Sucess stories

Bactometer 

Bactometer is a disruptive next-generation portable magnetic device for cost-effective, accurate, rapid pathogen detection, and identification. Bactometer is portable flow cytometer and a nucleic acid detection device that reads microfluidic cartridges. These cartridges have a well in which users deposit a sample from different complex matrices (e.g. swabs, body fluids). The cartridge is introduced in the Bactometer device that contains inbuilt sample preparation for pathogens separation and concentration using a technology based on immuno-magnetic properties. After magnetic labeling and counting, the device performs a nucleic acid detection assay to obtain information regarding resistance genes, providing precious clinical information. The identification of a multiplexed set of microorganisms can be achieved in under one hour.

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Patent name: PROCESS OF PRODUCTION OF ROLL AND SUBMICROMETRIC MEMBRANE OF Ga2O3 BY ION IMPLANTATION 

Submission: February 2021 | Publication: November 2022

The invention consists of an innovative process for the production of ultra-thin Ga2O3 membranes. Gallium oxide is an emerging semiconductor with potential for high power electronic applications and photonic devices. The membranes produced have a high crystalline quality, are transferable and flexible. 

The invention was born at the Laboratory of Accelerators and Radiation Technologies (LATR) of IST in the scope of a collaboration between INESC MN and IPFN. The co-inventors Marco Peres, Eduardo Alves, Jorge Rocha and Katharina Lorenz were surprised by the formation of micrometric rolls on the surface of a Ga2O3 crystal during the irradiation of this material with energetic ions (see figure). These rolls can be transferred to a substrate of choice and unrolled by heat treatment to form a heterostructure or nanodevice. 

At this time the group is investigating the incorporation of these nanomembranes into field effect transistors and sensors for UV or ionizing radiation.