Hieu Tran-Van

Hieu Tran-Van is a Professor of Biotechnology at the University of Science, VNU-HCM, and Head of the Laboratory of Biosensors. He earned his PhD from the University of Würzburg, and has held senior academic roles including Associate Dean and Deputy Head of Department. His expertise spans recombinant protein production, nanobiotechnology, oral vaccine delivery, and therapeutic biomaterials, supported by multiple national and international research grants. With a strong publication record and collaborations across Europe and Australia, he has extensive experience translating laboratory advances into practical biomedical solutions, positioning him well to develop affordable therapeutic innovations for unmet clinical needs.

Hieu Tran-Van’s innovation centres on recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 2 (rhFGF-2), a clinically validated therapeutic protein that promotes cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Although effective, existing FGF-2-based products are costly and largely inaccessible in low and middle-income countries. His team has successfully produced bioactive rhFGF-2 using cost-efficient recombinant technology, demonstrating faster wound healing, improved dermal repair, and no toxicity in murine burn models. To enhance performance, the therapy is being formulated into nanoparticle and hydrogel delivery systems, enabling controlled release, improved stability, and reduced dosing—offering a more affordable and scalable alternative to current treatments.