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Detecting food allergens with paper microfluidics and a smartphone

Every day, millions are at risk of falling ill due to undetected allergens or contaminants in their food. However, a groundbreaking solution may be on the horizon, as researchers investigate a game-changing technology to combat foodborne risks. The Food Quality and Safety research group recently published a study describing a cutting-edge technology that provides faster, cheaper, and more reliable detection of allergens like β-lactoglobulin in our food. Traditionally, detecting allergens in food products has been a complex and costly process. Current methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), require specialised equipment and highly-trained personnel, making them difficult to use. INL researchers are contributing to reshaping the landscape of food safety with a new nanotechnology approach. Their pioneering approach? Fluorescent carbon quantum dots combined with aptamers, which are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity. By leveraging the unique properties of carbon quantum dots and aptamers, the researchers have developed a highly sensitive and portable detection method for β-lactoglobulin, the primary allergenic whey protein found in cow’s milk. What sets this technology apart is its simplicity and effectiveness. The team has created a user-friendly platform that […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The magnetic world of quantum nanostructures

Over the last year, INL joined forces with Native Scientists as a partner in the educational programme “Cientista Regressa à Escola” (Scientist Returns to School). This social project, aimed at promoting scientific literacy, is truly unique and inspiring. Together, we have been able to strengthen the bond between scientists and children, inspiring the next generation and promoting equal opportunities. João Henriques, Junior Research Fellow in the Theory of Quantum Nanostructures group, visited the Escola Básica EB1/JI da Garapôa, and he described his school visit as “a wonderful experience fuelled by the genuine excitement of students eager to learn more about science”. João’s research is focused on theoretical studies of low dimensional materials, such as carbon based nanographenes. Nanographenes are fragments of graphene with unpaired electrons, which lead to magnetism. In a recently published study within the project PiMag, João Henriques and the team described the magnetic properties in these quantum nanostructures, and how it is possible to combine organic chemistry techniques to engineer new materials. The calculations provide a tuneable platform to explore quantum magnetism at the nanoscale, for potential quantum technology applications. João explains, “To explain this topic for 8-year-olds, I divided it into three parts. The first two highlighted the […]

INL researchers developed an autonomous monitoring system for grape ripening

INL researchers have published a new study describing a novel prototype of a stand-alone system designed to autonomously collect grape ripening measurements. Climate change and the rapid transformation of economic value chains are driving the need for advanced decision-support systems in viticulture. The traditional method of monitoring grape maturation involves manual sampling and lab assays, but there’s a shift towards using optical techniques in agriculture. The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a key role in agriculture by connecting sensors, networks, and data processing. IoT is also one of the main drivers of precision viticulture, where the combination of multiple data sources can create complex tools for monitoring the vineyard. Hugo Oliveira, the main author of this study, explains “this IoT application involves using simplified spectral sensors to monitor grape ripening in real-time, providing analytical information about the grapes’ status. This work established the technology ground to achieve this objective”. The research work developed by INL researchers of the Systems Engineering and the Nanodevices groups, in collaboration with University of Milano, IMTEK, Sogrape, INESC-MN, and Automation, introduces a novel prototype of a stand-alone system which uses simplified spectral sensing to autonomously collect reflectance measurements directly from grape bunches. The system comprises […]

Exploring nanotechnology for the health of intestinal microbiota

Researchers at INL are using nanotechnology to develop functional foods that can be consumed by people with food intolerances and allergies. Ana Isabel Bourbon, from the Food Processing and Nutrition research group, explains: “Our society is increasingly changing its eating habits and this has several effects on the intestinal microflora. When eating daily, people are subjected to increasing amounts of different compounds. This promotes microbial changes over the years, which causes diseases that previously did not exist, such as intolerances and allergies, to appear. Trying to understand how we can reduce these intolerances in the future is one of our group’s objectives”. In this context, INL researchers are creating foods with added nutritional value using nanotechnology. The team develops nanostructures enabling the encapsulation and incorporation of active compounds, such as vitamins and antioxidants. The goal is to ensure that, after ingestion, these compounds reach the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to have a positive impact on the consumer. However, obtaining information about the behaviour of these nanostructures during digestion and their effects on intestinal health poses a challenge. The Healthy-Gut project aims to address this gap by evaluating the behaviour of encapsulated systems using in vitro cell models. These models mimic […]

Nanotechnology uncovering the hidden secrets of cancer

Metastasis, the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body, contributes to 9 out of 10 cancer-related deaths. However, the intricate mechanisms triggering this process remain a mystery. 3DSecret is on a mission to change that. The European consortium 3DSecret, coordinated by INL researchers from the Medical Devices research group, is approaching metastasis in a new way, focusing on single cells and aiming to uncover hidden patterns that can predict and forecast how cancer spreads. “By studying individual circulating tumour cells, or CTCs, 3DSecret hopes to transform how cancer is diagnosed and/or treated, making significant strides in clinical sciences”, says Miguel Xavier, technical coordinator of the 3DSecret project. In response to this challenge, 3DSecret has outlined specific objectives. At the forefront is the development of the ‘3Dsecret-chip,’ a sophisticated tool designed to facilitate the controlled creation of 3D cancer cell models from individual cells. This innovative approach promises reproducibility and precision, enhancing one’s ability to examine the details of cancer cell behaviour. Furthermore, 3DSecret is incorporating ‘SERS metabolomics profiling’, an advanced technology providing continuous insights into the growth kinetics of these 3D cancer cell models. Sara Abalde-Cela, leader of the Medical Devices research group and coordinator of the […]

Looking inside a solar cell

In a ground-breaking study published in Nature Energy, researchers from the Nanostructured Solar Cells group have unveiled critical insights into the optimisation of thin-film solar cells, shedding light on methods to enhance their efficiency and pave the way for more cost-effective electricity generation. Photovoltaic power conversion utilising polycrystalline light-absorbing semiconductors has long been recognised for its potential to revolutionise solar energy. Among these technologies, polycrystalline CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) stands out as a high-performing option, and recent advances have propelled its efficiency even further through an alkali-fluoride post-deposition treatment, which elevates the charge-carrier concentration. However, the team led by Sascha Sadewasser discovered a previously overlooked challenge in the application of this treatment – inhomogeneities in the conductivity of individual material grains, which they trace back to the charge-carrier concentration. This revelation has significant implications for the efficiency of solar cells and their overall performance. Using an emerging conductive atomic force microscopy tomography technique, the research team at INL literally scratched away material layer by layer, generating three-dimensional conductivity maps. A detailed analysis of these maps provided for a sub-micrometre scale visualisation of the carrier concentration grain by grain, allowing for a detailed look into the inside of the solar […]