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A miniaturised model of human digestion to advance therapies and nutritional products

INL researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the development of reliable in-vitro digestion models. This ‘digestion-chip’ promises to revolutionise the way new oral formulations are tested, offering a more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to current models. Traditional in-vitro digestion models often fail to replicate the complex dynamics of the human gastrointestinal tract. They either lack critical digestive processes or require large volumes of samples and reagents, which can be challenging when dealing with nanomaterials. The INL’s innovative ‘digestion-chip’ addresses these limitations with its miniaturised design and advanced features. The coordinator of the study Catarina Gonçalves explains, “the Food Processing and Nutrition research group proposes a miniaturised digestion system based on incubation chambers integrated into a polymethylmethacrylate device. This solution incorporates key dynamic features of human digestion while maintaining low complexity and using small volumes of samples and reagents”. The digestion-chip features gradual acidification (the stepwise addition of enzymes and simulated fluids during the gastric phase) and controlled gastric emptying. These capabilities are essential for replicating the intricate environment of the human stomach and intestines. The research team’s experimental results indicate that “the ‘digestion-chip’ successfully replicates the established static digestion INFOGEST protocol”. Moreover, “the semi-dynamic digestion kinetics observed with […]

INL hosted a two-day gathering focused on Functional Layered Materials

Between June 18 and 19, INL hosted a two-day action promoted by FUNLAYERS – a twinning initiative led by INL. The programme brought together stakeholders from academia, the private sector, and policymakers to engage with two actions. On the first day, participants delved into insightful talks and lively discussions on spin-based applications and energy storage. The exchange of ideas led to a fruitful discussion on the latest developments and future perspectives for Functional Layered Materials. The second day was dedicated to a hands-on session focused on writing a sound proposal under the MCSA Postdoctoral Fellowships. The workshop gathered young researchers, grant experts, and experienced scientists in a vibrant and insightful ideation exercise. These actions aimed to establish the foundations for facilitating knowledge sharing and cooperation between relevant actors in the field.

Open Innovation Testbeds gathered at IndTech 2024 to discuss a collaborative strategy for the commercialisation of services

Around 30 representatives from 16 Open Innovation Testbeds (OITB) projects gathered in Namur, Belgium, on June 6th for the workshop “A Collaborative Strategy for the Commercialization of OITB Services.” This event coincided with IndTech 2024, where the session “Open Innovation Test Bed: A New Kid on the Block” took place on June 5th. Key takeaways included identifying collaboration areas for joint service portfolios in specific markets, steps to achieve these goals, and the challenges ahead. We also discussed the medium-term vision of a unified OITB ecosystem, aligned with future technology infrastructures in advanced materials. By identifying synergies, sharing resources, and addressing industry needs—particularly for SMEs and startups—the final aim is to support a more competitive industry that drives sustainable growth and employment in Europe.

Academia Senior visits INL

Last week, on June 4th, INL had a special visit from the “Academia Sénior” of Braga*. A total of 26 students, the oldest one being 90 years old, walked through the corridors of INL to learn about our short institutional history and the meaning of the famous phrase “There’s plenty of room at the bottom” from Dr. Richard Feynman. During their visit to INL, as part of their course “Memoirs and Autobiographies”, the beloved visitors had the opportunity to learn about the nanoscience behind both, technologies under development as well as existing technologies that are already touching people’s day-to-day activities. As our society embraces technological advancements, it is essential to recognise that curiosity knows no age limits. Elderly individuals remain keenly interested in new technologies and equipment, appreciating their potential towards new discoveries, to enhance quality of life and foster connections. As taxpayers, they have a right to transparency—understanding how investments in these innovations are made. Aiming to extend inclusiveness beyond the workforce, this visit reinforces the responsibility to open science to everyone, including those who have retired but still seek engagement and learning opportunities. This ensures that technological progress benefits all, regardless of age, promoting lifelong learning and active […]

INL partners with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025 (IYQ), endorsed by the United Nations

The United Nations has officially declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This year-long global initiative aims to raise public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its diverse applications. In support of this momentous initiative, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is also partnering with the United Nations, committing to a leading role in promoting quantum science throughout 2025. The year 2025 marks the centennial anniversary of the development of quantum mechanics, a foundational milestone that has driven modern technological and scientific advancements. This celebration aims to engage a broad audience in appreciating the profound impact of quantum science on daily life and future innovations. The IYQ Steering Committee is organizing a series of global initiatives and events designed to educate the public, inspire young scientists, and highlight the contributions of quantum science to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include climate action, clean energy, food security, and clean water. INL’s Commitment to Quantum Science As a key partner in the IYQ, INL is dedicated to advancing quantum science and technology through research, innovation, and education. As we approach 2025, INL and its partners will emphasize the transformative potential of […]

INL advances nanotechnology for Smart City future

This year at the Open Day, more than 1000 visitors had the chance to discover the new demonstrator ‘Smart City’, showcasing a fusion of advanced nanotechnologies developed at INL. ‘Smart City’ not only highlights INL’s research and development in nanotechnology but also exemplifies the potential of these technologies to foster smart, sustainable urban environments. At the heart of this demonstrator are MEMS, or Micro-Electromechanical Systems. These small, integrated devices combine electrical and mechanical components to perform functions such as sensing, controlling, and actuating on a micro-scale. They can produce or sense micro-motion or micro-forces, making them indispensable in sectors ranging from automotive and medical to telecommunications and electronics. The transformative potential of MEMS lies in their ability to significantly alter how humans interact with technology and their surroundings. At the core of this ‘Smart City’ is the Sensible Car project, which highlights the development of intelligent sensors essential for autonomous driving. These sensors enable comprehensive perception of surroundings, real-time precise location updates, and flawless action execution. INL’s contribution to this project includes the creation of two-dimensional MEMS mirrors, diffractive optical elements, tuneable filters, and lenses, all integrated into a LiDAR system. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, measures distances by […]

INL engages the next generation with “Researchers at Schools” initiative

In an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between nanotechnology research and the younger generation, INL is actively participating in the European Commission’s flagship initiative, “Researchers at Schools“. This initiative is designed to promote direct interaction between researchers and students, encouraging a deeper understanding of science, nanotechnology, and research activities among young minds. Last Friday marked a significant day for the “Researchers at Schools” program, with INL researchers visiting various educational institutions to engage with students and teachers, kick-starting the project SCIGLO – European Researchers’ Night. Raquel Queirós visited a primary school in Maia, where she interacted with a lively class of 26 students. The session aimed to introduce the basics of science and nanotechnology, sparking curiosity and excitement among the young learners. Miguel Cerqueira headed to Ponte da Barca, addressing 64 secondary school students from the 11th and 12th grades at Agrupamento de Escolas de Ponte da Barca. The discussions focused on advanced research topics, the impact of scientific discoveries on society, and potential career paths in the field of nanotechnology. Centro de Ciência Viva Guimarães invited Catarina Moura and Mariam Debs to lead a science communication workshop for school teachers. This event was part of the Picto_Ciência III […]

New sustainable graphene production developed at INL

The rising demand for portable electronics, e-textiles, and IoT devices has driven the need for lightweight technologies and miniaturized energy storage solutions. Graphene-based nanomaterials are at the forefront of extensive research due to their chemical stability, high surface area, strength, flexibility, and superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Supercapacitors, known for their fast charge-discharge rates, long lifespan, and simple structure, are becoming essential for energy storage in electronics, electric vehicles, and biomedical devices. They operate by storing charges through the adsorption and desorption of ions at electrode interfaces, achieving power densities over 10,000 W/kg. Microsupercapacitors, which are smaller and lighter versions, are particularly suitable for portable and wearable electronics, offering even higher power densities. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of specific graphene materials make them ideal for these applications. However, current production methods present toxicity and scalability issues that have limited their widespread use. Additionally, the materials need to comply with the requirements of deposition techniques able to guarantee reasonable production throughput. Now, INL researchers have developed a sustainable approach to produce an electrically conductive, graphene-based paste suitable for fabricating flexible devices. The results are reported today in the journal Nano Energy, in a paper by INL researchers, in collaboration with the […]

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]

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INL in the Media

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