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Alexandra Teixeira, developing diagnostic tools tailored for accurate MRD diagnosis

Welcome to a new series of interviews highlighting the indispensable role of women in science. Throughout this series, we aim to showcase the remarkable contributions of women scientists across various disciplines and career stages. From groundbreaking research to innovative discoveries, these interviews will provide insight into the diverse and impactful work of women in the scientific community. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and inspire future generations of female scientists. Meet Alexandra Teixeira, PhD Student at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. Recently defended her PhD thesis entitled: “Development of microfluidic nano biosensors for early diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia and monitoring of minimal residual disease” with the highest grade. Could you provide some insights into your background, your primary field of expertise, and the significance of your work? My educational journey started with a degree in Biology and Geology at the University of Minho. However, driven by a passion for health-related sciences, I did a master’s degree and later a PhD in Health Sciences at the School of Medicine, also at the University of Minho. Throughout my career, particularly during PhD, I gained expertise in microfluidics, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). […]

Is there a nano-sized ‘magic bullet’ for treating cancer?

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) selected a research study from INL as one of the groundbreaking cancer research papers of 2023. This collection of papers aims to highlight recent developments in efforts to understand cancer and ways to provide effective treatments. In this study published in the journal Nanoscale, the Nanomedicine research group at INL, in collaboration with Stasiuk’s group at King’s College London, developed a new theranostic method for cancer treatment. Theranostics combines therapy and monitoring in a single formulation, offering a more personalised approach to treat cancer. INL researchers developed redox-responsive nanoparticles comprising manganese dioxide and a platinum prodrug, both intended to be activated specifically at the tumour microenvironment. Smart theranostic strategies, also known as responsive theranostics, are approaches in which the drug and/or imaging components are only activated or released in response to a certain stimulus. This stimulus can be a multitude of switches: light, magnetic fields, temperature, ultrasounds, or biological conditions such as the pH or redox state. For example, imagine a scenario where smart theranostic nanoparticles, which are temperature sensitive, are injected into the body, and they travel to a tumour site. When an external trigger, such as an alternating magnetic field or a laser, is […]

INL continues to breakthrough in Energy research

Clean energy technologies based in photovoltaics, energy storage and renewable gases are key research lines of the Clean Energy Cluster at INL. In 2023 there were several developments in terms of people, projects, events, and scientific advances. There are 10 INL research groups participating in the Clean Energy cluster, with 17 research and development competitively funded projects, including 8 European projects. In 2023, these groups saw 5 PhD graduations and 9 MSc completions. Three researchers received recognition by Stanford University, placing them among the top 2% of scientists worldwide of 2022 – Laura Salonen, Lifeng Liu and Paulo Ferreira. INL hosted two relevant events, the Horizon Europe BATT4EU Funding Opportunities event, and organised a workshop within the FUNLAYERS twinning EU project. INL researchers in the Energy field developed new solutions, ranging from proof-of-concept to prototype devices for energy conversion, such as photovoltaic and renewable gases technologies, and energy storage, namely rechargeable batteries and hydrogen. Here one can have a glimpse of the research highlights in this field: The LaNaSC research group used conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) tomography to investigate the impact of alkali-fluoride post-deposition treatments on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. Their findings, published in Nature Energy, revealed that spatial inhomogeneities […]

INL advances heavy metal detection in industrial wastewater

The advances in industrial modernisation are driving research towards the development of new sensors for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT), aiming to enhance efficiency, production rates, and quality standards. However, current solutions face technical limitations in accuracy, and adaptability to real-world conditions. The Next-Gen Quality Control (NGQC) IoRT project focuses on developing an automated monitoring system to detect heavy metals in industrial effluents. This ecosystem includes environmental monitoring, as well as wastewater. Pilot testing is currently underway at Stellantis in Mangualde, embracing the principles of Industry 4.0. The monitoring system is integrated into a wastewater treatment plant to understand its evolution and whether water quality limits are being exceeded. Raquel Queirós, staff researcher in the Water Quality Group, explains, “This system collects a small sample from the tank at the beginning and end of the process. This sample is then filtered to detect the presence of the heavy metals”. Samuel Silva, research fellow in the Water Quality research group, adds, “The developed electrochemical sensors have been optimised to detect nickel and zinc.” The prototype has integrated an algorithm that calculates and estimates the concentration of the heavy metals. “The system is able to […]

What is it like to be a woman working in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields?

In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), the contributions of women have historically been undervalued and underrepresented. However, as the landscape of these fields continues to evolve, so too does the role of women within them. At INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and celebrated. To gain insight into the experiences of women working in STEAM fields at INL, we reached out to some of our esteemed female researchers. Their perspectives shed light on the challenges they’ve faced, the triumphs they’ve achieved, and the evolving dynamics within their respective disciplines. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to innovative engineering solutions, these women are driving progress and shaping the future of STEAM. Join us as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women and delve into the stories, insights, and aspirations of the remarkable women researchers at INL, highlighting their invaluable contributions and inspiring journeys in the world of STEAM. So… what is it like to be a woman working in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields? Alexandra TeixeiraAssociate • Medical DevicesIt means facing […]

The magnetic world of quantum nanostructures

Over the last year, INL joined forces with Native Scientists as a partner in the educational programme “Cientista Regressa à Escola” (Scientist Returns to School). This social project, aimed at promoting scientific literacy, is truly unique and inspiring. Together, we have been able to strengthen the bond between scientists and children, inspiring the next generation and promoting equal opportunities. João Henriques, Junior Research Fellow in the Theory of Quantum Nanostructures group, visited the Escola Básica EB1/JI da Garapôa, and he described his school visit as “a wonderful experience fuelled by the genuine excitement of students eager to learn more about science”. João’s research is focused on theoretical studies of low dimensional materials, such as carbon based nanographenes. Nanographenes are fragments of graphene with unpaired electrons, which lead to magnetism. In a recently published study within the project PiMag, João Henriques and the team described the magnetic properties in these quantum nanostructures, and how it is possible to combine organic chemistry techniques to engineer new materials. The calculations provide a tuneable platform to explore quantum magnetism at the nanoscale, for potential quantum technology applications. João explains, “To explain this topic for 8-year-olds, I divided it into three parts. The first two highlighted the […]

INL researchers developed an autonomous monitoring system for grape ripening

INL researchers have published a new study describing a novel prototype of a stand-alone system designed to autonomously collect grape ripening measurements. Climate change and the rapid transformation of economic value chains are driving the need for advanced decision-support systems in viticulture. The traditional method of monitoring grape maturation involves manual sampling and lab assays, but there’s a shift towards using optical techniques in agriculture. The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a key role in agriculture by connecting sensors, networks, and data processing. IoT is also one of the main drivers of precision viticulture, where the combination of multiple data sources can create complex tools for monitoring the vineyard. Hugo Oliveira, the main author of this study, explains “this IoT application involves using simplified spectral sensors to monitor grape ripening in real-time, providing analytical information about the grapes’ status. This work established the technology ground to achieve this objective”. The research work developed by INL researchers of the Systems Engineering and the Nanodevices groups, in collaboration with University of Milano, IMTEK, Sogrape, INESC-MN, and Automation, introduces a novel prototype of a stand-alone system which uses simplified spectral sensing to autonomously collect reflectance measurements directly from grape bunches. The system comprises […]

Nano Circus: the amazing experience of arts & science

Last Friday evening, INL hosted the Nano Circus, an extraordinary event that combined nanotechnology and circus arts, in a dazzling show of creativity and collaboration. Nano Circus showcased the culmination of a transformative artistic residency by the Equilibrium Social Circus team at INL. The Director General of INL Professor Clivia Sotomayor, took the stage to officially inaugurate the celebration, emphasising INL’s commitment to making the wonders of nanotechnology accessible to diverse communities. In July, the Equilibrium Social Circus team was invited to visit INL for an exciting artistic residency, fostering the exchange of knowledge. Sara Leite, project coordinator at Projecto Homem, gave a few words before the show “Equilibrium Social Circus is a social project dedicated to preventing behavioural issues in adolescence through Social Circus, an innovative approach merging circus arts and social intervention to act as a catalyst for psychosocial transformation”. These students weren’t passive observers – they were the architects of the Nano Circus. With guidance from their mentor Rodolfo Correia, they explored INL’s laboratories, delving into the microscopic world of nanotechnology and interacting with scientists. INL researchers Adriana Carneiro, Andrea Gouvêa, José Loché, and Duarte Mota, shared their scientific expertise, and the Equilibrium Social Circus team shared […]

INL Open Day 2024

Join us at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga – Portugal, on May 18, 2024. Experience firsthand the boundless possibilities within an environment where greatness is fostered. Meet our researchers and immerse yourself in our unique facilities, ecosystem, and community. We see this as an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to enhancing the communities we serve. Thank you for joining us on this exceptional and enriching day as we delve into the realm of science together! Click here for more information.