Wet Lab Log

Below is the embedded wet lab log documenting our experimental procedures and results: (if it does not load please refresh)

Hardware Log

27/05/2025 – 10/07/2025: Testing of Bacterial Alginate Beads

Initiated experiments to evaluate the performance of the PbrR-pPbr lead biosensor encapsulated in alginate beads.

  • Prepared and optimized alginate–bacteria mixtures with varying sodium alginate and calcium chloride concentrations.
  • Conducted bead formation trials using different lead (II) nitrate concentrations (0 mM – 10 mM).
  • Observed colour changes as an indicator of lead detection and biosensor responsiveness.
  • Refined bead preparation—controlled bead size, viscosity, and hardening rate by adjusting temperature and mixing ratio.
  • Established a standardized testing workflow for consistent bead generation and data reproducibility.

11/07/2025 – 08/08/2025: Development of fluidic Modules

Focused on designing and testing millifluidic systems to automate bead formation and sampling processes.

  • Designed two key modules: Module 1 — Alginate + GM E. coli Mixer and Module 2 — Bead Generator.
  • Conducted literature reviews referencing Microfluidic Mixing: A Physics‑Oriented Review (MDPI, 2023) and Fundamentals of Microfluidic Mixing for LNP Synthesis (Inside Therapeutics, 2025) to inform channel geometry and flow strategies.
  • Held design meetings to align hardware and fabrication plans; finalized prototype layout and material sourcing.
  • Testing of the millifluidic modules prototype.
  • Assembled the modular millifluidic body—combining sensors, pumps and electronic controls.

09/08/2025 – 10/09/2025: Converging Towards a Portable System

Transitioned from bench-top testing to a compact, deployable prototype.

  • Developed and assembled the E. coli culture incubator system with temperature, humidity, and optical density control.
  • Installed the UVC sterilization module for post‑use deactivation.
  • Integrated the AI vision‑based colour sensor using ESP32‑CAM modules.
  • Designed and tested the custom sieve assembly for clear bead visualization.
  • Implemented IoT alert functions via SMS and WhatsApp notifications.
  • Integrated an LCD touch screen for on‑site display of detection results.
  • Developed and connected the website and backend software for live monitoring and system management.
  • Tested full system workflow—incubation, detection, data transmission, and alert functions—to ensure stable operation.

11/09/2025 – 03/10/2025: Receiving Feedback from Stakeholders and Plan for Future Development

Engaged with experts and users to refine the system and prepare for scaling.

  • Collected feedback from academic advisors, farmers, and environmental experts on usability and deployment.
  • Evaluated biosafety protocols, waste treatment options, and applications for environmental monitoring.
  • Outlined next-phase goals: improving throughput, integrating sensing electronics, and establishing on-site detection capability.
  • Planned for future testing with real field water samples and optimized bacterial strains.

Human Practice Log

Stage 1 (22/3 - 26/5)

Time Stakeholder Event Location Description
22/03/2025 Public Survey Online and in-person We surveyed online and in person to study public perception of medical waste pollution.
31/03/2025 Industry(medical) Survey to doctor Online We did a survey to doctors to investigate the prevalence, disposal practices, environmental awareness, and perspectives on our target
04/04/2025 Industry(farming) Investigation with Pet shop and aquarium In person, Tung choi st. We did an investigation on aquarium and pet shop owner along the street and found importance of public education and reinforce our project
22/04/2025 Government Interview with AFCD and DSD Online via email
28/04/2025 Public Street Interview on Public Awareness of Environmental Issues Kowloon City district We conducted a public survey to investigate their awareness and opinions on use of genetically modified bacteria in water testing, how people dispose of expired or leftover medications, and their perceptions of local river pollution
04/05/2025 Industry (Farming) Interview with Pig Farm (Yiu Sang pig farm) Owner Mr. Lo Yam-keung Lung Wo village, Sai Kung Mr. Lo offered several suggestions about antibiotic use in pig farming, regulations, consumer concerns, and help us define our project's focus point.
10/05/2025 Industry (Farming) Interview with Fish Farm Owner Mr Chu Tak-nang Nam Sang Wai, Yuen Long Mr. Chu emphasized that antibiotic use in aquaculture varies by species and farming density, and that there are advantages to this.
15/05/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Wong Ming-hung Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Wong's insights guided us to improve both the technical clarity and the societal framing, with guided us on the ethical aspect. He also advises on communication and the global context.
17/05/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Yuan Zhiguo City University of Hong Kong Mr Yuan expressed the urgency of developing accessible solutions and future development of us to gain publicity and promotion.
26/05/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Doctor Cheung Ka Tik Online meeting Dr. Cheung offered several suggestions about combating antibiotic misuse and pollution through regulatory reform, public engagement, technological innovation, and developing the Remedix system for environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics.
26/05/2025 Industry(medical) Interview with Hong Kong Social Enterprise Veterinary Hospital Mong Kok

Stage 2 (27/5 - 10/7)

Time Stakeholder Event Location Description
01/06/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Tam Fung-yee Hong Kong Metropolitan University Prof. Tam advised insight into GM E. coli reporter design like speed and sensitivity, testing alginate beads as a containment platform, ensuring clear concentration readouts and warnings for the user to detect pharmaceutical residues like tetracycline and salicylate.
10/06/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Tsui Tsz-ki, Martin Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Tsui offered several suggestions about the scientific and social insight and global applications of our method.
21/06/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Butaye and Miss Sandy Ng City University of Hong Kong Prof. Butaye provided both scientific and practical guidance for refining Remedix, underscored the issue and express belief on our project.
29/06/2025 Industry (Fishing) Interview with Fish Farm Owner Mr. Hui Chun-yi Johnny Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long Mr Hui provided insight into the challenges faced by fish farmers in managing wastewater, directions for improvement, and belief in our project.
10/7/2025 Industry (Fishing) Interview with Fish Farm (Choi Gei Fish Farm) Owner Mr. Law Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po Mr. Law expressed the potential value of Remedix, and suggested our project for accessibility to the public.

Stage 3 (11/7 - 10/9)

Time Stakeholder Event Location Description
28/07/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Frank Lam Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Lam's feedback helped us refine both the technical and strategic aspects of our project.
08/08/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Wu Peng School of public health, Hong Kong University Professor Wu offered several suggestions about the societal and behavioral dimensions of antibiotic resistance, defining user groups, awareness strategies, practical deployment in educational and community settings, surveillance, responsible prescription practices, and public engagement.
22/08/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Chan Wing-hong on 22/8 (1st Time) Online Prof. Chan emphasized methods to better introduce, more reliable detection, and to validate the project and future plans.
25/08/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Chan Wing-hong on 25/8 (2nd Time) Po Leung Kuk Celine Ho Yam Tong College Dr. Chan offered several suggestions about strengthening the scientific rigor and addressing the sensitivity and selectivity of the machine, improving detection methods, and positioning our work.
02/09/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Benjamin J Cowling Hong Kong University Professor Cowling is encouraging the team to design a biosensing platform that is affordable, effective, and scalable. He also initiative toward addressing public health and antimicrobial resistance.
05/09/2025 Government Interview with Mr. MOK Wing-cheong, Ringo (The Director of the Hong Kong Drainage Services Department) Revenue Tower, Wan Chai Mr. Mok offered several suggestions about policy-level perspective, technical expertise, pollution data on antibiotics and medical waste, regulatory awareness, data transparency, communication through visualizations, credible lab results, environmental narrative, and refining Remedix into a validated, scalable solution.
10/09/2025 Science/ Academia Interview with Professor Chan Ping Lung Hong Kong Metropolitan University Professor Chan offered several suggestions about the scientific validity, environmental safety, and practical usability of the Remedix project.

Stage 4 (11/9 - 3/10)

Time Stakeholder Event Location Description
18/09/2025 Industry (Farming) Interview with Pig Farm Owner Mr. Tang Yuk-hang, Ken Deep bay, Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long Mr. Tang expressed his belief in our project.
03/10/2025 Industry(medical) Interview with Doctor Lau YB And Doctor Leung TK Online meeting Dr. Lau YB and Dr. Leung TK's advice helped refine both the technical and social directions of Remedix.