Sara C. Freitas’ research focuses on synthesis and application of nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Since her MSc thesis Sara has been deepening her experience in synthesis and characterization of magnetic (iron) and plasmonic (gold) nanostructures by ultra-short femtosecond Laser ablation in Liquids. Both single-element nanospheres and other complex morphologies (such as core-shell) were successfully synthesized. In addition, her work also involved an evaluation of the heating efficiency of gold nanorods when stimulated with a continuous wave laser in the NIR (Near-Infrared) range, as a function of different experimental parameters such as concentration, aqueous solution volume and laser spot area.

Research Topics: Gold nanoparticles, Radiosensitizers, Photothermal therapy, Laser ablation