Projects
Rationalizing dynamic nanoparticle restructuring as probed by advanced in situ X-ray scattering Ghent University
Metal nanoparticle (NP) catalysts are the key enablers of durable chemical technologies, opening the road towards carbon circularity. The atomic structure of NPs, and in particular the surface configuration, governs reactivity where adding or removing a single atom can have profound impact. To date, however, state-of-the-art characterization tools do not allow facile investigation of the 3D NP structure under relevant (reaction) conditions. ...
Characterization of short- and long-distance neuronal circuits in the enteric nervous system and their specific defects in Hirschsprung’s disease using advanced microscopy and stem cell technology KU Leuven
A distinguishing feature of the gastrointestinal (GI) system is the presence of the enteric nervous system (ENS), a mesh-like network of neurons and glia. The ENS mainly controls GI motility, secretion and local blood flow. During development, vagal neural crest cells enter and migrate down the gut to colonize the intestinal tube and form the ENS. As these neural progenitors have the daunting task of traveling long distances and bridging ...
High resolution tandem mass spectrometer for advanced proteomics KU Leuven
The instrument we wish to purchase is a "mass spectrometer", in essence a supersensitive balance to measure the mass for very tiny entities, in this case biological materials. Such instruments have revolutionized biological research. By using them we can identify many of the thousands of proteins in cells and dissect their elaborate properties. The instrument identifies either the presence of whole proteins or fragmented proteins. Correct ...
Three-dimensional atomic modelling of functional nanocrystalline structures from a single viewing direction. University of Antwerp
Spectral electron tomography as a quantitative technique to investigate functional nanomaterials. University of Antwerp
Correlating structure and properties of novel functional molecular metal clusters deposited on surfaces and embedded in 3D matrices KU Leuven
Molecular metal clusters (MMCs) are metal aggregates below 20 atoms presenting a molecule-like behavior that confer them very promising functionalities for applications in diverse fields such as photonics, catalysis, and spintronics. Although a new class of high performance materials based on (multi)functional MMCs is rapidly growing, fundamental understanding of their (electronic) structure and their properties is today very often lacking, ...
An integrated study towards understanding the functionalization, texturizing potential and storage stability of cell wall material KU Leuven
Cell walls of fruits and vegetables contain valuable polysaccharides that can be used as texturizers in the food industry. Recent work at our research group showed a novel approach for creating cell wall fractions with strong thickening properties by selectively removing specific biopolymers in combination with mechanical processing. Building further upon these highly promising results, next steps will be taken, by introducing advanced ...
Development of innovative 3-D neuronal scaffolds and related additive manufacturing technology for multi-material / multi-functional printing. KU Leuven
Neurodegenerative states pose a significant challenge in modern medicine, affecting over 55 million individuals, and with an estimated global cost of 2$ trillion by 2030. Despite scientific advancements, the intricate interactions between neuronal cells and their environment are not yet fully understood. Stem cell-based in vitro research holds promise in overcoming ethical and physical limitations of in vivo studies. However, the reproduction ...
Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing for Electrical Machines with increased performance Ghent University
The main project objective is to increase the power density of electric machines by 40% and to increase their efficiency by 5%point by developing multi-material additive manufacturing (MM-AM). AM4EM will especially focus on combining two materials during printing: electrically/magnetically conductive and an insulator. The project will move technology from TRL2 to TRL4. AM4EM defined several subobjectives:
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