. Wong, P. K. Chu, Vanadium carbide
Molecules for Energy Conversion, Springer Berlin nanoparticles encapsulated in graphitic carbon network
Heidelberg, 2015, 365-394. nanosheets: A high-efficiency electrocatalyst for
hydrogen evolution reaction. Nano Energy, 2016, 26,
Publications (selected) 603.
•• W. Zheng, Y. Li, M. Liu, C.-S. Tsang, L. Y. S. Lee,* K.-Y. •• E. Ha, L. Y. S. Lee,* H.-W. Man, S. C. E. Tsang,
Wong, Cu2+-doped Carbon Nitride/MWCNT as an Elec- K.-Y. Wong, Morphology Controlled Synthesis of
trochemical Glucose Sensor, Electroanalysis, 2018, Au/Cu2FeSnS4 (Au/CITS) Core/shell Nanostructures for
doi:10.1002/elan.201800076. Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2015, 7(17), 9072.
•• Z. Jing, E. Ha, G. Zhao, D. Huang, G. Yue, Y. Zhou,
L. Hu, N. Sun, W. Yong, L. Y. S. Lee, X. Chen, K.-Y. •• E. Ha, L. Y. S. Lee,* J. Wang, F. Li, K.-Y. Wong, S. C.
Wong, D. Astruc, Recent Advance in MXenes: A Prom- E. Tsang, Significant Enhancement in Photocatalytic
ising 2D Material for Catalysis, Coordination Chemistry Reduction of Water to Hydrogen by Au/Cu2ZnSnS4
Reviews, 2017, 352, 306. Nanostructure. Advanced Materials, 2014, 26, 3496.
•• W. Zheng, Y. Li, C.-S. Tsang, L. Hu, M. Liu, B. Huang, •• W.-L. Wong, L. Y. S. Lee, K.-P. Ho, Z.-Y. Zhou, T. Fan,
L. Y. S. Lee,* K.-Y. Wong, CuII-Mediated Ultra-efficient Z. Lin, and K.-Y. Wong, Green catalysis of CO2 Fixation
Electrooxidation of Glucose, ChemElectroChem, 2017, to Aliphatic Epoxides by a New Ionic Liquid System.
4, 2788. Applied Catalysis A. 2014, 472(22), 160.
•• L. Hu, X. Peng, Y. Li, E. Wang, K. Huo, J. Fu, L. Y. S. Lee, •• S.-J. Hong, L. Y. S. Lee, M.-H. So, K.-Y. Wong, A
K.-Y. Wong, P. Chu, Direct anodic exfoliation of graphite Dopamine Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly
onto high-density aligned graphene for large capacity Imprinted Poly(acrylamidophenylboronic acid) Film.
supercapacitors, Nano Energy, 2017, 34, 515. Electroanalysis, 2012, 25(4), 1085.
•• E. Ha, W. Liu, L. Wang, H.-W. Man, L. Hu, S. C. E.
Tsang, C. T.-L. Chan, W.-M. Kwok, L. Y. S. Lee,*
K.-Y. Wong, Cu2ZnSnS4/MoS2-Reduced Graphene Oxide
Heterostructure: Nanoscale Interfacial Contact and
Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation,
Scientific Reports, 2017, 7, 39411.
66 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Nanomaterials for Photo- and Electrocatalytic Energy Conversions
• Fundamental understanding of the crystal structure-activity relationships
• Development of synthetic method for band gap engineering
• Composite nanostructures based on abundant elements for advanced functionality
• Shape and facet-controlled synthesis of nanostructures, such as 2D metal organic frameworks
• Electrochemical characterizations and electrocatalysis
Development of Electrochemical Sensors and New Generation Battery Materials
• Enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of sensors by using nanomaterials and metal ions
• 2D layered/aligned nanomaterials for battery electrodes
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 67
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. LEUNG Yun Chung Thomas
Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8661
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests D.Phil. University of Oxford
ORCiD
Publication B.Sc. Imperial College
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited Anti-cancer Drug Discovery, Antimicrobial Drug Discovery
0000-0003-3590-7027
59
23
1743
Awards (selected) Book Chapters (selected)
•• PolyU Distinguished Knowledge Transfer Award 2017 •• Leung YC. Arginine-depleting enzyme arginine
(TEC- Merit Award) deiminase (ADI) and cancer. In: Schwab M, editor.
Encyclopedia of cancer, 2nd edition. Springer-Verlag:
•• PolyU Outstanding Professional Service Award 2017 2009 (ISBN 978-3-540-47648-1), 2009.
(Winner, Technology Transfer Award)
•• LEUNG, Y.C., WONG, H.Y., CHURCHICH, J.E., LO,
•• Second Class Prize in Natural Science Award ( 自然• S.C.L. and KWOK, F. “Structure-function relationships
科學二等獎 ) of the Higher Education Outstanding of porcine pyridoxal kinase”. In Iriarte, A., Kagan,
Scientific Research Output Awards (Science H.M. and Martineze-Carrion, M., eds., Biochemistry
and Technology) from the Ministry of Education 2013 and Molecular Biology of Vitamin B6 and PQQ-
dependent Proteins, Birkhauser Verlag Basel,
•• Prize of the State of Geneva (37th International Switzerland, pp.277-280, 2000.
Exhibition of Inventions, Geneva, 2009)
Publications (selected)
Patents (selected)
•• Law KH, Tsang MW, Wong YK, Tsang MS, Lau PY,
•• Licensed and Granted patent: Australian Patent Wong KY, Ho KP, Leung YC. Efficient production of
2003250371 (Application status: GRANTED) Expiry secretory Streptomyces clavuligerus β-lactamase
date 2023-06-20, Pharmaceutical preparation and inhibitory protein (BLIP) in Pichia pastoris. AMB
method of treatment of human malignancies with Express. 8(1):64, 2018.
arginine deprivation, 2014
•• Lam TL, Wong GK, Chow HY, Chong HC, Chow TL,
•• Granted patent: US Patent 8507245B2 (Date of Kwok SY, Cheng PN, Wheatley DN, Lo WH, Leung YC.
Patent: Aug 13, 2013) Site-directed pegylation of Recombinant human arginase inhibits the in vitro and in
arginases and the use thereof as anti-cancer and vivo proliferation of human melanoma by inducing cell
anti-viral agents, 2013 cycle arrest and apoptosis. Pigment Cell Melanoma
Res. 24(2):366-76, 2011.
68 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Expertise and Research Tools
Drug discovery, pharmaceutical sciences, protein engineering, rational protein drug design, rational biosensor design,
translational medicine, biotechnology and cancer research.
I joined the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology in 1996 and was promoted to Professor in 2010.
Currently, I serve as the Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Endowed Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Endowed by
Lo Ka Chung Charitable Foundation Limited); Director of the Lo Ka Chung Centre for Natural Anti- Cancer Drug Development;
and Director of Centralised Animal Facilities. I have received numerous awards, including the President’s Award for Excellent
Performance/Achievement in Research and Scholarly Activities (2004/2005); two Technology Transfer Awards (2005 and
2006); High Impact Achievement Award for Research Achievement (2009); Prize of the State of Geneva (2009); and the
Second Class Prize in Natural Science Award of the Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Science
and Technology) from the Ministry of Education (2013). The following is about my current research and expertise.
Anti-cancer Drug Discovery
My areas of research include biotechnology and cancer drug discovery. Focusing on translational research, I developed
pegylated recombinant human arginase (BCT-100) in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Lo and Dr. Paul Cheng. The research was
based on my pioneering work indicating that human arginase can starve cancer cells to death whilst leaving normal cells
unharmed. Phase 2 clinical trials in liver cancer patients are currently ongoing in Hong Kong. Recently, BCT-100 became
Hong Kong’s first ever homegrown drug to receive Investigational New Drug approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and thus clearing the way for clinical trials in the United States. This achievement is an important milestone
in the development of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in Hong Kong. Currently, my team is doing studies to
further understand the mechanisms of drug action, improve the drug effects and benefit cancer patients.
Anti-microbial Drug Discovery
ß-Lactamases mediate antibiotic resistance in bacteria by efficiently hydrolyzing a broad range of ß-lactam antibiotics. With
their clinical significance and the lack of commercially available effective inhibitors, development of ß-lactamase inhibitors
has become one of the recent hot issues in the pharmaceutical industry. In collaboration with Prof. KY Wong, we reported
the highly successful protein engineering of a fluorescent Amp C ß-lactamase mutant designated as V211Cf for the in vitro
screening of class C ß-lactamase inhibitors. When a fluorescein (f) was incorporated at the entrance of the enzyme’s active
site (position 211), Amp C ß-lactamase from Enterobacter cloacae P99 was tailor- made into a novel fluorescent biosensing
protein that could display a fluorescence enhancement upon binding with its ß-lactam substrates/inhibitors. With its catalytic
activity close to the wild-type level, V211Cf can act as a “natural” fluorescent drug target for screening small binding
molecules. In addition, V211Cf can allow specific detection for its active-site binding molecules and discriminate them from
nondruglike molecules in the screen. Furthermore, V211Cf is amenable to a high throughput format. Currently, we are per-
forming further studies to explore the potential of this innovative approach to develop more efficient tools for screening ß-
lactamase inhibitors and facilitates the discovery of therapeutics that can combat the clinically important ß-lactamases. My
granted patents include the European Patent EP1608757B1 (Date of Patent: 14.12.2011) on “Modified beta-lactamases and
uses thereof”.
V211Cf without (a) and with (b) antibiotic added
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 69
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. LI Pei Pauline
Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8721
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. University of Ottawa
ORCiD
Publication B.Sc. Jinan University
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited Polymer Chemistry, Nanomaterials and their applications
0000-0001-9098-7598
72
24
2387
Awards and Honours (selected) Patents (selected)
•• Outstanding Achievement Award (Asia Pacific •• Inkjet Ink Composition for Printing Irremovable
Society for Materials Research) (2015 & 2013) Trace Marks on Substrates for Enhancing Product
Authenticity and Traceability, US Patent, 2016, US
•• Gold Metal and Special Award for the invention of 9260617
“NANO ANTI-ERASING (ATE) INK SYSTEM”, The
First World Invention Innovation Contest (WiC) 2015, •• Substrate Coating with Aqueous-Based Multifunctional
Seoul, Korea (2015) Core-Shell Particles, US Patent, 2015, US8993065
•• 2014 Hong Kong Awards for Industries: Technological •• Removal of Endotoxin Using Amphiphilic Core-Shell
Achievement Awards (Industrial collaboration with Nanosorbents, US Patent, 2014, US 8669354
China Hi-Tech Anti-Counterfeit Limited Hong Kong)
(2014) •• Method of Synthesis of Amphiphilic Magnetic
Composite Particles, US Patent, 2013, US 8404347
•• PolyU Outstanding Professional Services Awards:
Technology Transfer Award (Merit) (2013) •• Textiles with Chitosan Core-Shell Particles, US Patent,
2012, US822962
•• PolyU Distinguished Knowledge Transfer Excellence
Merit Awards (2012) •• Core-Shell Particles for Wastewater Treatment, US
Patent, 2008, US7323110
•• PolyU High Impact Achievement Awards: Technological/
Industrial Achievement (2009) •• Amphiphilic Core-shell Latexes, US Patent, 2003,
US6573313
•• 2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries: Technological
Achievement Grand Award (Industrial collaboration Book Chapters (selected)
with Dunwell Engineering Company Limited, Hong
Kong) (2009) •• Pei Li, et al “Amphiphilic Core-Shell Nanoparticles
Containing Hairy Polyethyleneimine Shells as
•• The President’s Award for Outstanding Performance/ Effective Nanocarriers for Gene Delivery” Book
Achievement: Research and Scholarly Activities chapter, “Selected Topics in Nanomedicine” World
2008, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2008) Scientific Publishing, 2014, PP.429-447.
•• Gold Medal Award & Best Invention from International •• Pei Li, et al, Monograph “Smart Microgel Particles
Jury: in The 35th International Exhibition of Inventions, with Tuneable Responses: Synthesis, Properties and
New Techniques and Products, Geneva, Switzerland Application of Well-Defined Core-Shell Microgels”
(2007) ISBN 978-3-639-00297-3, Published by VDM-Verlag,
Germany, 2009.
70 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. Li’s research interests center around the development of new functional materials for emerging applications. The group
mainly focuses on the design and synthesis of nano- to micro-scale particles with properties that are tailored to specific
applications. Various novel and versatile methods to synthesize a wide range of amphiphilic core-shell particles, hydrophilic
microgels, hollow particles, metal/polymer composite particles with well-defined core-shell nanostructures have been designed
and developed. These particles show many useful applications in diverse fields. Current research topics are highlighted below:
Design, Synthesis and Mechanistic Studies of Various Types of Polymer and Composite Particles
Amphiphilic core-shell particles Amphiphilic hollow particles and nanotube
Langmuir, 2002, 18, 8641; Polym. Sci. Part A. Polym. Chem. 2003, 41, 3346; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2006, 128, 2168; Soft Matter, 2009, 5, 491;
Polymer, 2005, 46, 10538; Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 2267; RSC Advances, 2012, 2, 1303; Langmuir, 2013, 29, 7583.
Langmuir 2008, 24, 1801; Polymer, 2010, 51, 3512.
Smart core-shell microgel particles Metal/polymer composite particles
Macro. Rapid Communication, 2004, 25, 1819; Polymer, 2015, 76, 271; Langumire 2008, 24, 11036; Langumir, 2010, 26, 6009;
Polymers, 2016, 8, 105. Polymers, 2016, 8,105; Particle & Particle Systems Char-
acterization, 2016, 33,756.
Water-dispersible Photoluminescence Nanomaterials
• Excitation Dependent Emission (EDC) for Cell Imaging
• Energy saving in LED applications
• Anticounterfeit ink formulation
Exploration of Potential Applications of Various Types of Particles
Biological Applications:
• Delivery of therapeutic molecules such as gene, protein and enzyme;
Topical drug delivery
• Image-guided therapy (fluorescence, MRI, CT, photothermal)
• Bioseparation (endotoxin removal)
• Antibacterial property
Coatings: International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2016, 11, 2785
• Antibacterial coating; Functional surface coating Journal of Controlled Release, 2012, 158, 123
Water Treatment: Biointerphases, 2012, 7, 16
• Removal of heavy metal, organic pollutants; chloride ions etc. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 2007, 80, 184
Bioconjugate Chem. 2005, 16, 139
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 71
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LIANG Hanhua
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8663
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. Purdue University
ORCiD B.Sc. East China Institute of Chemical Technology
Publication
H-index Novel Extraction, Membrane Separation, Application of Ultrasonic and
Sum of the Times Cited
Microwave Technologies in Food Processing
0000-0001-9044-0509
29
13
576
Publications (selected) •• Cai, M., Wang, S., Liang, H.H., Modeling and fouling
mechanisms for ultrafiltration of Huanggi (Radix
•• Chen, Q., Hu, Z., Yao, F.Y.D., Liang, H.H., Study of astragalus) extracts. Food Sci. Biotech., 22(2):
two-stage microwave extraction of essential oil and 407-412, 2013.
pectin from pomelo peels, LWT - Food Science and
Technology, 66:538-545, 2016. •• Cai, M., Wang, S., Liang, H.H., Optimization of
Ultrasound-assisted Ultrafiltration of Radix Astragalus
•• Wong, A., Daoud, W. A., Liang, H.H., Szetoa, Y.S., Extracts with Hollow Fiber Membrane Using
Application of rutile and anatase onto cotton fabric Response Surface Methodology, Sep. Purif. Technol.,
and their effect on the NIR reflection/ surface 100:74-81, 2012.
temperature of the fabric, Solar Energy Materials &
Solar Cells, 134: 425-437, 2015. •• Zeng, S., Cai, M., Liang, H.H. and Hao, J.H., Size-
Dependent Colorimetric Visual Detection of Mela-
•• Cai, M., Lin, Y., Luo, Y.L., Liang, H.H., Sun, P.L., mine in Milk at 10 ppb Level by Citrate-Stabilized Au
Extraction, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities Nanoparticles, Anal. Methods, 4:2499-2505, 2012.
of crude polysaccharides from the wood ear medicinal
mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (higher •• Cai M, Zhao S.N. and Liang, H.H., Mechanisms for
basidiomycetes), International Journal of Medicinal the enhancement of ultrafiltration and membrane
Mushrooms, 17(6):591-600, 2015. cleaning by ultrasound at various frequencies,
Desalination, 263:133-138, 2010.
•• Cai, M., Luo, Y.L., Chen, Jia, Liang, H.H. and Sun,
P.L., Optimization and comparison of ultrasound
assisted extraction and microwave-assisted
extraction of shikimic acid from Chinese star anise,
Sep. Purif. Technol., 133:375-379, 2014.
•• Cai, M., Li, W. and Liang H.H., Effects of ultrasound
parameters on ultrasound-assisted ultrafiltration
using cross-flow hollow fiber membrane for Radix
astragalus extracts, Chem. Eng. Proc.: Proc. Intens.,
86:30-35, 2014.
72 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
One of our research focuses is on the development of novel extraction methodologies for active components from materials of
food and plant origin. Studies include ultrasound assisted extraction, ultrasound assisted supercritical fluid extraction, micro-
wave assisted extraction (Figure 1), pressurized microwave assisted extraction.
Another field of our researches is on the application of ultrasound technology in membrane separation. Works include ultrasound
enhanced ultrafiltration for separation and purification of TCM, effects of ultrasound on the enhancement of ultrafiltration and
membrane cleaning (Figure 2), study of ultrasound integrated reverse osmosis for seawater desalination.
Figure 1. Response surface for effects of microwave power level and extraction time
(A)
Figure 2. Effects of ultrasound on hollow fiber UF membrane: before (A) and after (B) sonication
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 73
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. LO Chun Lap Samuel
Professor and Head of Department
Phone Number (852) 3400 8669
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. Monash University
ORCiD B.Sc. University of New England
Publication
H-index Proteomics, Methylmercury Poisoning, Cancer Biomarkers, Biosensor,
Sum of the Times Cited
Harmful Algal Blooms and Dinoflagellates
0000-0003-1134-7299
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Awards and Honours (selected) Publications (selected)
•• A gold medal invention award for the “Portable real •• Tse PKS, Beauchemin M, Morse D and Lo SCL. Refining
time DNA biosensor” in the 39th International Exhibition Transcriptome Gene Catalogs by MS-Validation of
of Inventions, 6-10/4/2011 in Geneva, Switzerland Expressed Proteins. Proteomics 2018, Jan 18(1). doi:
10.1002/pmic.201700271.
•• A Bronze medal award for the invention entitled:
“Smart Therapy” in The 60th International Trade Fair •• Tse PK and Lo SCL. Comparative proteomic studies
held from 30/10/2008 to 2/11/2008 in Nuremberg, of a Scrippsiella acuminata bloom with its laboratory-
Germany grown culture using a 15N-metabolic labeling
approach. Harmful Algae 2017, 67: 26-35.
•• A silver medal invention award for the “HaiDex
System, a diffusion-characterized indexing technology •• Kong HK, Wong KH and Lo SCL. Identification of
to forecast regional Harmful Algal Bloom” in the 36th peptides released from hot water insoluble fraction
International Exhibition of Inventions held in 2-6/4/2008 of edible bird’s nest under simulated gastro-intestinal
in Geneva, Switzerland conditions. Food Research International 2016, 85:
19-25.
Patents (selected)
•• Lee FWF, Ho KC, Mak DYL, Liang JR, Chen CP, Gao
•• Leung MCP and Lo SCL. Method of treating a rheu- YH and Lo SCL. Cellular Protein/Peptide Expression
matic disorder using combination of transcutaneous Profiles (PEPs): an alternative approach for easy
electrical nerve stimulation and a ginsenosides. US identification of cyanobacterial species. Journal of
patent #8,855,759 B2. Issued on 7th Oct, 2014 Integrated OMICS 2013, 3: 174-184.
•• Lo SCL and Or SWD. Method and apparatus for •• Kong HK, Wong MH, Chan HM and Lo SCL. Chronic
detecting specific DNA sequences. US patent no. exposure of adult rats to low doses of methyl-mercury
8,263,388 B2, Issued on 11th Sept, 2012 induced a state of metabolic deficit in the somatosen-
sory cortex. Journal of Proteome Research 2013, 12:
•• Leung WWF and Lo SCL. Medical device for deliver- 5233-5245.
ing drug and/or performing physical therapy. US pat-
ent #7,998,110, Issued on August 26th, 2011 •• Lee FWF, Ho KC, Mak YL and Lo SCL. Authentication
of the protein expression profiles (PEPs) identification
•• Lo SCL, Chan LL and Hodgkiss JI. Four sets of methodology in a bloom of Karenia digitata, the most
US patents on “Biomarkers for toxic algae”. Patent damaging harmful algal bloom causative agent in the
#7,109,297, (19/9/2006), #7,425,412, (16/9/2008), history of Hong Kong. Harmful Algae 2011, 12: 1-10.
#7,714,117, (11/5/2010), #7,927,788, Issued on Sep-
tember, 29th April, 2011 •• Shao D, Liang P, Kang Y, Wang H, Cheng Z, Wu S, Shi
J, Lo SCL, Wang W and Wong MH. Mercury species
74 Research at FAST of sediment and fish in freshwater fish ponds around
the Pearl River Delta, PR China: human health risk
assessment. Chemosphere 2011, 83: 443-448.
•• Liang P, Shao DD, Wu SC, Shi JB, Sun XL, Wu FY,
Lo SCL, Wang WX and Wong MH. The influence of
mariculture on mercury distribution in sediments and
fish around Hong Kong and adjacent mainland China
waters. Chemosphere 2011, 82: 1038-1043.
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
My major research focus is using proteomic technologies to compare protein expressions in various situations in various biological
models. These include comparative proteomic studies between (a) normal and cancerous tissues, (b) MeHg intoxication brain
samples and normal, (c) fabrication of bacterial biosensor (d) responses of dinoflagellates in various nutritional and environmental
conditions and (e) promotor of algae growth for production of algal biofuel.
Comparative Proteomics on Cancer Tissues
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Methylmercury Fabrication of Bacterial Biosensor
Dinoflagellates Proteomics, Genomics, Large Scale Algae Cultivation for Production
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics of Biofuel
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 75
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LO Tsz Woon Benedict
Research Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8886
Email [email protected]
Education D.Phil. University of Oxford
M.Chem. University of Oxford
Research Interests CO2 and Biomass Conversion, Single-site Catalysis, Rechargeable
Lithium-ion Batteries
ORCiD 0000-0002-4853-0196
Publication 10
H-index 5
Sum of the Times Cited 77
Awards and Honours •• Elucidation of Adsorbate Structures and Interactions
on Brønsted Acid Sites in H-ZSM-5 by Synchrotron
•• Casberd Scholarship; St John’s College, University of X-ray Powder Diffraction. Angewandte Chemie -
Oxford International Edition. 2016;55(20):5981-4. Back cover.
•• Short-listed for the Diamond Early Career Medal and •• The use of nano-carbon as an alternative to multi-walled
the PhD Investigator Award, United Kingdom carbon nanotubes in modified electrodes for adsorptive
stripping voltammetry. Sensors and Actuators B:
Publications (selected) Chemical. 2012;1:361-8. Highly cited.
•• The Contribution of Synchrotron X-ray Powder
Diffraction to Modern Zeolite Applications: A
Mini-review and Future Prospects. Cell Chem 4, 1-31,
August 9, 2018.
•• Direct Catalytic Conversion of Biomass-Derived
Furan and Ethanol to Ethylbenzene. ACS Catalysis.
2018;8(3):1843-50.
•• Decarboxylation of Lactones over Zn/ZSM-5: Elucidation
of the Structure of the Active Site and Molecular
Interactions. Angewandte Chemie - International
Edition. 2017;56(36):10711-6.
•• From Biomass-Derived Furans to Aromatics with
Ethanol over Zeolite. Angewandte Chemie - Interna-
tional Edition. 2016;55(42):13061-6. Inside cover.
76 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Atomic/ cluster Metal Catalysts in Microporous Materials for CO2 and Biomass Conversion
With a strong interest in materials and catalysis, our group has been focussing on the fundamental aspects of zeolite materials
and their catalytic applications. We developed a new structural methodology in using state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray facility
that can: (i) directly visualised how reactant molecules behave and interact with zeolite catalysts, (ii) elucidated the ammonia
desorption processes from zeolites, (iii) revealed the reaction mechanisms of existing industrial catalysis processes,
(iv) explained the reaction kinetics of new catalysis reactions, and (v) designed and engineered a novel enzyme-mimic inorganic
system. Herein, we target to develop smartly new generation atomic/cluster metal catalysts in microporous materials, like
zeolites and MOFs, for the rapidly rising need of CO2 and biomass conversion.
By in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with Rietveld refinement, the slight but significant alternation in scattering
parameters of framework atoms modified by the guest molecules (using pyridine and 2,5-dimethylfuran as an illustration here)
enables us to elucidate their adsorption geometries and interactions with the Brønsted acid sites in microporous H-ZSM-5 in
terms of atomic distances and angles within experimental errors.
Synthesis and Advanced Characterisation of Electrode Materials in Li+/ Na+-ion Batteries
Our group have extensive experience in the design and structural elucidation of electrode materials using high-resolution
synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray pair distribution function in atomic resolution. We worked in collaboration with
Beamline I15-1 from the UK national synchrotron X-ray facility to study the de-lithiation of nano-Pd supported on single-walled
carbon nano-tubes (a potential conversion-based anode material, see below). We observed a contraction of the Pd lattice and
a fall in Li concentration using in situ XPDF. Herein, we target to further extend our unique structural technique to elucidate and
guide the design of new electrode materials.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 77
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr LO Wai Hung Thomas
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8724
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. Purdue University
ORCiD
Publication M.Sc. Purdue University
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited M.Sc.CEP Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
B.Sc. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Anticancer Drug, Biotechnology, Environmental Technology
0000-0001-5948-0385
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Awards (selected) Publications (selected)
•• PolyU Distinguished Knowledge Transfer Excellence •• Ma, S., Chiu, C.P., Zhu, Y., Tang, C.Y., Long, H., Qar-
Awards – Merit Award (Category: Technological ony, W, Zhao, X., Zhang, X., Lo, W.H., Tsang, Y.H.
Excellence), 2017 Recycled waste black polyurethane sponges for so-
lar vapor generation and distillation. Applied Energy
•• PolyU Outstanding Professional Services Awards – 206, pp. 63-9, 2017.
Technology Transfer Award, 2017
•• Lam, T.L., Wong, G.K.Y., Chow, H.Y., Chong, H.C.,
•• Prize of the State of Geneva at 37th International Chow, T.L., Kwok, S.Y., Cheng, P.N.M., Wheatley,
Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Prod- D.N., Lo, W.H., Leung, Y.C. “Recombinant human ar-
ucts, Geneva, 2009 ginase inhibits the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of
human melanoma by inducing cell cycle arrest and
•• Gold Medal with Jury’s Commendation at 37th apoptosis” Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research 24,
International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques pp. 366-76, 2011.
and Products, Geneva, 2009
•• Kurniawan, T.A., Lo, W.H. “Removal of refractory
•• High Impact Achievement Award for Research compounds from stabilized landfill leachate using an
Achievement, PolyU, 2009 integrated H2O2 oxidation and granular activated
carbon (GAC) adsorption treatment” Water Research
•• Authorship of Environmental Science and Technology’s 43(16), pp. 4079-4091, 2009.
Second Runner-up Environmental Technology Paper
of 2007, Best Paper Award of 2007 •• Cheng, P.N.M., Lam, T.L., Lam, W.M., Tsui, S.M.,
Cheng, A.W.M., Lo, W.H., Leung, Y.C. “Pegylated
•• Technology Transfer Award, PolyU, 2006 human recombinant arginase (hrArg-peg5,000mw)
inhibits the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of human
•• Technology Transfer Award, PolyU, 2005 hepatocellular carcinoma through arginine depletion:
Relationship to urea cycle enzymes, especially or-
•• The President’s Award for Excellent Performance/ nithine transcarbamylase” Cancer Research 67(1),
Achievement in Research and Scholarly Activities, pp. 309-317, 2007.
PolyU, 2004-2005
•• Kurniawan, T.A., Chan, G.Y.S., Lo, W.H. and Babel,
•• A Special Gold Award, 33rd International Exhibition of .S ”Comparison of lowcost adsorbents for treating
Inventions, New Techniques and Products, Geneva, wastewaters laden with heavy metals” Science Total
2005 Environment 366(2-3), pp. 409-426, 2006.
Book Chapter (selected)
•• Yu, P.H.F., Lo, W.H., Chua, H, Chan, C.P.L., Fein, J.
Biological treatment of industrial wastewater: case
studies and current thoughts. In: Hui, YH, editor.
Handbook of Food Science, Technology and
Engineering, Volume 3, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
ISBN: 1-57444-552-9, pp. 145-3 to 145-17 (2006).
78 Research at FAST
Patents (selected) Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
•• Leung, Y.C. and Lo, W.H. “Site-directed pegylation of arginases and the use thereof as anti-cancer and anti-viral
agents” US Patent No. US 9,382,525, 2016.
•• Leung, Y.C. and Lo, W.H. “Site-directed pegylation of arginases and the use thereof as anti-cancer and anti-viral
agents” European Patent No. EP 2,411,040 B1, 2015.
• Cheng, P.N.M., Leung, Y.C. and Lo, W. H. “Pharmaceutical preparation and method of treatment of human malignancies with
arginine deprivation.” US Patent No. 8,679,810, 2014.
• Leung, Y.C., Lo, W.H. and Ye, W.N. “ALR Polypeptides and uses thereof”. Chinese Patent No. ZL 2005 1 0132225.3, 4 Jan
2012.
•• Leung, Y.C., Lo, W.H. and Errington, J. “Method for production of alpha-amylase in recombinant Bacillus.” US Patent
No. US 7,550,281 B2, 23 June 2009.
Research Overview
Novel Arginine-depleting Enzymes for the Treatment of Cancers
We have designed and bioengineered several novel, multi-potent
arginase-based anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of cancers.
• Inhibit the growth of arginine-dependent tumors by
converting arginine into ornithine and urea
• Excellent anti-tumor effects on a wide range of human
cancer types such as liver cancer, melanoma, stomach
cancer and lung cancer
• Safe with very few side effects
• Stable and long plasma circulating half-life
• Efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process
• A breakthrough against cancer — the drug is going
through the phase II clinical trial stages for HCC and
is Hong Kong’s first ever to receive Investigational New
Drug approval from the US Food and Drug Administration
in 2012
• Strong patent portfolio
• Won multiple awards
• We are the first to show that arginase kills cancers which
are resistant to arginine deiminase: Cancer Research
67(1):309-317, 2007; Cancer Letters 277(1):91-100,
2009; Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 24:366-76,
2011; Hematology & Oncology 5, 2012
Utilization of Low-cost Biosorbents as Effective and Affordable Treatment Method for Wastewater Laden with
Toxic Metals and Organics
• Conversion of industrial and agricultural waste materials
into useful and valuable biosorbents
• Applications: for removal and recovery of toxic heavy
metals and organic pollutants from wastewater, contami-
nated water and groundwater in permeable reactive bar-
rier
• Competitive performance, simply prepared
• Much low cost compared with other types of adsorbents
• Regeneration of metal-laden biosorbent
• Recovery of strategic and precious metals
• Immobilization technology using the biosorbents
• Biosorptive fixed-bed reactor process for commercial
applications
• RSC Advances, 5(109), 90022-90030, 2015; Chem
PlusChem, 78, 1440-1445, 2013; Sep. Sci. Technol.,
46(3), 460-472, 2011; Water Research 43(16), 4079-
4091, 2009; J. Hazard. Mater. 137(1), 443-455, 2006
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 79
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr MA Cong
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8810
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Postdoc Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ORCiD
Publication Ph.D. Ecole Polytechnique
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited B.Sc. China Pharmaceutical University
Medicinal and Organic Chemistry
0000-0001-9245-0356
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261
Awards •• Bacterial Transcription as a Target for Antibacterial
Drug Development, Ma C, Yang X, Lewis PJ,
•• Early Career Research Award, University of Newcastle, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews (2016)
Australia (2014-2015) 80, 139-160.
•• EDX Postdoctoral Research Award, Ecole Polytechnique, •• RNA polymerase-induced remodelling of NusA
France (2009-2010) produces a pause enhancement complex, Ma C,
Mobli M, Yang X, Keller AN, King G, Lewis PJ, Nucleic
•• EGIDE Postgraduate Research Award, French Ministry Acids Research (2015) 43, 2829-2840.
of Foreign Affairs, France (2005-2008)
•• Design, Synthesis, Nitric Oxide Release and
Patent (selected) Antibacterial Evaluation of Novel Nitrated Ocotillol- type
Derivatives, Zhang T, Yang X, Yang J, Liu Z, Zhang X,
•• Antibacterial activity, preparation method and Xu J, Lewis PJ, Bi Y, Meng Q, Ma C, European Journal
application of (20S, 24R)-ocotillol type ginsenoside of Medicinal Chemistry (2015) 101, 71-80.
derivatives (CN102924556 A) (2013)
Publications (selected)
•• First-In-Class Inhibitor of Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
with Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus
aureus, Yang X, Luo MJ, Yeung A, Lewis P, Chan PKS,
Ip M, Ma C, Biochemistry (2017) 56, 5049-5052.
•• Cascade metathesis reactions for the synthesis of tax-
ane and isotaxane derivatives, Ma C, Letort A, Aouzal
R, Wilkes A, Farrugia LJ, Ricard L, Prunet J, Chemis-
try - A European Journal (2016) 22, 6891-6898.
•• Bacterial Transcription Inhibitor of RNA Polymerase
Holoenzyme Formation by Structure-Based Drug De-
sign: From in Silico Screening to Validation, Ma C,
Yang X, Lewis PJ, ACS Infectious Diseases (2016) 2,
39-46.
80 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Medicinal Chemistry
Bacterial infection and cancer are developing diseases threatening human health, and caused enormous social and economic
crisis. My current research directions aim to resolve the main problem of therapeutic efficacy and drug resistance in the treatment
of bacterial infection and cancer, by novel drug target identification, followed by target-specific drug design.
The research programs focus on the medicinal chemistry and chemical biology areas. New drug targets essential for cell viability
of bacteria or cancer cells differed from normal human cells are identified, and mechanisms studied. Structure-based drug design
is performed for further hit-to-lead optimization.
Organic Chemistry
Natural products used to, and re-emerge to attract attention from the pharmaceutical industry in recent years as rich resources of
drug leads. Bioactive natural products with unique structures for activity are also our research interest, for which efficient synthetic
methods will be explored for the purpose of synthetic study and biological target identification.
Asymmetric catalysis have been developed by organic chemists in recent decades, and widely adapted by chemical industry for
pharmaceutical and material manufacturing. We are interested in developing new catalytic methods for asymmetric organic
synthesis using earth abundant metals as catalysts under mild conditions.
With the unique skillset in chemistry and biology as well as pharmacist background, I dedicate my competence to the research
strength of PolyU, and look forward to contributing to further biomedical research and drug discovery. Potential collaborations are
highly welcome.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 81
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr MOK Kam Wah Daniel
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8681
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD B.Sc. The University of Hong Kong
Publication
H-index Theoretical Calculations, Chemometrics, Metabolomics,
Sum of the Times Cited
Chinese Medicine
0000-0002-6677-2949
114
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Award (selected) •• C.A. Taatjes, O. Welz, A.J. Eskola, J.D. Savee, A.M.
Scheer, D.E. Shallcross, B. Rotavera, E.P.F. Lee, J.M.
•• Croucher Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1995 Dyke, D.K.W. Mok, D.L. Osborn, and C.J. Percival,
‘Direct Measurements of Conformer-Dependent
Book Chapter (selected) Reactivity of the Criegee Intermediate CH3CHOO’,
Science, 340 (2013) 177-180.
•• 陳新滋，楊大堅，區靖彤，莫錦華，陳四寶，《名貴
藥材 鑑別》天地圖書公司 , 2013 •• O.M. Kvalheim, H.Y. Chan, I.F.F. Benzie, Y.T. Szeto,
A.H.C. Tzang, D.K.W. Mok, and F.T. Chau, ‘Chroma-
Publications (selected) tographic profiling and multivariate analysis for
screening and quantifying the contributions from
•• T.T. Sham, M.H. Li, C.O. Chan, H. Zhang, S.W. Chan individual components to the bioactive signature in
and D.K.W. Mok, ‘Cholesterol-lowering effects of naturalproducts’ Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst. 107 (2011)
piceatannol, a stilbene from wine, using untargeted 98-105.
metabolomics’ J. Funct. Foods, 28 (2017) 122-137.
•• C.C. Lau, C.O. Chan, F.T. Chau and D.K.W. Mok, ‘Rapid
•• C.O. Chan, D.P. Jin, N.P. Dong, S.B. Chen, and Analsis of Radix Puerariae by Near Infrared Spectros-
D.K.W. Mok, ‘Qualitative and quantitative analysis of copy’, J. Chromatgr. A, 1216 (2009) 2130.
chemical constituents of Centipeda minima by HPLC-
QTOF-MS & HPLC-DAD’ J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal., •• D.K.W. Mok and F.T. Chau, ‘Chemical Information
125 (2016) 400-407. of Chinese Medicines: A Challenge to Chemist’,
Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst. 82 (2006) 210-217.
•• J. Xu, Q.S. Xu, C.O. Chan, D.K.W. Mok, L.Z. Yi, and
F.T. Chau, ‘Identifying bioactive components in natural •• D.K.W. Mok, E.P.F. Lee, F.T. Chau, D.C. Wang, and
products through chromatographic fingerprint’ Anal. J.M. Dyke, ‘A New Method of Calculation of Franck-
Chim. Acta, 870 (2015) 45-55. Condon Factors which includes Allowance for
Anharmonicity and the Duschinsky Effect: Simulation
•• M. Ng, D.K.W. Mok, E.P.F. Lee, and J.M. Dyke, of the He I Photoelectron Spectrum of ClO2’, J. Chem.
A theoretical study of the mechanism of the Phys. 113 (2000) 5791-5803.
atmospherically relevant reaction of chlorine atoms
with methyl nitrate, and calculation of the reaction •• D.K.W. Mok, R. Neumann, and N.C. Handy, ‘Dynamical
rate coefficients at temperatures relevant to the and nondynamical correlation’, J. Phys. Chem. 100
troposphere’ PCCP, 17 (2015) 7463-7476. (1996) 6225-6230.
•• D.K.W. Mok, E.P.F. Lee, F.-T. Chau, and J.M. Dyke,
‘Simulation of the Single-Vibronic-Level Emission
Spectrum of HPS’ J. Chem. Phys., 140 (2014) Article
ID 194311.
•• R. Chow, M. Ng, D.K.W. Mok, E.P.F. Lee, and J.M.
Dyke, ‘Rate Coefficients of the Cl + CH3(CO) OCH3
-> HCl + CH3(CO)OCH2 Reaction at Different
Temperatures Calculated by Transition-State Theory
with Ab Initio and Density Functional Theory Reaction
Paths’ J. Phys. Chem. A, 118 (2014) 2040-2055.
82 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Theoretical Calculations
Polyatomic Franck Condon Factor Calculation
• Excellent agreement with experimental spectrum can be achieved
• Great success in assigning electronic spectra, especially those with vibrational
structures
• Accurate excited state structure and temperatureof the transition process can
be derived
• Employed to estimate the temperature of a plasma
Transition Theory State Calculations to Study Rate Coefficients
of Important Reactions in the Atmosphere
• Ab initio and DFTcalculations for transition States of different channels
• Determine rate coefficientsand branching ratio
• Study of reactions of Criegeeintermediates, an importanttransient species
in the Atmosphere results in apublication in ScienceEmployed to
estimate the temperature of a plasma
Application of Multivariate Techniques in the Study of Chinese Medicine
Quality Control
• Participated in the Hong Kong Materia Medica
Standards Project since 2006
Fast Detection using Near Infrared
• Portable instrumentation and simple/no sample preparation
• Developed models using NIR spectra to determine content of chemical markers present and simple bioactivity
Metabolomics
• Determine metabolic profiles of mouse/patients using LC- MS(QTOF) and GC-MS(QTOF)
• Studies the effects and mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine on treatment of metabolic/chronic diseases such
as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and fatty liver
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 83
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr SO Chau Ming
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8702
Email [email protected]
Education Postdoc Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (Singapore)
Ph.D. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Research Interests M.Phil. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
ORCiD Catalysis, Organic Synthesis, Organometallic Chemistry
Publication 0000-0001-6268-651X
H-index 39
Sum of the Times Cited 22
1630
Awards and Honours •• Fu, W. C.; So, C. M.*; Chow, W. K.; Yuen, O. Y.; Kwong,
F. Y.* Design of an Indolylphosphine Ligand for
•• Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Reductive Elimination-Demanding Monoarylation of
Output Award – Awarded by the Ministry of Education Acetone Using Aryl Chlorides. Org. Lett. 2015, 17,
of China (Second Class Award in Natural Science), 4612.
2014
•• Yuen, O. Y.; Wong, S. M.; Chan, K. F.; So, C. M.*;
•• Young Scientist Award – Awarded by Hong Kong Kwong, F. Y.* A General Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling
Institution of Science, 2011 of Aryl Chlorides with Potassium Aryltrifluoroborates
in Water Catalyzed by an Efficient CPCY Phendole-
•• Eli Lilly Asia Outstanding Graduate Thesis Award phos-Palladium Complex. Synthesis 2014, 46, 2826.
(First Place Award), 2010
•• So, C. M.; Satoshi, K.; Hayashi, T.* Rhodium-Catalyzed
•• Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials Asia Limited Asymmetric Hydroarylation of 3-Pyrrolines Giving
Prize, 2005-2006 3-Arylpyrrolidines: Protonation as a Key Step. J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 10990.
Patents
•• Chung, K. H.; So, C. M.*; Wong, S. M.; Luk, C. H.;
•• 高位阻芳基硼酸酯类化合物的制备方法 CN104327106B Zhou, Z.; Lau, C. P.; Kwong F. Y.* An Efficient Palla-
dium–Benzimidazolyl Phosphine Complex for the
•• Ligands for Transition-Metals and Methods of Use. US Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Aryl Mesylates: Facile
Patent, 2012, US 8212056 Ligand Synthesis and Metal Complex Characterization.
Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 1967.
Book Chapter
•• So, C. M.; Kwong, F. Y.* Palladium-Catalyzed
•• Wong, S. M.; So, C. M.*; Kwong, F. Y.* Ligand-Enabled Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Mesylates. Chem.
Palladium-Catalyzed C-N and C-O Bond Formations Soc. Rev. 2011, 40, 4963.
from Aryl Halides, Tosylates and Mesylates. In Applied
Homogeneous Catalysis with Organometallic •• So, C. M.; Chow, W. K.; Choy, P. Y.; Lau, C. P.; Kwong,
Compounds; Cornils, B., Herrmann, W. A., Beller, M., F. Y.* Remarkably Effective Phosphanes Simply with
Paciello, R., Eds.; Wiley-VCH: Weinheim, 2017; pp 435-464. a PPh2 Moiety: Application to Pd-Catalysed Cross-
Coupling Reactions for Tetra-ortho-substituted biaryl
Publications (selected) Syntheses. Chem. Eur. J. 2010, 16, 7996.
•• Yuen, O. Y.; So, C. M.*; Man, H. W.; Kwong, F. Y.* •• So, C. M.; Lau, C. P.; Kwong, F. Y.* A General
A General Palladium-Catalyzed Hiyama Cross-Cou- Palladium-Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Aryl
pling Reaction of Aryl and Heteroaryl Chlorides. Mesylates. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 8059.
Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 6471. (chosen as Hot Paper
& Inside Back Cover & Highlighted in the Chemistry •• So, C. M.; Zhou, Z.; Lau, C. P.; Kwong, F. Y.*
Views) Palladium-Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Mesylates.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 6402.
•• Yuen, O. Y.; So, C. M.*, Kwong, F. Y.* Open-Air Oxidative
Mizoroki-Heck Reaction of Arylsulfonyl Hydrazides
with Alkenes. RSC Adv. 2016, 6, 27584.
84 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Design and Exploration of New Ligands and their Application in Transition Metal-catalyzed
Cross-coupling Reactions
• Design and synthesis of new phosphine ligands, such as indolyl and Imidazole phosphines
• Application in a wide range of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, including, for the first time, the cleavage
of inert C-O bond of aryl mesylates
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2011, 40, 4963; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
2008, 47, 6402; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 8059;
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009, 121, 7572; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
2010, 122, 9102; Org. Lett. 2007, 9, 2795; Org. Lett. 2009, 11,
317; Org. Lett. 2016, 18, 1872; Chem. Commun. 2012, 48, 1967;
Chem.. Eur. J. 2010, 16, 7996; Chem. Eur. J. 2011, 17, 6913;
Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 6471; J. Org. Chem. 2008, 73, 7803.
Asymmetric Catalysis
• Design and synthesis of chiral ligands
• Application in new type of rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric non-conjugated hydroarylations
• Synthesizing the chiral products for new drugs, agricultural chemicals, flavors, and materials
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 10990
Org. Chem. Front. 2015, 2, 127
Chem. Asian. J. 2015, 10, 540
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 85
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr TAI Chi Shing William
Research Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8722
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
ORCiD B.Sc. The University of Wisconsin - Madison
Publication
H-index Molecular Pathogenesis, Signaling Pathways and Drug Discovery in
Sum of the Times Cited
Cancer and Inflammatory Disease
0000-0002-0771-7894
22
9
320
Publications (selected) •• Wong WY, Lee MML, Chan BD, Kam RKT, Zhang G,
Lu AP and Tai WCS* (2016) Proteomic profiling of
•• Zhu L, Ma W, Zhang M, Lee MML, Wong WY, Chan dextran sulfate sodium induced acute ulcerative colitis
BD, Yang Q, Wong WT*, Tai WCS* and Lee CS (2018) mice serum exosomes and their immunomodulatory
Scalable Synthesis Enabling Multilevel Bio-Evaluations impact on macrophages. Proteomics 16(7):1131-45.
of Natural Products for Discovery of Lead
Compounds. Nature Communications 9(1):1283. •• Tai WCS, Wong WY, Lee MML, Chan BD, Lu C and
Hsiao WLW (2016) Mechanistic study of the anti-cancer
•• Dai L, Jones CM, Chan WTK, Pham TA, Ling X, Gale effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins in the
EM, Rotile NJ, Tai WCS, Anderson CJ, Caravan P ApcMin/+mouse model. Proteomics 16(10):1557-69.
and Law GL (2018) Chiral DOTA chelators as an
improved platform for biomedical imaging and therapy •• Tan G, Wu L, Tan J, Zhang B, Tai WCS, Xiong S, Chen W,
applications. Nature Communications 9(1):857. Yang J and Li H. (2016) MIR-1180 promotes apoptotic
resistance to human hepatocellular carcinoma via
•• Wong WY, Lee MML, Chan BD, Ma VWS, Zhang W, Yip activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Scientific
TTC, Wong WT and Tai WCS* (2017) Gynostemma Reports 6:22328.
pentaphyllum saponins attenuate inflammation in vitro
and in vivo by inhibition of NF-KB and STAT3 signaling. •• Chen DJ, Xu YM, Zheng W, Huang DY, Wong WY,
Oncotarget 8(50):87401-14. Tai WCS*, Cho YY* and Lau AT*(2015) Proteomic
analysis of secreted proteins by human bronchial
•• Li H, Xie C, Lan R, Zha S, Chan CF, Wong WY, Ho epithelial cells in response to cadmium toxicity.
KL, Chan BD, Luo Y, Zhang JX, Law GL*, Tai WCS*, Proteomics 15(17):3075-86.
Bünzli JCG* and Wong KL* (2017) A Smart Europi-
um-Ruthenium Complex as Anticancer Prodrug: Con-
trollable Drug Release and Real-Time Monitoring under
Different Light Excitations. Journal of Medicinal Chem-
istry. 60(21):8923-32.
•• Jiang L, Lan ., Huang T, Chan CF, Li H, Lear S, Zong
J, Wong WY, Lee MML, Chan BD, Chan WL, Lo WS,
Mak NK, Lung ML, Lung HL, Tsao SW, Taylor GS, Bian
ZX, Tai WCS, Law GL, Wong WT, Cobb SL and Wong
KL (2017) EBNA1-targeted probe for the imaging and
growth inhibition of tumours associated with the
Epstein–Barr virus. Nature Biomedical Engineering,
1, p.0042.
•• Sun H, Huang M, Yao N, Hu J, Li Y, Chen L, Hu N, Ye W,
Tai WCS, Zhang D and Chen S (2017) The cycloartane
triterpenoid ADCX impairs autophagic degradation
through Akt overactivation and promotes apoptotic
cell death in multidrug-resistant HepG2/ADM cells.
Biochemical Pharmacology 15:146:87-100.
86 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Pre-clinical Development of Anti-cancer and Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics from Natural Compounds
In our lab, a major focus is the translation of research discoveries from bench to bedside – that is, from the laboratory to the
clinic. Using natural compounds as a starting point, we carry out in vitro screenings to identify those with potential for chemical
synthesis and evaluation of bioactivity. We then submit potential lead compounds identified by this strategy to further pre-clinical
testing, with the ultimate goal of developing drugs with clinical impact and of benefit to patients.
(I) Recent advances in the development of anti-inflammatory agents have improved their therapeutic outcome in inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD), however, the presence of side effects and limited effectiveness hinder their widespread use. Therefore,
novel compounds with strong anti-inflammatory efficacy are still required. Here we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and
potential mechanisms of major component of a herbal medicine widely used in Asian countries.
(II) Natural compounds have been seen as a promising source of anti-cancer therapeutics. However, many of these are present
in only minute quantities in plants, and show similar levels of anti-cancer activity in cell line studies, making the search for
potential compounds a challenging task. A solution to the above problem could exist in pairing chemical synthesis with mul-
ti-level bio-evaluation. A scalable synthesis method would allow us to produce large quantities of compounds, without relying
on their extraction from plants. The increased quantities from synthesis would enable us to conduct both cell line and animal
studies, to more comprehensively assess the anti-cancer activity of the compounds. In our studies we identified a promising drug
candidate with strong anti-cancer effects in animals, demonstrating the viability and value of a strategy of chemical synthesis
to enable multi-level bio-evaluation, which could be adopted as a general method for the identification of potential compounds
from low-abundance natural products.
Functional Role of Exosomes in Molecular Pathogenesis of Cancer and Inflammatory Diseases
Exosomes are 40–150nm microvesicles released from different cell types and are found in a variety of physiological fluids.
Studies have shown that circulating exosomes contain various proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs, and can mediate intercellular
communication and functionally alter recipient cells. Here we have investigated the pro-inflammatory effects and signalling
activity of serum exosomes isolated from IBD model mice. Proteomic and bioinformatics analysis of the serum exosomes provide
further detail into the biological processes and protein-protein interaction networks involved. Our findings provide new insight
into the role of circulating serum exosomes in IBD and their contribution to the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. Further
research along these lines, to assess the role of exosomes in the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of various cancers,
is also being carried out in our lab.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 87
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr TANG Cheuk On Johnny
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8727
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD
Publication M.Phil. The University of Hong Kong
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited B.Sc. The University of Hong Kong
Discovery of Novel Anti-cancer Agents and Molecular Oncology
0000-0002-4261-3206
98
24
1918
Patents (selected) •• Chan SH, Chui CH, Chan SW, Kok SHL, Chan D,
Tsoi MYT, Leung P, Lam AKY, Chan ASC, Lam KH*,
•• Quinoline derivatives as anti-cancer agents. US Patent Tang JCO*. Synthesis of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives
(US 9,493,419 B2; Nov 16, 2016) as novel anti-tumor agents. ASC Medicinal Chemistry
Letters 4:170-174 (2013).
•• Water-soluble polymer-based cantharimides as
potentially selective anti-tumor agents. US Patent •• Lam KH, Lee KKH, Gambari R, Wong RSM, Cheng GYM,
(US8,344,007B2; Jan 1, 2013) Tong SW, Chan KW, Lau FY, Lai PBS, Wong WY, Chan
ASC, Kok SHL, Tang JCO*, Chui CH*. Preparation of
Awards (selected) Galipea officinalis Hancock type tetrahydroquinoline
alkaloid analogues as anti-tumour agents. Phytomedicine
•• Outstanding Professional Services Award - Technology 20:166-171 (2013).
Transfer Award (2017), The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University •• Lam KH, Chui CH, Gambari R, Wong RSM, Cheng GYM,
Lau FY, Lai PBS, Tong SW, Chan KW, Wong WY, Chan
•• Visiting Research Fellowship Award (2012), Griffith ASC*, Tang JCO*. The preparation of bi-functional
University, Australia organophosphine oxides as potential antitumor agents.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 45:5527-30
•• Outstanding Performance/ Achievement Award (2010).
(2005-2006), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
•• Chan SH, Lam KH*, Chui CH, Gambari R, Yuen CWM,
Publications (selected) Wong RSM, Cheng GYM, Lau FY, Au YK, Cheng CH,
Lai PBS, Kan CW, Kok SHL, Tang JCO*, Chan ASC*.
•• Pun IHY, Chan D, Chan SH, Chung PY, Zhou YY, Law S, The preparation and in vitro antiproliferative activity
Lam AKY, Chui CH, Chan ASC, Lam KH, Tang JCO*. of phthalimide based ketones on MDAMB-231 and SK-
Anti-cancer effects of a novel quinoline derivative 83b1 Hep-1 human carcinoma cell lines. European Journal of
on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) Medicinal Chemistry 44:2736-40 (2009).
through down-regulation of COX-2 mRNA and PGE2.
Cancer Research & Treatment 49(1):219-229 (2017). •• Lam KH, Gambari R, Yuen CWM, Kan CW, Chan P, Xu L,
Tang W, Chui CH, Cheng GYM, Wong RSM, Lau FY, Tong
•• Lam KH, Gambari R, Lee KKH, Chen YX, Kok SHL, CSW, Chan AKW, Lai PBS, Kok SHL, Cheng CH, Chan
Wong RSM, Lau FY, Cheng CH, Wong WY, Bian ZX, ASC*, Tang JCO*. The preparation of 2,6- disubstituted
Chan ASC, Tang JCO*, Chui CH*. Preparation of 8- pyridinyl phosphine oxides as novel anti-cancer agents.
hydroxyquinoline derivatives as potential antibiotics Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 19:2266-9
against Staphylococcus aureus. Bioorganic & Medicinal (2009).
Chemistry Letters 24(1):367-370 (2014).
•• Kok SHL, Gambari R, Chui CH, Yuen CWM, Lin E,
•• Lam KH, Lee KKH, Gambari R, Kok SHL, Kok TW, Wong RSM, Lau FY, Cheng GYM, Lam WS, Chan SH,
Chan ASC, Bian ZX, Wong WY, Wong RSM, Lau FY, Lam KH, Cheng CH, Lai PBS, Yu MWY, Cheung F,
Tong SW, Chan KW, Cheng CH, Chui CH, Tang JCO*. Tang JCO*, Chan ASC*. Synthesis and anti-cancer
Anti-tumour and pharmacokinetics study of activity of benzothiazole containing phthalimide on human
2-Formyl-8-hydroxy-quinolinium chloride as Galipea carcinoma cell lines. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
longiflora alkaloid analogue. Phytomedicine 21(6): 2008;16:3626-31 (2008).
877-882 (2014).
88 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Quinoline alkaloids can be isolated from natural plant sources as traditional Chinese medicines, e.g. Ephedra pachyclada
and Galipea longiflora Kraus, and they have the long history to be used as medication for treating tropical disorders, such as
tuberculous, malaria and leishmaniasis. In recent years, our group attempted to modify the common structure of 8-hydroxyquin-
oline derivatives and reported their anti-cancer activities with the granted China and US patents (which were also recently
licensed to a drug company with the exclusive licensing agreement signed in Jan 2017). Based on our previous work on the
synthesis of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, we also prepared a class of related compounds which were further examined by
the bioinformatics-based molecular docking analysis using the Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA), which relates proteins
based on the set-wise chemical similarity among their ligands, for identifying the target proteins to which the quinoline-based
compounds bind as ligands. One novel tetrahydroquinoline derivative, 83b1, was shown to have the significant and consistent
ligand binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARδ) which is a widely known oncoprotein to
overproduce COX-2 and PGE2 in cancers. The binding of 83b1 to PPARδ was also confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry.
Our recently reported study about the in vitro cytotoxicity of 83b1 on the cancer cell lines of esophageal squamous cell
carcinoma (ESCC) and immortalized non-tumor esophageal epithelial cells demonstrated that 83b1 exhibited the comparable
inhibitory effect on all ESCC cell lines with cisplatin (CDDP) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 83b1 also showed
significantly weaker cytotoxic effects on the non-tumor esophageal and skin epithelial cells. The expression of COX-2 mRNA
and COX-2 derived PGE2 were down-regulated by 83b1 in a dose-dependent manner in the ESCC cell lines. Furthermore,
83b1 was shown to significantly reduce the tumor size in nude mice xenografts of ESCC. The overall results of our studies
suggest that the potential anti-cancer effects of 83b1 on human esophageal cancers occurred through targeting the oncotarget
PPARδ and down-regulation of the associated oncogenic molecules. Because of the strong evidences based on the scientific
and clinicopathological investigations about the etiopathological roles of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptors delta (PPARδ), the development of novel therapeutic agents which target on PPARδ was strongly suggested.
However, to the best of our knowledge, to date there are no clinically available drugs which were intentionally shown to inhibit
the PPARδ leading to the suppression of tumor growth. Thus there is a high potential value for further developing our newly
patented quinoline derivative (83b1) to suppress the COX-2 and PGE2 production as a novel anti-cancer agent against cancers
of gastrointestinal tract, which frequently show overexpression of COX-2 and overproduction of PGE2. Other novel anti-cancer
drug targets have also been identified and are currently under intensive investigation.
Fig.1 Isothermal Titration Calorimetry for Studying Protein-Compound Fig.2 Molecular Docking Analysis showing the binding of PPARδ to (A) the
Binding against PPARδ Protein natural ligand (arachidonic acid) and (B) 83b1 using DockingServer
(Bikadi Z, et al., J Cheminform 1:15 (2009))
LOW RES.
Fig.3 Quantification of 83b1 in Plasma and Oral Bioavailability Study in Rats Fig.4 Suppression on COX-2 Production with Relatively Lower Cytotoxicity
Using 83b1 in Esophageal Cancer
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 89
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr WANG Yi
Assistant Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8673
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
ORCiD B.E. Tsinghua University
Publication
H-index Control Release and Target Delivery of Drug and Nutrients,
Sum of the Times Cited
Nanoencapsualtion and Nanofiber, Functional Food and Active Food
Packaging
0000-0003-1567-3358
15
8
206
Awards (selected) •• F. Dong, M. Zhang, W.-W. Tang, Y. Wang*. Formation and
Mechanism of Superhydrophobic/hydrophobic Surfaces
•• Best International Invention Award from the National Made from Amphiphiles Through Droplet- mediated
Education Council of Thailand, 42nd International Evaporation-induced Self-assembly. J. Phys. Chem. B.
Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, 2014 2015, 119 (16), 5321-5327. [IF2014=3.30]
•• Gold Medal, 42nd International Exhibition of Inventions •• F. Dong, G. W. Padua, Y. Wang*. Controlled formation of
of Geneva, 2014 hydrophobic surfaces by self-assembly of an amphiphilic
natural protein from aqueous solutions. Soft Matter. 2013,
Patents (selected) 9 (25), 5933-5941.
•• Y. Wang, K.-H. Wong, W.-W. Tang. Controlled release •• Y. Wang, C.-P. Su, M. Schulmerich, G. W. Padua*.
of capsule made by zein and pectin, China, Filed. Characterization of core — shell structures formed by
201410130730.3 zein. Food Hydrocolloids. 2013, 30 (2), 487-494.
•• Y. Wang, Q. Li, F. Dong. Encapsulation of fish oil with •• Y. Wang, G. W. Padua*. Nanoscale characterization of
zein using evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA), zein self-assembly. Langmuir. 2012, 28 (5), 2429-2435.
China, Filed. 201410005004.9
Publications (selected)
•• F. Dong, X. Dong, L. Zhou, H. Xiao, P.-Y. Ho, M.-S.
Wong, Y. Wang*. Doxorubicin-loaded biodegradable
self-assembly zein nanoparticle and its anti-cancer
effect: preparation, in vitro evaluation, and cellular uptake.
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2016, 140,
324-331.
•• F. Dong, M. Zhang, W. Huang, L. Zhou, M.-S. Wong,
Y. Wang*. Superhydrophobic/hydrophobic nanofibrous
network with tunable cell adhesion: Fabrication,
Characterization and Cellular Activities. Colloids and
Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects.
2015, 482, 718-723.
•• W.-W. Tang, F. Dong, K.-H. Wong*, Y. Wang*. Preparation,
characterization and in vitro release of a zein-pectin
capsule for target delivery. Current Drug Delivery. 2015,
12 (4), 397-405.
90 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Control Release and Target Delivery
Using natural materials to form nanoparticles, nanoencapsulation,
and prodrug for the control release and target delivery of
anticancer drugs and nutrients in vitro and in vivo. ph sensitive
and redox sensitive prodrugs are synthesized for in vivo trigger
release of drugs.
In vivo controlled release and prolonged half life of anticancer drug using
nanoencapsulation.
Amphiphilic Protein Self-assembly
Mechanism investigation and structural characterization of protein
self-assembly. Understanding the mechanism of amphiphilic
protein self-assembly at the nanoscale is important for further
development of various nanostructures, such as nanorods,
nanotubes, nanofibers, and core-shell nanoencapsulation.
Enhanced Active Food Packaging Materials
Biodegradable coatings and nanocomposites are investigated for the biobased film formation to improve the tensile and water barrier
properties of the packaging materials. Our research also focuses on the development of new understanding on how biodegradable
materials may be used to enhance food safety. Our approach involves the construction of food packaging films with antimicrobials that will
interact with pathogen cells preventing their growth.
Soft Tissue Engineering
Nanofibers made from natural materials are formed for the application of scaffold for soft tissue engineering. The
biocompatibility enables the fast recovery of the wound using the cell and growth factor involved nanofiber.
Self-cleaning Surface
Superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces are formed
using the natural protein. Biobased self-cleaning surfaces
have attracted attentions in the biomedical, pharmaceutical,
and food and beverage applications.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 91
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr WONG Ka Hing
Associate Professor
Phone Number (852) 3400 8864
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
ORCiD M.Phil. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Publication
H-index B.Sc. The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sum of the Times Cited
Functional Food Development Using Natural Bio-resources,
Food Authentication, Reduction and Upcycling of Food Waste
0000-0003-0286-4921
42
18
990
Awards (selected) Publications (selected)
•• Technology Transfer Award-Merit, Outstanding Profes- •• Shi M, Zhang C, Xia IF, Cheung ST, Wong KS,
sional Services Awards 2014, PolyU, Hong Kong, 2015 Wong KH, Au DWT, Hinton DE, Kwok KWH (2018).
Maternaldietaryexposuretoseleniumnanoparticleledto
•• 深圳市科技項目獎, 深圳, 中國, 2014 malformation in offspring. Ecotoxicol Envir Safety 156,
34-40, 2018.
•• Gold Medal Invention Award, 40th & 42nd Interna-
tional Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Geneva, •• Nie T, Wu H, Wong KH, Chen T. Facial synthesis of
Switzerland, 2012 & 2014 highly uniform selenium nanoparticles using glucose
as reductant and surface decorator to induce cancer
•• Special Gold Medal Award, 2013 World Inventor Award cell apoptosis. J Mater Chem B, 4, 2351-2358, 2016.
Festival, Seoul, Korea, 2013
•• Wang Y, Li W, Yang Y, Zeng Q, Wong KH, Li X, Chen
•• Young Investigator Award, 2011 International Confer- T. An integrin-targeting nanosystem as the carrier of
ence on Food Factors, Taipei, Taiwan, 2011 selenadiazole derivative to induce ROS-mediated ap-
optosis in bladder cancer cells, from rational design to
Patent (selected) action mechanisms. J Mater Chem B, 3, 9374-9382,
2015.
•• Tianfeng Chen, Ka-Hing Wong, Hualian Wu, Wenjie
Zheng, Man-Kin Wong, Wing-Yin Cornelia Man. •• Wu H, Zhu H, Li X, Liu Z, Zheng W, Chen T, Yu B,
Pleurotus tuber-regium polysaccharide functionalized Wong KH. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle
nano-selenium hydrosol with anti-tumor activity arrest in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells by
and preparation method thereof. US patent no.: surface encapping selenium nanoparticles: an effect
9,072,669 (2011) [Granted] enhanced by polysaccharides-protein complexes from
Polyporus rhinocerus. J Agr Food Chem, 61, 9859-
Book Chapter (selected) 9866, 2013.
•• Wong KH, Cheung PCK. Sclerotia: Emerging functional •• Wu H, Li X, Liu W, Chen T, Li Y, Zheng W, Man C, Wong
food derived from mushrooms. In: Mushrooms As MK, Wong KH. Surface decoration of selenium nano-
Functional Foods. PCK Cheung (ed.). NJ, USA: John particles by mushroom polysaccharide-protein com-
Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp.111-146, 2008. plexes to achieve enhanced cellular uptake and an-
ti-proliferative activity. J Mater Chem 22, 9602- 9610,
2012.
•• Fan C, Jiang J, Yin X, Wong KH, Zheng W, Chen T.
Purification of selenium-containing allophycocyanin
from selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis and its
hepatoprotective effect against t-BOOH-induced ap-
optosis. Food Chem 134, 253-261, 2012.
92 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Preparation of Novel Selenium Nanoparticles with Strong In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-cancer Efficacy Using
Tiger Milk Mushroom [Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Singer]
Selenium is an essential trace element to human health. Recently, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have become the new
research target, since they were found to possess remarkable anti-cancer efficacy and low toxicity. Nevertheless, SeNPs
aggregate easily and their anti-tumor activity will be significantly reduced, once their nano-size could not be maintained. This
limiting factor greatly hinders their development into novel cancer chemopreventive agent. By using the polysaccharide-protein
complex (PSP) isolated from the tiger milk mushroom sclerotium [Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Singer], our research team has
successfully prepared highly stable SeNPs (PTR-SeNPs) under a simple, food-grade redox system [Figure 1]:
Figure 1. Schematic illustration of PTR-SeNPs preparation.
Interestingly, in contrast to normal cells, PTR-SeNPs were found to significantly inhibit the growth of human breast carcinoma
MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 3.7μM) by apoptosis induction via activating a ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway. Our recent in vivo
anti-tumor study also demonstrated that PTR-SeNPs (ranged from 2.5 to 7.5 mg/kg) could significantly inhibit the growth of
MCF-7 xenografts (33.9-76.7%) transplanted in BALB/c nude mice in a dose- dependent manner after intravenous injection for
16 days.
This innovative research was widely reported by the media in Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. Besides, it was internationally
recognized by the 40th International Exhibition of Invention of Geneva, 2013 World Inventor Award Festival as well as 2011
International Conference on Food Factors and numerous awards such as Gold Medal Invention Award, Special Gold Medal
Award as well as Young Investigator Award have been received in past few years. More importantly, this award-winning and
patented myco-nanotechnology [US patent no.: 9,072,669] has been successfully licensed to local health food industry for
commercialization.
Funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, the first indoor cultivation system specific for tiger milk mushroom
sclerotium has been established at Guangdong Province of Mainland China last year. Besides, a pilot- scale production line
tailor-made for the PTR-SeNPs (in capsule form) has been successfully designed and setup at Guangdong Province under GMP
and ISO9001 standard. At present, quality, efficacy and safety of the PTR-SeNPs prototype is comprehensively evaluating using
different cell and animal models. Our long term goal is to develop an economical, safe and evidence-based cancer
chemopreventive agent for our community, hereby alleviating the now spiraling cost of cancer treatments in the local public
healthcare system.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 93
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. WONG Kwok Yin
Patrick S.C. Poon Professor in Applied Chemistry
Chair Professor of Chemical Technology
Phone Number (852) 3400 8686
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. University of Hong Kong
ORCiD
Publication B.Sc. University of Hong Kong
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited Antibiotics Development, Biosensors for Drug Screening, Green Chemistry
0000-0003-4984-7109
198
47
6428
Awards and Honours (selected) Publications (selected)
•• Patrick S.C. Poon Endowed Professorship, 2013 •• Wang, G.; Feng, H.; Hu, L.; Jin, W.; Hao, Q.; Gao, A.;
Peng, X.; Li, W.; Wong, K.Y.; Wang, H.; Li, Z.; Chu,
•• Natural Science Award (Second Class) by the Ministry P. An Antibacterial Platform Based on Capacitive
of Education, 2013 Carbon-Doped TiO2 Nanotubes after Charging with
Direct/Alternating Currents” Nature Communications,
Patents (selected) 2018, 9:2055
•• Wong, K.Y.; Chan, T.H.; Chan, K.F. Synthesis of •• Sun, N.; Zheng, Y.Y.; Du, R.L.; Cai, S.Y.; Zhang, K.;
pyrimidines for treatment of bacterial infections. So, L.Y.; Cheung, K.C.; Zhuo, C.; Lu, Y.J.; Wong, K.Y.
PCT Int. Appl. WO 2017175045 (2017) New application of tiplaxtinin as an effective FtsZ-
targeting chemotype for an antimicrobial study.
•• Wong, K.Y.; Chan, T.H.; Chan, K.F.; Chen, S.; Lui, H.K.; MedChemComm, 2017, 8(10), 1909-1913.
Kan, J.W.Y.; Chiou, J.C.; Yap, H.K. ‘Preparation of
3-amino-benzamides as β-lactam auxiliary antibiotics’, •• Sun, N.; Du, R.L.; Zheng, Y.Y.; Huang, B.H.; Guo, Q.;
PCT Int. Appl.WO2016037573A120160317 (2016) Zhang, R.F.; Wong, K.Y.; Lu, Y.J. Antibacterial activity
of N-methylbenzofuro[3,2-b]quinoline and N-methyl-
Book Chapters (selected) benzoindolo[3,2-b]-quinoline derivatives and study of
their mode of action. European Journal of Medicinal
•• Lee, L.Y.S. and Wong, K.Y. ‘Recent Development Chemistry, 2017, 135, 1-11.
in Water Oxidation Catalysts Based on Manganese
and Cobalt Complexes’ in Organometallic and •• Peng, X.; Hu, L.; Wang, L.; Zhang, X.; Fu, J.; Huo, K.; Lee,
Related Molecules for Energy Conversion, Wong, L.Y.S.; Wong, K.Y.; Chu, P.K. Vanadium carbide nano-
W.Y. ed., Green Chemistry and Sustainable Technology particles encapsulated in graphitic carbon network
Series, Springer, Berlin, 2015, chapter 13, pp.365-394. nanosheets: A high-efficiency electrocatalyst for
hydrogen evolution reaction. Nano Energy, 2016, 26,
•• Chen, X.; Xiao, L.R.; Yang, X.Q.; Zhao, L.; Wang, X.R.; 603-609.
Wong, K.Y. ‘Biological Oxygen Demand Sensors’
in Encyclopedia of Sensors, Grimes, C.A.; Dickey, •• Chan, F.Y.; Sun, N.; Leung, Y.C.; Wong, K.Y.
E.C.; Pishko, M.V. ed., American Scientific Publishers, Antimicrobial activity of a quinuclidine-based FtsZ
Valencia, California, 2006, vol. 1, pp. 313-328. inhibitor and its synergistic potential with β-lactam
antibiotics. The Journal of Antibiotics, 2015, 68(4),
253-258.
•• Ha, E.; Lee, L.Y.S.; Wang, J.; Li, F.; Wong, K.Y.; Tsang,
S.C.E. Significant Enhancement in Photocatalytic
Reduction of Water to Hydrogen by Au/Cu2ZnSnS4
Nanostructure. Advanced Materials, 2014, 26 (21),
3496-3500.
94 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Treatment of bacterial infections has become problematic due to the evolution of bacteria that are resistant to conventional
antibiotics. Development of new antibiotics to fight against the drug resistant bacteria is of paramount importance in biomedical
and clinical research. We have been studying a number of bacterial cell wall synthesis and cell division proteins such as the
peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase (PGT) and filamenting temperature sensitive strain Z (FtsZ) as novel drug targets to develop
new antibiotics. By combining computational in silico screening and chemical synthesis, a number of small molecules that can
inhibit the growth or kill the pathogenic bacteria were found. Some of these inhibitors exhibit synergistic effect with conventional
β-lactam antibiotics and can restore the antibiotic susceptibility of certain drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Another ongoing research topic in our team is to develop new fluorescent biosensors for biomedical or bioanalytical
applications. We have previously developed a fluorescent biosensor from the bacterial protein β-lactamase that can detect
β-lactam antibiotics or β-lactamase inhibitors at nanomolar level. We are interested in developing biosensing tools that can
visualize the protein-protein interactions in bacterial cell division as a means to understand the bacterial cell division mechanism.
The application of these fluorescent biosensors in living cells is facilitated by advanced microscopic techniques such as super
resolution microscopy.
Developing new materials and catalysts that can produce clean energy or allow chemical reactions to occur in a green manner
is another topic that we have long-term research interest. We are particularly interested in developing new and efficient photo-
catalysts and electrocatalysts based on earth abundant elements such that the catalysts are precious metal free. Reactions that
we are currently interested in include hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction and
carbon dioxide reduction.
Docking of inhibitors (berberine and its derivative) into the binding sites of the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ.
The effect of an inhibitor on the FtsZ Z ring formation and morphology of E. coli (A: without inhibitor; B: the bacterial cell elongated without cell division and the
Z-ring was disrupted in the presence of FtsZ inhibitor. The FtsZ protein was tagged with green fluorescent protein in this study.)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 95
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Dr WONG Man Kin
Associate Professor and Associate Head of Department
Phone Number (852) 3400 8701
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Hong Kong
ORCiD
Publication B.Sc. The University of Hong Kong
H-index
Sum of the Times Cited Catalysis, Bioconjugation, Molecular Imaging, Food Safety
0000-0003-1574-6860
60
29
2774
Awards (selected) Publications (selected)
•• Asian Core Program Lectureship Award: 2016 (Korea), •• Cui, J.-F.; Ko, H.-M.; Shing, K.-P.; Deng, J.-R.; Lai, N.
2016 (Taiwan), 2014 (China), 2014 (Thailand), 2011 C.-H.; Wong, M. K., C,O-Chelated BINOL/Gold(III)
(Japan) Complexes: Synthesis and Catalysis with Tunable
Product Profiles. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2017, 56,
Patents (selected) 3074-3079.
•• New Quinolizinium Dyes Preparation and Application •• Photosensitizer-Free Visible Light-Mediated Gold-
on Photoredox Catalysis. China, 201610915159.5 Catalysed cis-Difunctionalization of Silyl-Substituted
Alkynes. Deng, J.-R.; Chan, W.-C.; Lai, N. C.-H.;
•• Chiral Gold(III) Complexes Preparation and Applications. Yang, B.; Tsang, C.-S.; Ko, B. C.-B.; Chan, S. L.-F.;
China, 2016, CN 107868095 A Wong, M. K., Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 7537-7544.
•• Method and kit for detecting formaldehyde in food •• Kung, K. K. Y.; Ko, H. M.; Cui, J. F.; Chong, H. C.;
based on metal catalysis coupling reaction. China, Leung, Y. C.; Wong, M. K., Cyclometalated Gold(III)
2014, CN 104193672 A Complexes for Chemoselective Cysteine Modification
via Ligand Controlled C-S Bond-forming Reductive
Book Chapter (selected) Elimination. Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 11899-11902.
•• Wong M.K., Yip Y.C., Yang D., “Asymmetric Epoxidation •• Cui, J. F.; Kung, K. K. Y.; Ko, H. M.; Hui, T. W.;
Catalyzed by Chiral Ketones” Asymmetric Catalysis from Wong, M. K., Silver-Catalyzed Transformation of
Chinese Perspective, Springer, 2011. Propargylic Amine N-Oxides to Enones and Acyloxy
Ketones via Isoxazolinium Intermediates. Adv. Synth.
Catal. 2014, 356, 2965-2973.
•• Ko, H. M.; Kung, K. K. Y.; Cui, J. F.; Wong, M. K.,
Bis-cyclometallated Gold(III) Complexes as Efficient
Catalysts for Synthesis of Propargylamines and Alkylated
Indoles. Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 8869-8871.
•• Chan, A. O. Y.; Ho, C. M.; Chong, H. C.; Leung, Y. C.;
Huang, J. S.; Wong, M. K.; Che, C. M., Modification
of N-Terminal alpha-Amino Groups of Peptides and
Proteins Using Ketenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134,
2589-2598.
96 Research at FAST
Research Overview Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Our research group uses Synthetic Chemistry as a core technology to address problems in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Food
Safety.
Catalysis for Organic Synthesis and Drug Discovery
We are interested in the development of efficient gold, silver and visible light photoredox catalysis for novel organic
transformations, asymmetric catalysis, and drug discovery research.
CHO R2 = H or R2 H OR3
R1 Without
R1 O
R2 Sulfonic acid R2
CH(OR3)3
R 53 examples
Novel (C^N)-C-O coordinated
Cl BINOLs O
Au Base Au chiral gold(III) complexes
r.t. Air and moisture insensitive
Cl N ON Easily accessible
Column separable
R Tunable ligands
Cyclometallated
Au(III) dichlorides
CHO CH(OR3)3 OR3
R1 With R1
R2 Sulfonic acid O
R2 = H
Chem. Commun. 2010, 46, 213; Org. Biomol. Chem., 2012, 10, 3122; Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 4112; Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 8869; Adv.
Synth. Catal. 2013, 355, 2055; Adv. Synth. Catal. 2014, 356, 2965; RSC Advances 2014, 4, 26748; Asian J. Org. Chem. 2015, 4, 533; Chem. Sci.
2017, 8, 7537; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2017, 56, 3074.
Bioconjugation
Built upon our catalysis research, we are developing new catalysis inspired bioconjugation methods for site-selective
modification of biomolecules that are useful tools for therapeutic protein development, glycoprotein modification, and
cell surface engineering of therapeutic living cells.
Bioconjugation Biology Catalysis
Inspired Chemistry Inspired
Catalysis Bioconjugation
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2006, 128, 14796; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2012, 134, 2589; Chem. Commun., 2013, 49, 6888; Chem. Eur. J., 2009, 15, 3839;
Chem. Commun., 2013, 49, 1428; Chem. Comm., 2014, 50, 11899; Org. Biomol. Chem., 2012, 10, 925; Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 3527.
Molecular Imaging Rapid Detection of Harmful Substances in Food
We are developing new classes of patentable fluorescent Our long-term goal is to establish a chemical technology
dyes and selective fluorescent probes for molecular imaging platform which allows simple, inexpensive, high-throughput,
of biologically important molecules, rapid diagnostic kits and rapid detection of harmful substances in food by
for influenza virus, and live cell surface imaging. using specially designed fluorescent probes especially for
front- line quality control and on-site food safety inspection.
Chem. Eur. J., 2010, 16, 3308; Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 4367; Chem. Org. Biomol. Chem., 2015, 13, 7408.
Sci. 2017, 8, 7537.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 97
Our Researchers
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology
Prof. WONG Man Sau
Professor
Associate Dean of Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles
Phone Number (852) 3400 8665
Email
Education [email protected]
Research Interests Ph.D. The University of Chicago
ORCiD B.Sc. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Publication
H-index Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Diet and Diseases, Osteoporosis,
Sum of the Times Cited
Phytoestrogens, Phytochemicals, Traditional Chinese Medicine,
Functional Food
0000-0002-0729-8618
125
30
2519
Awards and Honours (selected) •• Wong KC, Cao S, Dong X, Law MC, Chan TH, Wong MS
2 0 1 7 (-)-epiafzelechin exerts estrogen-like bone
•• 國家教育部2013年度高等學校科學研究優秀成 protective effects in mature ovariectomized mice and
果 獎 （科學技術 ) Second Class Prize in Scientific and modulate osteoblastic and osteoclastic functions in
Technological Progress Award ( 科技進步獎 ), 抗骨 質 vitro Nutrients. 22;9(5).
疏鬆傳統中藥現代化研究及其應用”
•• Dong XL, Li CM, Cao SS, Zhou LP, W o n g M S 2 0 1 6
•• 市級科技項目先進個人，深圳市科技創新委員會 2 0 1 2 A High-Saturated-Fat, High-Sucrose Diet Aggravates
Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Female Rats. J Nutr
•• Highest International Consultancy Award, Outstanding 146(6):1172-9.
Professional Services Awards 2011, PolyU Technology
and Consultancy Co. Ltd. •• ZC Qiu, XL Dong, Y Dai, GK Xiao, XL Wang,
KC Wong, MS Wong and XS Yao 2016 Discovery of
Book Chapter (selected) a New Class of Cathepsin K Inhibitors in Rhizoma
Drynariae as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of
•• MS Wong, Y Zhang “Flavonoids of Herba Epimedii and Osteoporosis Int. J. Mol. Sci. 17(12), 2116.
bone metabolism in experimental ovarian deficiency.”
In:. Handbook of Nutrition and Diet in Menopause. •• HH Xiao, CY Fung, SK Mok, KC Wong, XL Wang,
New York, NY: Springer Science+ Business Med; 2013. XS Yao, MS Wong 2014 Flavonoids from Epimedium
selectively activate oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα)
Publications (selected) and stimulate ER-dependent osteoblastic functions
in UMR 106 cells. J Steriod Biochem Mol Biol 143C:
•• Y Zhang, LP Zhou, XL Li, YJ Zhao, MX Ho, DF Zhao, 141-151.
KW Mok, ZC Qiu, Q Shi, Q Shi, YJ Wang, M S W o n g
2 0 1 8 8-Prenylgenistein, a prenylated genistein •• KC Wong, KS Lee, HK Luk, HY Wan, CK Ho, Y Zhang
derivative, exerted tissue selective osteoprotective MS Wong 2014 Er-xian decoction (EXD) exerts
effects in ovariectomized mice. Oncotargets In press. estrogen-like osteoprotective effects in vivo and in
vitro. Am J Chin Med. 42(2):409-26.
•• QG Gao, LP Zhou, CWY Man, M S Wo n g 2 0 1 8
Ginsenoside Rg1 activates ligand-independent
estrogenic effects via rapid estrogen receptor (ER)
signaling pathway J Ginseng Res Accepted.
•• Cao S, Dong XL, Ho MX, Yu WX, Wong KC, Yao XS,
Wong MS 2018 Oleanolic Acid Exerts Osteoprotective
Effects and Modulates Vitamin D metabolism Nutrients.
22;10(2).
•• XL Dong, WX Yu, CM Li, S He, LP Zhou, CW Poon,
MS Wong 2018 Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) protects
ovariectomized rats fed with high-saturated
fat-sucrose diet from bone loss Osteo Int. 29(1):223-235.
98 Research at FAST
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