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Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is staggering. By 2050, AMR could add $1 trillion in healthcare costs annually and slash global gross domestic product (GDP) by up to $3.4 trillion per year by 2030. But amidst these daunting figures, a beacon of hope has appeared – bacteriophages (phages). In an era where AMR poses one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine, phages, viruses that specifically target bacteria, represent a revolutionary alternative to traditional antibiotics. A recent milestone in this field has been Portugal’s approval of customised bacteriophage therapies in hospital settings, setting Portugal to be only the third European country, alongside Belgium and France, to approve until now a guiding regulation for these new therapies (INFARMED, I.P. deliberation No. 112/CD/2024, November 15, 2024) for complex bacterial infections. This decision aligns closely with INL’s cutting-edge research on phages. Dr. Sanna Sillankorva, a tenured staff researcher from the Bañobre Research Group at INL has been instrumental in this progress. Her work focuses on isolating and […]

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? […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mission NERD Brings Science to Life at Eduardo Pondal

This week, the Eduardo Pondal School in Vigo became a hub of scientific discovery as it hosted Mission NERD (Nanotechnology Education and Research Demonstrations), an initiative led by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL). A group of 80 enthusiastic children participated in this unique program, designed to bridge the gap between science and society while igniting creativity and curiosity in the next generation. Far from being just another science event, Mission NERD is a movement aimed at inspiring and reconnecting people from diverse backgrounds. The initiative uses hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities to decode nanotechnology, showcasing its impact on daily life. With a focus on inclusivity and curiosity, Mission NERD highlights the power of sharing knowledge to break down cultural barriers and celebrate individuality. The program’s name, “NERD,” reflects its mission to honor the uniqueness in everyone and promote the joy of learning. By intertwining science with creativity, Mission NERD encourages participants to explore, imagine, and discover in new ways. The event was led by dedicated INL scientists who volunteered their time and expertise. Their passion for making science accessible shone through as they engaged the 80 young participants, showing how science connects us all and contributes to a more inclusive society. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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