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Secretary of State for Science Visits INL, Showcasing Key Projects and Innovations

Prof. Dr Ana Paiva, Secretary of State for Science, visited INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory today. This visit provided an exceptional platform for INL to present its ongoing projects and significant achievements in the field of science and technology. The presence of Prof. Dr. Paiva underscored the crucial role of INL’s work and its far-reaching impact on the broader scientific community. Prof. Dr. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, INL Director-General, welcomed Prof. Dr Paiva and provided an insightful overview of INL’s mission and accomplishments. This introduction set the stage for a series of detailed presentations and discussions that highlighted INL’s prominence in both the national and European research landscapes. Presentation Highlights: Secretary of State’s visit to INL was a testament to the laboratory’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and its significant contributions to the field of science and technology. This visit not only highlighted INL’s achievements but also reinforced the importance of continued support and investment in scientific research and development. Text and Photography by Gina Palha

Breakthrough technology for cancer diagnostics

INL researchers are part of the consortium behind BIOCELLPHE, a pioneering project focused on advancing cancer diagnostics and personalised medicine. This innovative European-funded project is at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, introducing a groundbreaking technology for identifying proteins as diagnostic biomarkers at the single-cell level. This new approach offers multiplexing capabilities, portability and enhanced sensitivity. Alexandra Teixeira, research fellow at the Medical Devices group, highlights that “BIOCELLPHE is pioneering the use of engineered bacteria to recognise and bind with high specificity to protein targets on the surface of circulating tumour cells, or CTCs, which are key players in cancer metastasis.” This specific binding of engineered bacteria to CTCs subsequently triggers the production of molecules (Raman reporters), which can be detectable with high sensitivity using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). More specifically, SERS uses plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance Raman signals, allowing ultrasensitive analysis and detection at the single molecule level. The pathological role of CTCs in cancer metastasis is not completely understood due to the lack of effective analytical tools and remains an area that needs further exploration. BIOCELLPHE addresses this gap by developing new tools for the phenotypic identification of CTCs at the single-cell level, with high-throughput and multiplexing […]

A miniaturised model of human digestion to advance therapies and nutritional products

INL researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the development of reliable in-vitro digestion models. This ‘digestion-chip’ promises to revolutionise the way new oral formulations are tested, offering a more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to current models. Traditional in-vitro digestion models often fail to replicate the complex dynamics of the human gastrointestinal tract. They either lack critical digestive processes or require large volumes of samples and reagents, which can be challenging when dealing with nanomaterials. The INL’s innovative ‘digestion-chip’ addresses these limitations with its miniaturised design and advanced features. The coordinator of the study Catarina Gonçalves explains, “the Food Processing and Nutrition research group proposes a miniaturised digestion system based on incubation chambers integrated into a polymethylmethacrylate device. This solution incorporates key dynamic features of human digestion while maintaining low complexity and using small volumes of samples and reagents”. The digestion-chip features gradual acidification (the stepwise addition of enzymes and simulated fluids during the gastric phase) and controlled gastric emptying. These capabilities are essential for replicating the intricate environment of the human stomach and intestines. The research team’s experimental results indicate that “the ‘digestion-chip’ successfully replicates the established static digestion INFOGEST protocol”. Moreover, “the semi-dynamic digestion kinetics observed with […]

Innovative graphene oxide sensor detects low concentrations of nitrate in water

A new study published in the Chemosensors journal introduces a novel approach to nitrate ion detection using all-solid-state ion-selective electrodes enabled by graphene oxide as an ion-to-electron transducer. Nitrate ions play a critical role in the nitrogen cycle in natural ecosystems, such as in soils and aquatic environments. However, their levels have dramatically increased due to modern agricultural practices. The excessive use of inorganic fertilizers has led to high concentrations of nitrate in surface and groundwater, posing significant environmental and health risks. Eutrophication, which is a phenomenon caused by nutrient overload in water bodies, results in uncontrolled algae growth, oxygen depletion, and poor water quality. This negatively impacts biodiversity, fisheries, and recreational activities. Moreover, if nitrate concentration exceeds a certain level (the value established by the European Union is 50mg/L), water may become unsuitable for consumption, potentially leading to severe health issues such as colorectal cancer and thyroid disease. INL researchers have developed an innovative sensor that can robustly detect low concentrations of nitrate in water. Despite being effective, traditional methods for nitrate detection are time-consuming and expensive. Electrochemical sensors offer a promising alternative due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response time – particularly potentiometric ion-selective electrodes. However, early […]

III Summer School Materials for Energy Transition taking place in Aveiro, 22-24 June

The much-anticipated 3rd Edition of the Summer School on Materials for Energy Transition is set to take place in Aveiro from June 22 to 24. This event promises to be a significant milestone in the advancement of research and collaboration in the field of energy materials. Pedro Salomé, a key organizer of the Summer School and Group Leader at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, underscored the event’s crucial role in promoting sustainable energy solutions. “The development of new materials is fundamental for the transition to sustainable energy systems,” Salomé stated. “By bringing together researchers, experts, and industry members, we are fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and practical solutions can be developed.” Jennifer Teixeira, a staff researcher at INL and also a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the event’s significance within the European context. “Europe is at the forefront of the global energy transition, and events like this are essential for maintaining our leadership,” Teixeira explained. “By focusing on materials science, we address one of the key challenges in achieving more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. This Summer School is not only about sharing knowledge but also about inspiring the next generation of scientists to […]

INL Highlights Role of Open Innovation Test Beds at INDTech 2024

On June 5, 2024, INL joined the conference INDTech 2024 to participate in the session “Open Innovation Test Bed (OITB): A New Kid on the Block”, focused on the role of OITBs as part of the technology infrastructure ecosystem and their crucial contribution to industrial transformation in Europe. The session – chaired by Antonio Ferrandez from the European Commission – included a diverse group of speakers, among them Dominik Sobczak, Deputy Head of Unit for Industrial Research, Innovation, and Investment Agendas at DG-RTD, and Paula Galvão, Business and Strategic Relations Chief Officer at INL. The discussion covered topics such as the relevance of technology infrastructures, particularly OITBs, in providing industry with advanced materials technology services. Dominik Sobczak highlighted several challenges, including the limited understanding by companies of access conditions, main barriers, and challenges, added by the lack of standardised definitions and a common access framework, making it difficult to access OITBs and its Single Entry Points across regional and national borders.Dominik Sobczak also noted the limited collaboration among OITBs, leading to underexploited synergies, fragmentation of the landscape, and a high risk of duplication creating inefficiencies. Key outcomes from the session included a call for increased visibility and understanding of OITB […]

INL advances nanotechnology for Smart City future

This year at the Open Day, more than 1000 visitors had the chance to discover the new demonstrator ‘Smart City’, showcasing a fusion of advanced nanotechnologies developed at INL. ‘Smart City’ not only highlights INL’s research and development in nanotechnology but also exemplifies the potential of these technologies to foster smart, sustainable urban environments. At the heart of this demonstrator are MEMS, or Micro-Electromechanical Systems. These small, integrated devices combine electrical and mechanical components to perform functions such as sensing, controlling, and actuating on a micro-scale. They can produce or sense micro-motion or micro-forces, making them indispensable in sectors ranging from automotive and medical to telecommunications and electronics. The transformative potential of MEMS lies in their ability to significantly alter how humans interact with technology and their surroundings. At the core of this ‘Smart City’ is the Sensible Car project, which highlights the development of intelligent sensors essential for autonomous driving. These sensors enable comprehensive perception of surroundings, real-time precise location updates, and flawless action execution. INL’s contribution to this project includes the creation of two-dimensional MEMS mirrors, diffractive optical elements, tuneable filters, and lenses, all integrated into a LiDAR system. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, measures distances by […]

INL Welcomes Microscopy Enthusiasts for International Day of Light Celebration

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory opened its doors this May to welcome microscopy enthusiasts, researchers at all career stages, engineers, and university students, particularly from the fields of science and engineering, in a grand celebration of the International Day of Light (#IDL2024). The event, which marked a global initiative highlighting the importance of light and optical technologies in science, culture, and sustainable development, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the fascinating world of microscopy. The INL’s celebration of #IDL2024 was not only an educational event but also a platform for fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, INL demonstrated its commitment to promoting scientific literacy and innovation. As the event concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the role of light in scientific discovery and a renewed passion for their respective fields. The success of the event underscored the importance of community engagement in science and the ongoing efforts of INL to support and inspire future advancements in nanotechnology and beyond. For more information about upcoming events at INL, please visit our website and follow us on social media. + www.inl.int

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]

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