On the morning of 11 September 2026, at the University of Science, VNU-HCM, PhD candidate Huynh Trong Phat successfully defended his PhD thesis in Optics, entitled “Study on the Synthesis of Anisotropic Gold Nanostructures and Spectroscopic Characterization for Potential Applications in Biomedical Materials,” under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Quang Vinh.
The thesis focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of the optical properties of anisotropic gold nanostructures, with the aim of developing functional materials for potential biomedical applications. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between nanoparticle morphology, structure, and optical properties, while exploring new approaches to the development of functional nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Developing a Green Approach to Gold Nanostructure Synthesis
One of the key contributions of the thesis is the successful development of a green synthesis approach for star-shaped gold nanoparticles, combining the biopolymer chitosan with ultrasonic waves.
Compared with conventional synthesis methods, the proposed approach minimizes the use of toxic chemicals and significantly reduces the synthesis time from several hours to just a few minutes, while maintaining effective control over nanoparticle morphology.
This achievement is particularly significant in the context of current nanomaterials research, which increasingly focuses on developing synthesis processes that are efficient, environmentally responsible, and capable of precise control over material properties.
Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy
Building upon the synthesized gold nanostars, the research further developed the NVT1@GNS system, in which gold nanostars were functionalized with the NVT1 nanobody to target VEGFR2, a receptor of significant interest in cancer research.
Experimental results demonstrated the system’s ability to target the VEGFR2 receptor and its notable efficacy when combined with 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation. In experiments using the NCI-H460 lung cancer cell line, the material system enabled selective destruction of cancer cells, reducing cell viability to approximately 3% under the investigated conditions.
These findings highlight the potential of star-shaped gold nanostructures for optics-based cancer treatment strategies and provide a scientific foundation for further research into targeted nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
Expanding Applications through Antibacterial Materials
Beyond cancer-related applications, the thesis also demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacterial strains including methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Notably, the nanomaterial was successfully incorporated into polyurethane-based composite porous materials, opening up promising prospects for the development of next-generation biomedical materials and antimicrobial wound dressings.
These findings highlight the potential of gold nanomaterials as multifunctional platforms, combining optical properties for therapeutic applications with antibacterial functionality for biomedical materials.
Advancing Nanomaterials Research for Biomedical Applications
By integrating nanomaterials, spectroscopy, optics, and biomedical engineering, the thesis of PhD candidate Huynh Trong Phat contributes to the advancement of functional nanomaterials research at the University of Science, VNU-HCM.
The research also reflects an important direction in which fundamental scientific research is connected with potential real-world applications—from developing more environmentally responsible synthesis methods to harnessing the distinctive properties of nanomaterials to address biomedical challenges.
The University of Science, VNU-HCM congratulates Huynh Trong Phat on the successful defense of his PhD thesis in Optics.
The University recognizes the dedication of PhD candidate Huynh Trong Phat and his supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Quang Vinh, throughout the research process, and warmly congratulates them on this significant academic achievement. The successful defense marks an important milestone in the newly conferred Doctor’s academic and research journey, while contributing to the continued development of research in optics, nanomaterials, and biomedical materials at the University.