• Attendees learned about CEDENNA’s developments and projects, touring the Electron Microscopy, Nanomagnetism, Technology Transfer, Nanobiomedicine and Plant Nanobiotechnology laboratories.
On an exciting journey into the nano world, students from the Electromagnetism Physics course at the Universidad Autónoma de Chile explored the fascinating field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
The day began in the Auditorium of the Research Centers Building of the Universidad de Santiago, with an opening talk by Dr. Juan Escrig Murúa, Executive Director of the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA).
The tour then began in the Electron Microscopy laboratory, where they learned about the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). These high-precision instruments make it possible to observe the nano world in great detail. The SEM provides detailed three-dimensional images of the surface of samples, while the TEM offers projected two-dimensional images of their internal structure.
In Technology Transfer, students learned about advances in mining sensors designed to detect when teeth fall off mechanical shovels. This technology prevents multimillion-dollar losses resulting from the stoppage of operations due to damage caused by uncrushable elements. Innovative sensors were also presented to measure bushing wear in mining machinery and to quickly and effectively detect the presence of pesticides in citrus fruits directly in the field. These advances represent a significant improvement for mining and agriculture, facilitating a fast and accurate response to the challenges of these sectors.
The tour also included a look at advances in a cancer treatment using magnetic hyperthermia, and work with native and Antarctic plants to produce plant-based nanoparticles with various properties applicable to medicine, agriculture and cosmetics.
In a world where the small becomes big and the invisible becomes visible, these young explorers had the opportunity to get to know, on a large scale, the exciting world of nanotechnology.
