A research team led by Professor Mao Chuanbin, Director of JC STEM Lab of Nature-inspired Precision Medical Engineering and Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has developed an innovative cancer treatment – a phage-based nanofibre technology. This technology can precisely target and kill cancer cells. It also overcomes the limitation of low oxygen levels in tumours that hinder the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Research findings have been published in the international journal Advanced Materials.

Currently, PDT is a widely used and highly effective minimally invasive cancer treatment that destroy cancer cells by light-activated drugs called “photosensitiser”. However, PDT can be scattershot and its effectiveness is often hindered by hypoxia, a common condition in tumours where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain the therapy. To overcome this challenge, Professor Mao’s team has developed new technology that engineered bacteriophages to produce oxygen directly inside tumours. Professor Mao said: “Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria but are harmless to humans. My team has been using the phage to treat diseases such as cancer for more than a decade, so we are at the forefront in phage-based therapy. By using sophisticated nanotechnology, we rebuilt bacteriophages and created a therapy that mimics the structure and function of the virus, enabling precise targeting of cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.”

The team incorporated tumour-targeting peptide known as AR. It proved highly effective in such precise targeting when tested on mice with a type of slow-growing breast cancer tumour called MCF-7. Additionally, the team developed their own type of artificial enzymes, known as platinum nanozymes, and attached them on the surface of bacteriophages. These nanozymes catalyse the conversion of hydrogen peroxide, which is naturally present in cancer cells, into oxygen, enhancing PDT.

Moreover, the team attached a light-sensitive drug called Indocyanine Green to the virus. Upon exposure to near-infrared light, the photosensitisers activated, producing reactive oxygen species that effectively destroyed cancer cells. Results showed the technology significantly outperformed conventional PDT. Experiments demonstrated remarkable outcomes: tumours shrank and, in most cases, disappeared; 40% of mice tested were cancer-free after 16 days of treatment.

This research represents a breakthrough in the use of biological-nanomaterial hybrids for precision medicine. By combining the natural tumour-targeting ability of phages with synthetic nanocatalysts, the research team has created a versatile platform that could be adapted to enhance other cancer therapies, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Professor Mao added: “This work exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research. By merging virology, nanotechnology and cancer biology, we have developed a strategy that not only addresses a critical limitation in PDT but also opens new avenues for targeted drug delivery.” The research team is advancing its preclinical research to further refine the technology. It is also establishing collaborations with clinicians across the Greater Bay Area to accelerate the translation of this discovery into clinical applications.

Source: Communications and Public Relations Office Press Release

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held its 23rd Honorary Fellowship Presentation Ceremony today (30 June 2025) on campus. Professor Ching Pak-chung from Department of Electronic Engineering was appointed honorary fellow in recognition of his remarkable accomplishment in engineering field and his exceptional contribution to the University and the wider community.

Professor Ching Pak-chung currently serves as Director of the Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering and Research Professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at CUHK. His early career at Cable & Wireless sparked his interest in telecommunications, leading him to pursue further studies at the University of Liverpool, where he received his BEng and PhD. His research focuses on digital signal processing, particularly speech and communication systems. In recent years, his work has expanded to encompass speech emotion recognition, Cantonese-English code-mixing analysis and artificial intelligence.

Professor Ching joined CUHK in 1984 and has held key leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Head of Shaw College and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University. During his tenure as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, he spearheaded the Campus Master Plan in response to the transition to a four-year curriculum, profoundly shaping CUHK’s long-term growth. He also played an instrumental role in the development of CUHK-Shenzhen and has served as Director of the Shenzhen Research Institute, CUHK, fostering collaboration between the University and organisations within the Greater Bay Area. Beyond academia, Professor Ching has made substantial contributions to public service, holding pivotal positions in various government and professional bodies. In recognition of his community work, Professor Ching has been awarded the Bronze and Silver Bauhinia Stars.

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/the-chinese-university-of-hong-kong-23rd-honorary-fellowship-presentation-ceremony/

A collaborative research team led by Professor Zhang Li from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Professor Wang Ben, an associate professor at Shenzhen University’s College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, and Professor Zhang Yabin from Guangxi University, has developed a microrobot-based therapy to tackle one of the most pressing global health challenges: chronic bacterial infections caused by resilient biofilms. The research has been published in prestigious journal Science Robotics.

According to The Lancet, bacterial infections have emerged as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in millions of deaths each year. Conventional treatment, such as antibiotics, irrigation and surgical puncture, often proves ineffective, leading to potential antibiotic resistance and tissue damage. In response, the research team has developed a novel therapeutic platform using photocatalytic microrobots (CBMRs) that delivers a minimally invasive, highly targeted solution for the treatment of deep-seated bacterial biofilm infections, particularly sinusitis.

The CBMRs are constructed from single-atom copper-doped bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) and integrate precise magnetic navigation with light-activated photocatalysis. Under an external magnetic field, the microrobots swarm and swiftly navigate to infection sites. Visible light delivered via optical fibre activates antibacterial activity. This enables photothermal effects that reduce mucus viscosity, enhance penetration and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for powerful biofilm disruption. In vitro tests demonstrated a dramatic reduction in bacterial survival, from over 90% to less than 1%, showcasing the microrobots’ potent bactericidal efficacy.

Using a rabbit sinusitis model, the team validated the treatment’s effectiveness. The microrobots successfully penetrated dense inflammatory secretions and disintegrate biofilms. The treatment restored healthy sinus tissue, reduced inflammation and minimised fibrosis. Additionally, the treatment showed excellent biocompatibility, with no visible mucosal damage and cell viability exceeding 90% after light exposure for 20 minutes.

Professor Zhang said: “Our goal was to develop a precise, non-invasive solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional treatments. This microrobot platform not only demonstrates impressive antibacterial capabilities but also presents exciting opportunities for safe and targeted treatment of other deep-seated infections. The breakthrough represents a significant milestone in microrobotic therapy, providing a targeted and minimally invasive solution for chronic infection treatment. It paves the way for clinical applications in otolaryngology and beyond.”

This study was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong (RGC), the Croucher Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, as well as the SIAT–CUHK Joint Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent Systems and the Multi-scale Medical Robotics Center (MRC) under the InnoHK research platform.

Extracted from CUHK Communications and Public Relations Office press release