August 12, 2020, by Mei Kee Lee
Participation in Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) as A Final Year Project Student
Featured group photo with Dr New (middle), Yee Wei, Jessica, Zheng Wei, and Jing Luen (left to right).
Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) is an annual event aimed to provide inventors and innovators with a platform to promote their inventions and establish their identity to industries and investors. MTE 2020 was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from 20th to 22nd February 2020. This international exhibition attracted a broad range of scientific and technical endeavours as well as participants from 31 countries.
Our team led by Dr New Siu Yee proudly represented University of Nottingham Malaysia as an exhibitor. The theme of our exhibition was ‘visualizing biosensing with smart nanosensor’. Biosensing is an important healthcare analysis to detect viral DNA/RNA, pathogenic bacteria or cancer biomarker. However, most of the current tests rely heavily on laborious molecular techniques, expensive instruments and skilled personnel. An ideal biosensor which is affordable and easy to use to provide fast, accurate result is much needed. We developed new nanosensors with two materials namely gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) to address setbacks of current methods. AuNPs enables a dual-mode detection with intrinsic colour change that enables direct detection with naked eyes. AgNCs possess intense fluorescence with adjustable colour and in atomic scale. The sensitivity and simplicity of this AgNCs-based biosensor outperformed the standard method to detect a cancer biomarker called telomerase. We further incorporate hybridization chain reaction for amplification of target biomarkers, together with AgNCs as visualization method for detection of miRNA.
Props and decorations used in the exhibition.
The exhibition kicked off with an official opening ceremony, where reputable representatives were invited to give welcoming speeches. There were 427 exhibits showcasing different latest inventions, ideas, prototypes and products to investors, manufacturers and marketers, connecting them with those who are seeking new ideas as well as technology commercialisation and collaboration. Besides, the event hosted prestigious MTE Innovation Awards Programme covering all age group and categories of inventions. Our team participated in Invention and Innovation Awards under healthcare category with the most registrations. This award was judged by independent juries of scientists and industry representatives. We managed to win Silver Award under this category! I am honoured and happy to be part of the team where we managed to show good team sprit throughout the process of preparation and exhibition. I was also given chances to present to visitors and this helps me to boost my confidence as well as oral presentation skills.
Medal and certification for Invention and Innovation Silver Awards.
Lastly, a big shout out to the amazing team who contributed their time and efforts in making this experience fun and memorable. The members of the team are Dr New Siu Yee (team leader), Wai Jing Luen, Wong Zheng Wei, Jessica Ooi Sui Ying, Farah Aina Bt Azaharuddin, Wong Kah Lok, and Tan Yee Wei.
Written by: Tan Yee Wei (PHS Year 3)
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