News

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 […]

New Manufacturing Workshop at INL

Creativity has now even wider wings to fly. At INL, we inaugurated this month the Manufacturing Workshop. It is a facility that consolidates various resources to enhance research capabilities, promote innovation, and provide cost-effective internal services. The portfolio of tools housed within include: Additionally, the workshop is managed by dedicated personnel to operate and maintain these tools, ensuring proper usage and safety. The aim is to streamline operations and maximise the workshop’s potential to serve the day-to-day needs of INL researchers, engineers, and technicians. Text by Marco Martins, Technology Engineering Group Leader, and Mariam Debs, Chief Operations Officer for Research at INLPhotography by Catarina Moura, Science Communication Officer

How to Ensure No Grape Is Harvested Before, or After, Its Time

EU Commission Unveils Strategy for Advanced Materials to Boost Industrial Leadership

The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at securing industrial leadership in advanced materials, heralding them as a pivotal enabling technology. In a communication sent out yesterday February 27th, 2024, the Commission aims to create a dynamic, secure, and inclusive ecosystem for advanced materials in Europe. Advanced materials, defined as those engineered for specific properties or enhanced functions, are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of industries across various sectors. Key Points Key points shared in this communication, available via this link, highlighted the significance of advanced materials and the challenges and objectives. The challenges acknowledged in the strategy included the fragmentation in research and innovation ecosystems, insufficient private investments, and a lack of progress in circularity and material efficiency. It also recognised the lengthy innovation processes which can be accelerated by digitalisation and the disconnect between innovative research and industry uptake. Several needs were also identified, such as testing and experimentation facilities, harmonised standards, and upkeep of skills needed to increase the innovation capacity and production of advanced materials. Five Pillars of Action To address the identified challenges, the strategy points to five pillars of action, these being: The European Commission’s strategy underscores […]

Denis Vivien at the INL Colloquium

Join us for one more insightful INL Colloquium with the distinguished Denis Vivien. With a scientific career spanning from molecular biology to neuroscience, Denis Vivien’s research has led to fundamental discoveries in stroke management, offering promising advancements in treating diseases such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. We invite you to attend Vivien’s “Innovative Perspectives for Advancing Stroke Care” talk on Wednesday, March 14th, at 10 AM. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dFpV3h9E

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 […]

OPTIRAS project results event

OPTIRAS aims to improve technology and protocols for terrestrial cultivation of Atlantic sole and salmon with regard to productivity, animal health, production conditions, environmental benefits and sustainability. New technologies for water treatment and water quality monitoring were developed and/or tested: The OPTIRAS project evaluates their impact on fish health and welfare, productivity, and nutritional value. Join us on April 19th to participate in the discussion on project results, by registering here.

Abstract submission is now open for the 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials

Abstract submission is now open for the 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials, which will take place in Braga – Portugal, at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory between 29 September to October 2, 2024. Attending this unique conference offers numerous benefits for researchers, engineers, and professionals in various fields. It will provide a platform for experts to share the latest research findings, advancements, and best practices in the field of FGMs. Attending presentations and workshops will allow you to gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and applications. At the same time, it will bring together professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world who share a common interest in FGMs. Networking with peers, colleagues, and potential collaborators can lead to valuable connections, partnerships, and collaborations. Engaging with fellow researchers and learning about groundbreaking research can reignite your passion for your work and drive further innovation. Abstract submissions for the 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials are now open and you have the opportunity to showcase your work and contribute to the upcoming conference. Contributions should only be submitted online. To facilitate the submission process and the subsequent follow-up procedures, please consider the following information: + ELIGIBLE […]

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 […]