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Nanoscale analysis with DNA-graphene origami

In a recently published study in Advanced Materials Interfaces, INL researchers have developed a new sensor that merges DNA origami with graphene to achieve unique accuracy in detecting molecular motion. Nieder’s group at INL, together with Alpuim’s group (INL) and Thorsten-Lars Schmidt (Kent State University), developed this innovative sensor that could have significant potential for applications in medicine and environmental monitoring. The sensor combines DNA origami structures and a graphene layer functionalised to interact with fluorescent markers. These markers emit light, and their fluorescence behaviour – specifically its duration – changes based on their proximity to the graphene. By applying electrical signals, researchers can control this distance, enabling them to track movements as small as two nanometres. “The novelty here is that we can actually gate the graphene and sense the effects of this electrostatic approach in the fluorescent behaviour of the fluorophores,” explains João Azevedo, first author of the study. The team used Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), a technique that measures the time fluorescence lasts, to achieve this high-resolution sensing. Unlike traditional fluorescence intensity methods, FLIM is less affected by photobleaching, a process where fluorescent markers lose their ability to emit light after prolonged exposure. By focusing on lifetime […]

Nanodiamonds bring new hope for Parkinson’s research with advanced neuronal sensing

Researchers at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory from Nieder research group, in collaboration with ICVS and iBiMED, are pioneering the use of functionalised nanodiamonds. This innovative approach offers a highly precise method to monitor neuronal activity at the cellular level, advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease. This breakthrough, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, could help understand the complex biological shifts occurring in the brains of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment. Parkinson’s disease, which affects over 10 million people worldwide, is characterised by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. This leads to motor symptoms such as tremors, difficulty with balance, and slowed movement. Studying these neurons at the single-cell level is crucial to understanding the disease’s progression. However, existing methods for observing neuronal activity, such as microelectrode arrays and patch-clamp techniques, have significant limitations, including poor spatial resolution and invasiveness. A promising alternative comes from the world of nanotechnology. Nanodiamonds are tiny diamond particles, just a few nanometres in size, known for their exceptional stability and biocompatibility. When these nanodiamonds contain special defects called nitrogen-vacancy centres, they gain unique optical and magnetic properties, making them a powerful […]

Sinfonia Project Concludes with a Resounding Success at the II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference in Braga

Braga recently hosted the closing event of the Sinfonia Project, where over 100 participants celebrated the successful culmination of a four-year journey dedicated to advancing nanosafety. The II ‘Total-Nanosafe’ International Conference served as the platform for this milestone, bringing together global experts to explore the intersection of nanotechnology, human health, and environmental impact. Pioneering Discussions in Nanosafety This year’s conference provided a comprehensive view of the latest nanosafety advancements, featuring discussions on nanotoxicology, organ-on-a-chip models, in vitro-in vivo bridging, in silico methods, and the environmental impact of nanomaterials. The event highlighted key trends shaping the future of nanosafety, underscoring a commitment to safe and sustainable nanotechnology development. Conference Highlights The conference opened with a welcome cocktail on November 6, followed by sessions on November 7 and 8. Professor Ulla Vogel from Denmark’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment delivered an impactful keynote on nanoparticle toxicology, focusing on occupational health risks related to nanoparticles, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and fertility impacts. Presentations from INL and other leading institutions covered diverse research topics, such as the effects of silver nanoparticles on lung-barrier function, skin-on-chip safety models, and the impacts of black carbon on aging. These studies highlighted the scope of nanosafety […]

INL’s Commitment to Science Outreach: New Board Games Illuminate Nanosafety and Air Quality Awareness for Young Audiences

INL – The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory continues to champion science outreach and education by introducing two innovative board games: The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials and Clean Air in School! Play & LEARN. These games, developed through INL’s projects—SiNfONiA, LEARN, and SbDToolbox—reflect INL’s enduring commitment to bridging the gap between complex scientific research and accessible learning for younger audiences and by it’s commitment to science outreach by illuminating nano safety and air quality awareness for young audiences. These games embody INL’s goal of making science both engaging and educational, fostering a new generation’s awareness of environmental safety, health, and nanotechnology’s impact on daily life. Through these immersive tools, INL emphasises that scientific understanding is not only the domain of researchers but also a vital area of knowledge for the broader community. “The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials“, Bringing Awareness of Materials’ Lifetime Supported solely by INL through the SiNfONiA and SbDToolbox projects, The Life Cycle of Nanomaterials board game provides players with a comprehensive understanding of nanomaterials’ journey from creation to potential environmental and health impacts. SiNfONiA, spearheaded by the Alfaro-Moreno Group, is dedicated to advancing research in nanosafety and enhancing INL’s capabilities in this field. In parallel, the SbDToolbox project addresses the critical need for […]

Innovative use of nanographenes achieves breakthrough in quantum modelling

A recent breakthrough in quantum materials research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, introduces a powerful platform for exploring and controlling topological phases in quantum systems. This study was performed by scientists at INL, Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, the Technical University of Dresden and Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics. INL researchers played a crucial role by providing the theoretical calculations essential to this advance. The international team developed a unique system of nanographene-based chains, whose building blocks are known as “Clar’s goblets”. Using a technique called ‘on-surface synthesis’, the researchers created alternating-exchange Heisenberg spin chains, allowing for targeted spin manipulation within a controlled structure. The Heisenberg model, a foundational concept in quantum mechanics, describes how spins (intrinsic angular momenta of particles like electrons) interact with one another. In this paper, the Heisenberg spin chains are specially constructed from linked Clar’s goblets, nanographenes where each part of the molecule (a “site” in the chain) hosts a spin. By covalently linking the Clar’s goblets, the researchers could precisely control properties such as chain length and exchange interactions at the atomic level. Scanning tunnelling microscopy further allowed the team to investigate the magnetic properties of these chains, monitoring […]

Innovative water repellent material to cut waste in the auto industry

A groundbreaking project is underway to develop hydrophobic sleeves for painting robots, aimed at extending their lifespan and reducing waste in the automotive sector. Diana Alves, a researcher at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, is working in the GreenAuto Agenda, and is working towards the development of super-hydrophobic coatings, specifically tailored for the automotive industry. These coatings possess unique properties that repel water. Instead of spreading, droplets form into spheres and roll off the surface, preventing the accumulation of moisture. Currently, the sleeves need to be regularly replaced, generating non-reusable waste. However, with the addition of superhydrophobic coatings, paint would be repelled, significantly extending the lifespan of the sleeves. Many current solutions for hydrophobic protection depend on PFAS, a group of fluorinated compounds known for their toxicity and environmental persistence. These chemicals degrade very slowly, remaining in the environment for extended periods. Despite their widespread use, the long-lasting nature of PFAS makes them a growing concern for health and environmental safety. To address this issue, Diana Alves and Kolen’ko’s research group are developing an alternative solution using nanomaterials that provide the same superhydrophobic benefits without the use of fluorine-based chemicals. The morphological properties of nanomaterials are engineered to control […]

New quantum computing protocol demonstrated by international research team

A recent breakthrough in photonics-based randomness manipulation has been achieved by a strong collaboration with Ernesto Galvão from INL and scientists from Milan’s Polytechnic and Sapienza University of Rome. The group’s findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature Photonics, where they presented a new protocol known as a Bernoulli factory,demonstrating advanced capabilities in manipulating probability distributions encoded in photonic quantum bits. Ernesto Galvão, group leader at INL, outlines the importance of this research in the broader context of quantum computing. “Quantum computers promise to offer extreme speed-ups for certain computational problems, but actually building them is very challenging, independently of the physical platform used,” he explains. Galvão elaborated on the unique properties of photonic quantum computers, which encode and process information using photons – i.e. particles of light. This encoding can leverage various aspects of light, such as the paths it follows, polarization, arrival time, or its spectrum (colour), making it a highly versatile approach to quantum information processing. “The core functionality demonstrated involves manipulating a probability distribution encoded within these photonic quantum bits. To achieve this, we used a programmable multimode interferometer, which enables the encoding of information based on the paths photons take within the device.”, adds […]

INL team develops sensor to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria

A research team at INL is using ionizing light to “smell” volatile compounds emitted by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a serious global threat with widespread implications, contributing to an estimated 5 million deaths annually due to drug-resistant infections. This occurs as bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to new bacterial strains that are resistant to treatment. As a result, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Recently, this work was featured in ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on Antena 1 Portuguese public radio. In this episode, Research Engineer Susana Costa explains INL’s contribution towards this exciting project in just 90 seconds (in Portuguese). The novel sensor is being designed to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital environments and healthcare facilities. Susana Costa explains that “the photo-ionization sensor employs a sophisticated mechanism that emits light, targeting gaseous molecules released by bacteria present in the air. When the light interacts with these molecules, it ionizes them, creating ions and electrons. These electrons, under the influence of an electric field, generate an electric current, which is then measured by the system”. The technology behind […]

Nanotechnology as a strategy for plastics in a circular economy

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, industries that rely heavily on plastic materials face significant challenges. Plastics can be found in everything from packaging to consumer electronics. However, the environmental consequences of plastic waste are driving the sector towards a much-needed transformation. The European strategy for plastics in a circular economy embraces an ambitious approach to enhance the recyclability of plastic packaging and provides a strong response to the issue of microplastics, a major contributor to marine pollution. The current design, production, use, and disposal of plastics have harmful effects on our society, economy, and environment. Supported by the EU, projects such as FlexFunction2Sustain and Convert2Green are creating a sustainable open innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem helps small industries bring innovative products to market faster, with a focus on new polymer formulations, such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics. INL researcher Victor Souza explains that their lab is developing “sustainable, smart products that can drastically reduce the environmental footprint of industries that rely on plastics.” The goal is to make these materials both high-performing and eco-friendly. Pastrana’s group is addressing the challenge of plastic waste by developing nano-functionalised flexible plastic and paper materials. Victor explains, “At INL, we are working […]

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