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Graphene-based biosensor breaks detection records for non-invasive monitoring of diabetes

Graphene-based biosensor breaks detection records for non-invasive monitoring of diabetes

A breakthrough biosensor detects glucose in human tears at ultra-low concentrations, opening new avenues for wearable health monitoring technologies. In a significant leap toward the future of diabetes care, INL researchers have developed a graphene-based biosensor capable of detecting glucose at attomolar levels—representing the lowest detection limits ever achieved for this crucial biomarker. It’s comparable to finding a single grain of sugar dissolved in an entire lake. The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and led by Dr. Andrea Capasso at INL, introduces an ultra-sensitive glucose sensor based on graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) technology. Engineered to operate with extremely small volumes of biological fluid – down to a single tear -, this device has the potential to revolutionise glucose monitoring, particularly in non-invasive and wearable systems. The researchers developed a targeted graphene functionalisation using glucose oxidase (GOx), enabling highly selective glucose recognition. They then employed advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to analyse the graphene’s chemical composition and surface modifications at each stage of functionalisation, from enzyme immobilisation to interaction with the target analyte. “While finger-prick sensors remain the clinical standard for diabetes monitoring, they are often perceived as uncomfortable and invasive,” says Dr. Capasso. “Our goal […]

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Registrations Now Open for INL Open Day 2025

Registrations Now Open for INL Open Day 2025

Step Inside the Future of Science – May 31, 2025 | Braga, Portugal The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) invites the public to a unique and immersive journey into the world of science and innovation at the INL Open Day 2025, taking place on Saturday, May 31, in Braga, Portugal. For one day only, INL opens its doors to curious minds of all ages — offering a rare glimpse inside one of Europe’s leading research centres in nanotechnology. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge laboratories, interact with world-class researchers, and experience how science is shaping a more sustainable and connected future. From interactive experiments and artistic installations to live performances and family-friendly workshops, the event promises to ignite curiosity and celebrate the power of discovery. Highlights include: Participation is free of charge, but registration is required to ensure access to guided tours and hands-on activities. 📍 Join us at INL, Braga | 🗓️ Saturday, 31 May 2025 Reserve your spot now! Let’s explore the future of science — together. + REGISTER + PROGRAMME

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German Ambassador Visits INL to Strengthen Scientific Collaboration

German Ambassador Visits INL to Strengthen Scientific Collaboration

On 28th April 2025, Dr. Julia Monar, the Ambassador of Germany to Lisbon, visited the headquarters of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), highlighting the importance of bilateral collaboration in advancing scientific and technological research. Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, the Deputy Director-General of INL, welcomed the Ambassador and provided an overview of the laboratory’s scope of activities. Professor Ado emphasised INL’s mission to excel in nanoscale research for the benefit of society and its pivotal role as a hub for innovation. Dr. Sascha Sadewasser, Research Group Leader at INL, then presented the ongoing work within the Hi-BITS project, an EU-funded initiative focused on developing highly efficient solar cells using copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). With four German partners – Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), Martin-Luther Universität Halle’s (MLU), Greendelta (GDL), and Avancis GmbH (AVA) -, Hi-BITS aims to improve efficiency, reduce material use, and expand solar applications in buildings, vehicles, and agriculture, by creating bifacial and semi-transparent cells. The project involves testing in different climates and sustainability studies, with a consortium of top European research institutions and companies working together to advance solar technology. During the presentation, Dr. Sadewasser also highlighted INL’s involvement in the APECS (Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems) Pilot […]

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Enhancing Cooperation: INL and Fiocruz Strengthen Ties in Health and Nanotechnology

Enhancing Cooperation: INL and Fiocruz Strengthen Ties in Health and Nanotechnology

On 23rd April 2025, Professor Ado Jório de Vasconcelos, Deputy Director-General of INL, met with Dr. Mario Santos Moreira, President of Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), a federal public administration institution under Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The meeting was held at the Brazilian Embassy in Lisbon. Founded in 1900, Fiocruz is recognised both in Brazil and internationally. Its mission is to create, share, and spread knowledge and technologies that strengthen the Unified Health System (SUS) and improve the health and quality of life of the population. INL and Fiocruz have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering international collaboration in the fields of research, technological development, production, and training within nanotechnology. This agreement sets the stage for mutual understanding and cooperation, establishing a solid foundation for joint efforts to advance scientific and technological innovation. In the perspective of Professor Ado Jório: “In the large thematic area of life sciences, INL and Fiocruz are powerful and complementary institutions – INL with its expertise in biomedical engineering, Fiocruz with its access to one of the largest public health systems on the planet. The partnership will fulfil the role of bringing the benefits of research and innovation to society”. Dr. Mario Moreira […]

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No assumptions: just quantum advantage

No assumptions: just quantum advantage

INL researcher Michael de Oliveira, together with collaborators from the University of Cambridge and the Hon Hai (Foxconn) Quantum Computing Research Center, has published a new article in Nature Communications demonstrating that even small, noisy quantum circuits can outperform certain types of classical computation, without relying on assumptions or ideal conditions. This study focuses on constant-depth quantum circuits, meaning that all operations happen in parallel in a very short time – like multiple people completing a task simultaneously rather than one after another. The researchers show that these simple quantum circuits can solve specific problems that no classical circuit of the same kind and size can solve, even when those classical circuits are modelled after neural networks, with tuneable flexibility. The classical models studied here (biased threshold circuits) are used in theoretical models of machine learning and resemble basic neural networks. Despite the authors considering versions with low bias – and therefore greater versatility – they are still outperformed by shallow quantum circuits, even when the quantum devices are noisy or imperfect. What makes this breakthrough particularly important is that it applies to qudits (quantum systems that go beyond binary bits or qubits), and the results are valid across all […]

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INL Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

INL Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) joins its founding Member States, Portugal and Spain, in expressing condolences following the passing of Pope Francis. INL offers its most heartfelt sympathies to the Vatican, to His Holiness’s collaborators, and to all who have been touched by his remarkable life and legacy. Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis promoted interfaith dialogue, advocated the ethical use of science and technology, and addressed global inequality and environmental sustainability. These values resonate broadly across societies and align closely with INL’s principles of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. In recognition of the universal relevance of these principles, INL marks this moment respectfully and extends sympathies to all those mourning his loss. Photo credits: pexels.com

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Advancing neuronal research using 3D polymeric micro-scaffolds integrated with quantum sensors

Advancing neuronal research using 3D polymeric micro-scaffolds integrated with quantum sensors

A recent research study from INL has successfully merged two cutting-edge 3D tissue engineering strategies – 3D polymeric scaffolds and 3D neuronal spheroids – to create a highly advanced model for studying neuronal behaviour and disease. The collaboration between biomedical engineers, physicists, and neuroscientists has led to the development of a smart polymeric scaffold integrated with fluorescent nanodiamonds, that reveals to be a powerful quantum sensing tool. These low auto-fluorescence scaffolds, fabricated using laser-based 3D microprinting, were designed to be both biocompatible and capable of hosting 3D neuronal spheroids. The fluorescent nanodiamonds embedded within the scaffolds provide the potential for real-time monitoring of magnetic signals and temperature shifts at the nanoscale, providing a new level of precision in studying cellular signalling, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. Beatriz Costa, the first author of this study, emphasises the significance of the work: “The use of low-autofluorescence 3D polymeric scaffolds enabled the integration of quantum metrology techniques with nanodiamonds. When combined with 3D neuronal cell aggregates, this approach holds great potential for in-depth studies of neurodegenerative diseases and beyond.” The study’s success lies in its ability to use these scaffolds to host dopaminergic neurons, crucial to Parkinson’s disease research, and demonstrate the neurons’ […]

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Portuguese Competence Centre for Semiconductors Launched at INL in Braga

Portuguese Competence Centre for Semiconductors Launched at INL in Braga

The Portuguese Competence Centre for Semiconductors (POEMS) held its inaugural meeting yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s semiconductor industry. Hosted by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), the launch session showcased the consortium’s key areas of expertise and strategic goals. Co-funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) and the Chips Joint Undertaking – European Union, POEMS is set to become one of 27 European semiconductor competence centres. These centres aim to empower companies to advance semiconductor development, a critical component in the global technology landscape. POEMS, as a cutting-edge initiative under the Chips Joint Undertaking initiative, directly addresses the critical needs outlined in Axis 1 of the National Semiconductor Strategy. This strategic alignment aims to catapult Portugal to the forefront of semiconductor innovation and production, specifically focusing on microelectronics and semiconductors. These areas are pivotal for elevating the existing industrial and technological capacities to meet key global challenges. Focusing on the strategic areas of chip design, advanced packaging, and emerging semiconductor technologies, POEMS leverages the diverse expertise of its 16 consortium partners. These partners include leading research and academic institutions that bring specialised training resources and cutting-edge capabilities. In Portugal, the 16 POEMS partners will […]

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INL Colloquia Series Welcomes Prof. Dr. Max Lemme for a Groundbreaking Talk on 2D Materials

INL Colloquia Series Welcomes Prof. Dr. Max Lemme for a Groundbreaking Talk on 2D Materials

The INL Colloquia Series is thrilled to announce that Prof. Dr. Max Lemme, a leading figure in the field of nanoscale transistors and 2D materials, will be delivering a talk titled “Device Applications of 2D Materials“ on 23 April 2025 at 15:00 at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in Braga – Portugal. This event promises to be a highlight of the series, offering insights into cutting-edge research and its applications in communication, sensing, and neuromorphic computing. Prof. Dr. Lemme is at the forefront of the NeuroSys future cluster, an ambitious project focused on Neuromorphic Hardware for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Systems. NeuroSys, one of seven future clusters selected for funding from over 130 submissions in the Clusters4Future initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims to develop innovative hardware for AI applications and position the Aachen region as a global leader in this field. This talk is a unique opportunity to hear from a pioneer in the field and to learn about the latest advancements in 2D materials and their potential to revolutionize technology. About the INL Colloquia Series 2025 The INL Colloquia Series 2025 is an inspiring monthly event that delves into cutting-edge science and engineering. Now in […]

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