Doctoral Candidates

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to address, from the physical chemistry point of view, the factors governing the generation of ECL during so called co-reactant mechanism.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) identify the rate determining step for the ECL generation; (ii) propose new set of chemicals and (iii) dye doped silica nanoparticles synthesis and optimization.

Supervisor: Prof. Valenti Giovanni

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, materials chemistry or subjects related to photochemistry, electrochemistry, biosensing and the use of fluorescence and confocal microscopy.

I am Claudia Martínez Asenjo and I graduated in Chemistry at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) in 2023. I worked on the development of an electrochemiluminescent sensor for the detection of amino acids as part of my bachelor’s final project. That is how my interest in nanomaterials’ chemistry and electrochemical processes increased and in 2024 I obtained my Master’s Degree in Electrochemistry at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). My experimental master’s thesis consisted in the design and synthesis of new nanomaterials for the electrocatalysis of energy conversion reactions, which I was able to discuss in the “XLIV Reunión del Grupo Especializado de Electroquímica de la RSEQ”. I am passionate about scientific research and its impact in society, and I am excited to start my PhD as part of the ECLectic project.

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3XKFI0w

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to design and characterize different carbon based nanoparticles (C-dots) as multimodal platforms able to i) provide the required redox process and enhanced ECL response using one single system and avoid the use of additional co-reactants; ii) introduce functional units to assist/enhance the recognition of biological targets; iii) improve biocompatibility and affordability of the ECL responsive component. In addition DC will prepared different graphene hybrids as ink for innovative ECL active electrode material.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) prepare and characterize multicolour carbon nanodots for ECL and (ii) preparation of modified carbon-based materials with ECL activity.

Supervisor: Prof. Maurizio Prato

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, materials science or subjects related to organic synthesis, nanomaterials, nanotechnology characterization and functionalization.

I am Chiara Giustini and I obtained my Master Degree in Chemistry at the University of Palermo (Italy) in 2024, discussing an experimental thesis entitled “Graphene oxide-based materials for white light sources”. I have a passion for research and a particular interest in the development of innovative materials and their characterization. I have a solid knowledge of Material Chemistry, which I broadened during two internships at the “CNR – ISMN” in Palermo. To enhance my knowledge in this field, I carried out a two-month internship period at the International Facility “Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A.”, during which I delved into the X-ray photoemission spectroscopy technique and I attended the “Giornate Didattiche SISN” to learn about the possibilities of neutrons as a probe to investigate matter. I am very happy to start a PhD within the ECLectic project and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to such an important project for society.

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/LinkedIn_Chiara_Giustini

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to synthetize and the characterize of the compounds by standard techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). A deep photophysical characterization will be performed to correlate the molecular design with the spectroscopical properties.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) synthesis of molecular ECL luminophore with different structure, photophysical, electrochemical and ECL propriety.

Supervisor: Prof. Luisa De Cola

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, materials science or subjects related to photochemistry, organic chemistry, synthesis and characterization.

Hi! I’m Nayla Naomi Kusimoto Takeuti, from the charming Brazil. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Biomolecular Sciences from the University of São Paulo, where I also completed my Master’s degree with a thesis on “The Development of Platforms for Detection of Tuberculosis Biomarkers”. My research expertise includes nanoparticle synthesis, surface modification, and electrochemical measurements. During my undergraduate years, I actively engaged in extracurricular projects aimed at science communication, workshop organization, and I also participated in the iGEM competition. I am passionate about applied research, as I am driven by the goal of transforming theoretical knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society. I am eager to contribute my skills to the ECLectic project and learn new ones with my colleagues while finding innovative approaches in electrochemiluminescence.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnktakeuti/

Instagram: @naylatakeuti

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop protocols for heterogeneous ECL assays. The DC will implement an analytical platform for ECL microscopy of the micro and nano-objects. We will image the attached bacterial cells, microcolonies and biofilms by ECL.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) study the ECL imaging in the functionalized nanochannels and (ii) to study the ECL microscopy of the bacterial cells, microcolonies and biofilms.

Supervisor: Prof. Neso Sojic

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, materials science or subjects related to electrochemistry analytical chemistry.

My name is Elisa D’Arrigo and I am a 26-year-old researcher from Catania, Italy. I obtained my MSc in Chemistry at the University of Bologna discussing an experimental thesis entitled “Study of metabolite concentrations in three-dimensional cell cultures through electrochemical scanning miscoscopy (SECM)”. Throughout my academic years, particularly during my master’s training, I developed a deep interest in electrochemistry, as I had the opportunity to work on electrochemical transduction microbiosensors, employing scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SECM) in the study of cellular metabolism. Over the last year, I was employed as a research fellow in the laboratory of Cellular Chemistry and Functional Imaging at the Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician” of Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna. This experience fostered my interest towards electrochemiluminescence as a novel approach, combining microscopy with electrochemistry, which I will be happy to explore further thanks to the ECLectic Network.

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop novel electrochemiluminescence method for identification of the pathogen sub-type.

Expected Results: DC should be able to develop a sample-to-answer biosensor based on the electrode switchable DNA based nanolever. The commercial and clinical utility of the bacteria detection strategies will be assessed through comparative testing vs. the commercially available state-of-the-art in partner industries and hospitals.

Supervisor: Prof. Robert Forster

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, materials science or subjects related to electrochemistry analytical chemistry.

Ciao! I’m Luigi, born in 2000, and I have always been fascinated by science. I love applying and discussing chemistry in all aspects of life. During my bachelor’s studies, I focused on pure chemistry, while my master’s studies were dedicated to sustainable chemistry. For my bachelor’s thesis, I worked on carbon dioxide reduction reactions, and for my master’s thesis, I focused on the production and characterization of metal thin films. Through this, I developed operational skills in SECM and XPS techniques. I believe that gaining broad knowledge in the field, along with collaboration, is key to progress. Working with passion and giving my best is the contribution I want to bring to this fantastic project.

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop an integrated nano- and micro-fluidic system for analyte detection by integration of microfluidic handling to precisely deliver reactants (luminophores and coreactants) and analytes to a reaction chamber/detection area. The DC will develop these microfluidic devices further to integrate handling and ECL sensing of bacterial cells.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) set up microfluidic demonstrator integrated with microfluidic pumping, novel electrodes, novel and optimized ECL protocols and compounds developed by participants, (ii) integrate a robust microfluidic sensing prototype to be used for real clinical testing.

Supervisor: Dr. Klaus Mathwig

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in materials chemistry, biomedical engineering, microfabrication or subjects related to microsensors, microfabrication, additive manufacturing, systems engineering  or industrial design.

My name is Wissal, and I am 22 years old. I recently graduated with a MEng degree in Chemistry from the Graduate School of Food Science, Materials Science, and Chemistry in Bordeaux, France. I focused on nano and microtechnologies, with a particular emphasis on addressing pressing health-related challenges. I am passionate about developing innovative solutions to improve patient lives through advanced microfluidic devices. I am thrilled to join the One Planet Research Center, part of IMEC, as part of the EClectic project, where I eagerly look forward to making a significant impact in healthcare technology and contributing to groundbreaking research!

Visit her Linkedin profile: https://bit.ly/3Bs0SZN

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop is the production of recombinant antibodies (rAb) using “phage display” techniques for biomarker analysis.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) select rAbs for selected biomarker analysis, (ii) functionalize biomimetic molecules with nanomaterial for ECL applications and (iii) characterize the novel selective recognition elements and assessment of their performance in bioassays for biomarker detection in clinical samples.

Supervisor: Prof. Elena Benito Peña

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering or subjects related to analytical chemistry and antibody selection.

My name is Ezequiel Rubiales Romero, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at London Metropolitan University. During this process I completed a research internship under the guidance of Professor Patrick Heun on “Tagging and live imaging of centromere factors using Crispr/Cas9-mediated genome editing” at the University of Edinburgh. Where I gain great interest in the genetic engineering field. I Completed my MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Glasgow, my final project was “Investigating Next-Generation Sequencing for Diagnosis and Research of CAG Polyglutamine Disease, Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy” under the guidance of Professor Darren Monckton.

I am fascinated by the potential of genetic manipulation for producing valuable recombinant proteins and peptides, to advance biosensor technology, helping solve health, environmental and industrial challenges.

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ezequiel-rubiales-romero

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop an integrated microfluidic platform for the multiplex detection of sepsis biomarkers.

Expected Results: DC should be able to (i) demonstrate a microfluidic ECL-based system for the detection of sepsis protein biomarkers with integrated electrochemical electrodes and optical sensing, (ii) show a proof-of- concept demonstration of device operation from spiked serum samples and to test of platform in a clinical environment.

Supervisor: Prof. F. Javier del Campo García

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in materials chemistry, biomedical engineering, microfabrication or subjects related to microsensors, microfabrication, additive manufacturing, systems engineering or industrial design.

I am Stephania Rodríguez Muiña, a Spanish master’s graduate in nanoscale engineering with a background in physics and chemistry. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research in bioelectronics, nanomaterials, and biosensing technologies. My research has involved collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across Europe and participation in international conferences. Recently, I developed a flexible electrochemical biosensor platform for cell culture monitoring at the CRNL and Laboratoire Ampère in Lyon. Previously, I contributed to research in plasmonic photoelectrochemical electrodes at iLM and ENS (Lyon), ultrasonic cancer detection sensors at ISA (Lyon), and lab-on-chip R2R technologies at Joanneum Research Materials (Austria). My skills encompass multiple laboratory techniques, data analysis, and research communication. Driven to advance healthcare sensor technology, I’m excited to join the ECLectic doctoral network, collaborating with Prof. F. Javier del Campo García and Prof. Fernando Benito López at BCMaterials and the UPV to develop an ECL-based system for sepsis detection.

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3Y745H7

Objectives: The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the analytical performances of lab-on-a-chip device for bacteria quantification.

Expected Results: DC should be able to use the state-of-the-art technology for the sepsis diagnosis; assess of critical sensing parameters including limits of detection, reliability, reproducibility, selectivity and speed under different conditions mimicking real-life situations and using relevant microorganisms in different metabolic states and concentrations.

Supervisor: Prof. Siegbert Rieg

DC background, experience and skills: Masters degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, Medicine or subjects related to infectiology.

I am Abdulkadir Sadiq, hailing from the vibrant northern region of Nigeria. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria, and recently completed my master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Universiti Malaya in Malaysia. My MSc thesis focused on the anti-virulence potential of a synthesized compound against Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to the ongoing fight against antimicrobial resistance. As a biotechnologist, I am driven by a passion for exploring the intersection of biology and technology to address global challenges. My fascination with biotechnology is rooted in a deep-seated desire to employ advanced diagnostic technologies to detect infectious diseases and pioneer novel therapeutic approaches. My academic journey has culminated in my selection as a Marie Curie ECLectic scholar, an opportunity that aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and passion for advancing the field.

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/47QIjL2

Instagram: @abdulkadirsadiq92dr.a.k

Objectives: The main objective of this PhD is to develop the integrated Sample to Answer Device for Sepsis Biomarker and Bacteria Analysis.

Expected Results: DC10 should be able to (i) engineer and assemble the ECL biochip for the photoinduced chemical reactions; (ii) evaluate the chip and device performance; (iii) test stability and reproducibility of the data; (iv) compare the performance of the prototype with the commercially available devices.

Supervisor: Dr. Alice Soldà

My name is Tereza, and I am a student from Prague, Czech Republic. My background is in Biochemistry – I earned my bachelor’s degree at Charles University in Prague and my master’s at Uppsala University in Sweden. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a thesis project analyzing the proteome of cells using mass spectrometry. In Uppsala, I moved to biosensor research, investigating the biophysical properties of molecular interactions using the switchSENSE technology. As I realized this was a field I was interested in, I then pursued an internship at the Institute of Physics in Prague, focusing on biochip development for SPR and QCM biosensors. I am excited to join the ECLectic network to continue working on biosensor research with applications in the medical sciences.

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3BkuEiU

X: @tereza_jaho