As part of our strategy for sustainable development and international integration, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology (NLU), in partnership with Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB, Belgium), organized the Colloquium of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology in the academic year of 2025-2026.The colloquium aims to share research experiences, results, and emergingtrends, while strengthening academic exchange and collaboration among lecturers, undergraduate students, master’s students, and doctoral candidates. Furthermore, the colloquium promotes learning, scientific research, and innovation, encouraging the application of scientific knowledge to real-world issues.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kha Chan Tuyen, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, opened the conference with a meaningful welcoming speech. He emphasized that throughout the years, the Faculty has made relentless efforts to cultivate a dynamic academic environment—a place where students and lecturers can move beyond theory to gain direct access to the world's most advanced technologies.
The conference proudly presented eight in-depth research papers, including:
1. Analysis of Mechanisms and Modeling: Differences between Tofu Drying and Cooking Processes - Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Frédéric Debaste (Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB).
Assoc. Prof. Frédéric Debaste provided a mathematical and thermo-physical perspective on the transformation of soy protein. His presentation focused on modeling thermodynamic parameters, enabling manufacturers to understand why the same raw materials can yield completely different textures and nutritional values depending on whether drying or cooking methods are applied.
2. Strategies for Enhancing Fruit Value and Implementing Circular Economy through By-products - Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Le Trung Thien.
In the context of global food waste, Assoc. Prof. Le Trung Thien presented technological solutions aimed at extending the agricultural value chain. Beyond processing fresh fruit, the research delves into extracting precious components from peels, seeds, and pomace to create high-value-added products.
3. Exploiting the Pharmaceutical Potential of Galangal and Fish Mint for Diabetes Support - Speaker: MSc. Nguyen Phu Thuong Nhan
The report focused on screening bioactive compounds from these two traditional herbs. Using modern evaluation methods, the research demonstrates the ability to inhibit enzymes related to diabetes, opening prospects for safe and effective "purely Vietnamese" functional foods.
4. Fat Structure Control: Dynamic and Static Crystallization of Coconut and Palm Oil Blends - Speaker: MSc. Dao Ngoc Duy
The crystallization process determines the melting point and sensory properties of products such as margarine or chocolate. This study analyzes how fat crystals arrange themselves under different cooling conditions, helping technologists adjust the hardness and gloss of plant-based fat products.
5. Spray Drying Technology and Green Solvent (DES) Application on Red Cardinal Grape By-products - Speaker: MSc. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao
A breakthrough study utilizing Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)—environmentally friendly solvents that replace toxic chemicals—for active ingredient extraction. Combined with spray drying technology, the research produces an extract powder with high stability, fully preserving the antioxidant activity from grape by-products.
6. Optimizing Cashew Nut Skin Extraction using Enzyme Technology - Speaker: MSc. Nguyen Thi Phuong
Cashew nut skin is often considered waste but contains vast amounts of tannins and polyphenols. MSc. Nguyen Thi Phuong presented the use of "biological scissors" (enzymes) to break down cellulose structures, helping recover active ingredients in their purest form without using high temperatures, thus maximizing compound property protection.
7. Pickering Emulsions: A Revolution from Xanthan Gum/Lysozyme Nanoparticles - Speaker: MSc. Nguyen Hong Nguyen
Instead of using chemical surfactants, Pickering emulsions utilize organic nanoparticles to stabilize oil-water mixtures. The research on the XG/Ly complex not only promotes "clean label" food products but also shows potential for encapsulation, protecting sensitive nutrients from environmental impacts.
8. Carbon-doped ZnO Photocatalytic Materials from Rambutan Peel: From DFT Theory to Practice - Speaker: MSc. Tran Do Dat
This is a combination of environmental technology and computational chemistry. By using Density Functional Theory (DFT) to predict electronic structures, the author successfully synthesized carbon-doped ZnO materials from agricultural waste (rambutan peel), assisting in water pollutant treatment under sunlight.
The conference has concluded successfully, leaving a positive resonance and promising future collaboration. We sincerely thank all speakers, distinguished guests, and participants for their invaluable contributions.
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