Ana Catarina B. Lima
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanosystems
Degree in Physics
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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8462-2346
Current Project
New inks for printed electronic components and sensing devices: integration into a fully printed magnetic sensor
Recently, a number of printing technologies have been developed to pattern a wide range of functional materials on diverse substrates. Printed sensors and electronics enable low-cost per surface area, flexibility and large area capabilities, applications including wearable electronics, interactive surfaces and artificial skin.
Despite this favorable context and high popularity, printed sensors have several limitations compared to conventional sensors, e.g. operation life time, sensibility, sensor range and noise. These limitations must be addressed to meet the requirements of industrial applications.
In sharp contrast with this death-end scenario, this project will tackle the fabrication of a new generation of low-cost electronics, also including solution-based “green” printing, of several device components. Our additional goal is the development of working magnetic sensing prototypes obtained through an all printed device components strategy.
(a) Cross section image by SEM; (b) Magnetoelectric device.
Beatriz Dias Cardoso
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanossystems
Degree in Genetics and Biotechnology
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9804-2553
Current Project
Microfluidic evaluation of drug-loaded magnetoliposomes as multifunctional platforms for advanced cell therapies
In this project, magnetoliposomes containing magnetic nanoparticles of mixed ferrites will be developed, functionalized and loaded with anticancer drugs, pointing at dual cancer therapy (combined chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia). Moreover, a disposable microfluidic cell culture platform will be designed and fabricated using soft-lithography and combined with a non-disposable actuation and control platform to allow control of the magnetic actuation (megnetothermal and/or magnetomechanical) of magnetoliposomes. The evaluation of the microfluidic cell culture platform will be performed using healthy and cancer-cell lines. The efficiency of the drug-loaded magnetoliposomes will be evaluated by comparing cell response without and with magnetic actuation. This project aims to take a step forward by creating new platforms for testing the influence and effectiveness of new therapies, in an attempt to help researchers and pharmacological industries to increase the probability of success in the discovery process and therapeutic efficiency.
(i) Magnetization hysteresis cycles of neat manganese ferrite nanoparticles (NPs), of solid magnetoliposomes based on manganese ferrite nanoparticles and aqueous magnetoliposomes based on manganese ferrite nanoparticles. In (ii) are exhibited several magnetoliposomes containing nanoparticles clusters (with one smaller cluster in the middle). Inset: a single SML is observed.
Bruna F. Gonçalves
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Characterization Techniques and Chemical Analysis
Degree in Chemistry
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0633-9251
Current project
Novel printable photovoltaic systems based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 chalcopyrite
Over the last decades there has been strong efforts looking for efficient, clean and renewable energy sources to fulfill the ever-growing energy consumption. With respect to solar energy, inorganic thin film solar cells based on CuInxGa1-xSe2 (CIGSe) have gained special attention due to the strong light absorbing properties and a bandgap well-matching with the optimal spectral range for photovoltaic applications. The highest solar cell efficiency achieved with CIGSe, as photo-absorber layer is, up to date 22.6% using vacuum-based deposition techniques. The use of non-vacuum deposition techniques is desirable due to the lower-cost of the process, scalability and compatibility with flexible substrates3. Solution-processed CIGSe thin film solar cells with an efficiency of 15.2% have been achieved, however highly toxic and explosive solvent (hydrazine) is used, which is not suitable for large-scale production4. In this work, a single-phase CIGSe screen printed photo-absorber layer for solar cells is proposed using a water-based solution.
Bruno Filipe Hermenegildo
PhD student in Materials Science and Technology
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanossystems
Degree in Physics
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4854-8596
Current Project
Hybrid biodegradable active systems for tissue engineering
Preparation of polymeric microspheres, study of microspheres' integration in hydrogels and mechanical characterization injectable hydrogels; development of microfluidic devices for ecotoxicological studies. Master thesis in Biophysics: Development of active and biodegradable hydrogels for bone tissue engineering applications.
Hugo Salazar
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Characterization Techniques and Chemistry Analysis
Degree in Chemistry
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4552-6383
Current Project
New generation of polymer composite membranes for water purification
Water quality is a growing concern and chemical contamination of drinking water sources threatening millions of people. Among others, polymeric membranes are increasingly attractive to remove chemical contaminants from water, as it is simple, efficient and economic.
This work will focus on the development water purification systems based on polymeric membranes with specific active nanofillers for contaminants removal. The focus will rely on inorganic compounds removal by adsorption processes and on organic compounds degradation by photocatalytic processes, with the purpose of develop a multifunctional system for water purification. This work plan will allow to create a platform for further developments and technology transfer.
Jivago Nunes
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Materials Engineering
Degree in Optoelectronics and Lasers
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Current Project
Polymer based sensors fabricated by printing technologies
The development of polymer based sensors and their integration in different substrates and devices is an area of increasing scientific and technological interest. It will be investigate the development of inks for screen-printing and ink-jet printing technologies in order to allow printing of piezoelectric, piezoresistive and magnetoelectric sensors on different substrates. The research will mainly focus on inks based on copolymers and nanocomposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with fillers such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) or magnetostrictive ferrites. The aim of this work is to produce inks with appropriate characteristics for printing and achieve printed sensors on different substrates.
João Carlos Pacheco Barbosa
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Environmental Sciences and Technologies
Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies
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http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4670-2027
Current Project
Development of new solid-polymer electrolytes based on three composites for energy storage applications
The present work plan aims to process and characterize nanostructured polymer nanocomposites as solid polymer electrolytes for Lithium-ion batteries. Three component composites and different polymer materials (electroactive polymers, based on PVDF, biopolymers, such as cellulose and silk fibroin, and elastomeric thermoplastic as SEBS) have been rarely investigated for the aforementioned purpose.
Some of the proposed polymers show a tunable dielectric constant and ionic conductivity, which is one of the main requirements of this type of applications, as well as suitable mechanical properties. The present study will be focused on different fillers that also meet the requirements of mechanical stability, tunable dielectric constant and/or ionic mobility, among others. This three-component approach is also used in the electrodes preparation area in which the supervisors have strong expertise, as well as in printed batteries.
This work plan includes the theoretical evaluation and production of nanocomposites from different polymers with combinations of two different fillers, and the study of their thermal, mechanical and electrochemical properties. The produced nanocomposites will be tested on battery prototypes in order to evaluate their performance.
João Luís Rodrigues Teixeira
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanosystems
Degree in Physics
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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7537-9076
Current Project
Multifunctional air filters based on emerging natural polymers for VOC's removal
Air pollution causes premature deaths each year, with the growth of approximately 60 percent for every doubling of a city population. Exposure to contaminants caused the death of 7 million people in 2012. The commercial air filters still present important drawbacks concerning multifunctionality, mechanical strength and efficiency.
This work will focus on the production of novel natural polymer based composite filters with specific active nanofillers for air contaminants removal. The active materials will increase membrane affinity and selectivity of chemicals to be removed as well as the antimicrobial properties. The focus will rely on VOCs removal, and innovation will be at the level of membranes using natural polymers (tailored porosity, pore size, and surface properties) and multifunctionality due to the adsorbent, degradation and antimicrobial properties. This work plan will address a specific problem, but it will also allow creating a platform for further developments and technology transfer.
Juliana Oliveira
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Physics of Advanced Materials
Degree in Physics and Chemistry – Teaching course
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3586-1305
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Current Project
Radiation detectors based in inkjet printing technologies
The x-ray detectors are undergoing fast development, towards obtaining digital radiographies with improved spatial resolution while reducing the radiation dose. There are two main methods to fabricate radiation detectors, known as direct and indirect approaches. The direct method usually uses a photoconductor that is directly exposed to x-rays. In the indirect method, a scintillator is placed on the top of a photodetector. Both methods have severe limitations, when the fabrication of large-area imagers is, being these imagers very expensive.The aim of this project is to study and develop an indirect method radiation detector, based in polymer electronics and inkjet printing techniques. This approach allows overcoming the size limitation of existing x-ray imagers.
Liliana Fernandes
PhD student in Materials Science and Technology
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanossystems
Degree in Physics
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5428-4411
Current Project
Develpment of magnetic ionic liquid/polymer composites for sensing and actuation
Electroactive polymers (EAPs) and composites are increasingly used in technological applications. Developments in materials performance and stability are needed to reach their full potential for advanced technologies.
The aim of this work is to tailor and optimize the properties of novel, high performance multifunctional ionic EAPs based on magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) and polymers from the family of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (P(VDF)), targeting applications as sensors and, in particular, actuators for touch screens with haptic properties. Magnetic, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical and magnetoelectric properties will be determined and related to the chemical and physical characteristics of the materials. The response and their characteristics will be initially optimized aiming applications in magnetoelectric sensing haptic actuator technologies due the large technological interest.
Luís Amaro Ribeiro Martins
PhD student
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanosystems
Degree in Applied Biology
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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8648-6459
Current Project
My present work consists in the production of a microfluidics perfusion bioreactor for tissue engineering applications and synthesis of polymer electroactive microspheres. The idea behind the project is the development of an integrated system to differentiate bone marrow cells. It is composed in the two parts above mentioned and it’s designed to be used on a culture plate in conjunction with a magnetic bioreactor capable of providing, together with an adequate substrate, electric stimuli to cells through a controlled magnetic field. The bioreactor was previously developed by the ESM Group.
Microspheres will be produced from an magnetostrictive composite of PVDF and Cobalt Ferrites. The microspheres, to which cells adhere and grow attached to, are inserted in a hydrogel and can be remotely stimulated via a magnetic field to produce differentiation enhancing electrical stimuli. Composite microspheres will be produced in a microfluidics system due to advantages such as the precise control over their dimension.
In order to enhance the simplicity and functionality of the system a device will be developed so the culture medium can be continuously renewed, cells can be fed up and oxygenated and metabolites removed, all in an autonomous manner. The PDMS device will be cast from 3D printed PLA molds and peristaltic pump will be used recirculate the medium.
This project is a conjunction between the CBIT (from the Polytechnic University of Valencia) and ESM (from University of Minho).
Nélson Castro
PhD student in Projects Engineering
MSc in Industrial Electronics Engineering
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0648-2285
Current Project
Design, fabrication and validation of a new generation of bioreactors for tissue engineering applications
Design, fabricate and validate a new generation of bioreactors for cell culture stimulation, in order to improve cell proliferation for tissue engineering strategy development, exploiting responsive materials microenvironments, resembling some of the most common physical stimuli within the human body. Some stimuli can be produced by polymer-based scaffolds such as magnetoelectric, which can work as mechanical and electrical actuators.
This PhD project aims to develop two types of bioreactors: one for bone tissue engineering through magnetoelectric stimulation (through mechanical vibration and piezoelectricity) and another for muscle tissue engineering through mechanical stirring and controlled current impulses.
Thus, this project encompasses several fields of engineering such as device engineering, design, mechanics and electronics, having also into account proper material selection and the final biomedical application.
Magnetoelectric Bioreactor for bone tissue engineering, its working principle relies on permanent magnet displacement for magnetic field variation, resulting in mechanical vibration and piezoelectricity stimuli to the cells through the magnetoelectric scaffold.
Electromechanic Bioreactor for muscle tissue engineering, using stretch force for a few millimeters to stimulate muscle cells to produce extra cellular matrix on polymeric scaffold.
Nelson Silva Pereira
PhD student
MSc in industrial Electronics Engineering and Computers
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1293-0865
Current Project
Development of multifunctional inks for the implementation of interactive applications
The digital technology is becoming more and more related with materials and the information can be presented in a variety of forms, colours and textures. Further, sensorial interactions can be achieved with floors, walls and multi-touch textiles, allowing new possibilities of interactivity through tangible user interfaces, organics and computation composites, among others. Multi-touch surfaces can work as transparent or opaque depending on application, opaque applications including capacitive keyboard, touchpads, position tracking surfacesand proximity buttons.
This project aims to explore, develop and incorporate new smart and functional printed materials, such as transparent conductive inks and electroactive materials, in order to implement new interactive platforms.
Ricardo Brito Pereira
PhD student in Materials Engineering
Integrated master in Biomedical Engineering
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0983-2415
Current Project
A new generation of microfluidic platforms based on smart and multifunctional materials
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) represent a promising platform for the development of portable, disposable and low-cost analytical tools in clinical diagnostic, environmental monitoring and food safety, among others. However, commercialization of μPADs is noticeably lagging, mainly because of their poor ability to achieve complex fluid and analyte handling tasks and also because of their low storage stability, affecting strongly their performance. Thus, during the PhD the objective is to take a step forward and develop alternative materials with enhanced properties to both complement and replace paper using natural and synthetic polymers that feature smart properties and controlled physicochemical properties to work as active microfluidic substrates. Alongside, hydrophobic components, required to define the channels and confine the fluid flow within the substrate, with multifunctional properties will be also developed as alternative to the commercially passive materials used in printing technologies.
Sérgio Gonçalves
PhD student
MSc in Industrial Electronics and Computers Engineering
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3189-863X
Current Project
New Generation of Interactive Platforms Based on Novel Printed Smart Materials
The current PhD proposal aims to study and prototype a platform (embedded in a book or not) with the intent of increasing the possibilities of interaction with the user, through the use of polymer based sensors and actuators combined with printed electronics, that can rely on the use of digital devices as a complement of the device itself, but not necessarily restrained to.
Physical books doted by printed electronics is a good combination for increased user interaction. There exist polymer printing solutions recurring to conductive, piezoresistive, piezoelectric or magnetic properties of materials, among others, which are used to create sensors and actuators that can be blended within the pages of a book. As a result, it is possible to detect in what page the book is opened, where the user is touching and with what intensity, or generate sound, as well as a plentiful of other types of applications.
Sylvie Ribeiro
PhD student
Integrated Master in Biological Engineering
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7175-6273
Current Project
Tailoring electroactive polymer nanocomposites for novel muscle tissue engineering applications
Piezoelectric nanocomposite membranes and scaffolds are developed with different architectures and fillers optimized for muscle tissue engineering. In the literature is proven that muscle reacts to electro-mechanical stimuli during normal function and thus, in this project will be proved the need of such stimuli for a proper tissue regeneration. Piezoelectric polymers have been recognized to be relevant for the differentiation of C2C12 myoblast into multinucleated myotubes and, when stimulated by electrical signals, can accelerate the assembly of functional sarcomeres. The main objective of the present work is to develop a multiplatform based on piezoelectric polymers, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with the introduction of different fillers such as ionic liquid , conductive and magnetic fillers, silica nanoparticles and heteroatoms and/or charged groups, among others. Preparation techniques based on thermally induced phase separation and electrospinning will be used, allowing to obtain precise microstructures. The novel electromechanical bioreactors systems will be also used for dynamic vibration (controlled frequency and signal amplitude).
Teresa de Almeida
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Biophysics and Bionanosystems
Degree in Genetics and Biotechnology
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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7094-4638
Current Project
Biodegradable electroactive polymer materials as a novel approach for neural tissue engineering applications
Active materials with controlled cell-materials interaction represent a recent paradigm in tissue engineering (TE) applications. Among the most important stimulus influencing cell behavior are the electrical and mechanical. This project aims to develop a novel technological platform able to regulate in vitro cellular and tissue growth in a 3D system via combined mechanical/electrical stimulation. For that, different piezoelectric materials with selected architectures for neural TE applications will be developed. Bioreactors capable of generating electromechanical stimuli, taking advantage of the material’s piezoelectric response, will be optimized. Electromechanical stimuli impact on cultured cells biology and behavior will be evaluated. As main outcomes, the project will provide new TE strategies based on the increased knowledge of cell differentiation process, new materials and optimized new tools.
Tiago Marinho
PhD student in Materials Engineering
MSc in Applied Physics
Degree in Physics
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4885-5895
Current Project
Printable energy harvester systems for wearable sensors devices
Energy harvesting devices use as harvesting materials single crystals, ceramics, polymers and nanocomposites. Despite efforts in the development of novel materials, the most widely used materials in applications remain ceramics as piezoelectric materials, since they still present the higher output performances in the range up to mW of generated power. However, ferroelectric polymers are manufactured for novel applications as systems for scavenging the surrounding ambient energy for low-power devices. These energy harvesting systems operate taking advantage of the pyroelectric, piezoelectric, triboelectric and electromagnetic properties of the polymers and polymer composites reinforced with nanoparticles (with intrinsic properties and geometries) to maximize the energy harvesting performance. Further, polymers and composites can be tailored as inks for printable applications and for being integrated in specific harvesting applications systems. In this project it is proposed to develop high performance polymer-based printable materials for energy harvesting to power low-power consuming sensors devices.
A) Diagram of wearable tactile sensors and relevant applications: interactive and wearable human-machine interfaces, stretchable electronics for skin prosthesis, 3D printed strain sensors, wearable sensors, wearable electronic patch for healthcare, epidermal devices for bold flow monitoring, digital tactile system and soft robotics for chemists; B) Illustration of the basic idea of wearable tactile sensing; and C) Example of a printing process: screen printing.