Students are researching cancer treatment using natural remedies.

Talented, calm, and passionate about research—these are perhaps the most fitting descriptions of Nguyen Quoc Trung, the Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City in 2024.

At the age of 22, Nguyen Quoc Trung has published 11 scientific papers based on his research results - Photo: C. TRIEU

At the age of 22, Nguyen Quoc Trung – a student at the University of Science (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) – possesses an enviable scientific background, having published 11 articles in prestigious scientific journals both domestically and internationally.

Finding compounds from natural medicinal plants.

In 11 published articles, Trung was the principal investigator for two basic-level research projects focused on using natural products to protect health.

The research project utilizing climbing chrysanthemum – an invasive alien weed that disrupts ecological balance – growing in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to synthesize silver nanoparticles has been successfully completed. The resulting silver nanoparticle solution possesses strong antibacterial properties, is non-toxic, and contributes to the protection and improvement of the ecological environment.

Research is in his blood, so wherever Trung goes, he seeks out new information. While serving as a volunteer soldier in Can Gio District (Ho Chi Minh City), he discovered that essential oil from the white hog plum tree has the potential to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, if it invades the body, can cause urinary tract infections, meningitis, endocarditis, otitis media, and pneumonia, while Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning, skin infections, and blood infections…

The research topic that consumed Trung the most energy and effort was studying the CHID1 gene mechanism and using natural compounds to inhibit the metastasis and growth of glioblastoma cells. Glioblastoma is a very difficult type of cancer to treat. Therefore, creating a mechanism for natural compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier and destroy cancer cells is a rather challenging problem.

Trung admitted that when he started his research last year, he didn't have much experience researching cells, especially brain cancer cells. He recounted that it was indeed a challenging journey, losing count of how many experiments he conducted, how he adjusted his research procedures, and how he sought advice from numerous leading professors in the field.

He stated that he has isolated and used compound MB04 from soursop leaves to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma tumors. Trung said that preliminary research results show a much higher inhibitory effect than current treatments.

"The compounds found have very good biological activity, even surpassing some existing treatments. Testing with small amounts of the compound showed good therapeutic effects, so the potential to minimize some unwanted side effects for patients is relatively promising," Trung said.

My greatest aspiration is to contribute to raising the status of science and technology, building an advanced Vietnamese medical system, and meeting the development requirements of the nation's era of progress.

NGUYEN QUOC TRUNG

Loss of appetite, lack of sleep, and at times losing 10kg.

Trung said his passion for research began with inspiration from playing with his brother, assembling models of organic chemical compounds. His passion grew stronger every day, and he set a goal to get into the specialized chemistry class at the province's top high school.

Fulfilling his dream of becoming a student in the specialized chemistry class at Huynh Man Dat High School for the Gifted, the student from Kien Giang province spent weeks at a time holed up in the laboratory from morning till night. Sometimes he only ate one meal a day, and at its peak, he lost nearly 10 kilograms.

Yet, the research project on synthesizing biodegradable polymers that he was pursuing at the time failed. Partly because the university's laboratory lacked chemicals, Trung said the biggest shortcoming was a lack of research experience. Searching the internet, he learned that Associate Professor Dr. Ha Thuc Huy – a lecturer in the Chemistry Department at the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) – had a research direction similar to Trung's.

Fortunately, he found the email address and sent a letter, receiving a prompt reply from Professor Huy. "I was even happier when he provided chemicals, laboratory equipment, and guidance, enabling me to successfully complete my research. He is the one who laid the foundation for my research direction to this day," Trung said.

But this young man also experienced his fair share of failures because doing science is never a smooth road. Maintaining a strong spirit, thinking flexibly, persevering on the chosen path, and being ready to face failure have become ingrained lessons. For Trung, the important thing is to find the flaws in the process and always be in a mindset of seeking to learn, listening to opinions not only from experts but also from colleagues.

There's pressure, but the sense of responsibility is clearer.

Trung shared that the title "Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City" he just received is not just for himself, but also a recognition of the help from his teachers and friends. "There's a little pressure being honored, but I know I need to strive, learn more, and have a responsibility to contribute more to society," Trung expressed.

Party member aged 18

Nguyen Quoc Trung was just named an Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City on the first day of 2025 - Photo: THANH HIEP

* When you joined the Party at the age of 18, what was the thing that preoccupied your thoughts the most?

- I certainly feel a great sense of pride becoming a Party member at the age of 18. But I know it also comes with a great responsibility, helping me to more clearly define my ideals of serving the Fatherland and the people.

I constantly remind myself to continuously improve my skills and professional competence to be worthy of the trust placed in me. I consider myself a pioneer and role model in my studies and research, and I dedicate time to participating in social activities.

* If you had to portray researcher Nguyen Quoc Trung, what would that portrait look like?

Witnessing my parents' declining health, I yearned to find natural remedies and treatments for sustainable health improvement. The potential of Vietnamese medicinal resources and the community's healthcare needs are immense. I aspire to create "made in Vietnam" herbal products.

I plan to study abroad to further my knowledge, learn modern techniques, and access advanced research methods. I can only contribute effectively to the country when I have a solid professional foundation alongside developing my character, soft skills, and an integrated mindset. I hope to complete my studies soon so that I can return and apply what I have learned in my home country.

This is both a way to develop myself and to realize my aspiration to contribute to improving the quality of healthcare and elevating the brand of Vietnamese science on the international map. I have always worked and will continue to work with a proactive attitude, embracing new knowledge and remaining open to keeping up with global trends.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sinh-vien-nghien-cuu-tri-ung-thu-tu-duoc-lieu-tu-nhien-20250204092456364.htm