THE APPLICATION OF NANO PARTICLES TO TREAT ULCERATIVE COLITIS WON FIRST PRIZE AT BME INNOVATION 2022

On the morning of August 23, 2022, the School of Biomedical Engineering of International University (IU-VNU) and the sponsor, Merck Vietnam Co., Ltd. held the Final Round of BME Innovation Competition 2022.The result is that, “The Application of nanoparticles manufactured from Polycatechol derivatives in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis” by team LV won the first prize.

The competition lasted for more than 5 hours with many impressive presentations and excellent question responses. As a result, the LV team with the idea of “Application of nanoparticles manufactured from Polycatechol derivatives in the treatment of colon fibroids” won the final. In this project, a novel ROS-scavenging nanomolecular system, based on catechol (or 1,2-dihydroxylbenzene), has been successfully designed (Cat-NPs), with the potential to overcome almost any challenge to be a versatile antioxidant.

LV team with the presentation about “Application of nanoparticles manufactured from Polycatechol derivatives in the treatment of colon fibroids”

The second prize belongs to the only individual participating in this year’s contest – contestant Nguyen Thanh Dat – for his research on Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) materials in the treatment of sensitive teeth as well as the potential of BCP for research in future; as well as DNHK team of Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted with the topic “Application of the inhibitory activity of tamarind leaf extract (Tamarindus indica L.) on HP bacteria strains cagA (+) and (-), cloning to produce yogurt combined with dry rice cake.”

Ms. Huynh Thi Tuyet Huong – Marketing Director of Science and Lab Solution Vietnam – and Mr. Vong Binh Long presented awards and certificates of merit to team LV, team DNHK and contestant Nguyen Thanh Dat

Third prize called the names of 3 teams: TeeMee, Twenties Forever and Brain Solutions with respectively impressive studies on the solubility and dissolution rate of curcumin in the stomach; creation of skin aging caused by UVA radiation on mouse model; and detection of schizophrenia pattern from EEG signals recorded by applying machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Ms. Huynh Thi Tuyet Huong and Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep – Director of Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), International University – awarded 3rd prizes to 3 teams: TeeMee, Twenties Forever and Brain Solutions

One special thing about this year’s contest is that the panel of judges decided to give all the remaining teams additional and consolation prizes to motivate and encourage their efforts over the past 4 months. Speaking at the award ceremony, Assoc. Dr. Vuong Binh Long – Vice Dean of School of Biomedical Engineering, Head of Panel of BME Innovation 2022 – shared: “Through this contest, I hope all of you will have more motivation to be creative, to conduct research and to create products that are really useful. With all teams winning prizes, no matter how big or small, I hope you have had meaningful experiences doing teamwork and participating in the competition, thereby improving your knowledge.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep – Dean of the School of Biomedical Engineering, IU – VNU – said: “This year, BME Innovation Competition has a success which is its extension to high school students as 2 teams from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted and Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted have advanced to the final round. At the same time, I hope that the competition will bring research motivation to the students, especially in the context that Science and Technology is being somewhat eclipsed by Economics.”

Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep – Dean of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City – said: “This year’s contest had a success as it was extended to high school students and attracted 2 students. Teams from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted and Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted”

In addition, to strengthen the development of the annual BME Innovation contest and to create a place to help biomedical initiatives receive suggestions and support from highly qualified teachers, the School of Biomedical Engineering decides to establish the BME Innovation Club under the guidance of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT), International University. Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep – Director of CITT – was committed to supporting the club with all its might to bring biomedical initiatives of students to domestic and foreign startup competitions. Furthermore, CITT also gives the club a pot of green plant with the meaningful message “If you want to give up, remember why you started”.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep and Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep gives a gift with the meaningful message “If you want to give up, remember why you started” to BME Innovation Club