[nanoPost] Biosensors and biomaterials

Research Centre Belgium

Contract research is undertaken in several fields including materials technology, environmental technology and toxicology.

Interest in nanotechnology lies in the combination of nanomaterials technology and biotechnology for applications in the environmental, food and health domain. Examples include the development of biosensors, development and surface modification of biomaterials, development of adhesive, anti-adhesive, anti-bacterial and other bio-functional coatings or materials.

The Centre for Materials Advice and Analysis unites expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation for the structural, chemical and mechanical characterization of materials, materials surfaces and coatings on the micro- and nanometre scale. Important nanocharacterization tools available are scanning probe microscopy (SPM), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and nano-indentation (DSI).

The Surface Technology group applies plasma-processes (in vacuum and at atmospheric pressure) for the deposition of coatings with thickness ranging from a few nanometres to about 10 nm. Such coatings allow the modification of, for example, the optical and electronical properties of a surface as well as its wettability. Simple plasma activation, i.e. the introduction of functional groups onto a surface is in some cases sufficient to evoke the desired properties and allows immobilization of biomolecules. Furthermore, plasma technology is used for controlled etching of surfaces to introduce patterns or relief on the nanoscale.

The Ceramic Processing group has extensive experience in the wide field of manufacturing, designing and final processing of ceramic components. Special attention is attributed to the preparation of nano-particles and the development of human bone substitutes or scaffolds.

Current research efforts are focusing on the development of multifunctional, nanostructured coatings for ‘smart materials’, i.e. products based on common materials with tailored surface properties: controlled wettability, improved printability, specific chemical bonding capabilities, barrier properties, bio-activity, scratch resistance, self lubricating and low friction behaviour, predefined surface topology, bio-compatibility, sensory functions, optical characteristics.

The Department of Environmental Technology develops biosensors for the detection of heavy metals, organic pollutants, antibiotics, toxicity and genotoxicity. Studies have been initiated on the interactions between microorganisms and metals in view of the production of nanosized crystals.

In the Department of Environmental Toxicology research is conducted in Ecotoxicology and in the domain of Environment and Health, where the impact of pollution (pesticides, PCBs, dioxins, electromagnetic radiation) on human health is evaluated. The department has acquired substantial expertise in biomonitoring studies, genotoxicology, immuno- and haematotoxicology. They also focus on the application of molecular biology (FISH, genotyping, gene-expression/microarrays) methods in their research.