Founded in 2009, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) is a multidisciplinary and inter-university center that brings together specialists in physics, chemistry, engineering, biotechnology, and health sciences. Its purpose is to generate knowledge of excellence and transform it into solutions that address scientific, productive, environmental, and social challenges from a collaborative and cutting-edge perspective.
In 2025, CEDENNA was once again awarded status as a Basal Center by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), under the academic leadership of Diego Portales University (UDP) as the host institution. Participating associate universities include the University of Santiago, Chile (USACH), the University of Chile, Federico Santa María Technical University (USM), the University of Tarapacá (UTA), and the University of Talca (UTALCA).
The Center is composed of more than 50 researchers with PhD degrees, organized into six research lines: Modeling and Simulations, Sensors and Mining, Chemistry and Environment, Energy, Biomedicine, and Packaging and Food Safety. Its more than 17 specialized laboratories allow for the development, manufacturing, prototyping, and characterization of nanomaterials through advanced chemical, physical, and biological capabilities.
Nanosafety Unit (UNS), the first in Latin America accredited under the NCh-ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard for toxicity bioassays in nanomaterials, dedicated to ensuring safe practices, supporting regulations, and assisting companies, institutions, and public agencies.
Alongside its scientific work, the Center maintains a firm commitment to the training of advanced human capital and the social appropriation of knowledge through courses, workshops, educational programs, and alliances with national institutions.
CEDENNA also promotes the development, prototyping, and transfer of solutions based on nanoscience and nanotechnology, linking with companies, public institutions, and other social actors to contribute to the country’s sustainable development and strengthen innovation based on scientific knowledge.
At CEDENNA, research is aimed at generating concrete solutions for the country’s strategic sectors.
These images reveal structures and phenomena invisible to the naked eye. Learn what each photograph shows, how it was obtained, and its scientific interest.
