【長期研修：2024.4.1-2024.10.2】ｼﾝｶﾞﾎﾟｰﾙ，南洋理工大学：劉 浩さん
From April 2, 2024, to September 30, 2024, I participated in a six-month overseas research project in Professor Hou’s lab at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Hou Lab, established in 2018 at the Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) (Figure 1), focuses on using microfluidic technologies in biomedicine. Its research areas include whole blood biomarker isolation, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), and label-free cell sorting.
Figure1 : Clinical Sciences Building (CSB), Hou Lab
My research aimed to combine Hou Lab’s EV isolation technology with my PhD project on fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The goal was to develop an integrated platform for EV isolation and detection, with potential for clinical point-of-care testing (POCT). Although my PhD research also involves microfluidic platforms, the approaches are very different. Hou Lab’s isolation techniques are based on dean flow fractionation (DFF), which relies on physical principles. In contrast, FPIA focuses on molecular behavior. These differences required me to learn new techniques for handling particle-based samples.
Hou Lab works closely with the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, giving me access to clinical blood samples. This was a rare and valuable opportunity to connect my research to real-world medical applications and better understand clinical challenges.
In the experiments, I first used size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to purify plasma and isolate EVs. This allowed me to test my FPIA system and successfully create a calibration curve for EV quantification. After validating the method, I used Hou Lab’s DFF chip to separate blood cells from whole blood (Figure 2 shows the chip and setup).
Although we faced challenges during the final integration stage due to interference from plasma proteins like albumin, but the work was still highly rewarding. It helped me understand the potential and limitations of POCT technology. This experience improved my technical skills and gave me a better understanding of how to connect lab-based research to practical clinical applications.
Figure 2 Chip and setup
The lab environment really impressed me a lot. My colleagues came from different cultural and academic backgrounds: Singaporeans, Malaysians, Chinese. Everybody worked harmoniously; thus, it could provide a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for all of us. Professor Hou was a well-versed and enthusiastic supervisor; he guided us concerning the research and also cared about our personal lives.
Figure 3 captures some unforgettable moments during my stay. On the left, the PhD graduation of a team member was celebrated by taking photos on campus. The occasion was one of pure celebration of academic achievement but was more than that—it showed the close bonding between members of the lab. Daily interactions, both on research discussions and casual conversation, are also very important. Besides those, to the right is one from a team outing for lunch at a rooftop restaurant. These gatherings gave enough time to relax and enjoy the company of people outside the lab, so much so that relationships were brought closer together and experiences exchanged.
Figure3: Left-Attending the PhD graduation ceremony of a lab member; Right – Lab activities
Outside of work, I enjoyed Singapore’s vibrant cultural environment. I was lucky to experience Singapore’s 59th National Day, with its fireworks and brightly lit city landmarks. Figure 4 shows the fireworks and Marina Bay’s nightscape, two key features of Singapore’s modern beauty. Experiencing the city’s multicultural atmosphere was inspiring and taught me the value of adaptability in international collaboration.
Figure4: Singapore’s 59th National Day fireworks celebration and Marina Bay nightscape
This six-month research experience at NTU left a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally. I developed essential skills in microfluidic diagnostic technology, worked with advanced equipment, and learned the importance of teamwork and cultural exchange. Finally, I am grateful to GP-Chem for providing me with this valuable opportunity. This experience strengthened my resolve to advance diagnostic technologies and increased my confidence in contributing to scientific work.