On August 13, 2025, Zhengzhou University and Henan University, under the guidance of the Henan Association for Science and Technology, co-hosted the 3rd Central Plains International Conference on Technological Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Across the Straits, Hong Kong and Macao in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Centered on the theme "Frontiers of Intelligent Biomanufacturing in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Industrial Translation," the conference gathered nearly 60 experts and scholars from 13 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, to explore the future of medical technology innovation. A delegation from the Faculty of Medicine of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), led by Professor Xiao Ying, Associate Professor Zhong Tian, and Assistant Professor Peng Ye, took part in the event, demonstrating MUST's research capabilities and global vision in pharmaceutical sciences.
Group photo of delegation from the Faculty of Medicine, MUST
Focusing on the scientific principles of "homology of medicine and food" and intelligent biomanufacturing, the conference aimed to advance the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and propose innovative solutions for global healthcare. The MUST team presented multiple research achievements, highlighting progress in modern TCM studies and homology-based medicinal food development. Professor Xiao Ying and her students showcased their project "Scientific Research on Macao-Specific Medicinal Cuisine," which integrates traditional wisdom with modern analytical techniques to innovate Lingnan medicinal food culture. This work provides critical references for TCM standardization and internationalization. Assistant Professor Peng Ye delivered a presentation titled "Study on Lactobacillus plantarum in Preventing Environmental Pollutant-Induced Obesity" in a parallel forum, exploring probiotics' role in mitigating metabolic impacts of environmental toxins—offering new perspectives for homology-based products.
Young scholars constituted over 60% of the conference participants. MUST student representatives actively engaged in discussions, exchanging innovative ideas with young researchers from the United States, New Zealand, Japan, and other regions. One student remarked, “Interacting with global experts deepened our understanding of TCM's potential in worldwide health and demonstrated how modern technology can advance traditional medicine." This cross-border, interdisciplinary dialogue broadened academic horizons and nurtured talent for future TCM innovation.
As a key hub in TCM research, MUST is committed to integrating traditional wisdom with modern technology to advance the internationalization of TCM. Participation in this conference not only demonstrated MUST's research capabilities in the field but also strengthened collaborative networks with academic communities across the Straits, in Hong Kong and Macao, and internationally. Moving forward, MUST will deepen research in areas such as the standardization of medicinal cuisine therapy and the sustainable utilization of TCM resources, contributing more expertise and solutions to the global healthcare industry. The active participation and outstanding performance of the MUST delegation once again affirmed its leading position in this field, injecting new vitality and hope into the future development of TCM.
