Polytech

EMNS

EMNS - Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems

WELCOME !

The EMNS Lab is part of the Chemistry and Materials Science Department of the Brussels School of Engineering and is active in various research topics with applications mainly in the field of Health and Environment.

NANOMATERIALS FOR SENSING APPLICATIONS

Nano-bioconjugates combine the exceptional properties of nanomaterials, such as the LSPR band of gold and silver nanostructures, with those of biological macromolecules. They are valuable tools which can lead to sensors with extreme selectivity and sensitivity or to smart Drug Delivery Systems and theranostic agents.

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MOLECULAR RECOGNITION: from organic solvents to water

Molecular receptors capable of binding neutral or charged guests with a high affinity and selectivity have potential applications in fields ranging from biological and environmental monitoring to separation science and drug delivery. A notable challenge in the field is the development of receptors that work in an aqueous medium, where most biological and environmental processes occur.

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ION TRANSPORT ACROSS LIPID BILAYERS

Synthetic ion transporters are seen as potential therapeutic agents able to restore malfunctions in the natural anion transport across biological membranes by proteins. Our work focuses on the development of new compounds and the physico-chemical characterization of transmembrane ion transport by organic carriers.

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News

All news of the EMNS Lab

TV Interview on Nanoparticle-Based Cancer Diagnostics

7 novembre 2025

On November 6, Prof. Gilles Bruylants appeared on "Les visages de la Recherche" (LN24) to present his research on the development of nanoparticle technology to support cancer diagnosis. The project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Michel Meunier (Polytechnique Montréal) and Prof. Ivan Jabin (ULB), and is funded by the FNRS and the Fonds de recherche du Québec.

Job Offers: 1 PhD and 1 postdoc position are open

27 octobre 2025

A 4-year doctoral fellowship and a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship are available in the EMNS lab to design and synthesise novel anion receptors for the transmembrane transport and sensing of anions.

Professor Nora Ventosa appointed to the Francqui Chair 2025-26

24 octobre 2025

The EMNS laboratory proposed Professor Nora Ventosa for a Francqui Chair at EPB, and we are delighted to announce her appointment.

Cancer du poumon: vers une amélioration du diagnostic

20 octobre 2025

L’ULB, portée par Gilles Bruylants et Ivan Jabin, en collaboration avec des partenaires québécois, lance un projet de recherche de trois ans financé par le FNRS et le FRQ. Objectif : mettre au point une nouvelle méthode de diagnostic du cancer du poumon qui dépasse les techniques actuelles.

Visiting Researchers under LUCES COST Action

20 octobre 2025

Over the past months, our laboratory has had the pleasure of welcoming several visiting researchers as part of international collaborations fostered by the LUCES COST Action. These research stays have strengthened scientific exchange and opened new perspectives for joint projects.