Peter Reiss is a research director in the fundamental research division of CEA Grenoble, France. He graduated from University of Karlsruhe (Germany) and earned his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry in 2000. His research activities focus on colloidal semiconductor quantum dots and metal halide perovskites, in particular their synthesis, functionalization, optical and structural properties.
Abstract: Quantum Dots for Light Emission and Sensing Applications
40 years after the discovery of the quantum confinement effect, three researchers pioneering the field of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (‘quantum dots’) received the Nobel prize in chemistry in 2023. What makes these tiny inorganic crystals capped with organic ligands so interesting? Their fascinating properties have been exploited in many fields of application, most of which rely on the absorption or emission of light. This talk will give a brief historical review and then focus on the current status of research in some concrete examples of applications focusing on LEDs and photodetectors. Parallels and differences with the emerging class of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals will also be highlighted.
Prof. Aitziber Cortajarena earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Universidad del País Vasco. Then, she worked on protein design at Yale University, USA, as an Associate Research Scientist. She joined IMDEA Nanociencia in 2010 and started her independent research in nanobiotechnology. In 2016, she joined CIC biomaGUNE as Ikerbasque Research Professor. Currently, she leads the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group and is Scientific Director at CIC biomaGUNE since 2022.
Her research focuses on biomolecular engineering toward the generation of functional hybrid nanostructures and bioinspired materials for applications in technology and medicine.
Abstract: Engineering Advanced Photoluminescent Biomolecule-Nanomaterial Hybrids for Optics
In recent years, the integration of quantum dots (QDs) with biomolecules has emerged as a transformative approach across multiple applications. We explore the innovative engineering of biomolecule-nanomaterial hybrids, focusing on the unique properties and functionalities imparted by QDs. Through the manipulation of their size, shape, and surface chemistry, QDs can be tailored to exhibit specific photoluminescent properties. These include tunable emission and quantum yield, offering significant advantages for their implementation in sensing applications.
We will cover recent advancements in the design of QD-based systems and their application, mainly in biosensing, by leveraging the unique optical properties of these nanomaterials. Furthermore, we will review the development of hybrid systems that combine QDs with various biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, to create multifunctional hybrid systems by combining the luminescent properties of the nanomaterials and the biorecognition properties of the biomolecules. Through the synergy between advanced nanomaterials and biological components, these hybrids enable the development of advanced sensors and the precise integration of luminescent materials into optical devices.
Joerg Martin studied physics at the Chemnitz University of Technology. Currently at Fraunhofer ENAS, he is heading the group ‘Optical Components and Systems’. His work focuses on the development of optical micro- and nanosystems for (spectral) sensor technology and the integration of colloidal quantum dots into photonic components.
Abstract: Single Photon Sources – From Basics to Applications
Single photon sources are becoming increasingly important for a wide range of quantum technology applications, e.g. for metrology. Based on the physical principles of single and entangled photons, the talk will provide an overview of various methods of photon generation. In addition, detection methods for single photons and photon entanglement (e.g. via Hanbury, Brown and Twiss effect) and some applications will be presented in the talk. Finally, it will be shown that improvements to spectroscopic systems are still possible today with the help of quantum technology, in particular through the use of single photon sources.
Frank Bier is Chair of Molecular Bioanalytics and Bioelectronics at University of Potsdam and Director of the Institute for Molecular Diagnostics and Bioanalsis (IMDB). His research aims at bringing diagnostics and bioanalytics out of the lab to the places, where they are needed. Current interests are on lateral flow assays and biosensors, lab-on-chip systems integration, nanobiotechnology, and the application of these research for in vitro diagnostics in point-of-care settings with special focus on infectious diseases.
Abstract: Optical Biosensing – Principles, Recent Advances and Applications
The talk will provide a brief introduction to the basic principles of optical transduction for biosensing. Both aspects, the determination of ingredients as well as the kinetic analysis of biomolecular binding, will be addressed. The talk will also bridge to the most recent developments in the field. Some examples for applications will demonstrate the benefits from optics and nanotechnology for the advancement of detection at the point of need.
Dr. Aitor Manteca has been a Research Associate in the Biomolecular Nanotechnology Lab at CIC biomaGUNE since 2021, supported by the Gipuzkoa Fellow program. He has published eight peer-reviewed articles as a first, second, or corresponding author and contributed to the creation of two startups. Dr. Manteca has developed innovative techniques such as droplet microfluidics for screening antimicrobial peptides during his postdoctoral stay at INSERM and CNRS, funded by an EMBO grant. Since joining CIC biomaGUNE, he developed a microfluidic droplet station for protein design.
Abstract: Advancing Biosensing with Microfluidic Functionalization: Innovations and Challenges
Microfluidic functionalization has emerged as a transformative approach in biosensing, offering unprecedented control over biochemical interactions at the microscale. This talk will explore how microfluidic systems enable precise functionalization of surfaces for enhanced sensitivity and specificity in detecting biomolecules. Key applications, including point-of-care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and healthcare, will be highlighted. The discussion will also address current challenges, such as scalability, preconcentration methods, integration with existing technologies, and ensuring reproducibility. By bridging the gap between engineering and biology, microfluidics holds immense promise for next-generation biosensors, paving the way for innovative solutions in diverse fields.
Julia Hann, chemist, has been working at the TU Chemnitz since 2013. Her research focusses on DNA origami and their system integration. Since 2021, she has been deepening her work on functionalized DNA origami hybrids for biosensors and photonics in the EU projects ‘DeDNAed’ and ‘GREENER’.
Abstract: DNA origami – a breadboard for heterogeneous nanostructures for biosensor applications
DNA origami technology is based on the programmable intramolecular folding of DNA strands, which enables the self-assembly of individual nanostructures. The integration of binding points on the surface of the DNA origami allows the realisation of high-precision arrangements of functional elements. This enables the combination of heterogeneous materials, which is of increasing relevance in the context of biosensors. The presentation will provide insights into the development of novel biosensors and nanostructures using the DNA origami as a nanoscale breadboard to improve the specificity and sensitivity in the detection of biomarkers, opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Luca Savio has been working since 2019 in Lutech Softjam as data engineer and data scientist, focusing on data-driven clients’ projects as well as research ones.
Curious by nature, he has a background in physics.
Abstract: AI and physics, an unexpected duo that protects the planet
Artificial Intelligence and physics are forging a groundbreaking alliance to combat pollution: spectroscopy, a powerful tool for detecting contaminants at molecular levels, generates vast amounts of data requiring sophisticated analysis.
AI enhances this process by rapidly interpreting spectral data, identifying the chemical composition of pollutants and their concentration in water.
Powered by state of the art sensor technology mounted on small scale devices, real-time water quality monitoring is at hand helping early detection of harmful substances and facilitating targeted interventions.
In this lecture we will explore the connections between AI and spectroscopy, and how we can leverage their combined superpowers to safeguard water resources and pave the way for cleaner ecosystems and sustainable water management practices worldwide.