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Revolutionising cancer monitoring: INL’s microfluidic chip enables earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment

Revolutionising cancer monitoring: INL’s microfluidic chip enables earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment

Circulating tumour cells, or CTCs, are the agents responsible for cancer’s spread to distant parts of the body and have been an enigma in the realm of cancer research. Their analysis, termed liquid biopsy, allows for non-invasive and continuous monitoring of cancer through a simple blood test. However, until now, this analysis has been limited by the technologies available for CTC isolation which were primarily dependent on immuno-recognition and only captured a subgroup of CTCs (typically the less aggressive type). The Medical Devices research group at INL has pioneered a microfluidic system that holds the potential to transform the way we understand and fight cancer. This pioneering microfluidic chip marks a paradigm shift. The revolutionary system can efficiently and swiftly isolate all types of CTCs directly from whole blood samples, eliminating the need for complex pre-processing steps. The microfluidic chip also facilitates high-resolution imaging of the CTCs, enabling automation of the entire processing and analysis method, thus reducing user dependence, and has already been demonstrated in clinical testing to predict cancer progression up to 1 year earlier than existing technologies. The project CTC-OncoDynamics funded through the Caixa Impulse Consolidate program, and done in collaboration with INL’s spin-off company RUBYnanomed, aimed […]

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Paving the Way for Cleaner Skies through Solar Innovation

Paving the Way for Cleaner Skies through Solar Innovation

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is a global initiative focused on raising awareness about the critical need to address air pollution and promote cleaner environments. To face the grand challenge of transforming the energy system, the European project SITA aims to explore innovative concepts for tandem solar cells. SITA: Transforming Solar Energy Technology SITA introduces a revolutionary concept in tandem solar cells with a 2-terminal (2T) approach, combining the expertise of Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) and high bandgap Cu(In, Ga)(Se, S)2(CIGS) technologies. This project demonstrates INL’s commitment to cutting-edge research and its dedication to addressing the urgent challenges of air quality and sustainable energy. The core idea behind SITA lies in creating tandem solar cells that eliminate the need for additional cables or electronics, a feat made possible by recent advancements in wide-gap CIGS devices boasting remarkable efficiency levels, exceeding 18%. The different partners of the consortium are working to showcase the durability of these new modules under real-world outdoor conditions, promising the next generation of stable inorganic tandem solar modules with greater device efficiency. This leap in efficiency carries the potential to reduce area-related system costs substantially, and consequently lower the ‘levelized cost of electricity’ (LCOE). […]

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INL researchers are working on a novel approach to fight a common disease in pigs

INL researchers are working on a novel approach to fight a common disease in pigs

The project APTAcoli aims the development of a novel approach to fight a common disease that affects young pigs – enteric colibacillosis. This disease is caused by certain strains of Escherichia coli that attach to the small intestine and produce harmful toxins. These toxins lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, and acidosis. In the past, antibiotics were used to control the disease, but this practice is now banned in many countries. New strategies are needed to fight colibacillosis, and one promising approach is using aptamers, which are special molecules that can block the toxins and help the animals recover. Aptamers are like “molecular keys” that can selectively bind to specific targets. They have advantages over antibiotics, such as specific action and easy synthesis. However, they can be unstable in the body. To address this, synthetic nucleic acid mimics (NAMs), can be used to increase stability. INL researchers are working towards the development of new NAM-aptamers to block Escherichia coli toxins. To start, a selection process was performed to create NAM-aptamers specific to Escherichia coli toxins. Pablo Fuciños, who is leading this project in the Food Processing and Nutrition research group, adds “An encapsulation strategy is now being developed to protect the aptamers […]

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Professor Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres appointed to be the new Director General of INL

Professor Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres appointed to be the new Director General of INL

The Council of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) has announced the appointment of Prof. Dr Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres as INL’s new Director-General. Prof. Dr Sotomayor Torres was selected for her outstanding qualifications and experience in the nanotechnology field. Prof. Dr Sotomayor Torres will take office on September 15, 2023. As Director-General, Prof. Dr. Sotomayor Torres will be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction and management of INL. Prof. Dr Sotomayor Torres will work to foster the institute’s mission of advancing nanotechnology research and innovation and to promote the institute’s global impact for the benefit of society. Prof. Dr Sotomayor Torres earned her Ph.D. in Physics at Manchester University and has held significant roles in various European research centres. She has also been honoured with numerous awards and grants, including the ERC Advanced Grant in 2021 for her pioneering work in phononic interconnects aimed at energy-efficient electronic circuits. Prof. Paulo Freitas DDG, INL

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DIAMOND-CONNECT: Advancing Brain Cell Activity Sensing with Quantum Diamond Technology

DIAMOND-CONNECT: Advancing Brain Cell Activity Sensing with Quantum Diamond Technology

The DIAMOND-CONNECT project aims to use advanced quantum measurement methods for the observation of neuronal signalling. One promising technique involves using the glow of nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamonds to measure parameters such as temperature and magnetic fields on a tiny scale. The project plans to create a configuration where these nitrogen-vacancy centres are placed very close to neuronal cells at the surface of the diamond material to read their activity using quantum light signals. A special laser is used to place these centres in specific locations. INL researchers are optimising this colour centre creation for targeted sensing conditions within a network of brain cells. The diamond platform shall carry a tiny electrode that allows it to electrically stimulate the brain cells locally. The electrical activity of neurons creates a magnetic field that will be detected by light emitted from nitrogen-vacancy centres in the diamond. Jana Nieder, leader of the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics research group, explains that “using a powerful microscope for quantum measurements, we will be able to simultaneously observe the signals from all the centres in the diamond grid. This will help us to study the brain cell activity, neuronal communication and potential changes in response to neuronal stimulation or disease patterns.” The DIAMOND-CONNECT project aims to provide a […]

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Investigating Air Quality in Schools with Advanced Sensors and Innovative Strategies

Investigating Air Quality in Schools with Advanced Sensors and Innovative Strategies

The LEARN project team is focused on understanding how air quality in schools affects children’s learning abilities. This unique EU-funded project aims to overcome existing technological barriers and develop new sensors to detect harmful air pollutants like volatile organic compounds and ultrafine particles. By measuring and studying indoor and outdoor air pollutants, as well as biomarkers of exposure, the researchers will assess their impact on children’s cognition. To achieve the project’s goals, a diverse team of leading researchers from various fields, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, air quality, systems biology, engineering, and social sciences, was assembled. To further explore these effects, INL researchers are using C. elegans as biosensors. Nivedita Chatterjee, who works in the Nanosafety research group, explains that “at INL, we set up a non-mammalian alternative model to study toxicity, development and behaviour, and we have been obtaining fascinating results. This will help us to better learn the effect of air pollutants on children’s health“. With LEARN‘s scientific achievements, we will have long-term impacts on indoor air quality technology, significantly improving the quality of life for children in Europe and leading to positive changes in society and the economy. Learn more about LEARN project and follow the project on social […]

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smart-PV project ends with a final workshop

smart-PV project ends with a final workshop

The final workshop of the smart-PV project took place last July, marking the successful completion of this research and development initiative. The PT2020 framework under COMPETE funded the project and was managed by the Portuguese Innovation Agency (ANI) under the contract reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-068919. These collaborative projects, led by the industry, aim to develop innovative technologies in cooperation with partners. dstSolar led the smart-PV project, together with the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Instituto Eletrónico Português (IEP), and Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Tecnologia e Ciência (INESC-TEC). Together, we developed a ground-breaking platform for managing photovoltaic assets.  This platform collects data from various sources, including thermal images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles, meteorological data, and inverter electrical data. Utilizing advanced neural networks, the platform makes informed decisions regarding maintenance and predicts performance. Professor Pedro Salomé, the group leader of the Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications group (NOA) at INL, shared his thoughts on the project, stating that “when INL published its INL Go Global 2030 strategy document, which highlighted machine learning and digitalization as strategic priorities, our group immediately took the lead in coordinating the smart-PV proposal. We developed the smart-PV concept, utilizing neural networks to manage photovoltaic […]

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Revolutionising optical systems: INL’s cutting-edge micro-mirror technology

Revolutionising optical systems: INL’s cutting-edge micro-mirror technology

Micro mirrors with large two-dimensional fields of view are a crucial breakthrough for achieving compact optical systems capable of reliable light manipulation, powering revolutionary applications like LIDAR and laser microscopy. INL researchers, in collaboration with the University of Minho and Bosch, have developed ground-breaking 1D and 2D micro-mirror technology using state-of-the-art MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based bulk micromachining. Impressively, neither complex bonding processes nor piezoelectric materials are needed to fabricate these mirrors, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The developed micro-mirrors feature purely electrostatic torsional out-of-plane actuation and capacitive sensing on both axes. “The unique self-aligned greyscale lithography micromachining process developed at INL, reduces gap tolerances and boosts performance by defining the vertical asymmetry of the comb electrodes with precision”, explains Inês Garcia, one of the leading researchers responsible for the success of the project. This technology has already made strides in LIDAR prototypes for automotive applications, but the potential does not end there. Diogo Aguiam adds “we are excited about the prospects of its implementation in compact laser microscopy and laser projection, opening up new horizons in scientific research and entertainment”.

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Celebrating World Brain Day: INL’s JumpIN project advances brain health and spinal cord injury research

Celebrating World Brain Day: INL’s JumpIN project advances brain health and spinal cord injury research

World Brain Day is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about neurological disorders and promoting brain health. Today we want to highlight one of the projects that we are working on at INL – JumpIN, which aligns with the mission of World Brain Day to promote brain health and combat the challenges posed by brain-related diseases. Spinal cord injury is a significant global health concern, with approximately 500,000 new cases reported each year. These injuries result in neurological deficits, and studies indicate that 99% of patients experience lifelong functional impairment, ranging from partial paralysis to full tetraplegia. The prognosis of recovery largely depends on the number of surviving neurons close to the injury site, as these neurons can contribute to functional improvements through neuroplasticity (i.e. the ability of the brain to change and adapt). The JumpIN project aims to develop efficient strategies to promote neuronal repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury. The new approach aims to achieve therapy administration using minimally invasive methods, which are preferred because they can reduce the risk of complications, minimise tissue damage, and potentially lead to faster recovery times. Researchers at INL are contributing to this innovative project by adding their expertise in […]

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