News

COVID-19 EVENTS FUNDED PROJECTS GENERAL INL PICKS INL STATEMENTS INNOVATION MOST POPULAR PEOPLE RESEARCH SCALE EXPERIENCES SCALE TRAVELS SEMICONDUCTORS SINFONIA PROJECT SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN SCIENCE WOMEN IN STEM
Pedro Silva, Innovating Sustainable Food Solutions through Nanotechnology

Pedro Silva, Innovating Sustainable Food Solutions through Nanotechnology

Pedro Silva, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of bioengineering, nanotechnology, and sustainable food systems. In this interview, he shares his journey, the challenges of dispelling myths about nanotechnology, and his vision for a healthier, more sustainable future in food science. What inspired your journey and led you to join the Pastrana Research Group at INL? When I started my PhD in Food Science, the Food Processing and Nutrition Group, led by Lorenzo Pastrana, seemed like the perfect opportunity to expand my expertise in food personalization via the use of micro-nano encapsulation technologies aiming at the development of functional food ingredients. Under the supervision of Miguel Cerqueira, I had an amazing four years at INL, where I explored the use of electrohydrodynamic processing to develop functional ingredients, validated them with in vitro testing, and explored their sensory impact, in an international collaboration with University of Gent. Later, I jumped on the opportunity to join as a postdoctoral researcher in the VIIAFOOD project, which focuses on the development of sustainable and intelligent food packaging solutions. If you could address one misconception about nanotechnology in food, what would it be? […]

Read more
Diana Alves’ Journey: Pioneering Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustainability

Diana Alves’ Journey: Pioneering Superhydrophobic Coatings for Sustainability

We are thrilled to have Diana Alves with us today. Diana joined the Kolen’ko’s Group at INL as a Research Fellow in February 2022, where her groundbreaking work focuses on developing paint functional additives based on nanomaterials with hydrophobic properties. Diana’s journey in science began with a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minho in 2011. Her international experiences include pivotal research stints at the University Medical Centre of Groningen and Innocore Pharmaceuticals in the Netherlands. She later pursued a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, also at the University of Minho, focusing on functionalizing biomaterials to impart antimicrobial properties. During this time, she collaborated with the prestigious Messersmith Research Group at Northwestern University in the USA. Her postdoctoral and junior research years further showcased her versatility, as she delved into areas such as bacteriophage encapsulation for food safety and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey and groundbreaking research! 1. Your career has taken you from Portugal to the Netherlands and the USA, working with institutions like Innocore Pharmaceuticals and Northwestern University. How have these international experiences shaped your approach to research and innovation?” Both international experiences – first in the Netherlands […]

Read more
Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda

Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda

At INL, innovation is at the core of our mission to address global challenges. Dr. Denis Santos, a Research Engineer in the Piteira Research Group since 2023, is advancing sensor technology with applications ranging from biomedical fields to energy systems. In this interview, Denis Santos explores the critical role of sensors in ensuring safety and efficiency within the H2 Green Valley Agenda, Portugal’s leading green hydrogen initiative. He discusses how working on large-scale projects shapes innovation, balancing cutting-edge research with market needs, and emphasizes the importance of public trust in the scalability of hydrogen systems. With experience at CERN, Denis Santos offers a unique perspective on transforming research into real-world applications through industry partnerships and technology transfer. His work highlights the power of collaboration in building a sustainable, safe energy future. Dive into this interview to learn how advanced sensor technologies are shaping the path toward a greener tomorrow. In what ways could your work in sensors contribute to monitoring safety and efficiency in the green hydrogen value chain for the H2 Green Valley Agenda? Hydrogen holds great promise in both the stationary and transportation energy sectors since no harmful emissions are produced during its combustion and it is generally considered […]

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

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 […]

Read more
Revolutionising Water Quality Monitoring: An Interview with Najib Ben Messaoud

Revolutionising Water Quality Monitoring: An Interview with Najib Ben Messaoud

We’re excited to introduce Dr. Najib Ben Messaoud, a Research Fellow in the Water Quality Research Group at INL. With a distinguished background in nanotechnology and sensing strategies, Najib’s work focuses on developing advanced methods for detecting water contaminants. His dedication to creating reliable tools for water monitoring spans health, environmental, and agricultural applications. In this interview, Najib shares insights into his journey, recent projects, and the impact of urbanization on water quality monitoring. Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in water quality research? I hold a PhD in Engineering Physics with a specialization in nanotechnology sciences from the High School of Sciences and Technologies, Hammam Sousse, Tunisia. During my PhD, I focused on designing nanostructured electrodes and electrochemical (bio)sensors to detect carcinogenic substances in water. My journey in water quality research began about a decade ago during my master’s project, which involved detecting perchlorate in water. In 2019, I joined INL as a Research Associate, where I contributed to developing a portable system to quantify Aeromonas salmonicida in water. Since 2021, in my role as a Research Fellow, I have engaged in multiple projects related to water quality, including those focused on detecting nanomaterials, nitrite, and nitrate in […]

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

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 […]

Read more
Engineering the Future: Patrícia Sousa on the Challenges and Innovations in Micro and Nanotechnologies

Engineering the Future: Patrícia Sousa on the Challenges and Innovations in Micro and Nanotechnologies

Introducing Patrícia Sousa, a pioneering Research Engineer in Integrated Micro and Nanotechnologies at INL. With a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Porto, Patrícia has specialized in microfluidics and advanced fabrication techniques that address critical challenges in micro and nanotechnologies. Patrícia’s dedication extends beyond the lab, as she actively participates in public outreach initiatives, including the European Researcher’s Night and educational programs in local schools. There, she shares her expertise in accessible and inspiring ways, illustrating how nanotechnology can transform fields such as medicine, electronics, and sustainability. In this interview, Patrícia offers insight into her career journey, the challenges and triumphs in her work, and her passion for making science accessible and impactful for all. Could you briefly describe your academic and professional background in micro and nanotechnologies? My academic background includes a first degree in Chemical Engineering, from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto followed by a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, also from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto. Since my PhD studies focused on microfluidics, at that time I started deepening my knowledge in the field of micro and nanotechnology and in particular, micro […]

Read more
Innovative water repellent material to cut waste in the auto industry

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 […]

Read more
INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

Alexandra Teixeira, a researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has been awarded the prestigious Liga Inovação 2024 Prize, a distinction promoted by the North Branch of the Portuguese Cancer League (Núcleo Regional do Norte da Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro). The award, valued at 7,500 euros, was presented during the 6th National Meeting of Young Researchers (6º Encontro Nacional de Jovens Investigadores – ENJIO) in Porto, where her innovative cancer research project was recognized among 80 competing proposals. Teixeira’s research focuses on the development of advanced technology to better understand the behaviour and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which play a critical role in cancer progression. Her work is particularly focused on breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide and is projected to increase in prevalence. By studying CTCs, the project aims to uncover new insights into how cancer spreads, paving the way for more targeted and personalized treatment strategies. The Liga Inovação Prize aims to promote research with the potential to contribute significantly to oncology, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches for cancer patients. Teixeira’s project aligns with this mission by addressing metastasis, which is responsible for up to 90% of cancer-related deaths. The […]

Read more
1 2 3 4 5 … 25

INL in the Media

All Clippings

Press Inquiries

Press Corner

If you are interested to learn more about INL, share our news, or visit our Communication team, please contact us!