Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, also termed quantum dots (QDs), have been discovered around 40 years ago. They have attracted considerable interest due to their size-dependent optical and electronic properties. In particular, their band gap can be simply changed by adjusting their size via the so-called quantum confinement effect. It occurs for many semiconductors when at least one of their dimensions is reduced to a few nanometers. Most research has been conducted on binary cadmium- and lead-based QDs (CdSe, PbS, etc.), which cover the visible and near infrared spectral range and can be easily synthesized. However, due to the toxicity of these compounds, their use in real-life applications is strongly limited. Our team is focusing on the development of toxic heavy metal-free and environmentally benign QDs and recently have begun the develop NIR emitting silver chalcogenide (Ag2X, X = S, Se, Te) QDs which have a high potential for their use in biomedical applications. The goal of this internship is to explore Ag2X QDs, which have recently emerged as a biocompatible, near infrared emitting alternative to traditional toxic NIR emitting QDs (e.g. PbS, InAs, HgTe). The candidate will first perform the chemical synthesis of AgzX QDs in organic media of various sizes and/or compositions (Ag:X ratio). The optical (UV-Vis-NIR absorption, photoluminescence) and structural (crystal structure, morphology) properties will be characterized and the synthesis protocol optimized. Next, the student will carry out phase transfer reactions in order to render the QDs soluble in aqueous media with the potential for surface functionalization of the QDs or growth of an inorganic shell to improve their optical properties. Finally, the toxicology of the QDs in hepatic cells will be assessed in view of their future use as multi-modal theranostic probes.

Financial compensation of 550 euros per month for a traineeship 4 to 6 months

Our lab is interested in axon regeneration and neuroprotection mechanisms. Our project uses in vivo and in vitro approaches to decipher processes controlling axonal growth, neuroprotection, circuit formation in adult in order to treat patient after traumatic or chronic injury of the central nervous system.

550 euros per month gratification for the 6 month-traineeship

The final aim is to harvest thermal energy with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) from hot/cold water pipes used in the HVAC system of the UPC Baix Llobregat Campus located in Castelldefels. Then, electrical energy is generated to power autonomous sensors.

Possibility of funding

A measurement campaign will take place at UPC premises, checking the availability of a ground site for satellite laser communication links. The student will be involved in the measurement campaign and the analysis on the data.

https://commsenslab.upc.edu/

The project focuses on application of ultrasmall nanoparticles of gold – nanoclusters, as fluorescent markers in imaging of protein aggregates called amyloids. Amyloids are aggregates of misfolded proteins which are a hallmark of various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. In order to improve the diagnostics of such diseases as understand the mechanism of protein aggregation new methods are required. Fluorescence microscopy can provide valuable information about the origins of amyloids formation, when appropriate fluorophores interacting with amyloids will be applied. Noble metal nanoclusters can be an excellent biomarkers, and they present unique optical properties, on the border of organometallic compounds and gold nanocrystals.This project contains: preparation of amyloids in various morphologies, e.g. spherulites, preparation of gold nanoclusters, staining of amyloid superstructures, fluorescence microscopy imaging of prepared samples.

https://dwm.pwr.edu.pl/en/