RELIANCE Poster Presentation at FTAL 2024 Conference on Circular Economy
Researchers from Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture de Fribourg (HEIA-FR) showcased RELIANCE results at FTAL 2024 conference on Circular Economy held in November 2024 at Campus Est, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland. With a poster presentation titled “Valorizing Agro-Industrial Waste: Exploring Antimicrobial Peptides Prepared from Feather Keratin”, with lead author Justine Horner, HEIA-FR’s team displayed the progress on studying the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from feather keratin, a waste product of the poultry industry. Different methods for peptides’ extraction and purification had been explored, while taking into consideration their size and structural characteristics in order to optimize their antimicrobial activity. Preliminary results are promising, detecting activity against viruses and Gram-negative bacteria. The work in the coming months will involve chemical coupling of the AMPs with the synthesized nanoparticles and applying them to surfaces though cold atmospheric plasma deposition.
The Conference organized by the Association of Swiss Schools of Engineering, Architecture and Life Sciences (FTAL) reflects the significance of the circular economy concept, leading to a growing number of governmental, societal and business stakeholders to take major initiatives in their quest for promising cyclical models as an alternative to the current linear ones. More than 200 people attended the conference, validating the paramount importance of circular economy for reducing environmental impact, creating fair economic opportunities and building valuable models capable of facing challenging global dynamics.
The goals of FTAL 2024 Conference on Circular Economy were as follows:
Promoting exchanges between the different disciplines encompassed by Circular Economy, offering new insights and research challenges.
Receiving new input from international experts to advance the current research.
Connecting practitioners and researchers to mutually boost development of grounded theories and their application.
Presenting the state-of-the-art of circular frameworks and solutions.
Presentations included the state of the art of today’s research but also addressed topics such as resource efficiency, value retention, localization, circular environment, circular bioeconomy and other new business, production and market approaches.
The 2024th edition of the Environmental Chemistry Congress (EnviroChem) took place from November 5 to 8, 2024, at the Karadeniz Technical University, Osman Turan Congress Centre in Trabzon, Turkey.
Hosted by the Turkish Chemist Society, this gathering focused on various environmental chemistry fields, drawing experts and researchers worldwide to discuss challenges and advancements in pollution management, sustainable materials, toxicology, and more. Beyond the main sessions, the program encompassed oral and poster sessions, with awards for top posters, as well as stand areas for networking accompanied by refreshments.
The RELIANCE project was represented by Prof. Fabiana Arduini, from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV), who participated as an invited speaker. The congress united an audience of about one hundred professionals, researchers, and students, with several backgrounds, all united in the perfect setting that encouraged an engaging and collaborative atmosphere.
The main topics of the conferences included:
Air Chemistry and Pollution
Water Chemistry and Pollution
Toxicological Chemistry
Waste Minimization, Utilization, and Treatment
Green Chemistry and Industrial Ecology
Sources and Sustainable Materials, Energy
Analysis and Monitoring.
Titled “Nanomodified Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)sensors for Smart and Sustainable Environmental Analyses”, Fabiana Arduini shared her research journey and findings on developing innovative electrochemical devices that are both efficient and eco-friendly. This topic aligns closely with the themes of Analysis and Monitoring and Green Chemistry, as it addresses the need for sustainable yet highly effective tools for environmental monitoring.
The focus of Prof. Fabiana’s presentation was on paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors, which provided significant benefits compared to traditional sensors, especially regarding sustainability and functionality. This technology became an attractive option because of its eco-friendly design, which removed the necessity for non-biodegradable materials like polyester and permits incineration after use, thus minimizing waste. In contrast to conventional sensors, these paper-based devices can be easily combined with vertical microfluidics, serving as reservoirs for advanced sensing capabilities.
At the conference, Fabiana Arduini shared the results obtained in the RELIANCE project, highlighting the most recent outcomes of our research efforts. RELIANCE has played a crucial role in advancing this technology, supporting the development of nano-modified sensors that can accurately detect essential oils (used as disinfectants), while maintaining a low ecological footprint. These developments have generated significant interest from the public, who are keen to learn about the technological and practical implications of our work.
This presentation and the following discussion emphasized the importance of sustainable sensing technology in tackling environmental issues. She highlighted the potential of these devices to fill critical gaps in monitoring capabilities, especially as regulatory standards for pollution detection become more rigorous. The feedback from the audience stimulated fresh ideas and viewpoints in her ongoing research.
This conference also served as a reminder of the crucial role that environmental chemistry plays in shaping a sustainable future.
Taking place from 20 to 23 October 2024 in Brno, Czech Republic, the 2nd BioExcel Conference on Advances in Biomolecular Simulations brought together the biomolecular research community to explore the latest trends, updates and challenges in the fields of integrative modelling, free energy and drug design, workflows, automation and data integration.
The event encompassed topics including Molecular Dynamics, Free Energy Calculations, Integrative Modelling, Force Field Development, Coarse-Graining, QM/MM, AI, Applications of Biomolecular Simulation Methods, and more. It gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including academics and researchers ranging from chemists, chemical engineers, and biologists to computer and information scientists.
The RELIANCE project was represented by our partners from the University of Patras (UPAT) who did an oral and poster presentation at the conference. Georgios Leonis shared the current research outcomes of RELIANCE regarding the computational modeling of specific bio- and nanostructures as promising antimicrobial agents. He outlined the modes of interaction between biologically relevant structures (i.e., essential oils, copper-based nanoparticles) and proteins that directly modulate antimicrobial actions. Furthermore, he explained how these results paved the way for significant advances in the rational design of novel compounds with optimal antimicrobial activity and elucidated the correlation between the molecular mechanism of action and physiological responses to pathogens.
During the poster session, Katerina Karadima also presented an overview of the team’s work developed within RELIANCE activities. She delved into the structural dynamics of keratin-derived antimicrobial peptides (KAMPs) in both dilute and semi-dilute solutions, highlighting recent findings on their interactions with model Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial membranes. Additionally, she explored the stability of pre-assembled pores and the role of KAMPs integrated into the bilayer membrane.
Surface view of KAMP-18C pre-assembled pore in model Gram-positive membrane
The RELIANCE project was prominently presented at the International Symposium on Biopolymers (ISBP) 2024, held this year in Malaysia. With its theme, “Towards Safe and Sustainable Biopolymers for our Future,” ISBP 2024 brought together 299 participants from 34 countries, all working towards advancing the science and applications of biopolymers. The conference was organized by University Sains Malaysia and featured an impressive array of topics, to include the synthesis and application of novel biopolymers, sustainable production pathways and the biodegradability of bio-based plastics.
RELIANCE’s contributions to biopolymer research were highlighted by Professor Roger Marti, a key member of the project’s consortium along with HEIA-FR team, in a keynote lecture on “Keratin from Chicken Feathers as Functional Additive.” His presentation, focused on the innovative use of keratin as an additive in bioplastics, sparked considerable interest from a big audience of attendees. It constituted a valuable contribution to the ISBP’s main emphasis on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a special class of naturally occurring polyester with unique biodegradable properties, such as complete and fast degradation in sea water and soil, and blended perfectly with the conference’s special sessions on other bio-based natural polymers, such as silk protein, polyamides and polyester, based on bio-based monomers. In a unique way, the ISBP 2024 illustrated the growing intersection between two fascinating biopolymers, keratin & PHA, revealing their promising potential for sustainable industrial applications. The engaging discussions continued in the coffee breaks, with making new contacts, opening avenues for new partnerships and further research collaborations within the community.
Professor Marti’s active role extended beyond his presentation; as a member of the ISBP Scientific Committee, he also served on the poster evaluation board, sharing insights and engaging with young scientists. “It was inspiring to witness”, he shares, “their motivation to bring sustainable chemistry to applications, throughout the conference, which featured 83 poster presentations and 86 oral presentations.”
ISBP 2024 was a landmark event showcasing the field’s long-standing contributions to sustainable science. The next iteration is set to take place at the University College Dublin, Ireland, where the future of biopolymer research and innovation will continue to be shaped.
On September 5, 2024, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Fribourg hosted the SCS Fall Meeting, one of Switzerland’s largest and most anticipated research conferences.
Organized by the Swiss Chemical Society, this annual gathering serves as an invaluable platform for sharing the latest advancements and cultivating connections across the chemical sciences community. The SCS Fall Meeting is a staple in Swiss chemistry, drawing over a thousand participants each year and offering a rare blend of academic rigor, networking, and inspiration. For decades, it has welcomed senior scientists eager to share their latest research breakthroughs and provided young chemists with the exciting chance to present their findings—often for the first time in such a distinguished setting.
The 2024 program was packed with enriching sessions that offered both depth and diversity across chemical sciences. Highlights included:
Poster session & exhibition where emerging researchers presented innovative projects, complemented by a commercial exhibition showcasing industry advancements.
Plenary sessions featuring lectures by four esteemed SCS award winners of 2024, each delivering insights on groundbreaking research.
Award ceremony recognizing excellence in oral and poster presentations.
Nine thematic sessions with keynote lectures and dedicated 15-minute PhD presentations, covering topics from analytical sciences to organic chemistry.
A poster presentation by our partners from The School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR) showcased their innovative work on extracting, isolating, and purifying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from chicken feathers. Their approach—evaluating multiple extraction and purification methods—opened new possibilities for sustainable bioproducts, contributing to the meeting’s theme of advancing chemistry for a better world.
The SCS Fall Meeting 2024 exemplified the power of collaboration and shared knowledge in driving chemistry forward. With its unique blend of cutting-edge research and community spirit, the meeting left participants inspired and connected, ready to apply new insights to their work.
The RELIANCE project, represented by partner Centexbel, took center stage at INFOHappening 2024 in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, held from May 28 to 31. The project was featured in an oral presentation titled “Designing PU for Sustainable Coatings, showcasing important outcomes obtained from the project activities.
During this session, participants were introduced by David de Smet to the pioneering results of a wash-resistant, bio-based polyurethane (PU) coating developed by Centexbel, showing RELIANCE advancements on environmentally conscious materials in textile applications.
INFOHappening is an annual, free-to-attend event hosted by Centexbel that brings together industry leaders and innovators in textile coating, finishing, and printing. The 2024 edition brought together 20 companies specializing in in textile chemistry and coatings, coming together to explore a range of cutting-edge themes.
The topics of the programme during the workshop encompassed:
Paving the way for sustainable flooring
Plasma treatment of hemp fabrics for composite applications
Safety considerations when working with carbon fibres
Flame retardant biobased epoxies
Physical testing of coated & printed materials
Designing sustainable PU for coatings
Biodegradable coatings for textiles and packaging
PHA based plastisols as an alternative for PVC in artificial leather
Biobased screenprinting and microfibre release finishes for apparel
INFOHappening 2024 proved once again to be an invaluable event for fostering new ideas and inspiring eco-friendly innovations in the textile industry.
The 4th World Conference on Advanced Materials for Defense Aux Defense 2024 took place in the Portuguese city of Braga in June 2024. It brought together researchers, technologists, military personnel and students with a strong interest in advanced materials for defense applications. This premier event serves as a convergence point for the brightest minds in the field, fostering the exchange of ideas and the latest advancements in materials science tailored to defense and civil use. It is designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of defense materials research. Objectives included improving equipment performance, reducing weight, enhancing durability, enabling stealth, providing protection, increasing energy efficiency, advancing propulsion and electronics, addressing chemical and biological threats, leveraging additive manufacturing, promoting sustainability, countering threats, strengthening supply chains and fostering dual-use technologies. This research is crucial for enhancing defense capabilities, protecting personnel and maintaining a technological edge, and requires collaboration among academia, industry and other stakeholders.
The Scientific Program comprised a variety of sessions including keynotes and international experts invited to deliver lively discussions on specialty topics. The cutting-edge research related to defense is delivered through oral communication sessions, each one offering a unique opportunity to amass the latest scientific and technical novelties in advanced materials for defense, including equipment and soldier protective systems.
More than 120 oral and poster presentations were included, showcasing a wealth of knowledge and groundbreaking studies. As an invited speaker, RELIANCE partner Fabiana Arduini, UNITOV had the honor of presenting the results obtained in the project with regard to the use of paper in miniaturized sensors. In the field of biosensors, the use of paper has established a new application route considering its several features, as follows:
capillary-driven flowing pathways avoiding the use of external pumps
capability to work as a reservoir for storing the reagents, delivering a reagent-free analytical tool
ability to work without sample treatment, i.e. filtration and dilution
flexibility and foldability, boosting the origami configuration easily without any additional device
feature to work as a reactor to synthesize inside nanomaterials by following a sustainable approach
ability to detect the target analyte not only in solution but also in aerosol and solid samples without any sampling system
characteristics to design combined hybrid systems to boost easy analysis, overcoming the on-going limitation using polyester-based printed electrochemical biosensors.
The advantages of using paper-based electrochemical biosensors have also been demonstrated in the defense field. In her presentation, she reported on the research activity carried out in the UNITOV and ISBD group she leads, focused on paper-based point-of-care devices, including the last results obtained within RELIANCE. Their latest results underline the versatility and effectiveness of these paper-sensors, reinforcing their importance in advancing technologies.
Presenting RELIANCE at Aux Defense 2024 brings great value to the project results’ visibility as the event underscores the critical role of advanced materials in enhancing defense capabilities, protecting personnel and maintaining a technological edge. Furthermore, the conference fostered collaboration among academia, industry and other stakeholders, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the complex challenges faced by the defense and security sector. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, Aux Defense 2024 not only showcases the latest innovations but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in materials science for various applications.
Taking place from September 9 to 13th, the NanoInnovation 2024 Conference and Exhibition hosted at the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy was an event focused on advancing the frontiers of nanotechnology and an exceptional gathering of a wide range of stakeholders. With over 1500 attendees participating both in person and virtually, it served as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations and setting the stage for future breakthroughs.
This annual event became a cornerstone for nanotechnology professionals and researchers, demonstrating the global passion and collective commitment to pushing the boundaries for cutting-edge technology in the field. It brought together experts from diverse areas of research such as materials science, biotechnology, environmental science and engineering, all united by a common goal: to harness the potential of nanotechnology for benefitting society. Whether it was the discussions on medical nanotechnology, advancements in nanomaterials for sustainable energy or the novel approaches in nanomanufacturing, the breadth and depth of knowledge exchanged were truly remarkable.
Laura Fabiani from Tor Vergata University of Rome (UNITOV) shares that one of the highlights of the conference for her was the opportunity to present the groundbreaking progress of RELIANCE Project during a dedicated workshop on Advanced Nanocoatings. The workshop allowed participants to share the latest advancements in their work on eco-friendly antimicrobial coatings, a crucial technology with vast applications in healthcare, sanitation and beyond.
Laura’s presentation introduced the core scope of RELIANCE while emphasizing UNITOV team’s exciting advancements in monitoring the effectiveness of these innovative coatings. One key innovation is the use of paper-based sensors for the electrochemical detection of essential oils, which serve as the active antimicrobial agents. These sensors provide an efficient and eco-friendly solution for ensuring the durability and functionality of the nanocoatings in real-world applications. Laura also shared their ongoing work on a sandwich-type immunosensor designed for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using a novel paper-based origami design. This technology represents a significant leap forward in rapid, cost-effective and scalable virus detection, which could be crucial in managing future pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Adding to the sense of excitement and collaboration at the conference were the synergies of RELIANCE with two sister projects – Miria and SUSAAN EU projects. Exchanging with fellow colleagues on topics of common scientific interest was one of the most thrilling aspects of the event. Miria Project is exploring new approaches in nanomaterials, while SUSAAN-EU is working on sustainable solutions within the European Union’s framework. Together, our projects are advancing shared goals around sustainability, health, and innovation. The discussions following the presentations were not only intellectually stimulating but also a moment to reinforce the collaboration between our projects. The many ideas shared and the many challenges discusses laid the groundwork for future collaborations that would drive the field of nanotechnology even further.
Nanoinnovation 2024 was a celebration of the progress RELIANCE has been making as well as a reminder of the work that is still to be done. It showcased the collective determination and vision to apply nanotechnology in the solving of some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The connections forged, the ideas exchanged, and the knowledge gained during this event will undoubtedly fuel future innovations with lasting impact on society.
The BioExcel Summer School on Biomolecular Simulations is an annual summer school organized by BioExcel, the leading European Centre of Excellence for Computational Biomolecular Research.
Taking place from June 16 to 21, the 2024th edition was held at the Science and Technology Park of Sardinia, Italy. The event is primarily intended for PhD and post-doctoral researchers using or planning to use biomolecular modeling and simulation in their research, providing a comprehensive combination of lectures and tutorial sessions on biomolecular modeling and simulations using modern applications and tools.
The summer school included lectures and hands-on sessions on the following topics: Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Biomolecular Docking, Free Energy Calculations, Advanced Sampling Methods, And Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics.
The RELIANCE project was represented by our partners from the University of Patras (UPAT). During this event, two poster sessions were held, where the UPAT team displayed their work regarding the structural dynamics of keratin-derived antimicrobial peptides (KAMPs) in dilute and semi-dilute solutions. Furthermore, the team’s recent work on the study the KAMPs’ interactions with model Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial membranes was also presented, along with the examination of the alternative approaches to the problem, involving the construction of a pre-defined pore for the assessment of the latter’s stability. Moreover, an overview of the peptidoglycan model that has been utilized was also provided during the presentation.
The 1st International Conference “Materials Week 2024” took place on June 17th-21rst 2024 at the “Crowne Plaza Hotel” Limassol, Cyprus. It was an international conference on innovative and sustainable materials, a nexus of nanotechnology, digital Transformation and collaborative approaches. The main goal is to bring together the various small and large Research and Innovation (R&I) communities, driving advances in materials innovation across different value chains and industrial markets. The conference provides a cross-disciplinary meeting venue for communication and collaboration over and beyond traditional community boundaries. The aim of the meeting is to combine insights, theories and methods from different fields to address complex issues. In addition, the meeting emphasizes the fluidity of disciplinary boundaries and encourages the free flow of ideas and methods between different fields.
The recent international conference on innovative materials represented a significant advancement in the field of material science and technology. The event brought together experts, researchers, and industry leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest progress and future trends in sustainable materials, nanotechnology and digital transformation. The conference highlighted the importance of sustainability in material development, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly and high-performing materials.
Nanotechnology was a central theme. This cutting-edge field offers the potential to revolutionize material properties, providing unprecedented levels of strength, flexibility and conductivity. Discussions centered around the application of nanomaterials in various sectors, such as healthcare and aerospace, to enhance product performance and durability.
Digital transformation’s role in material science was also explored extensively. The integration of digital technologies in material development processes can enhance efficiency, predictive modeling of performance, and collaboration across disciplines and borders. Collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the conference, with many speakers advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to material innovation. By merging knowledge from different fields, researchers can accelerate the development of new materials and find holistic solutions to complex problems.
The conference concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange. The establishment of international partnerships and networks was encouraged to foster innovation and drive progress in creating materials that will shape a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
The insights and discussions from this conference have set the stage for a new era of material science, characterized by innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Moving forward, the integration of these elements will be crucial for developing materials that meet the demands of our evolving world.
During the Conference, a joint meeting of Innovation and Collaboration took place among five sister projects: RELIANCE, NOVA, STOP, SUSAAN and NANOBLOC – fostering an environment of mutual growth and discovery though the exchanged insights and experiences. The gathering became a platform for discussions on common challenges, exploring synergies and brainstorming for future cooperative endeavors. It provided an opportunity for each participant to bring their unique perspectives to the table, contributing to a collective pool of knowledge that could drive their projects to new heights.
Such gatherings are crucial in today’s fast-paced world, where interdisciplinary approaches and Collaborative efforts can lead to breakthroughs that no single entity could achieve alone. By collaborating, RELIANCE, NOVA, STOP, SUSAAN and NANOBLOC enhance their individual projects and at the same time contribute to the broader goal of advancing their respective fields.
The day was filled with engaging conversations, interactive sessions and workshops allowing participants to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. The exchange of ideas extended beyond present projects to potential future collaborations that could reshape the landscape of antimicrobial nanocoating innovation.
Undoubtedly, the spirit of cooperation during this joint meeting influenced the following conference days, inspiring attendees with the demonstrated power of unity in diversity. The bar was set high, making it exciting to see what new developments unfold as these organizations continue to interact and learn from each another.
The main topics the conference tackled for the rest of the week were as follows:
Market Needs, Challenges & Opportunities for Materials R&I
Digital Innovation – Catalyzing the Green & Digital Transition for Innovative Advanced
Materials and Products
Digital Transformation – Computational Tools & Platforms for Materials R&I
Acceleration
Digital Transformation – Towards a common Materials’ Data Ecosystem
Frameworks & Methodologies for Materials Safety & Sustainability
Sustainability & Circularity driven by Advanced Materials
Materials Innovation & collaborative Approaches for Resilience
Infrastructure & Methods Requirements for Materials Innovation
RELIANCE partners from the Defence Institute for Biomedical Sciences (ISBD) of Italy attended the conference and reported on results obtained within the project through the presentation of two scientific posters.
New antimicrobial surfaces based on silica mesoporous nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds
These nanoparticles (SMIN), containing metallic copper (Cu) within their structure, are modified with the addition of active compounds of biological origin. These compounds include essential oils (EO) and antimicrobial peptides (AMP), synergistically enhanced with Cu to improve the overall antibacterial and antiviral efficiency of the materials. The functionalization of EOs into the porous substrate enables controlled release of the bioactive compound, regulated by variations in pH or temperature. Additionally, AMPs and Cu, known for well-documented antimicrobial properties, ensure long-term duration of the action. Upon contact with bacteria, Cu ions are released, interfering with various cellular processes essential for microbial survival, including cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis. This synergic action results in growth inhibition or bacterial death. Regarding the viruses, Cu ion binding and cross-linking between the genome strands lead to the damage of viral genomes. Moreover, Cu toxicity from generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents another mechanism for destroying viruses. Therefore, the effective viral inactivation occurs through the combined action of Cu ion attack and ROS generation.
Paper-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of essential oils and SARS-COV-2 virus
These biosensors are capable of selectively detecting target analytes in different fields, including biomedical, environmental, agrifood and defence. The ability to detect analytes of different natures, such as organic molecules or biomolecules, makes these sensors extremely versatile and useful in a variety of contexts, from medical to environmental, to food industry and food safety. Colleagues from UNITOV and ISBD have developed an electrochemical paper-based device for the detection of essential oils (thymol, eugenol and carvacrol), by adding few μL of solution onto the electrode preliminary modified with carbon black, as well as by sampling the target analyte on the surface and in the aerosol phase. To assess the efficacy of surfaces treated with antimicrobial agents, as part of the RELIANCE project objectives, it is crucial to monitor the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. In pursuit of this in an eco-friendly manner, a paper-based origami immunosensor to reveal Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has been designed.
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