Units

Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems

The EMNS Lab is part of the Chemistry and Materials Science Department of the Brussels School of Engineering.

The EMNS laboratory has extensive know-how in the experimental study of the structure, stability and dynamics of molecular complexes, and in the synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles. Key tools: NMR, microcalorimetry and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy.

We are currently more focused on:
-     the functionalization of metallic nanoparticles with organic or biological ligands in order to develop (bio)sensors or smart materials,
-     the development of micelle-based supramolecular systems for molecular recognition or catalysis in water,
-     ion transport across lipid membranes using supramolecular carriers.

Projetcs

Supramolecular Micellar Systems

Organic molecular receptors and catalysts are rarely water soluble. Micellar encapsulation is a elegant approach to render these systems "water-compatible", by-passing complex synthetic modifications and furthermore providing a protective environment to the receptor/catalyst.