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
Immunoassay Development (Bioconjugation & Interface Chemistry)
Precision surface modification and molecular assembly for diagnostic platforms.
Main tasks: Depending on your background and the specific project assigned, your duties may include:
- Surface Functionalization & Activation: Execute multi-step organic surface modifications on nanoparticles (e.g., carboxylation or hydroxylation) and activate functional groups using EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. Calculate and optimize the molar ratios for the covalent attachment of proteins (antibodies/antigens) to carbon-based fluorophores to maximize binding site orientation and density.
- Polymer-Protein Interface Engineering: Study the effect of PEGylation (polyethylene glycol) or other polymer spacers on the colloidal stability and steric hindrance of the bioconjugates.
- Membrane Chemistry Optimization: Investigate the capillary flow dynamics and surface energy interactions between the mobile phase (buffer/sample) and the nitrocellulose membrane to reduce non-specific adsorption.
- Quantitative Analytical Validation: Develop standard curves and perform rigorous quantitative analysis to determine the Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantification (LoQ) of the chemical sensing system.
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)
- Immunoassay Formats: Prior experience with ELISA or Lateral Flow platforms, understanding the difference between "Sandwich" and "Competitive" assay logic.
- Surface Chemistry: Hands-on experience with nanoparticle surface modification and a clear understanding of the EDC/NHS coupling mechanism.
- Liquid Handling: Exceptional precision in micro-pipetting, crucial for high-sensitivity diagnostic work where microliter errors ruin the signal.
- Characterization Tools: Proficiency in UV-Vis (to confirm protein loading) and DLS (to monitor particle aggregation after conjugation).
- Data Analysis: Ability to perform statistical analysis (Mean, SD, CV%) on assay reproducibility and sensitivity.
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