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Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia Spera, developing self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities

Natalia joined INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory as a Research Engineer in the Nanochemistry Research Group. She is currently working on synthesising, characterising, and applying sustainable coatings with self-healing solutions.  Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? I am currently working on the development of self-healing materials to enhance corrosion protection capabilities and extend the longevity of offshore structures within the MAREWIND Project. My responsibilities encompass researching and developing core-shell nanofibers and microcapsules feasible for application in liquid coating formulations. Our solution entails having an autonomous healing response when the coating is damaged. Recently, we achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling up our innovative self-healing materials for application in a 100-litre batch, marking a crucial step forward in transitioning laboratory technology to industry. Could you briefly describe what a typical day looks like for you, Natalia, and what aspects of your work and the INL organization excite you the most? Certainly! A typical day for me involves a dynamic mix of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with colleagues. I usually begin with hands-on lab activities that occupy a significant portion of my day. Subsequent data analysis is also an exhilarating aspect, as […]

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INL researchers innovating in next-generation solar power

INL researchers innovating in next-generation solar power

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. The most prevalent type, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, found in commercially available solar panels, benefit from extensive expertise and synergies with the microelectronics industry. Despite their cost competitiveness, silicon photovoltaic cells have limitations, such as poor sensitivity to low light, rigid modules, conservative aesthetics, and limited flexibility in dimensions. If photovoltaics are to be deployed in a larger number of applications, these limitations need to be addressed. The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications (NOA) research group is exploring novel thin-film solar cell concepts – or next-generation photovoltaics – to enhance performance while meeting environmental standards. They are particularly focused on developing solutions that merge conversion efficiency, durability, and aesthetics for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), targeting stakeholders in the construction industry. BIPV offers a practical means of integrating photovoltaic systems into buildings, potentially facilitating the installation of hundreds of gigawatts worldwide without the need for additional land. This approach aligns well with the current trend of urbanisation. Pedro Salomé, NOA’s group leader, elaborates “We are engaged in various projects, funded by Portuguese and European programmes, to devise solutions that overcome the challenges posed by conventional silicon modules. Most of our […]

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A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

In a recently published study, INL researchers developed an innovative microfluidic platform that is capable of replicating key human gastrointestinal processes, offering a game-changing tool for the assessment of newly-developed drugs and/or food supplements. The innovation combines a ‘Digestion-Chip’ and a ‘Gut-Chip’, each enabling sequentially the simulation of digestion through the gastrointestinal tract and the evaluation of intestinal permeability. The study ‘From mouth to gut: microfluidic in vitro simulation of human gastro-intestinal digestion and intestinal permeability’, introduces a miniaturised setup that allows studies of sample bioaccessibility and simplified bioavailability using minimal sample amounts. In addition, the outflow from the ‘Digestion-chip’ can be exposed to the cell-based Gut-Chip, which replicates the intestinal epithelium, using unprecedentedly low sample dilutions thus allowing the detection of ‘rare’ compounds. Both devices work in continuous flow requiring very little user interfacing. In this work, casein – a milk protein that is widely used as a supplement in sports nutrition – was tested as a model compound. And critically, the Gut-Chip can be used to evaluate intestinal permeability offering reference permeability values that are in line to those found using human ex vivo models. Miguel Xavier, one of the first authors of the research study adds “the […]

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Detecting objects without any physical interaction – reality or science fiction?

Detecting objects without any physical interaction – reality or science fiction?

INL researchers have explored a fascinating quantum ability which lacks a classical explanation: the capacity to detect objects without traditional physical interaction. Rafael Wagner and Anita Camillini, INL PhD candidates, alongside the research group-leader Ernesto F. Galvão, have published a paper describing the revolutionary approach that challenges conventional concepts of detection. Imagine being able to identify something without actually touching it – similarly to diagnosis a hidden fracture without an X-ray or recognising a distant voice without hearing it directly. This study explores how quantum computers can achieve that, and detect objects without direct interaction. Rafael Wagner explains “It has been known for a long time that it is possible to detect things without interactions, as a result of the famous thought experiment introduced by Elitzur and Vaidman. They imagined an extreme situation where either there is a bomb in one of the arms of an interferometer, or there is no bomb.” Interferometers are tools used in many fields of science and engineering. The working principle of interferometry consists on splitting the light into two beams that travel different optical paths and are then combined to produce an interference pattern. Their scenario presents an unusual premise: within an interferometer setup, […]

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INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

Last week, INL organised its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, providing an exciting showcase of doctoral research excellence. The 3MT is an initiative that celebrates the exciting research conducted by INL PhD candidates. The 3MT aims to develop early stage researchers’ presentation and research communication skills. It provides support for PhD candidates to effectively explain their research and its significance in just three minutes, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience. Embracing the challenge of condensing months/years of rigorous study into a mere three minutes, 24 PhD candidates from diverse research areas at INL stepped up to the INL auditorium, aiming to captivate the audience of 100+ attendees. The three rounds were held on March 26th, 27th, and 28th. After intense deliberation, the top five candidates were nominated, with their presentations showcasing both academic rigor and compelling storytelling. Alexandra Alves, PhD candidate in the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation group, highlighted the significance of accessible science communication, stating, “As PhD students we often present our work to expert audiences, but more approachable science communication is lacking. So it was both challenging and fun to try to condense my research topic into 3 minutes and for a diverse crowd.” For […]

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Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

Sadaf Almas, effective audit facilitation and continuous improvement initiatives

We aim to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of women at INL spanning different fields and career stages. Join us as we honour their accomplishments, share their stories, and ignite inspiration for the upcoming generation of female scientists. Meet Sadaf Almas. She works as a Quality systems Assistant in the Quality and Coordination unit at INL and she coordinates and inspects the core departments at INL to ensure the quality management systems consistency in terms of quality, validity, and reliability with study bases, facility-based and process-based approaches. Can you give us an update on what you’re currently working on? In my role within the Quality department, I play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, particularly in the context of Nanosafety laboratories. My primary responsibility revolves around facilitating GLP audits, employing principles established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). First and foremost, I work closely with Nanosafety to develop comprehensive audit schedules aligned with OECD guidelines. This involves collaborating with INLers to ensure that all pertinent aspects of GLP are covered, from facility infrastructure to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data management protocols. Before conducting audits, I review existing documentation […]

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INL Hosts Open Session to Explore Breakthroughs in Single-Cell Analysis for Personalized Oncology

INL Hosts Open Session to Explore Breakthroughs in Single-Cell Analysis for Personalized Oncology

On April 4th, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in collaboration with the BIOCELLPHE project, is set to host an Open Session focused on pioneering advancements in single-cell analysis. This exclusive event presents a platform to delve into the challenges and opportunities within the field of single-cell analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with leading experts and researchers, exploring the potential impact of these advancements on personalized oncology. INL’s partnership in the BIOCELLPHE project underscores its commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration at the forefront of nanotechnology research. By hosting this Open Session, INL aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and stimulate dialogue among stakeholders invested in the future of healthcare and diagnostics. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative discussion on the cutting-edge developments in single-cell analysis for personalized oncology. Join us at INL on April 4th and be a part of shaping the future of healthcare. BIOCELLPHE, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN programme under Grant Agreement No #965018, aims to revolutionize the identification of proteins as diagnostic biomarkers at the single-cell level, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and portability. Registration for the event is now open. […]

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Roma Raj, integrating solar textiles into automotive design

Roma Raj, integrating solar textiles into automotive design

Our goal is to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of women at INL across a range of fields and career phases. Come join us as we commemorate their successes, tell their stories, and ignite inspiration for the next generation of female scientists. Meet Roma Raj, Research Fellow at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, working in the Nanochemistry Research Group, a group focused on the development of nanomaterials following the strategy CSI: Catalysis, Synthesis and Investigation. Roma, can you tell us a bit about your path and your main area of work? My career journey has been quite fascinating, moving from earning an M.Tech in Energy Engineering to obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep passion and expertise in sustainable energy solutions, particularly in blending innovative technologies with environmental awareness. Currently, I’m focused on an exciting project: seamlessly integrating solar textiles into automotive design. This ground-breaking effort has great potential to transform how we view transportation and its effects on our planet. What is the importance of your work, and your research? The work I’m involved in is tackling one of humanity’s biggest challenges: climate change. By leading the way in integrating solar textiles into automotive, we’re […]

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Is greenhouse farming releasing microplastics into water?

Is greenhouse farming releasing microplastics into water?

In a recent study conducted by INL researchers, in collaboration with University of Alcalá, Madrid, it has been revealed that greenhouse plastic cover films, commonly composed of polyethylene (PE), are releasing microplastics into the environment during their usage, significantly impacting ecosystems. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can result from commercial product development or from the breakdown of larger plastics, and may take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics, typically smaller than 1 micrometre, have been identified in various ecosystems, including water bodies, soil, and even food and beverages. Their ability to penetrate biological barriers and interact with organisms raises significant concerns about their long-term impacts on biodiversity and human health. The study was conducted over a six-month period in Almeria, Spain, where extensive greenhouse farming is practiced, to better understand the consequences of plastic degradation. Most vegetables grown in these greenhouses are sown and harvested within 6 months, and water analysis was performed at several time points. Researchers from the Water Quality research group at INL and the University of Alcalá applied advanced characterisation techniques to assess the chemical fingerprint, size distribution, and concentration of plastic particles released […]

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