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

Job Offers: 1 postdoc position is open

May 25, 2026

A 3-year post-doctoral position is offered in the EMNS laboratory for a highly motivated chemist to develop sensors for phosphate anions.

New study on the luminescent properties of gold(I) complexes has been pubished!

April 27, 2026

This work is the result of a fruitful collaboration with our colleagues in Barcelona and Lisbon as part of the LUCES COST Action.

Transmembrane Transport Activity and Selectivity of Amide-Based Macrocyclic Anion Receptors of Different Sizes

April 8, 2026

A new article by Hasna, Lau, and Karolis has been published in EurJoc.

The work of Alessia Fantoni (PhD, 2025) has been published.

March 10, 2026

We are pleased to highlight the recent publication of Alessia Fantoni’s PhD research in Chemistry – A European Journal. Her work presents a gold-nanoparticle-based colorimetric nanosensor capable of rapidly and selectively detecting biologically relevant polyamines in water, offering a simple and promising approach for future non-invasive disease diagnostics.

Professor Nora Ventosa, Francqui Chair 2026: Discover the Program

February 13, 2026

The Francqui Foundation, whose mission is to “promote excellence in disinterested fundamental research,” has confirmed the appointment of Professor Nora Ventosa to a Francqui Chair for the 2025–26 academic year. As part of this distinction, she will deliver a series of lectures at the Brussels School of Engineering (EPB) between March and April 2026.