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Nanotechnology for a Safe and Sustainable use of Water Resources
We work on overcoming some of the most challenging issues in water environment making responsible use of the great opportunities that nanotechnology offers. The Water Quality research group focuses in three main activities:
- Nanotech-based sensors for water quality monitoring; we fully develop portable and/or remote biosensors for water biological and chemical contaminants.
- Nanomaterials for water contaminants capture; we design, fabricate and test nanomaterials for the selective capture of water chemical contaminants.
- (Eco) nanotoxicology; we develop and carry out methods for evaluating nanomaterials’ fate, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Special emphasis in implementing the safety-by-design concept to the in house produced nanomaterials.
ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS
New systems for water contaminants capture are being explored by means of novel tailored nanomaterials. On the other hand, biosensing devices are developed and/or tailored to detect and quantify the presence of water contaminants such as biotoxins, pathogens and invasive species.
Nanoporous COFs as modulable platforms for monitoring and analysis of pollutants in marine environment. The main objective of the COFsMEM project is the immobilization of highly accessible porous COFs onto solid substrates that can be implemented in Solid Phase Extraction modules for the selective adsorption of pollutants in the marine environment, such as biotoxins.
NANOEATERS is a network of Research Centers created with the objective of supporting Euroregional “early adopters” companies in the application of new nanotechnology-based solutions. Companies, Universities and Technology Centers will work together with INL in the definition of new nano-based commercially available products and /or services. The technologies targeted by the project will offer effective responses to the weaknesses detected in the cross border Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) Galicia – Northern Portugal, contributing to major social challenges as Health, Environmental Monitoring, Food Safety, Energy Efficiency or Industry 4.0
Advanced web tools for enhancing the implementation of nanotechnology and the safe use of nanomaterials in the plastic industrial sector
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Industrial application of protocols for the mussel and pectinides detoxification using processing or depuration by microencapsulated agents. Nanotechnology enabled systems for aquacultured seafood contamination forecast.
Research on nanotechnologies applied to the environmental control in the water cycle.
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PUBLICATIONS
2019 |
Santos M.B.; Queirós, Geraldes Marques Vilas-Boas Dieguez Paz Ferreira Morais Vasconcelos Piteira Freitas Espiña R B ; A ; C; V ; L ; E ; R ; J ; V ; J ; P P ; B Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 142 , pp. 111550, 2019. @article{Santos2019, title = {Portable sensing system based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the simultaneous quantification of free and total microcystin-LR in freshwaters}, author = {Santos, M.B.; Queirós, R.B.; Geraldes, A.; Marques, C; Vilas-Boas, V.; Dieguez, L.; Paz, E.; Ferreira, R.; Morais, J.; Vasconcelos, V.; Piteira, J.; Freitas, P.P.; Espiña, B.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2019.111550}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-07-30}, journal = {Biosensors & Bioelectronics}, volume = {142}, pages = {111550}, abstract = {Microcystins are the most worldwide extended and common toxins produced by cyanobacteria in freshwater. Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), associated with the most toxic incidents involving microcystins, are within the cyanobacteria (intracellular) until released into the surrounding waters (extracellular) during cell lysis. Therefore, the relationship between intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins will allow a comprehensive risk of cyanobacteria-containing waters, preventing disease and improving human safety. In this work, we present the development of a novel portable microfluidic sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of free (extracellular) and total MC-LR (intracellular and extracellular). The integrated system contains the sample processing and detection modules capable of performing the chemical lysis, filtration, sample mixing with antibodies, and electrochemical detection of MC-LR based on an indirect strategy. The performance of the immunosensors was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, showing a linear dynamic range between 3.3 × 10−4 and 10−7 g L−1 and a limit of detection of 5.7 × 10−10 g L−1. The results demonstrate the potential of the developed portable biosensor platform and its suitable application for the analysis of MC-LR at regulated levels for drinking water. Finally, the integrated system was able to simultaneously detect the free and total MC-LR on a Microcystis aeruginosa culture. To the best of our knowledge this is the first described system that can differentiate between intracellular and extracellular concentration of MC-LR. This novel electrochemical sensing platform avoids the multiple processing steps typically needed for standard MC-LR analysis in the laboratory and provides an early warning system for MC-LR remote monitoring in water.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Microcystins are the most worldwide extended and common toxins produced by cyanobacteria in freshwater. Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), associated with the most toxic incidents involving microcystins, are within the cyanobacteria (intracellular) until released into the surrounding waters (extracellular) during cell lysis. Therefore, the relationship between intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins will allow a comprehensive risk of cyanobacteria-containing waters, preventing disease and improving human safety. In this work, we present the development of a novel portable microfluidic sensing platform for the simultaneous detection of free (extracellular) and total MC-LR (intracellular and extracellular). The integrated system contains the sample processing and detection modules capable of performing the chemical lysis, filtration, sample mixing with antibodies, and electrochemical detection of MC-LR based on an indirect strategy. The performance of the immunosensors was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, showing a linear dynamic range between 3.3 × 10−4 and 10−7 g L−1 and a limit of detection of 5.7 × 10−10 g L−1. The results demonstrate the potential of the developed portable biosensor platform and its suitable application for the analysis of MC-LR at regulated levels for drinking water. Finally, the integrated system was able to simultaneously detect the free and total MC-LR on a Microcystis aeruginosa culture. To the best of our knowledge this is the first described system that can differentiate between intracellular and extracellular concentration of MC-LR. This novel electrochemical sensing platform avoids the multiple processing steps typically needed for standard MC-LR analysis in the laboratory and provides an early warning system for MC-LR remote monitoring in water. |
Romero V.; Fernandes, Rodriguez Lorenzo Kolen'ko Yu Espiña Salonen S P S ; L ; V ; B ; L M Recyclable magnetic covalent organic framework for the extraction of marine biotoxins Journal Article Nanoscale, 2019. @article{Romero2019, title = {Recyclable magnetic covalent organic framework for the extraction of marine biotoxins}, author = {Romero, V.; Fernandes, S. P. S.; Rodriguez Lorenzo, L.; Kolen'ko, Yu, V.; Espiña, B.; Salonen, L. M.}, doi = {10.1039/C9NR00388F}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-03-04}, journal = {Nanoscale}, abstract = {A novel procedure for the preparation of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is reported. In situ functionalization of Fe3O4 with dopamine rapidly afforded amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, which after decoration with a COF building block and subsequent COF growth gave access to magnetic composite mTpBD-Me2. The optimized synthesis conditions yielded crystalline and superparamagnetic material with no loss in surface area as compared to bulk COF. The composite material was employed for the first time in magnetic solid-phase extraction of marine biotoxins from seawater with high efficiency, where calculated maximum adsorption capacities of 812 mg g–1 and 830 mg g–1 were found for okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1), respectively, corresponding to an increase of ~500 fold for OA and ~300-fold for DTX-1 as compared to the commonly used non-magnetic macroporous resins. Nearly quantitative desorption efficiency of both biotoxins was obtained using 2-propanol as solvent, rendering the composite materials recyclable with merely minor losses in adsorption capacity after five consecutive cycles of adsorption/desorption. In addition, retention of crystallinity after the adsorption cycles highlights the stability of the composite in seawater. These results illustrate the great efficiency of the novel material in biotoxin adsorption and show great promise for its application in environmental monitoring programs. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A novel procedure for the preparation of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is reported. In situ functionalization of Fe3O4 with dopamine rapidly afforded amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, which after decoration with a COF building block and subsequent COF growth gave access to magnetic composite mTpBD-Me2. The optimized synthesis conditions yielded crystalline and superparamagnetic material with no loss in surface area as compared to bulk COF. The composite material was employed for the first time in magnetic solid-phase extraction of marine biotoxins from seawater with high efficiency, where calculated maximum adsorption capacities of 812 mg g–1 and 830 mg g–1 were found for okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1), respectively, corresponding to an increase of ~500 fold for OA and ~300-fold for DTX-1 as compared to the commonly used non-magnetic macroporous resins. Nearly quantitative desorption efficiency of both biotoxins was obtained using 2-propanol as solvent, rendering the composite materials recyclable with merely minor losses in adsorption capacity after five consecutive cycles of adsorption/desorption. In addition, retention of crystallinity after the adsorption cycles highlights the stability of the composite in seawater. These results illustrate the great efficiency of the novel material in biotoxin adsorption and show great promise for its application in environmental monitoring programs. |
Cindy Dias Nagamalai Vasimalai, Marisa Sárria Ivone Pinheiro Vânia Vilas-Boas Joao Peixoto Begoña Espiña P Biocompatibility and Bioimaging Potential of Fruit-Based Carbon Dots Journal Article Nanomaterials (Basel), 9 (2), pp. E199, 2019. @article{Dias2019, title = {Biocompatibility and Bioimaging Potential of Fruit-Based Carbon Dots}, author = {Cindy Dias, Nagamalai Vasimalai, Marisa P Sárria, Ivone Pinheiro, Vânia Vilas-Boas, Joao Peixoto, Begoña Espiña}, doi = {10.3390/nano9020199}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-02-03}, journal = {Nanomaterials (Basel)}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {E199}, abstract = {Photo-luminescent carbon dots (CD) have become promising nanomaterials and their synthesis from natural products has attracted attention by the possibility of making the most of affordable, sustainable and, readily-available carbon sources. Here, we report on the synthesis, characterization and bioimaging potential of CDs produced from diverse extensively produced fruits: kiwi, avocado and pear. The in vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer potential of those CDs were assessed by comparing human epithelial cells from normal adult kidney and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. In vivo toxicity was evaluated using zebrafish embryos given their peculiar embryogenesis, with transparent embryos developing ex-utero, allowing a real-time analysis. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the synthesized CD presented toxicity only at concentrations of ≥1.5 mg mL-1. Kiwi CD exhibited the highest toxicity to both cells lines and zebrafish embryos, presenting lower LD50 values. Interestingly, despite inducing lower cytotoxicity in normal cells than the other CDs, black pepper CDs resulted in higher toxicity in vivo. The bio-distribution of CD in zebrafish embryos upon uptake was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. We observed a higher accumulation of CD in the eye and yolk sac, avocado CD being the ones more retained, indicating their potential usefulness in bio-imaging applications. This study shows the action of fruit-based CDs from kiwi, avocado and pear. However the compounds present in these fruit-based CDs and their mechanism of action as a bioimaging agent need to be further explored.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Photo-luminescent carbon dots (CD) have become promising nanomaterials and their synthesis from natural products has attracted attention by the possibility of making the most of affordable, sustainable and, readily-available carbon sources. Here, we report on the synthesis, characterization and bioimaging potential of CDs produced from diverse extensively produced fruits: kiwi, avocado and pear. The in vitro cytotoxicity and anticancer potential of those CDs were assessed by comparing human epithelial cells from normal adult kidney and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. In vivo toxicity was evaluated using zebrafish embryos given their peculiar embryogenesis, with transparent embryos developing ex-utero, allowing a real-time analysis. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the synthesized CD presented toxicity only at concentrations of ≥1.5 mg mL-1. Kiwi CD exhibited the highest toxicity to both cells lines and zebrafish embryos, presenting lower LD50 values. Interestingly, despite inducing lower cytotoxicity in normal cells than the other CDs, black pepper CDs resulted in higher toxicity in vivo. The bio-distribution of CD in zebrafish embryos upon uptake was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. We observed a higher accumulation of CD in the eye and yolk sac, avocado CD being the ones more retained, indicating their potential usefulness in bio-imaging applications. This study shows the action of fruit-based CDs from kiwi, avocado and pear. However the compounds present in these fruit-based CDs and their mechanism of action as a bioimaging agent need to be further explored. |
MilosevicAc A; Bourquin, Burnand Lemal Crippa Monnier Christophe Rodriguez-Lorenzo Petri-Fink Rothen-Rutishauser J; D; P; F; A ; L ; A ; B Artificial Lysosomal Platform to Study Nanoparticle Long-term Stability Journal Article Chimia , 73 (1), pp. 55-58, 2019. @article{MilosevicAc2019, title = {Artificial Lysosomal Platform to Study Nanoparticle Long-term Stability}, author = {MilosevicAc, A; Bourquin, J; Burnand, D; Lemal, P; Crippa, F; Monnier, Christophe A.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; Petri-Fink, A.; Rothen-Rutishauser, B}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2019.55}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-02-01}, journal = {Chimia }, volume = { 73 }, number = {1}, pages = {55-58}, abstract = {Nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique properties useful for designing specific functionalities for biomedi- cal applications. A prerequisite of a safe-by-design and effective use in any biomedical application is to study NP–cell interactions to gain a better understanding of cellular consequences upon exposure. Cellular uptake of NPs results mainly in the localization of NPs in the complex environment of lysosomes, a compartment which can be mimicked by artificial lysosomal fluid. In this work we showed the applicability of lysosomal fluid as a platform for a fast assessment of gold, iron oxide and silica NP stability over 24 h in a relevant biological fluid, by using multiple analytical methods.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique properties useful for designing specific functionalities for biomedi- cal applications. A prerequisite of a safe-by-design and effective use in any biomedical application is to study NP–cell interactions to gain a better understanding of cellular consequences upon exposure. Cellular uptake of NPs results mainly in the localization of NPs in the complex environment of lysosomes, a compartment which can be mimicked by artificial lysosomal fluid. In this work we showed the applicability of lysosomal fluid as a platform for a fast assessment of gold, iron oxide and silica NP stability over 24 h in a relevant biological fluid, by using multiple analytical methods. |
Ruegg C.; Reis, Rafiee Rodriguez-Lorenzo List Rothen-Rutishauser Mayer Petri-Fink C ; S ; L ; J ; B ; M ; A Chimia , 73 (1), pp. 63-68, 2019. @article{Ruegg2019, title = {Ruegg, C.; Reis, C.; Rafiee, S.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; List, J.; Rothen-Rutishauser, B.A Bio-Inspired Amplification Cascade for the Detection of Rare Cancer Cells}, author = {Ruegg, C.; Reis, C.; Rafiee, S.; Rodriguez-Lorenzo, L.; List, J.; Rothen-Rutishauser, B.; Mayer, M.; Petri-Fink, A.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2019.63}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-02-01}, journal = {Chimia }, volume = { 73 }, number = {1}, pages = {63-68}, abstract = {The main cause of cancer-related death is due to cancer cell spreading and formation of secondary tumors in distant organs, the so-called metastases. Metastatic cancer cells are detectable in the blood of cancer patients as circulating tumor cells (CTC) and may be exploited for prognostic and monitoring purposes, including in breast cancer. Due to their very low frequency, however, their quantitative detection remains a challenge in clinical practice. Nature has developed mechanisms to amplify rare biological events or weak signals, such as intracellular signaling pathways, cytokine networks or the coagulation cascades. At the National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) in Bio-Inspired Materials we are coupling gold nanoparticle-based strategies with fibrinogen and DNA bio-inspired amplification cascades to develop an in vitro test to specifically and sensitively detect CTCs in patients' blood. In this article, we describe the biological context, the concept of bio-inspired amplification, and the approaches chosen. We also discuss limitations, open questions and further potential biomedical applications of such an approach.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The main cause of cancer-related death is due to cancer cell spreading and formation of secondary tumors in distant organs, the so-called metastases. Metastatic cancer cells are detectable in the blood of cancer patients as circulating tumor cells (CTC) and may be exploited for prognostic and monitoring purposes, including in breast cancer. Due to their very low frequency, however, their quantitative detection remains a challenge in clinical practice. Nature has developed mechanisms to amplify rare biological events or weak signals, such as intracellular signaling pathways, cytokine networks or the coagulation cascades. At the National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) in Bio-Inspired Materials we are coupling gold nanoparticle-based strategies with fibrinogen and DNA bio-inspired amplification cascades to develop an in vitro test to specifically and sensitively detect CTCs in patients' blood. In this article, we describe the biological context, the concept of bio-inspired amplification, and the approaches chosen. We also discuss limitations, open questions and further potential biomedical applications of such an approach. |
Vânia Vilas-Boas Begoña Espiña, Yury Kolen’ko Manuel Bañobre-López Marina Brito Verónica Martins José Alberto Duarte Dmitri Petrovykh Paulo Freitas Félix Carvalho V Y Effectiveness and Safety of a Nontargeted Boost for a CXCR4-Targeted Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer Cells Journal Article ACS omega, 4 (1), pp. 1931–1940, 2019. @article{Vilas-Boas2019, title = {Effectiveness and Safety of a Nontargeted Boost for a CXCR4-Targeted Magnetic Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer Cells}, author = {Vânia Vilas-Boas, Begoña Espiña, Yury V. Kolen’ko, Manuel Bañobre-López, Marina Brito, Verónica Martins, José Alberto Duarte, Dmitri Y. Petrovykh, Paulo Freitas, Félix Carvalho}, doi = {10.1021/acsomega.8b02199}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-25}, journal = {ACS omega}, volume = {4}, number = {1}, pages = {1931–1940}, abstract = {We investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) protocol, whereby a pretreatment with nontargeted magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is used to boost the subsequent iron loading of cancer cells by the targeted immuno-modified MNPs. As a model example, LN229 cancer cells express specific cell-surface receptors (CXCR4) at levels sufficient for diagnostic identification but insufficient for achieving 100% effective monotherapeutic MHT based on CXCR4-targeted MNPs. The nontargeted boost of the iron content overcomes this limitation of the targeted loading and is positively correlated with the maximum temperature reached during MHT treatment of LN229 cells. The effectiveness of the dual-population MHT strategy is validated by achieving a 100% lethal outcome for LN229 cancer cells 72 h after the treatment, while its safety is confirmed by the minimal cytotoxicity observed in control experiments with normal HK-2 cells or with an isotype-control targeting antibody. Systematic in vitro measurements thus demonstrate that the magnetic loading by targeted MNPs can be significantly increased by the nontargeted boost, even to double the iron concentration, while improving the effectiveness and maintaining the safety of MHT. This validation of the dual-population MHT strategy opens a novel materials-based pathway, unassisted by highly and nonselectively cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, to overcome the limited effectiveness of MHT for treating cancer cells that express only moderate levels of cell-surface receptors.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) protocol, whereby a pretreatment with nontargeted magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is used to boost the subsequent iron loading of cancer cells by the targeted immuno-modified MNPs. As a model example, LN229 cancer cells express specific cell-surface receptors (CXCR4) at levels sufficient for diagnostic identification but insufficient for achieving 100% effective monotherapeutic MHT based on CXCR4-targeted MNPs. The nontargeted boost of the iron content overcomes this limitation of the targeted loading and is positively correlated with the maximum temperature reached during MHT treatment of LN229 cells. The effectiveness of the dual-population MHT strategy is validated by achieving a 100% lethal outcome for LN229 cancer cells 72 h after the treatment, while its safety is confirmed by the minimal cytotoxicity observed in control experiments with normal HK-2 cells or with an isotype-control targeting antibody. Systematic in vitro measurements thus demonstrate that the magnetic loading by targeted MNPs can be significantly increased by the nontargeted boost, even to double the iron concentration, while improving the effectiveness and maintaining the safety of MHT. This validation of the dual-population MHT strategy opens a novel materials-based pathway, unassisted by highly and nonselectively cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, to overcome the limited effectiveness of MHT for treating cancer cells that express only moderate levels of cell-surface receptors. |
Soraia PS Fernandes Vanesa Romero, Begoña Espiña Laura Salonen M Tailoring Covalent Organic Frameworks to Capture Water Contaminants Journal Article Chemistry: A European Journal, 2019. @article{Fernandes2019, title = {Tailoring Covalent Organic Frameworks to Capture Water Contaminants}, author = {Soraia PS Fernandes, Vanesa Romero, Begoña Espiña, Laura M Salonen}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201806025}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-17}, journal = {Chemistry: A European Journal}, abstract = {Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attractive materials receiving increasing interest in the literature due to their crystallinity, large surface area, and pore uniformity. Their properties can be tailored towards specific applications by judicious design of COF building blocks, giving access to tailor-made pore sizes and surfaces. In this concept article, we discuss developments in the field of COFs that have allowed these materials to be explored for contaminant adsorption. Strategies to obtain water-stable materials with highly ordered structures and large surface areas are reviewed. Post-synthetic modification approaches, by which pore surfaces can be tuned to target specific contaminants, are described. Recent advances in COF formulations, crucial for future implementation in adsorption devices, are highlighted. At the end, we will discuss future challenges which need to be addressed to allow for the deployment of COFs for the capture of water contaminants.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are attractive materials receiving increasing interest in the literature due to their crystallinity, large surface area, and pore uniformity. Their properties can be tailored towards specific applications by judicious design of COF building blocks, giving access to tailor-made pore sizes and surfaces. In this concept article, we discuss developments in the field of COFs that have allowed these materials to be explored for contaminant adsorption. Strategies to obtain water-stable materials with highly ordered structures and large surface areas are reviewed. Post-synthetic modification approaches, by which pore surfaces can be tuned to target specific contaminants, are described. Recent advances in COF formulations, crucial for future implementation in adsorption devices, are highlighted. At the end, we will discuss future challenges which need to be addressed to allow for the deployment of COFs for the capture of water contaminants. |
Ana Tinoco Marisa P. Sárria, Ana Loureiro Pier Parpot Begoña Espiña Andreia Gomes Artur Cavaco-Paulo Artur Ribeiro C BSA/ASN/Pol407 nanoparticles for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment Journal Article Biochemical Engineering Journal, 141 , pp. 80-88, 2019. @article{Tinoco2019, title = {BSA/ASN/Pol407 nanoparticles for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment}, author = {Ana Tinoco, Marisa P. Sárria, Ana Loureiro, Pier Parpot, Begoña Espiña, Andreia C. Gomes, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Artur Ribeiro}, doi = {10.1016/j.bej.2018.10.006}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-01-15}, journal = {Biochemical Engineering Journal}, volume = {141}, pages = {80-88}, abstract = {During the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with asparaginase (ASN) there is an accumulation of ammonia in the body as result of asparagine hydrolysis. This accumulation known as hyperammonemia is one of the main side-effects of this therapy. To avoid hyperammonemia is urgent to develop new strategies for ammonia retention. Herein is presented the immobilization of ASN into bovine serum albumin/poloxamer 407 (BSA/Pol407) nanoparticles. The ability of the developed nanoparticles to hydrolyze asparagine while retaining the forming ammonia is also explored. Different percentages of ASN were entrapped into BSA nanoparticles coated with Poloxamer 407 and were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The nanoparticles were characterized regarding their physico-chemical properties, stability, capacity to retain ammonia and safety using zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model of toxicity. The BSA/ASN25%/Pol407 nanoparticles were selected as the best formulation to hydrolyze asparagine using the lowest nanoparticle concentration. These nanoparticles presented physical characteristics suitable for an intravenous application and were capable to retain the forming ammonia decreasing the negative effect of free ASN on zebrafish survival. These nanoparticles could potentially be used to prevent hyperammonemia during ALL treatment with ASN.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } During the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with asparaginase (ASN) there is an accumulation of ammonia in the body as result of asparagine hydrolysis. This accumulation known as hyperammonemia is one of the main side-effects of this therapy. To avoid hyperammonemia is urgent to develop new strategies for ammonia retention. Herein is presented the immobilization of ASN into bovine serum albumin/poloxamer 407 (BSA/Pol407) nanoparticles. The ability of the developed nanoparticles to hydrolyze asparagine while retaining the forming ammonia is also explored. Different percentages of ASN were entrapped into BSA nanoparticles coated with Poloxamer 407 and were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The nanoparticles were characterized regarding their physico-chemical properties, stability, capacity to retain ammonia and safety using zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model of toxicity. The BSA/ASN25%/Pol407 nanoparticles were selected as the best formulation to hydrolyze asparagine using the lowest nanoparticle concentration. These nanoparticles presented physical characteristics suitable for an intravenous application and were capable to retain the forming ammonia decreasing the negative effect of free ASN on zebrafish survival. These nanoparticles could potentially be used to prevent hyperammonemia during ALL treatment with ASN. |
2018 |
Eugenia Nogueira Marisa P. Sarria, Nuno Azoia Egipto Antunes Ana Loureiro Diana Guimaraẽs Jennifer Noro Alexandra Rollett Georg Guebitz Artur Cavaco-Paulo G Internalization of Methotrexate Conjugates by Folate Receptor-alpha Journal Article Biochemistry, 57 (49), pp. 6780-6786, 2018. @article{Nogueira2018, title = {Internalization of Methotrexate Conjugates by Folate Receptor-alpha}, author = {Eugenia Nogueira,Marisa P. Sarria, Nuno G. Azoia, Egipto Antunes, Ana Loureiro, Diana Guimaraẽs, Jennifer Noro, Alexandra Rollett, Georg Guebitz, Artur Cavaco-Paulo }, doi = { 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00607}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-11-19}, journal = {Biochemistry}, volume = {57}, number = {49}, pages = {6780-6786}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo Sarah D. Rafiee, Corine Reis Ana Milosevic Thomas Moore Sandor Balog Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser Curzio Ruegg Alke Petri-Fink L A rational and iterative process for targeted nanoparticle design and validation Journal Article Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 171 , pp. 579-589, 2018. @article{Rodriguez-Lorenzo2018, title = {A rational and iterative process for targeted nanoparticle design and validation}, author = {Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo, Sarah D. Rafiee, Corine Reis, Ana Milosevic, Thomas L. Moore, Sandor Balog, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Curzio Ruegg, Alke Petri-Fink}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.066}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-11-01}, journal = {Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces}, volume = {171}, pages = {579-589}, abstract = {The lack of understanding of fundamental nano-bio interactions, and difficulties in designing particles stable in complex biological environments are major limitations to their translation into biomedical clinical applications. Here we present a multi-parametric approach to fully characterize targeted nanoparticles, and emphasizes the significant effect that each detail in the synthetic process can have on downstream in vitro results. Through an iterative process, particles were designed, synthesized and tested for physico-chemical and bio-interactive properties which allowed the optimization of nanoparticle functionality. Taken together all interative steps demonstrate that we have synthesized a multifunctional gold nanoparticles that can detect ERBB2-positive breast cancer cells while showing stealth-like behavior toward ERBB2-negative cells and excellent physicochemical stability.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The lack of understanding of fundamental nano-bio interactions, and difficulties in designing particles stable in complex biological environments are major limitations to their translation into biomedical clinical applications. Here we present a multi-parametric approach to fully characterize targeted nanoparticles, and emphasizes the significant effect that each detail in the synthetic process can have on downstream in vitro results. Through an iterative process, particles were designed, synthesized and tested for physico-chemical and bio-interactive properties which allowed the optimization of nanoparticle functionality. Taken together all interative steps demonstrate that we have synthesized a multifunctional gold nanoparticles that can detect ERBB2-positive breast cancer cells while showing stealth-like behavior toward ERBB2-negative cells and excellent physicochemical stability. |
Estelle Durantie Hana Barosova, Barbara Drasler Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo Dominic Urban Dimitri Vanhecke Dedy Septiadi Liliane Hirschi-Ackermann Alke Petri-Fink Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser A Carbon nanodots: Opportunities and limitations to study their biodistribution at the human lung epithelial tissue barrier Journal Article Biointerphases, 13 (6), pp. 06D404, 2018. @article{Durantie2018, title = {Carbon nanodots: Opportunities and limitations to study their biodistribution at the human lung epithelial tissue barrier}, author = {Estelle Durantie, Hana Barosova, Barbara Drasler, Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo, Dominic A. Urban, Dimitri Vanhecke, Dedy Septiadi, Liliane Hirschi-Ackermann, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser}, doi = {10.1116/1.5043373}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-09-11}, journal = {Biointerphases}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {06D404}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } |
Andrea Mariño‐Lopez Ana Sousa‐Castillo, Maria Blanco‐Formoso Leonardo Furini Laura Rodríguez‐Lorenzo Nicolas Pazos‐Perez Luca Guerrini Moises Pérez‐Lorenzo Miguel Correa‐Duarte Ramon Alvarez‐Puebla N A A Microporous Plasmonic Capsules as Stable Molecular Sieves for Direct SERS Quantification of Small Pollutants in Natural Waters Journal Article CHEMNANOMAT, 5 (1), pp. 46-50, 2018. @article{Mariño‐Lopez2018, title = {Microporous Plasmonic Capsules as Stable Molecular Sieves for Direct SERS Quantification of Small Pollutants in Natural Waters}, author = {Andrea Mariño‐Lopez, Ana Sousa‐Castillo, Maria Blanco‐Formoso, Leonardo N. Furini, Laura Rodríguez‐Lorenzo, Nicolas Pazos‐Perez, Luca Guerrini, Moises Pérez‐Lorenzo, Miguel A. Correa‐Duarte, Ramon A. Alvarez‐Puebla}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/cnma.201800355 }, year = {2018}, date = {2018-07-31}, journal = {CHEMNANOMAT}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {46-50}, abstract = {Fast and versatile optical SERS methods represent a major advance in chemical analysis of environmental samples such as water. To date, however, these ultrasensitive methods are hindered by two key drawbacks: (i) colloidal stability and (ii) chemical diversity, both arising from the compositional complexity of natural samples. Here, we present an engineered material that, due to its unique microporous structure, imparts colloidal stability and provides selectivity while confining a densely populated film of gold nanoparticles optimized for the generation of large electromagnetic fields. The material is tested against natural water for the ultraquantification of dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Fast and versatile optical SERS methods represent a major advance in chemical analysis of environmental samples such as water. To date, however, these ultrasensitive methods are hindered by two key drawbacks: (i) colloidal stability and (ii) chemical diversity, both arising from the compositional complexity of natural samples. Here, we present an engineered material that, due to its unique microporous structure, imparts colloidal stability and provides selectivity while confining a densely populated film of gold nanoparticles optimized for the generation of large electromagnetic fields. The material is tested against natural water for the ultraquantification of dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. |
Alexandre Chícharo Marco Martins, Lester Barnsley Amal Taouallah João Fernandes Bruno Silva Susana Cardoso Lorena Diéguez Begoña Espiña Paulo Freitas C F B P Enhanced magnetic microcytometer with 3D flow focusing for cell enumeration Journal Article Lab on a chip, 18 , pp. 2593, 2018. @article{Chícharo2018, title = {Enhanced magnetic microcytometer with 3D flow focusing for cell enumeration}, author = {Alexandre Chícharo, Marco Martins, Lester C. Barnsley, Amal Taouallah, João Fernandes, Bruno F. B. Silva, Susana Cardoso, Lorena Diéguez, Begoña Espiña, Paulo P. Freitas}, doi = {10.1039/c8lc00486b}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-07-05}, journal = {Lab on a chip}, volume = {18}, pages = {2593}, abstract = {We report the design and characterization of a lateral and vertical hydrodynamic focusing feature for whole cell detection on a miniaturized flow cytometer. The developed system, based on magnetic sensing, incor- porates spin valve sensors on the bottom of the microfluidic channels that detect cells labeled with mag- netic beads. An adaptable 3D hydrodynamic focusing system was developed that pushes labeled cells to- wards the bottom of the microchannel, closer to the sensors, allowing increased signal amplitude for cells labeled with magnetic beads and enhanced discrimination of labeled cells. Fluorescence microscopy indicates that the lateral and vertical hydrodynamic focusing effect was adequately implemented, consistent with simu- lation predictions. The sensitivity of the system to detect labeled cells was improved by at least two-fold. By estimating the coverage of magnetic beads on cells, the signal from labeled cells could be predicted using a mathematical model, which also demonstrated the sensitivity of the signal to the height of the cells relative to the sensor. The system is versatile allowing interchangeable flow rates for cells with different diameters.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We report the design and characterization of a lateral and vertical hydrodynamic focusing feature for whole cell detection on a miniaturized flow cytometer. The developed system, based on magnetic sensing, incor- porates spin valve sensors on the bottom of the microfluidic channels that detect cells labeled with mag- netic beads. An adaptable 3D hydrodynamic focusing system was developed that pushes labeled cells to- wards the bottom of the microchannel, closer to the sensors, allowing increased signal amplitude for cells labeled with magnetic beads and enhanced discrimination of labeled cells. Fluorescence microscopy indicates that the lateral and vertical hydrodynamic focusing effect was adequately implemented, consistent with simu- lation predictions. The sensitivity of the system to detect labeled cells was improved by at least two-fold. By estimating the coverage of magnetic beads on cells, the signal from labeled cells could be predicted using a mathematical model, which also demonstrated the sensitivity of the signal to the height of the cells relative to the sensor. The system is versatile allowing interchangeable flow rates for cells with different diameters. |
Salonen, Abdelkarim Mellah; Soraia Fernandes; Ramón Rodríguez; José Otero; Jairo Paz; Jacobo Cruces; Dana Medina; Harik Djamila; Begoña Espiña; Laura P S D M Adsorption of Pharmaceutical Pollutants from Water Using Covalent Organic Frameworks Journal Article Chemical European Journal, 2018. @article{Salonen2018, title = {Adsorption of Pharmaceutical Pollutants from Water Using Covalent Organic Frameworks}, author = {Abdelkarim Mellah; Soraia P. S. Fernandes; Ramón Rodríguez; José Otero; Jairo Paz; Jacobo Cruces; Dana D. Medina; Harik Djamila; Begoña Espiña; Laura M. Salonen}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201801649}, doi = {10.1002/chem.201801649}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-06-12}, journal = {Chemical European Journal}, abstract = {Capture of pharmaceutical pollutants from water was studied using a novel fluorine‐bearing covalent organic framework TpBD‐(CF3)2, which showed ibuprofen adsorption capacity of 119 mg g‐1 at neutral pH. This value is further enhanced at pH 2, highlighting the potential of this class of materials to serve as adsorbents even under harsh conditions. The adsorbed pharmaceutical can be recovered from TpBD‐(CF3)2 in high yield, offering the option of recycling both the adsorbent and the pharmaceutical. The high efficiency of ibuprofen capture as compared to other less lipophilic pharmaceuticals suggests that COFs can be pre‐designed for selective capture of contaminants. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Capture of pharmaceutical pollutants from water was studied using a novel fluorine‐bearing covalent organic framework TpBD‐(CF3)2, which showed ibuprofen adsorption capacity of 119 mg g‐1 at neutral pH. This value is further enhanced at pH 2, highlighting the potential of this class of materials to serve as adsorbents even under harsh conditions. The adsorbed pharmaceutical can be recovered from TpBD‐(CF3)2 in high yield, offering the option of recycling both the adsorbent and the pharmaceutical. The high efficiency of ibuprofen capture as compared to other less lipophilic pharmaceuticals suggests that COFs can be pre‐designed for selective capture of contaminants. |
Alexandre Chicharo Lester C. Barnsley, Marco Martins Susana Cardoso Lorena Diéguez Begoña Espiña Paulo Freitas P Custom Magnet Design for a Multi-Channel Magnetic Microcytometer Journal Article IEEE Transactions on Magnetics , 54 (11), 2018, ISSN: 1941-0069. @article{Freitas2018, title = {Custom Magnet Design for a Multi-Channel Magnetic Microcytometer}, author = {Alexandre Chicharo, Lester C. Barnsley, Marco Martins, Susana Cardoso, Lorena Diéguez, Begoña Espiña, Paulo P. Freitas}, url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8379352/}, doi = {10.1109/TMAG.2018.2835369}, issn = {1941-0069}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-06-11}, journal = {IEEE Transactions on Magnetics }, volume = {54}, number = {11}, abstract = {Magnetic microflow cytometers integrate magnetic field sensors and microfluidic channels to detect cell suspensions labeled with magnetic beads. As the magnetic beads are superparamagnetic, commercial permanent magnets (PMs) are typiacally positioned bellow the microchip for an out-of-plane magnetization. Though, they require careful alignment as their magnetic field can impact the sensors sensitivity. In this paper, we overcome this drawback by presenting an innovative custom-made PM that notably combines high out-of-plane magnetic field (>100 mT) and low in-plane magnetic field (<1 mT) over a large area (30.2 mm²). This configuration qualifies the setup for simultaneous detection in multiple microfluidic channels within the same microchip, allowing parallel analysis of different cell samples or faster analysis of larger volumes of cell suspension.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Magnetic microflow cytometers integrate magnetic field sensors and microfluidic channels to detect cell suspensions labeled with magnetic beads. As the magnetic beads are superparamagnetic, commercial permanent magnets (PMs) are typiacally positioned bellow the microchip for an out-of-plane magnetization. Though, they require careful alignment as their magnetic field can impact the sensors sensitivity. In this paper, we overcome this drawback by presenting an innovative custom-made PM that notably combines high out-of-plane magnetic field (>100 mT) and low in-plane magnetic field (<1 mT) over a large area (30.2 mm²). This configuration qualifies the setup for simultaneous detection in multiple microfluidic channels within the same microchip, allowing parallel analysis of different cell samples or faster analysis of larger volumes of cell suspension. |
Vasimalai, Nagamalai; Vilas-Boas, Vânia; Gallo, Juan; de Cerqueira, María Fátima; Menéndez-Miranda, Mario; Costa-Fernández, José Manuel; Diéguez, Lorena; Espiña, Begoña; Fernández-Argüelles., María Teresa Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from spices for in vitro imaging and tumour cell growth inhibition Journal Article BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY, 9 , pp. 530-544, 2018. @article{Vasimalai2018, title = {Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from spices for in vitro imaging and tumour cell growth inhibition}, author = {Nagamalai Vasimalai and Vânia Vilas-Boas and Juan Gallo and María de Fátima Cerqueira and Mario Menéndez-Miranda and José Manuel Costa-Fernández and Lorena Diéguez and Begoña Espiña and María Teresa Fernández-Argüelles.}, url = {https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjnano/articles/9/51}, doi = {doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.51}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-02-13}, journal = {BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY}, volume = {9}, pages = {530-544}, abstract = {Carbon dots have demonstrated great potential as luminescent nanoparticles in bioapplications. Although such nanoparticles appear to exhibit low toxicity compared to other metal luminescent nanomaterials, today we know that the toxicity of carbon dots (C-dots) strongly depends on the protocol of fabrication. In this work, aqueous fluorescent C-dots have been synthesized from cinnamon, red chilli, turmeric and black pepper, by a one-pot green hydrothermal method. The synthesized C-dots were firstly characterized by means of UV–vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The optical performance showed an outstanding ability for imaging purposes, with quantum yields up to 43.6%. Thus, the cytotoxicity of the above mentioned spice-derived C-dots was evaluated in vitro in human glioblastoma cells (LN-229 cancer cell line) and in human kidney cells (HK-2 non-cancerous cell line). Bioimaging and viability studies were performed with different C-dot concentrations from 0.1 to 2 mg·mL−1, exhibiting a higher uptake of C-dots in the cancer cultures compared to the non-cancerous cells. Results showed that the spice-derived C-dots inhibited cell viability dose-dependently after a 24 h incubation period, displaying a higher toxicity in LN-229, than in HK-2 cells. As a control, C-dots synthesized from citric acid did not show any significant toxicity in either cancerous or non-cancerous cells, implying that the tumour cell growth inhibition properties observed in the spice-derived C-dots can be attributed to the starting material employed for their fabrication. These results evidence that functional groups in the surface of the C-dots might be responsible for the selective cytotoxicity, as suggested by the presence of piperine in the surface of black pepper C-dots analysed by ESI-QTOF-MS. Keywords: bioimaging; carbon quantum dots; fluorescence; spices }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Carbon dots have demonstrated great potential as luminescent nanoparticles in bioapplications. Although such nanoparticles appear to exhibit low toxicity compared to other metal luminescent nanomaterials, today we know that the toxicity of carbon dots (C-dots) strongly depends on the protocol of fabrication. In this work, aqueous fluorescent C-dots have been synthesized from cinnamon, red chilli, turmeric and black pepper, by a one-pot green hydrothermal method. The synthesized C-dots were firstly characterized by means of UV–vis, fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The optical performance showed an outstanding ability for imaging purposes, with quantum yields up to 43.6%. Thus, the cytotoxicity of the above mentioned spice-derived C-dots was evaluated in vitro in human glioblastoma cells (LN-229 cancer cell line) and in human kidney cells (HK-2 non-cancerous cell line). Bioimaging and viability studies were performed with different C-dot concentrations from 0.1 to 2 mg·mL−1, exhibiting a higher uptake of C-dots in the cancer cultures compared to the non-cancerous cells. Results showed that the spice-derived C-dots inhibited cell viability dose-dependently after a 24 h incubation period, displaying a higher toxicity in LN-229, than in HK-2 cells. As a control, C-dots synthesized from citric acid did not show any significant toxicity in either cancerous or non-cancerous cells, implying that the tumour cell growth inhibition properties observed in the spice-derived C-dots can be attributed to the starting material employed for their fabrication. These results evidence that functional groups in the surface of the C-dots might be responsible for the selective cytotoxicity, as suggested by the presence of piperine in the surface of black pepper C-dots analysed by ESI-QTOF-MS. Keywords: bioimaging; carbon quantum dots; fluorescence; spices |
Vilas-Boas, Vânia; Espiña, Begoña; Kolen'ko, Yury V; Bañobre-Lopez, Manuel; Duarte, José A; Martins, Verónica C; Petrovykh, Dmitri Y; Freitas, Paulo P; Carvalho, Felix D Combining CXCR4-targeted and nontargeted nanoparticles for effective unassisted in vitro magnetic hyperthermia Journal Article Biointerphases, 13 (1), 2018. @article{Vilas-Boas2018, title = {Combining CXCR4-targeted and nontargeted nanoparticles for effective unassisted in vitro magnetic hyperthermia }, author = {Vânia Vilas-Boas and Begoña Espiña and Yury V. Kolen'ko and Manuel Bañobre-Lopez and José A. Duarte and Verónica C. Martins and Dmitri Y. Petrovykh and Paulo P. Freitas and Felix D. Carvalho}, url = {https://avs.scitation.org/doi/10.1116/1.5009989}, doi = {10.1116/1.5009989 }, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-15}, journal = {Biointerphases}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, abstract = {The use of targeted nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) increases MHT selectivity, but often at the expense of its effectiveness. Consequently, targeted MHT is typically used in combination with other treatment modalities. This work describes an implementation of a highly effective monotherapeutic in vitro MHT treatment based on two populations of magnetic particles. Cells were sequentially incubated with two populations of magnetic particles: nonfunctionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles and anti-CXCR4-functionalized particles. After removing the excess of free particles, an alternating magnetic field (AMF) was applied to produce MHT. The induced cytotoxicity was assessed at different time-points after AMF application. Complete loss of cell viability was observed 72 h after MHT when the iron loading of the anti-CXCR4-functionalized particles was boosted by that of a nontargeted population. Additionally, induction of necrosis resulted in more efficient cell death than did induction of apoptosis. Achieving a uniquely high effectiveness in monotherapeutic MHT demonstrates the potential of this approach to achieve complete loss of viability of cancer cells while avoiding the side effects of dual-treatment strategies that use MHT only as a sensitizing therapy.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } The use of targeted nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) increases MHT selectivity, but often at the expense of its effectiveness. Consequently, targeted MHT is typically used in combination with other treatment modalities. This work describes an implementation of a highly effective monotherapeutic in vitro MHT treatment based on two populations of magnetic particles. Cells were sequentially incubated with two populations of magnetic particles: nonfunctionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles and anti-CXCR4-functionalized particles. After removing the excess of free particles, an alternating magnetic field (AMF) was applied to produce MHT. The induced cytotoxicity was assessed at different time-points after AMF application. Complete loss of cell viability was observed 72 h after MHT when the iron loading of the anti-CXCR4-functionalized particles was boosted by that of a nontargeted population. Additionally, induction of necrosis resulted in more efficient cell death than did induction of apoptosis. Achieving a uniquely high effectiveness in monotherapeutic MHT demonstrates the potential of this approach to achieve complete loss of viability of cancer cells while avoiding the side effects of dual-treatment strategies that use MHT only as a sensitizing therapy. |
2017 |
Vasimalai N Fernández-Argüelles MT, Espiña B ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017. @article{Vasimalai2017, title = {Detection of sulfide using mercapto tetrazine protected fluorescent gold nanodots: The preparation of paper based testing kit for on-site monitoring}, author = {Vasimalai N, Fernández-Argüelles MT, Espiña B.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29271189}, doi = {10.1021/acsami.7b11769}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-12-22}, journal = {ACS Appl Mater Interfaces}, abstract = {This work demonstrates the development of a highly sensitive method to detect and quantify the sulfide ions (S2-) in water samples. First, we synthesized 6-mercapto-s-triazolo(4,3-b)-s-tetrazine (MTT) by the reaction between formaldehyde and 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole at room temperature. The synthetic MTT was used as a capping ligand for the synthesis of gold nanodots (AuNDs) via one-pot green method at room temperature with only a 10 min reaction time. TEM images exhibited that the MTT-AuNDs has an average particle size of 1.9 nm and an emission maximum at 672 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. The synthesized highly red emissive MTT-AuNDs are used as specific fluorescent probes for the detection of S2-. The fluorescence of MTT-AuNDs was significantly and dose-dependently quenched from the addition of S2-. The observed fluorescence quenching was ascribed to the formation of an Au2S complex, which was determined by Raman and mass spectroscopy. A good linearity was achieved for the increasing concentration of S2- from 870 nM to 16 µM and the detection limit (LOD) was found to be 2 nM (S/N = 3). The S2- detection system that is described in this study was validated and agreed well with the standard methylene blue method. Furthermore, the present sensor was examined for the use in quantifying S2- in real water samples obtained from lake and river. In addition, the specificity was checked against the most likely ion interferences in real water. Moreover, a cost-effective and viable paper based S2- sensor was fabricated for environmental monitoring based on the use of MTT-AuNDs. The developed system would be an environmentally friendly and easy to use detection device for S2- in water.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This work demonstrates the development of a highly sensitive method to detect and quantify the sulfide ions (S2-) in water samples. First, we synthesized 6-mercapto-s-triazolo(4,3-b)-s-tetrazine (MTT) by the reaction between formaldehyde and 4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole at room temperature. The synthetic MTT was used as a capping ligand for the synthesis of gold nanodots (AuNDs) via one-pot green method at room temperature with only a 10 min reaction time. TEM images exhibited that the MTT-AuNDs has an average particle size of 1.9 nm and an emission maximum at 672 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. The synthesized highly red emissive MTT-AuNDs are used as specific fluorescent probes for the detection of S2-. The fluorescence of MTT-AuNDs was significantly and dose-dependently quenched from the addition of S2-. The observed fluorescence quenching was ascribed to the formation of an Au2S complex, which was determined by Raman and mass spectroscopy. A good linearity was achieved for the increasing concentration of S2- from 870 nM to 16 µM and the detection limit (LOD) was found to be 2 nM (S/N = 3). The S2- detection system that is described in this study was validated and agreed well with the standard methylene blue method. Furthermore, the present sensor was examined for the use in quantifying S2- in real water samples obtained from lake and river. In addition, the specificity was checked against the most likely ion interferences in real water. Moreover, a cost-effective and viable paper based S2- sensor was fabricated for environmental monitoring based on the use of MTT-AuNDs. The developed system would be an environmentally friendly and easy to use detection device for S2- in water. |
L. M. Salonen S. R. Pinela, Fernandes Louçano Carbó-Argibay Sarria Rodríguez-Abreu Peixoto Espiña. S P S J E M P C J B Adsorption of marine phycotoxin okadaic acid on a covalent organic framework Journal Article J Chromatogr A., 1525:17-22 , 2017. @article{Salonen2017, title = {Adsorption of marine phycotoxin okadaic acid on a covalent organic framework}, author = {L. M. Salonen, S. R. Pinela, S. P. S Fernandes, J. Louçano, E. Carbó-Argibay, M.P. Sarria, C. Rodríguez-Abreu, J. Peixoto, B. Espiña.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29037592}, doi = {10.1016/j.chroma.2017.10.017 }, year = {2017}, date = {2017-11-24}, journal = {J Chromatogr A.}, volume = {1525:17-22}, abstract = {Phycotoxins, compounds produced by some marine microalgal species, can reach high concentrations in the sea when a massive proliferation occurs, the so-called harmful algal bloom. These compounds are especially dangerous to human health when concentrated in the digestive glands of seafood. In order to generate an early warning system to alert for approaching toxic outbreaks, it is very important to improve monitoring methods of phycotoxins in aquatic ecosystems. Solid-phase adsorption toxin tracking devices reported thus far based on polymeric resins have not been able to provide an efficient harmful algal bloom prediction system due to their low adsorption capabilities. In this work, a water-stable covalent organic framework (COF) was evaluated as adsorbent for the hydrophobic toxin okadaic acid, one of the most relevant marine toxins and the parental compound of the most common group of toxins responsible for the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Adsorption kinetics of okadaic acid onto the COF in seawater showed that equilibrium concentration was reached in only 60min, with a maximum experimental adsorption of 61mgg-1. Desorption of okadaic acid from the COF was successful with both 70% ethanol and acetonitrile as solvent, and the COF material could be reused with minor losses in adsorption capacity for three cycles. The results demonstrate that COF materials are promising candidates for solid-phase adsorption in water monitoring devices.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Phycotoxins, compounds produced by some marine microalgal species, can reach high concentrations in the sea when a massive proliferation occurs, the so-called harmful algal bloom. These compounds are especially dangerous to human health when concentrated in the digestive glands of seafood. In order to generate an early warning system to alert for approaching toxic outbreaks, it is very important to improve monitoring methods of phycotoxins in aquatic ecosystems. Solid-phase adsorption toxin tracking devices reported thus far based on polymeric resins have not been able to provide an efficient harmful algal bloom prediction system due to their low adsorption capabilities. In this work, a water-stable covalent organic framework (COF) was evaluated as adsorbent for the hydrophobic toxin okadaic acid, one of the most relevant marine toxins and the parental compound of the most common group of toxins responsible for the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Adsorption kinetics of okadaic acid onto the COF in seawater showed that equilibrium concentration was reached in only 60min, with a maximum experimental adsorption of 61mgg-1. Desorption of okadaic acid from the COF was successful with both 70% ethanol and acetonitrile as solvent, and the COF material could be reused with minor losses in adsorption capacity for three cycles. The results demonstrate that COF materials are promising candidates for solid-phase adsorption in water monitoring devices. |
D Viegas E Fernandes, Queirós DY Petrovykh R; Beule, PAA De Adapting Bobbert-Vlieger model to spectroscopic ellipsometry of gold nanoparticles with bio-organic shells Journal Article Biomed Opt Express, 8 , pp. 3538–3550, 2017. @article{Viegas2017, title = {Adapting Bobbert-Vlieger model to spectroscopic ellipsometry of gold nanoparticles with bio-organic shells}, author = {D Viegas, E Fernandes, R Queirós, DY Petrovykh and PAA De Beule}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560823/}, doi = {10.1364/BOE.8.003538}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-08-01}, journal = {Biomed Opt Express}, volume = {8}, pages = {3538–3550}, abstract = {We investigate spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry for monitoring biomolecules at surfaces of nanoparticles. For the modeling of polarimetric light scattering off surface-adsorbed core-shell nanoparticles, we employ an extension of the exact solution for the scattering by particles near a substrate presented by Bobbert and Vlieger, which offers insight beyond that of the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium approximation. Varying thickness and refractive index of a model bio-organic shell results in systematic and characteristic changes in spectroscopic parameters Ψ and Δ. The salient features and trends in modeled spectra are in qualitative agreement with experimental data for antibody immobilization and fibronectin biorecognition at surfaces of gold nanoparticles on a silicon substrate, but achieving a full quantitative agreement will require including additional effects, such as nanoparticle-substrate interactions, into the model. OCIS codes: (120.2130) Ellipsometry and polarimetry, (240.6680) Surface plasmons, (280.1415) Biological sensing and sensors, (280.4788) Optical sensing and sensors}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } We investigate spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry for monitoring biomolecules at surfaces of nanoparticles. For the modeling of polarimetric light scattering off surface-adsorbed core-shell nanoparticles, we employ an extension of the exact solution for the scattering by particles near a substrate presented by Bobbert and Vlieger, which offers insight beyond that of the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium approximation. Varying thickness and refractive index of a model bio-organic shell results in systematic and characteristic changes in spectroscopic parameters Ψ and Δ. The salient features and trends in modeled spectra are in qualitative agreement with experimental data for antibody immobilization and fibronectin biorecognition at surfaces of gold nanoparticles on a silicon substrate, but achieving a full quantitative agreement will require including additional effects, such as nanoparticle-substrate interactions, into the model. OCIS codes: (120.2130) Ellipsometry and polarimetry, (240.6680) Surface plasmons, (280.1415) Biological sensing and sensors, (280.4788) Optical sensing and sensors |
2016 |
Prado M.; Espiña, Fernandez-Arguelles Diéguez Fuciños Vial Oliveira Reis Boehme B ; M T ; L ; P ; S ; J M ; R L ; K Detection of Foodborne Pathogens Using Nanoparticles. Advantages and Trends Book Chapter Antimicrobial Food Packaging, pp. pp.183-202, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, 1st Edition, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-12-800723-5. @inbook{Prado2016b, title = {Detection of Foodborne Pathogens Using Nanoparticles. Advantages and Trends}, author = {Prado, M.; Espiña, B.; Fernandez-Arguelles, M. T.; Diéguez, L.; Fuciños, P.; Vial, S.; Oliveira, J. M.; Reis, R. L.; Boehme, K.}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780128007235}, isbn = {978-0-12-800723-5}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-12-01}, booktitle = {Antimicrobial Food Packaging}, journal = {Academic Press, London}, pages = {pp.183-202}, publisher = {Jorge Barros-Velazquez}, edition = {1st Edition}, abstract = {Due to their critical impact on public health, the detection of foodborne pathogens in food and water is an important issue for both, the food industry and control authorities. Fast and reliable analytical methods are needed in order to ensure the health of consumers, to easily determine whether a food product has been subjected to cross-contamination, and, simultaneously, to identify how and when this cross-contamination occurred in order to establish the proper corrective actions.Recent developments in nanotechnology are greatly impacting the advancement of some analytical techniques, including foodborne pathogen detection. Herein, the advantages and the recent applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in foodborne pathogen detection are reviewed. The most frequently used NPs in this context (gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles) are described, and their applicability for food analysis is emphasized. Finally, this chapter provides an overview of the use of micro and nanofluidics, combined with nanoparticles, for food pathogen analysis, and the integration of nanomaterial-based sensors for pathogen detection in food packaging systems. }, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inbook} } Due to their critical impact on public health, the detection of foodborne pathogens in food and water is an important issue for both, the food industry and control authorities. Fast and reliable analytical methods are needed in order to ensure the health of consumers, to easily determine whether a food product has been subjected to cross-contamination, and, simultaneously, to identify how and when this cross-contamination occurred in order to establish the proper corrective actions.Recent developments in nanotechnology are greatly impacting the advancement of some analytical techniques, including foodborne pathogen detection. Herein, the advantages and the recent applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in foodborne pathogen detection are reviewed. The most frequently used NPs in this context (gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles) are described, and their applicability for food analysis is emphasized. Finally, this chapter provides an overview of the use of micro and nanofluidics, combined with nanoparticles, for food pathogen analysis, and the integration of nanomaterial-based sensors for pathogen detection in food packaging systems. |
Gallo J Vasimalai N, Fernandez-Arguelles MT Bañobre-López M Green synthesis of multimodal 'OFF-ON' activatable MRI/optical probes Journal Article Dalton Trans., 45 , pp. 17672-17680, 2016. @article{J2016, title = {Green synthesis of multimodal 'OFF-ON' activatable MRI/optical probes}, author = {Gallo J, Vasimalai N, Fernandez-Arguelles MT, Bañobre-López M.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27752669}, doi = {10.1039/c6dt02840c}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-11-28}, journal = {Dalton Trans.}, volume = {45}, pages = {17672-17680}, abstract = {Diagnosis by MRI is frequently non-trivial due to the low sensitivity of the technique. Signal enhancing contrast agents (CAs) are used to aid in the analysis of MR images. We present here a simple protocol for the preparation of responsive CAs based on Mn nanosheets. Mn nanostructures presented here undergo a chemical and structural change in the presence of altered physiological conditions that activate their signal. This strategy allows for a reduction of background, increasing the sensitivity of the technique. The simple synthetic protocol followed allows for the combination of the nanosheets with reporter molecules for other imaging techniques, like carbon quantum dots for optical imaging.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Diagnosis by MRI is frequently non-trivial due to the low sensitivity of the technique. Signal enhancing contrast agents (CAs) are used to aid in the analysis of MR images. We present here a simple protocol for the preparation of responsive CAs based on Mn nanosheets. Mn nanostructures presented here undergo a chemical and structural change in the presence of altered physiological conditions that activate their signal. This strategy allows for a reduction of background, increasing the sensitivity of the technique. The simple synthetic protocol followed allows for the combination of the nanosheets with reporter molecules for other imaging techniques, like carbon quantum dots for optical imaging. |
Vasimalai, N; Fernández-Argüelles*., Maria T Nanotechnology, Volume 27 (Issue 47), pp. article id. 475505, 2016. @article{Vasimalai2016, title = {Novel one-pot and facile room temperature synthesis of gold nanodots and application as highly sensitive and selective probes for cyanide detection}, author = {N. Vasimalai and Maria T. Fernández-Argüelles*. }, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27779114}, doi = {10.1088/0957-4484/27/47/475505 }, year = {2016}, date = {2016-11-01}, journal = {Nanotechnology}, volume = {Volume 27}, number = {Issue 47}, pages = { article id. 475505}, abstract = {Highly fluorescent gold nanodots have been synthesized through a novel rapid, facile and one-pot room temperature route using trithiocyanuric acid as mild reducing agent and surface ligand. The proposed synthesis overcomes limitations of other synthetic routes in terms of cost, time, complexity and environmental risks, and gives rise to highly fluorescent gold nanodots within 10 min at room temperature, with a maximum emission wavelength at 623 nm and a large Stokes shift (213 nm). Moreover, the synthesized gold nanodots showed a large emission QY (9.62 × 10-2) and excellent photostability and colloidal properties during long periods. Increasing concentrations of CN- in aqueous solution progressively quenched the fluorescence emission and produced a slight blue shift of the synthesized gold nanodots. A good linear relationship was observed for CN- concentrations between 0.29 and 8.87 μM, obtaining a detection limit estimated according to the 3s IUPAC criteria of 150 nM. Besides, the influence on the fluorescence signal of potential interferents at high concentrations (1000 μM) was studied, including I-, F-, citrate, {{{{PO}}}4}3-, {{{{NO}}}3}-, {{{{SO}}}4}2-, CH3COO-, EDTA, Br-, {{{{CO}}}3}2-, Cl- and S2- K+, Na+, Li+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Co2+. Results showed a high selectivity towards all the investigated ions, except for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+, although the use of glutathione and BSA as masking agents drastically minimized the effect of such cations at high concentrations. The synthesized gold nanodots were successfully evaluated as highly sensitive and selective probes for cyanide determination in environmental water samples, including tap, river, lake and sea water, indicating the validity of TCA-AuNDs for analytical CN- contamination control.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Highly fluorescent gold nanodots have been synthesized through a novel rapid, facile and one-pot room temperature route using trithiocyanuric acid as mild reducing agent and surface ligand. The proposed synthesis overcomes limitations of other synthetic routes in terms of cost, time, complexity and environmental risks, and gives rise to highly fluorescent gold nanodots within 10 min at room temperature, with a maximum emission wavelength at 623 nm and a large Stokes shift (213 nm). Moreover, the synthesized gold nanodots showed a large emission QY (9.62 × 10-2) and excellent photostability and colloidal properties during long periods. Increasing concentrations of CN- in aqueous solution progressively quenched the fluorescence emission and produced a slight blue shift of the synthesized gold nanodots. A good linear relationship was observed for CN- concentrations between 0.29 and 8.87 μM, obtaining a detection limit estimated according to the 3s IUPAC criteria of 150 nM. Besides, the influence on the fluorescence signal of potential interferents at high concentrations (1000 μM) was studied, including I-, F-, citrate, {{{{PO}}}4}3-, {{{{NO}}}3}-, {{{{SO}}}4}2-, CH3COO-, EDTA, Br-, {{{{CO}}}3}2-, Cl- and S2- K+, Na+, Li+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Co2+. Results showed a high selectivity towards all the investigated ions, except for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+, although the use of glutathione and BSA as masking agents drastically minimized the effect of such cations at high concentrations. The synthesized gold nanodots were successfully evaluated as highly sensitive and selective probes for cyanide determination in environmental water samples, including tap, river, lake and sea water, indicating the validity of TCA-AuNDs for analytical CN- contamination control. |
C.N. Oliveira M.P. Sarria, Moreira Fernandes Castro Lopes Corte-Real Cavaco-Paulo Real Oliveira Gomes P J L I M A M E C D A C Counter ions and constituents combination affect DODAX:MO nanocarriers toxicity in vitro and in vivo Journal Article Toxicology Research , 5 (Issue 4), pp. 1244-1255 , 2016. @article{Oliveira2016, title = {Counter ions and constituents combination affect DODAX:MO nanocarriers toxicity in vitro and in vivo}, author = {C.N. Oliveira, M.P. Sarria, P. Moreira, J. Fernandes, L. Castro, I. Lopes, M. Corte-Real, A. Cavaco-Paulo, M.E.C.D. Real Oliveira, A.C. Gomes}, url = {http://pubs.rsc.org/-/content/articlelanding/2016/tx/c6tx00074f/unauth#!divAbstract}, doi = {10.1039/C6TX00074F}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-06-13}, journal = {Toxicology Research }, volume = {5}, number = {Issue 4}, pages = {1244-1255 }, abstract = {Liposomes have received extensive attention as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds due to their good biocompatibility, possibility of targeting and incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Although generally considered as safe, detailed knowledge of the effects induced in cells and tissues with which they interact is still underexplored. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the toxicity profile of dioctadecyldimethylammonium (DODAX) : monoolein(MO) liposomes (X is bromide or chloride), previously validated for gene therapy, by evaluating the effect of the counter ions Br− or Cl−, and of the cationic : neutral lipid molar fraction, both in vitro and in vivo. Effects on cellular metabolism and proliferation, plasma membrane integrity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and ability to trigger apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated in a dose-/time-dependent manner in normal human skin fibroblasts. Also, newly fertilized zebrafish zygotes were exposed to liposomes, permitting a fast-track evaluation of the morphophysiological modifications. In vitro data showed that only very high doses of DODAX : MO induce apoptosis and necrosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and affect the metabolism and plasma membrane integrity of fibroblasts in a dose-/time-dependent manner. Furthermore, liposomes affected mitochondrial function, increasing ROS accumulation and disturbing mitochondrial membrane potential. DODAC-based liposomes were consistently more toxic when compared to DODAB-based formulations; furthermore, the inclusion of MO was found to reduce toxicity, in contrast to liposomes with cationic DODAX only, especially in DODAB : MO (1 : 2) nanocarriers. These results were corroborated, in a holistic approach, by cytotoxicity profiling in five additional human cell lines, and also with the zebrafish embryotoxicity testing, which constitutes a sensitive and informative tool and accurately extends cell-based assays.}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Liposomes have received extensive attention as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds due to their good biocompatibility, possibility of targeting and incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. Although generally considered as safe, detailed knowledge of the effects induced in cells and tissues with which they interact is still underexplored. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the toxicity profile of dioctadecyldimethylammonium (DODAX) : monoolein(MO) liposomes (X is bromide or chloride), previously validated for gene therapy, by evaluating the effect of the counter ions Br− or Cl−, and of the cationic : neutral lipid molar fraction, both in vitro and in vivo. Effects on cellular metabolism and proliferation, plasma membrane integrity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and ability to trigger apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated in a dose-/time-dependent manner in normal human skin fibroblasts. Also, newly fertilized zebrafish zygotes were exposed to liposomes, permitting a fast-track evaluation of the morphophysiological modifications. In vitro data showed that only very high doses of DODAX : MO induce apoptosis and necrosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and affect the metabolism and plasma membrane integrity of fibroblasts in a dose-/time-dependent manner. Furthermore, liposomes affected mitochondrial function, increasing ROS accumulation and disturbing mitochondrial membrane potential. DODAC-based liposomes were consistently more toxic when compared to DODAB-based formulations; furthermore, the inclusion of MO was found to reduce toxicity, in contrast to liposomes with cationic DODAX only, especially in DODAB : MO (1 : 2) nanocarriers. These results were corroborated, in a holistic approach, by cytotoxicity profiling in five additional human cell lines, and also with the zebrafish embryotoxicity testing, which constitutes a sensitive and informative tool and accurately extends cell-based assays. |
GROUP LEADER
THE TEAM
Raquel Queirós
Staff Researcher
Marília Santos
Staff Researcher
Ana Vieira
Research Fellow
Marisa P. Sárria
Research Fellow
Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo
Research fellow
Monica Quarato
Research fellow
Riya Gupta
Research fellow
Ivone Pinheiro
Research Fellow
Vanesa Romero
Scientific Associate (UVigo, Spain)
Soraia P. Fernandes
PhD Student (FCT Grant)
FORMER MEMBERS
Ana Castanheira
Research Laboratory Assistant
Nagamalai Vasimalai
Research Fellow
Marília Santos
Research Fellow
Vânia Vilas-Boas
Research Laboratory Assistant
Nanotechnology for a Safe and Sustainable use of Water Resources
We work on overcoming some of the most challenging issues in water environment making responsible use of the great opportunities that nanotechnology offers. The Water Quality research group focuses in three main activities:
- Nanotech-based sensors for water quality monitoring; we fully develop portable and/or remote biosensors for water biological and chemical contaminants.
- Nanomaterials for water contaminants capture; we design, fabricate and test nanomaterials for the selective capture of water chemical contaminants.
- (Eco) nanotoxicology; we develop and carry out methods for evaluating nanomaterials’ fate, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Special emphasis in implementing the safety-by-design concept to the in house produced nanomaterials.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Industrial application of protocols for the mussel and pectinides detoxification using processing or depuration by microencapsulated agents. Nanotechnology enabled systems for aquacultured seafood contamination forecast.
Research on nanotechnologies applied to the environmental control in the water cycle.
Advanced web tools for enhancing the implementation of nanotechnology and the safe use of nanomaterials in the plastic industrial sector
New systems for water contaminants capture are being explored by means of novel tailored nanomaterials. On the other hand, biosensing devices are developed and/or tailored to detect and quantify the presence of water contaminants such as biotoxins, pathogens and invasive species.
Nanoporous COFs as modulable platforms for monitoring and analysis of pollutants in marine environment. The main objective of the COFsMEM project is the immobilization of highly accessible porous COFs onto solid substrates that can be implemented in Solid Phase Extraction modules for the selective adsorption of pollutants in the marine environment, such as biotoxins.
NANOEATERS is a network of Research Centers created with the objective of supporting Euroregional “early adopters” companies in the application of new nanotechnology-based solutions. Companies, Universities and Technology Centers will work together with INL in the definition of new nano-based commercially available products and /or services. The technologies targeted by the project will offer effective responses to the weaknesses detected in the cross border Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) Galicia – Northern Portugal, contributing to major social challenges as Health, Environmental Monitoring, Food Safety, Energy Efficiency or Industry 4.0
FOR MORE INFORMATION
GROUP LEADER

THE TEAM
Raquel Queirós
Staff Researcher
Marisa P. Sárria
Research Fellow
Marilia Santos
Research Fellow
Laura Rodriguez-Lorenzo
Research fellow
Ivone Pinheiro
Research Laboratory Assistant
Ana Castanheira
Research Laboratory Assistant
Vanesa Romero
Scientific Associate (UVigo, Spain)
Soraia P. Fernandes
PhD Student (FCT Grant)
FORMER MEMBERS
Nagamalai Vasimalai
Research Fellow
Vânia Vilas-Boas
Research Laboratory Assistant