Cuong Cao

Dr. Cuong Cao is a Lecturer in Advanced Micro- and Nano-Diagnostics at the School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, with a multidisciplinary focus spanning micro/nanofabrication, applied physics, analytical chemistry, and biology. His research develops innovative diagnostic platforms using nanoplasmonics and lab-on-a-chip technologies.

• Key research areas:
  • Plasmonic nanomaterial synthesis
  • SPR, LSPR, SERS biosensing platforms
  • Point-of-care diagnostic integration

His recent work trends include:

• Advanced SERS substrates for environmental and biomedical monitoring
• Nanozyme-based sensors for pathogen detection
• Wearable and disposable diagnostic devices
• Portable analysis of agricultural and water contaminants

Scientific Recognition

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Peer reviewer for 10+ journals including Small and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Research Advisees

• Natasha Logan (2016-2019): Peroxidase-mimicking nanomaterials for mercury detection
• Javier Lou Franco (2017-2020): Plasmonic smartphone assay for food spoilage
• Michaela Crummy (2016-2019): Paper-based tuberculosis diagnostics
• Brendan Gilbride (2018-2020): Animal health sensor development