A joint laboratory led by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has come up with an efficient yet long-lasting pest repellent that can get rid of bedbugs and 99.9 percent of highly contagious viruses, hard-to-kill spores and germs.

Its researchers said the Hong Kong delegation to the Paris Olympics, which starts late July, would bring the repellent to the games, given that the French capital has been hit by a bedbug outbreak since September.

The laboratory, launched in conjunction with Absolute Pure EnviroSci Ltd, has also created artificial organoids to help quantify pollution's risks on human health.

It is set up to develop and translate novel discoveries into groundbreaking health and environmental innovations.

The repellent's advanced formula is derived from the anti-pathogenic Multilevel Antimicrobial Polymer (MAP-1), one of the earliest disinfectants that provide long-lasting protection against Covid.

The formula has been certified by two labs in the mainland and Switzerland to be 100 percent efficient against bedbugs.

Also, the formula can be used in fabrics such as cotton and linen without changing their texture and provides lasting anti-pathogenic lasting protection to clothing and accessories, especially those worn or used by patients, the elderly or infants.

APEL chairman David Chung Wai-keung said he was thrilled to be working with such an experienced team of professors on a project of such great import.

"The four main areas we will be focusing on are environmental hygiene and sanitation; air and water purification; net-zero, circular resource utilization; and energy-saving decarbonization processes. With everything now in place, we look forward to developing technologies that can help change the world and make it a better place for the next generation," he said.

Laboratory director Yeung King-lun said: " HKUST empowers its members to make societal impact through research, translation and innovation. We are excited to work with APEL to create cutting-edge solutions to pressing health and environmental problems."

He added: "Our joint efforts have borne innovative yet practical solutions that will ultimately improve the quality of life for communities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Together, we will drive transformative solutions and make a lasting impact on society," he said.

Professor Yeung King-lun, from the department of chemical and biological engineering and division of environment and sustainability, and APEL director Pat Yeung yesterday signed the memorandum on the establishment of the joint laboratory.

Undersecretary for environment and ecology Diane Wong Shuk-han said "with the collaboration, they could complement each other's strengths to generate synergies and accelerate the transformation as well as application of scientific research results."

David Chung with Wong Po-kee, honorary deputy secretary general of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

Lab to make killing with bug repellent