ClearKon propels UniKL to bag gold medal, best invention at ITEX 2022

ClearKon, antibiotic nanoparticles coated contact lenses invented by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)’s research team has propelled the university to bag a gold medal and Best Invention in Biotechnology by the Japan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA) at the International Exhibition of Invention, Innovation and Technology (ITEX) 2022.

Dr Tong Woei Yenn of UniKL Institute of Medical Science Technology (UniKL MESTECH) received the award on behalf of the research team, which includes Assoc Prof Dr Izuddin Fahmy Abu (UniKL MESTECH); Dr Muhammad Fauzi Daud (UniKL MESTECH); Dr Sabrina Karim (UniKL MESTECH) and Dr Leong Chean Ring (UniKL MICET).

Dr Tong said that they spent five years developing the product, which started with a final project by a bachelor’s student who performed the coating of antibiotic nanoparticles on contact lens models.

“We also published the data generated by the student in a high impact journal, Experimental Eye Research. We have completed the preclinical testing of this product.

“For the next step, we are now applying for funding together with our industrial partner, Furley Bioextracts Sdn Bhd to continue with the clinical study of this product,” told him.

ClearKon is specially designed for patients with the infected cornea (microbial keratitis).

It can promote a two-fold faster healing rate among the patients, by inhibiting bacterial growth on cornea tissues and reducing the inflammation responses, remarked Dr Tong, while adding that they also have filed a patent for this unique technology.

Nanotechnology was also used in this invention to deliver the antibiotic to the eyes and the research team has designed a system that delivers the antibiotic gradually for 24 hours.

“Therefore, the product avoids frequent use of eye drops, besides correcting the vision of the patients. For this particular project, we received funding from Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), the Ministry of Education and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Italy.

“It is an honour for our research team to receive this award at ITEX 2022. The award also motivates us to work harder, so that more patients can benefit from our research product,” Dr Tong further explained.

ITEX 2022 which concluded last week, is where the commercialisation of inventions or new products happens. Through ITEX, inventors can seek out potential investors and pave a way for the latter to explore new business ventures.