Trong-Nghia Le, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). A specialist in analytical chemistry and nanotechnology, Dr. Le focuses on the development of quantum-enhanced biosensors and stimuli-responsive materials. His work is characterized by the integration of fundamental chemical principles with clinical diagnostic needs, specifically in the realm of infectious diseases and oncology. With numerous SCI-indexed publications, a book chapter, and editorial contributions, he is dedicated to advancing materials science and analytical chemistry in biomedical applications.
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1841-0310
- https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/AAW-9909-2021
- https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57205261971
The TN Le Research Group is a multidisciplinary laboratory at NTNU dedicated to the rational design of functional nanomaterials for ultrasensitive analytical applications. The laboratory’s mission is to bridge the gap between material science and clinical translation. By leveraging the unique physical properties of nanocarbon materials—specifically Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)—the group develops diagnostic platforms that achieve unprecedented detection limits. The lab also pioneers the synthesis of smart polymer architectures for targeted drug delivery and environmental remediation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, the group remains committed to providing a high-level training ground for the next generation of researchers in nanobiotechnology.
The group's research is categorized into three primary pillars:
- Quantum-Enhanced Biosensing & Diagnostics
Focusing on the use of Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in Fluorescent Nanodiamonds to develop Spin-Enhanced Immunoassays. This technology enables ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers for cancer, tuberculosis, and other viral pathogens (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 antigens and Dengue Virus NS1 proteins), exceeding the signal-to-noise ratios of standard optical assays. - Stimuli-Responsive Nanomedicine
Utilizing pH- and ROS-responsive block copolymers for precision oncology. These nanocarriers are designed to encapsulate potent chemotherapeutics, ensuring selective release within the acidic microenvironment of tumors, thereby maximizing therapeutic index and minimizing systemic side effects. - Functional Materials for Environmental Analytics
The synthesis of multifunctional fluorogenic probes and catechol-functionalized copolymers for the selective sensing and sequestration of heavy metal ions, addressing critical challenges in water purification and environmental monitoring.
Representative Publication
- Emerging trends in fluorescent nanodiamond quantum sensing
- Fluorescent nanodiamond immunosensors for clinical diagnostics of tuberculosis
- Antibody-Conjugated Nanodiamonds as Dual-Functional Immunosensors for In Vitro Diagnostics
- Spin-Enhanced Lateral Flow Immunoassay for High-Sensitivity Detection of Nonstructural Protein NS1 Serotypes of the Dengue Virus
- Hyaluronic Acid Derived Hypoxia-Sensitive Nanocarrier for Tumor Targeted Drug Delivery
Honors and Achievements
- NTNU Newly Appointed Distinguished Talent Reward - 2025
- Outstanding Youth Award, College of Engineering, NTUST – 2022
- Second Award for Student Research of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) – 2017
- Reviewer for High-Impact Journals: Served as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as Acta Biomaterialia, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Material Today, etc.
- Published Research Contributions: Co-authored 27 research papers in premier international journals, including Analytical Chemistry, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Analytica Chimica Acta, Nanoscale, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Journal of Membrane Science, European Polymer Journal, Chemistry - An Asian Journal, etc.
- Editor for Nanodiamonds in Analytical and Biological Sciences: Principles and Applications, John Wiley & Sons, 2023.
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), Taipei, Taiwan (2022)
M.S. in Chemical Engineering: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), Taipei, Taiwan (2018)
B.S. in Chemistry - Medicinal Chemistry: Can Tho University, Can Tho, Vietnam (2016)
Job Description
Bioanalytical Chemistry: Utilizing diagnostic platforms for sample evaluation
Main Tasks:
- Assay Implementation: Execute standardized protocols to detect analytes in complex matrices.
- Conditions Optimization: Refine assay parameters to maximize sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios.
- Matrix Effect Mitigation: Develop sample pretreatment and blocking strategies to reduce non-specific adsorption and interference in real-world biological samples.
- Analytical Validation: Establish performance metrics including Limit of Detection (LoD), specificity, cross-reactivity, and recovery rates.
- Data Analysis: Process raw signals into quantitative results, performing curve fitting and statistical reproducibility studies (CV%).
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Senior Undergraduate or Master’s students with a background in Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields are welcome.
Skill sets or Qualities
Technical Skills (preferred, not all required)
- Practical knowledge of functionalizing nanomaterials using EDC/NHS coupling and implementing effective surface blocking (passivation) to minimize non-specific binding.
- Skilled in processing complex biological fluids (serum, saliva, or blood) through centrifugation, filtration, and pretreatment to mitigate matrix interference.
- Ability to statistically establish performance metrics, including Limit of Detection (LoD), cross-reactivity, recovery rates, and dynamic range.
- Expertise in processing raw signals using non-linear curve fitting (4PL/5PL) and statistical software such as OriginLab, GraphPad Prism, or Excel.
Personal Qualities
- Strong motivation to learn across disciplines
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Good communication skills in English
- Interest in international research collaboration and interdisciplinary science
- Willingness to engage in research discussions and final presentations
Job Description
Advanced Carbon-based Materials (Biosensing & Synthesis)
We are developing a next-generation diagnostic platform that integrates advanced carbon-based nanomaterials with "smart" fluorescent molecules. The intern will support the synthesis, surface modification, and optical characterization of hybrid nanostructures designed for high-sensitivity biomedical detection.
Main tasks: Depending on your background and the specific project assigned, your duties may include:
- Surface Chemistry: Perform functionalization of nanoparticles (carboxylation, amination) and execute bioconjugation protocols (EDC/NHS, Click chemistry).
- Material Characterization: Use analytical techniques such as DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), FT-IR, and Zeta Potential to verify surface modifications and colloidal stability.
- Optical Analysis: Conduct fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-Vis measurements to evaluate the photophysical properties of responsive luminogens.
- Bio-assays: Assist in performing in vitro assays (e.g., ELISA-like formats or cell staining) to validate the targeting efficiency of the nanoprobes.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Senior Undergraduate or Master’s students with a background in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related fields are welcome.
Skill sets or Qualities
Technical Skills (preferred, not all required)
- Lab Experience: Hands-on experience with chemical synthesis or nanoparticle handling is highly preferred.
- Basic understanding of fluorescence spectroscopy and surface chemistry linkers (e.g., PEGylation).
- Experience with Carbon nanomaterials (Nanodiamonds, Carbon Dots, or Graphene).
- Familiarity with Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) or responsive molecular probes.
Personal Qualities
- Strong motivation to learn across disciplines
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Good communication skills in English
- Interest in international research collaboration and interdisciplinary science
- Willingness to engage in research discussions and final presentations