3DSecret kicked off in the last week of February in Braga – Portugal, under the coordination of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with the other remaining partners and teams. The event was a hybrid event, in which the consortium met and discussed the challenges and strategies for the project and how we will work together to leverage novel microfluidic platforms to isolate CTCs and, following their culture into 3D spheroids, enable their multi-parametric analysis.
The 3DSecret consortium has been designed in its multidisciplinarity to perfectly match the proposal’s objectives and involves 3 European countries (PT, ES, IT) and one associated country (UK) During the two days of the kick-off, teams were able to present the people involved in the 3DSecret project, their technologies and knowledge.
3DSecret is funded through the EIC Pathfinder Open 2022. The EIC has been established under the EU Horizon Europe programme. It has a budget of €10.1 billion to support game-changing innovations throughout the lifecycle from early-stage research, to proof of concept, technology transfer, and the financing and scale-up of start-ups and SMEs.
This unique project is coordinated by Dr Sara Abalde-Cela, a Staff Researcher at the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory since 2019. She works within the Medical Devices group, and her research focuses on the development of optofluidic platforms for the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. Mainly, she applies Raman spectroscopy as an interrogation technique to develop novel biosensors, mostly directed to the detection of single cells and metastasis underlying mechanisms.
New updates will be shared here – www.3dsecret.eu
PITCCH Project final event
PITCCH project final event took place on March 7th, 2023, in Stuttgart, Germany. The purpose of this final event was to present the project results, share good practices from PITCCH collaborations and provide a stage for companies to debate about open innovation strategies and a panel for funding agencies to discuss support programs.
After the opening session with EISMEA Project Officer, DG GROW Policy Officer and PITCCH Project Coordinator, welcomed the keynote speaker, John Fahlteich, CEO at KETMarket Open Innovation Ecosystem.
All interventions and contributions helped us better understand the potential of open innovation and how to overcome the hurdles of collaborative projects successfully. PITCCH seeked to accelerate the market uptake of advanced technologies through different sectors and all PITCCH partners are part of an established network ecosystem of multiple stakeholders, from companies to Technology Centres, from private investors to public authorities, and are involved in many international projects, including EU-funded collaborations.
Joana Santos, showcasing the Micro and Nanofabrication Facility
We continue to shine a spotlight on women in STEM with this new interview series with Women working in/with Science at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. It is important to celebrate the amazing contributions women make to science.
Joana Santos is a Cleanroom Research Engineer in Micro and Nanofabrication Facility at INL International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. She holds a BSc in Electronics Engineering and an MSc in Bioengineering and Nanosystems from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST).
She has worked in micro and nanotechnology research at Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC-MN), Lisbon, where she completed her master’s thesis on “Methodologies for monolithic integration and 3D TSV microfabrication for chip integration with CMOS”.
Could you take us through your professional life and the different roles you have played throughout your career?
I started my path on micro and nanotechnology research at Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC-MN), in Lisbon, during my master thesis, where I researched different methodologies for monolithic integration and 3D TSV microfabrication for chip integration with CMOS.
After my master’s, I joined INESC-MN for two years as a junior research fellow to continue the work I had developed. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn and acquire a lot of hands-on experience in the nanotechnology field, not only in research but also in tool operation and maintenance, as well as in several microfabrication processes and techniques. In addition, I had the opportunity to train other young researchers and students, and support them during their thesis work.
I joined INL International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in 2018 as a research engineer, where I took up responsibility for the operation, maintenance and training of multiple equipment and processes, most importantly the lithography systems. You can find me most of the time inside the cleanroom in the lithography bay.
How would you explain the importance of your research to a non-scientific person?
I would say that I work with different materials and microfabrication processes and techniques to explore new sensors and devices that have the potential to evolve into innovative products for many different areas.
I may be working on the development of a new biosensor, a new optical element that can be incorporated into your phone or watch or even more in your car to let it drive by itself.
Of course, I do not have the sole responsibility to make all these huge steps in the micro and nanotechnology field but I like to think that I am taking part in the advance of the field every day.
In your opinion, which changes, if any, are needed in the scientific systems to be more attractive to women in science and possible future scientists?
From my perspective and personal experience, most of the time, young women are already hardly considered capable of doing more engineering or scientific work.
It starts from the unequal opportunities and motivation that are given at the beginning of education, as a young person. If our teachers emphasize that following an engineering career or even something more technical is only for men, we will likely shape our future accordingly.
At a young age, you need to choose what path you want to follow for the rest of your working life, you tend to follow what people around you tell you to. So, we must encourage young girls throughout their lives and more particularly when they start to make their first choices for their career path. It can be by promoting the work of women in science, giving direct examples, keeping them inspiring to young girls and removing the gatekeepers that discourage girls from pursuing technical careers.
I think that we have already many good examples of women in science and there should be no need to prove what women can or cannot do. Equal recognition based on merit should be given regardless of gender.
I’ll do my part, as many of my colleagues already do, sharing our path and our breakthroughs, with all the community, women, and men.
Scientific talk on carbon nanomaterial simulations with Prof. Solange Binotto Fagan
“The beauty of nanotechnology is that computational simulation can predict very well the experimental results” these were the words of Prof. Solange Binotto Fagan, Vice-Dean of the Franciscan University (UFN) from Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and Vice-Coordinator of the National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT) in Carbon Nanomaterials.
The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory team had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Solange Binotto Fagan during a visit last Friday, March 3, with the aim of establishing new collaborations between INL, UFN and INCT. Prof. Solange gave a scientific talk on carbon nanomaterial simulations, with several examples on ab initio, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, while comparing these to experimental results. Among several interesting topics discussed during her visit, she spoke about INCT, the large network of Brazilian institutions that work in the area of carbon nanomaterials and expressed her interest in understanding, functionalising and utilising nanomaterials while always keeping the fate of the material in mind.
Additionally, given her experience in teaching and developing virtual learning objects, she explained during INL’s informal Friday Chats the work she does towards science and technology dissemination. Early in her career, she received the L’oreal Prize for Women in Science in the field of Physics. This recognition enabled her to fulfil her goal of encouraging other women to pursue their scientific research. Addressing researchers from all walks of life, she encourages women to believe in themselves, stating that “you don’t need to work at large research institutions to do great science”.
Ana Ribeiro, building a path in Nanosafety
We will shine a spotlight on women in STEM with this new interview series with Women working in/with Science at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. It is important to celebrate the amazing contributions women make to science.
Today you can meet Ana Ribeiro, a Staff Researcher of the Nanosafety Research Group, working on the development of 3D cell culture models and organ-on-a-chip systems for the safety assessment of nanomaterials. Her research is also focused on the influence of nanomaterials on cell communication and possible systemic consequences to humans.
Could you take us through your professional life and the different roles you have played throughout your career?
I have a graduation in Materials Science and Engineering, a Master’s in Processing and Characterization of Materials and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Fascinated with biomimetics, I decided to develop my PhD on marine dynamic extracellular matrices involved in tissue regeneration. To apply my knowledge in clinical applications, I decided to do a Postdoc at a dentistry university in Brazil, focusing on the cytocompatibility of multifunctional surfaces for implant applications.
The potential hazard of nanoparticles released from cosmetics and medical devices (dental implants and hip prostheses) to human health was my main concern when I started a research position at the National Institute of Metrology Quality and Technology.
With my career goals in mind, I created a multidisciplinary team working in bone and skin nanotoxicology and achieved scientific and economic independence. In my last two years in Brazil, I was hired as an Assistant Professor and had the incredible experience of teaching post-graduation programs in biotechnology and translational medicine. In 2018, I returned to my home country and upon a short experience at the University of Minho I was hired as a Staff Researcher at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory to work in Nanosafety and within the SINFONIA project. I am focussing on the development of skin-on-chip models that can be employed to test new cosmetic nano-formulations.
Safety: an opportunity, not an obstacle, for nanotechnology. Would you like to comment?
Nanotechnology as a key enabling technology offers amazing potential for society but may also bring some new threats. Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) based on high-tech components thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair are part of our lives.
The human body is daily exposed to ENMs through contact with cosmetics, nanotextiles, electronics, paints, and automobiles among others. ENMs advances are overwhelmingly beneficial however the main concern is that these ENMs are too small with an improved ability to cross biological barriers possibly giving rise to harmful effects. Some ENMs have been demonstrated to be harmful to the lungs and the cardiovascular system. To reduce concerns, we need to be able to predict the risks of existing ENMs but also adopt safety-by-design thinking on new ENMs-based products that are under development.
Safety must be a key feature of all ENMs and nanotechnologies, and the industry should see this as an opportunity and not as a barrier.
What advice would you give to young female scientists who are considering a career in science?
Don’t give up on your dreams if they pass through the science carrier path. Dream big, be resilient and follow your heart.
ChipAI Neuromorphic System Simulator
In the framework of the ChipAI project, a collection of three apps that simulate the dynamics of neuromorphic nanophotonic devices was developed. The app is intended for users interested in simulating the generation and transmission of excitable optical pulses in artificial nano-optoelectronic spiking neurons. The apps are available on the ChipAI project website and are to be used by other researchers/stakeholders for them to have an understanding of how optical pulses (spikes) are generated in these systems, and how these are affected by the systems’ parameters and hardware specifications.
The app contributes to disseminating the project’s research concepts and outputs in a practical, interactive way, as well as serving as a tool for other scientists to use in their own research.
The simulator is based on the physical model of the hardware, which consists of nanoscale resonant tunnelling diode (RTD) elements coupled to either nanolaser diodes (LD) and nanophotodetector (PD) components forming respectively spiking transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) modules.
ChipAI project laid the foundations of the new field of neuromorphic optical computing and enabled new non-AI functional applications in biosensing, imaging and many other fields where masses of cheap miniaturized pulsed sources and detectors are needed.
Better Plastics: transitioning to a circular economy
A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design. This means materials constantly flow around a ‘closed loop’ system, rather than being used once and then discarded. In the case of plastic, this means simultaneously keeping the value of plastics in the economy, without leakage into the natural environment and reducing material usage and re-designs products to be less resource intensive.
BetterPlastics project aims to create new products, processes or services with high technological and innovative content, that contribute to the plastics value chain. At INL, researchers from the Food Processing and Nutrition group are using micro- and nanomaterials to control and improve the composting process of compostable bags.
Additionally, the INL team has developed food packaging solutions with improved barrier properties. Nanotechnology is the secret behind this novel approach – by incorporating nanomaterials and nanocoatings, researchers are designing new packaging materials with a good level of recyclability and maintaining their barrier properties to oxygen and water vapour.
According to Miguel Cerqueira, “the project BetterPlastics is one of the great initiatives in the area at the national and international levels. Plastic materials are one of the most fascinating materials used nowadays, however, their use is seen by some as a problem for the environment and society. In BetterPlastic, we looked at the challenges and tackled them with innovation and developing new products, processes and systems.“
Plasma-Therm Technical Workshop at INL – Braga
INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with PhotonExport and in collaboration with Plasma-Therm announce an upcoming Plasma Technical Workshop to be held on Wednesday, 8 March 2023. The event will take place between 9h00 and 18h30 at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal will focus on the fundamentals of plasma etching and deposition.
The workshop will cover topics such as the basics of plasma reactors and mechanisms for etching and deposition and review state-of-the-art etching and deposition technologies as applied to semiconductors, MEMS, and nanofabrication. Talks will cover compound semiconductor, dielectric, and deep silicon etching as well as PECVD and high-density plasma CVD of silicon-based materials. Fundamental and new ideas for endpoint detection and sample thermal budget management will also be presented.
The event will be presented by, David Lishan, PhD who has extensive experience in the field of plasma processing, having worked on a range of material, semiconductor, and chemistry R&D projects. With over 60 publications and conference presentations, David has recently organized and presented plasma processing workshops at leading institutions worldwide.
This workshop is an opportunity for professionals in the field of plasma processing to learn, network and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the latest technologies and techniques. INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, PhotonExport and Plasma-Therm are committed to advancing the field of plasma processing and look forward to hosting a successful event.
The workshop is free, but pre-registration by 6 March 2023.
Next Page » « Previous Page -->INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory together with PhotonExport and in collaboration with Plasma-Therm announce an upcoming Plasma Technical Workshop to be held on Wednesday, 8 March 2023. The event will take place between 9h00 and 18h30 at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal will focus on the fundamentals of plasma etching and deposition.
The workshop will cover topics such as the basics of plasma reactors and mechanisms for etching and deposition and review state-of-the-art etching and deposition technologies as applied to semiconductors, MEMS, and nanofabrication. Talks will cover compound semiconductor, dielectric, and deep silicon etching as well as PECVD and high-density plasma CVD of silicon-based materials. Fundamental and new ideas for endpoint detection and sample thermal budget management will also be presented.
The event will be presented by, David Lishan, PhD who has extensive experience in the field of plasma processing, having worked on a range of material, semiconductor, and chemistry R&D projects. With over 60 publications and conference presentations, David has recently organized and presented plasma processing workshops at leading institutions worldwide.
This workshop is an opportunity for professionals in the field of plasma processing to learn, network and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the latest technologies and techniques. INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, PhotonExport and Plasma-Therm are committed to advancing the field of plasma processing and look forward to hosting a successful event.
The workshop is free, but pre-registration by 6 March 2023.