“Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” - A Health Care Solution from Indigenous Medicinal Herbs Applying Nanotechnology by Students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU)
The “TDTU Student Startup Idea Search Competition” is an annual activity organized by Ton Duc Thang University with the aim of encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial thinking, promote innovation, and gradually transform scientific and technological knowledge into ideas with practical application value. Recently, Ton Duc Thang University successfully held the Final Round and the Closing & Award Ceremony of the “TDTU Student Startup Idea Search Competition for the 2025 -2026 academic year.” This year, the competition attracted 43 projects from 14 faculties and the Khanh Hoa Branch, implemented across five key areas: Manufacturing and product development; Education, tourism, services, and finance; Healthcare - wellness - beauty technology; Social impact entrepreneurship; and Sports business.
Within the framework of the competition, the project “Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” by a team of students from the Faculty of Pharmacy left a strong impression by exploiting Vietnam’s indigenous medicinal herbs through the lens of modern science and technology. The project, carried out by students Vo Thi Ngoc Giau, Doan Hoang Ngan, Le Thai Duy Khang, Ong Danh Duc, and Trinh Thi Yen Nhi, aims to develop healthcare products derived from Lai Chau ginseng, combined with nanotechnology to enhance the absorption of bioactive compounds, stabilize product quality, and improve therapeutic effectiveness. This approach opens up a new direction for herbal products in the context of modern medicine.
With a solid pharmaceutical background and the guidance of Dr. Vu Huynh Kim Long from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, the team focused on studying the biological properties of Lai Chau ginseng and applying nanotechnology in formulation, with the goal of optimizing the biological efficacy of active compounds while ensuring safety and practical applicability in community healthcare.
Combining a natural “treasure” with modern formulation technology
With the aspiration of bringing a “treasure” from the Northwestern mountains closer to Vietnamese consumers, the team developed the “Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” product line by combining the essence of nature with advanced formulation technology to optimize the absorption of bioactive compounds. In particular, the process enables the formation of rare, highly bioactive saponins known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, thereby enhancing both the effectiveness and biological value of the product.
Based on this foundation, the student team developed a high-quality healthcare product line that meets modern consumption trends. The project also opens up opportunities for commercialization and technology transfer, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s medicinal herb industry in general and Lai Chau ginseng in particular.
In addition to its research value, the “Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” project aims to establish a value chain associated with the Lai Chau ginseng cultivation area, thereby enhancing the economic value of local medicinal resources and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The application of nanotechnology ensures consistent product quality, increases market competitiveness, and demonstrates a sustainable approach to the exploitation and development of medicinal herbs in line with current healthcare trends.
From competition experience to students’ perspectives
Sharing her experience of participating in the competition and developing the “Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” project, team representative Doan Hoang Ngan stated: “I feel truly honored to be one of the five members participating in the Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet project. The project aims at the sustainable development of Vietnam’s precious medicinal resource - Lai Chau ginseng – thereby contributing to the conservation of valuable ginseng genetic resources and enhancing the value of Vietnamese medicinal herbs in the market. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Ton Duc Thang University for creating favorable conditions and providing a meaningful academic platform that allowed us to learn, improve our knowledge, and interact with students from various faculties and disciplines.”
From a student idea to practical application potential
With a serious approach, strong professional depth, and high potential for real-world implementation, the “Nano Bao Sam Hoa Viet” project excellently won the Second Prize at the “TDTU Student Startup Idea Search Competition for the 2025 - 2026 academic year.” The project clearly demonstrates the integration of pharmaceutical science, technological innovation, and market demand, contributing to enhancing the value of indigenous medicinal resources and promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
This achievement not only recognizes the research efforts of the students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, but also serves as an important foundation for the project’s continued refinement, development, and gradual progression toward commercialization in the future.
