Associate Professor Vi Khanh Truong

A/Prof Truong is an ARC Future Fellow and Fulbright Fellow at Flinders University, where he serves as Deputy Director of the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory and leads the Biointerface and Translational Nanomedicine program. He earned his PhD in Nanobiotechnology from Swinburne University of Technology in 2012. His research integrates biointerface engineering, gallium-based liquid metals, antimicrobial nanomaterials and plasma nanoengineering to develop materials for infection prevention, tissue repair, and biomedical technologies. 

A central focus of Associate Professor Truong’s research is the development of adaptive biointerfaces: materials designed to interact with their biological environment, resist microbial colonisation and support tissue recovery. His work on gallium-based liquid metals investigates how material composition, surface chemistry and nanoscale structure can be engineered to combine antimicrobial activity with favourable host responses. This includes research on coatings and composite materials for infection prevention and bone regeneration.

His career spans academic research and industrial development, including research experience at Laser Zentrum Hannover in Germany and CNRS in France, and work with BASF and BlueScope on functional coatings and sustainable agricultural nanotechnologies. His early research on titanium implant surfaces received recognition from the International Titanium Association. Through his Fulbright Fellowship and international collaborations, he has connected fundamental materials research with biomedical engineering, manufacturing and translational development.

Associate Professor Truong has published more than 190 journal articles and reviews, with contributions appearing in Nature Materials, Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, Advanced Functional Materials and PNAS. He is an inventor on multiple patent applications, including international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. His translational research connects materials development with biological evaluation and industry engagement, with the aim of progressing selected technologies towards practical medical-device and wound-care applications.

Potential Projects and Research Directions

Antimicrobial and infection-responsive biomaterials: Engineer gallium-based liquid metals and its composites for medical devices. Investigate biofilm inhibition, controlled release, host-cell compatibility during prolonged exposure.

Regenerative hydrogels and localised therapies: Develop temperature-responsive and tissue-adherent hydrogels for diabetic wounds, implant-associated infections and ear infections. Explore antimicrobial delivery, ultrasound-assisted treatment, inflammatory regulation and tissue regeneration.

Liquid-metal bioelectronics and sensing: Create conductive composites, flexible electrodes and wearable sensors. Examine conductivity under deformation, electrode–tissue interactions and physiological monitoring, with opportunities to integrate sensing, electrical stimulation and therapeutic delivery.

Plasma-engineered and bio-derived materials: Apply atmospheric-pressure and low-pressure plasma to functionalise polymers, microalgae and plant-derived compounds. 

Functional foods and sustainable packaging: Design food-grade encapsulation systems and digestion-responsive carriers to improve bioactive stability and delivery.