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

Three project teams led by Faculty of Engineering Professors have been awarded funding in the second round of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), initiated by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong government. In the two rounds of the RAISe+ Scheme, Faculty of Engineering received the highest number of awards among CUHK's research teams. This demonstrated the exceptional research capabilities and dedication to technology advancement of the faculty.

The funded projects span a wide range of fields including advanced engineering and materials science. These projects not only highlight the faculty’s extensive research strengths but also reflect its commitment to addressing major societal challenges. Each project is poised to deliver high-impact innovations with strong commercialisation potential and real-world application value.

The RAISe+ Scheme sets a high threshold for application, requiring research teams to raise no less than half of the amount they apply for from commercial sources. With the support of RAISe+ funding, these projects will further enhance their R&D and promotional capabilities, to achieve successful commercialisation.

List of Engineering projects receive funding support from RAISe+ Scheme

About the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme)

Launched in October 2023, the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme) aims to unleash the potential of local universities in transforming and commercialising R&D outcomes, and facilitate collaboration among the Government, industry, university and research sectors. The RAISe+ Scheme will fund, on a matching basis, research teams in eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee that have the potential to become successful start-ups. Up to HK$100 million in funding support will be provided for each project that is approved.

Students supervising by Professor Huang Chaoran from the Department of Electronic Engineering achieved outstanding results at the “11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition”. The team has won the Innovation grand prize and first prize (Information Technology) for the project on Next Generation Data Center Interconnects with Integrated Neuromorphic Photonic Processor.

Innovation grand prize and first prize (Information Technology): Next Generation Data Centre Interconnects with Integrated Neuromorphic Photonic Processor

Large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) training requires uniformly ultra-low latency and energy-efficient data interconnects to let massive graphics processing units (GPUs) function as a unified system. However, current technologies often struggle with delays and high energy use, limiting AI development. Under the supervision of Professor Huang Chaoran from the Department of Electronic Engineering, a project team comprising Wang Benshan, Xiao Qiarong, Xu Tengji, Fan Li and Liu Shaojie presented a new type of data connection that uses light instead of electricity to transmit information. This system is the first in the world to operate entirely with light, eliminating the need for traditional electronic parts that usually slow things down. Their invention is over 10,000 times faster and uses 1,000 times less energy than current methods. It can also send data over much longer distances—up to 80 km—compared to just 2 km with existing technology. This means it could connect millions of GPUs with near-zero latency, which reducing hardware costs and energy consumption, providing comprehensive and robust support for future AI development.

About Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

The Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is organised annually by the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association. Winning projects will represent Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in national competitions, including the “Challenge Cup” National College Students’ Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Contest, the “Challenge Cup” China College Students’ Entrepreneurship Competition and the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition. This year, the winning projects will also have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong and their respective institutions at international competitions and exhibitions.

More details: https://www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/en/press/cuhk-students-win-most-awards-at-the-11th-hong-kong-university-student-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-competition/