Sustainable Multifunctional Nanocoatings for Self-Healing, UV & Corrosion Protection 

PI: Dr. Furong Tian

2026-2029

Develop chromate-free green anodization routes for aerospace-grade Al–Li alloys.

• Synthesize biomass-derived and functionalized carbon dots (CDs) using sustainable methods.
• Integrate carbon dots into anodized nanopores and polymeric topcoats.

• Enable multifunctional protection: Corrosion resistance, UV shielding, and Self-healing.
• Validate performance using ISO/ASTM industrial standards: dry film thickness (ISO 2808), adhesion (ISO 2409), surface morphology (ISO 9220 via SEM/AFM), hydrophobicity (ISO 19403-2), UV weathering (ISO 16474-3), and corrosion resistance (EIS per ISO 16773 and salt spray per ISO 9227)
• Translate laboratory innovation to industrial scale-up and prototype development with Graph Engineering Ltd.

The project (SMART-COAT) is designed to develop and deliver a new generation of sustainable, multifunctional nanocoating systems for advanced aluminium alloys used in aerospace, automotive, and marine applications. The project integrates green chemistry principles with cutting-edge nanotechnology and surface engineering to address critical challenges associated with corrosion, environmental degradation, and regulatory compliance.

The primary function of the project is to establish a scalable and environmentally benign coating strategy by combining green anodization processes with carbon dot (CD)-based nanomaterials. These coatings are engineered to provide dual active–passive protection, incorporating barrier resistance along with smart functionalities such as self-healing, UV resistance, and antioxidation.

A key aspect of the project is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. This will be achieved through close collaboration with Graph Engineering Ltd., enabling the translation of laboratory-scale innovations into industry-relevant prototypes and scalable technologies. The project will also align with research and innovation priorities at Technological University Dublin, contributing to advancements in sustainable materials and applied surface technologies.

The project further aims to:

• Establish reproducible and chromium-free anodization protocols
• Develop functionalized carbon dots from renewable precursors
• Engineer hybrid nanocomposite coatings with enhanced durability and responsiveness
• Validate coating performance under internationally recognized standards (ISO/ASTM)
• Support knowledge transfer, training, and dissemination across academic and industrial sectors

Through its multidisciplinary framework, SMART-COAT will contribute to the development of high-performance, eco-friendly coating solutions, reducing reliance on hazardous chemicals while enhancing material lifespan and operational efficiency. The project ultimately supports global sustainability goals by promoting safer materials, reducing environmental impact, and enabling innovation in advanced manufacturing industries.

Nanolab memebers attended The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on 27–28 May 2026 at RDS,  Food Tech on 25th July  2026 at Johnstown Estate, Johnstown, Enfield, Co. Meath, NAHPT (National Association of Hospital Pharmacy) on 28 March 2026, Crowne Plaza Santry.

The project is collaborate with Dr Tara Hefferman (MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway) and Health, Engineering & Materials Sciences (HEMS) Hub, TU Dublin.

Nanolab member have closely communicated with Dr Mohamed Oubaha, Business Development Manager for Biopharma, Life Science and Medical Industries at TU Dublin, supports research activities that address the shared needs of the scientific, healthcare, and industrial sectors by fostering collaboration, innovation, and the translation of research into real-world applications. The Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub and the Engineering & Materials Sciences (HEMS) Hub at TU Dublin provide interdisciplinary expertise to support these research activities.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Evidence for Divergent Protein Corona Formation in Cancer Theranostics

PI Dr. Furong Tian

School of Food Science & Environmental Health

Dr. Hender Lopez Silva

PhD student Rabie Elhsadie 

2024-2028

Aim is to enhance understanding of how Iron Oxide Nanoparticles interact with biological proteins, focusing on the formation of the protein corona and its impact on nanoparticle performance in Magnetic Particle Imaging. As a next-generation imaging modality, SPION leverages the unique magnetic response of iron nanoparticles to produce high-resolution, high-contrast images. However, the formation of a protein corona upon exposure to biological fluids can alter nanoparticle properties, affecting their stability, biodistribution, and  iron nanoparticles signal fidelity.

The objectives 

· Develop molecular dynamics (MD) simulation models that accurately predict  iron nanoparticles-protein interactions under MPI-relevant conditions.

· Examine how surface functionalization, particle size, and charge influence protein corona formation and  iron nanoparticles stability.

· Analyze the influence of magnetic fields on MNP-protein binding and aggregation dynamics.

· Contribute to standardized computational approaches for nanoparticle optimization in  iron nanoparticles-based cancer imaging and therapy.

Dissemination

Rabie Elhsadie obtained €2050 STSM fund from CA23132 Magnetic Particle Imaging for next-generation theranostics and medical research (NexMPI) for a one month research visit with Prof. Daniel Baumgarten, Biomedical Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Austria, Aug 19- Sep 18, 2025.

Joshua Maxwell and Tristan Zaharciks worked with Prof. Sebastian Schwaminger from Medical University of Graz.  ERASMUS students have established connections for undergraduate and postgraduate projects. They present their research in Nanolabs in Medical University of Graz and TU Dublin in 2025.

Quantification of Marine Biotoxins in Seafood based on Multiplex Immunochromatography Integrating Diverse Bioreceptors and Mobile Appliance Detection

PI Dr. Bilal Javed & Dr. Furong Tian from School of food science and environmental health

Prof. Hugh J Byrne, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub

ARISE PhD  in the thematic research area Food, Agritech., Bio-economy, & Sustainability

2024-2028

This project is part of the TU Dublin ARISE 2024 initiative in Food, Agritech, Bioeconomy and Sustainability.

This project aims to develop an innovation in the currently available multiplex lateral flow  immunochromatographic assay technology by combining different colorimetric patterns of gold nanoparticles on a single test line to enhance the accuracy and precision of marine biotoxin detection in raw seafood samples by employing a diverse array of bio-receptors. We propose a multiplex lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFIC) assay, capable of simultaneously detecting multiple marine biotoxins with improved sensitivity and specificity. The approach involves the optimization of sample preparation, assay conditions, screening of various bioreceptors (antibodies and aptamers), and their comparative analysis onto the LFIC strip, towards improved sensitivity, including lower detection limits and reduced cross-reactivity, compared to established gold standard methods. To quantify the toxins at the point of use, the LFIC be combined with a mobile application to quantitatively correlate the color intensities with quantities of seafood toxins in collaboration with the researchers from National College of Ireland. Algorithms to process the captured images and extract color intensities will be developed using image segmentation, color thresholding, and intensity measurements. A student will be involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles, their modification with the antitoxin antibodies, and the synthesis of the protein-antibody conjugates for reproducible results on the lateral flow strip along with the mobile app development.

Screenlink Healthcare a Dublin-based SME hosts PhD student that  help to ensure the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use of the multiplex LFIC strips.

Dissiminations

Perveen Akhtar and Emmanuele Duah Osei (Nanolab PhD researchers as part of the TU Dublin ARISE team) joined Flavour Forward the Next Chapter for Midlands Food and Drink Event in Tullamore, Mar 10, 2025. ·

ARISE PhD Nanolab researchers Gayathree Thenuwara, Perveen Akhtar and Emmanuel Duah Osei met with SGS Ireland, strengthening industry-academic ties, Apr 23, 2025.

Perveen Akhta received poster award in School of Science and Environmental Health Research Show Case on 8 May 2025.

Perveen Akhtar attended the BioInnovate Symposium 2025 at the University of Galway, Jun 5 2025, which was attended by approximately 250 participants, including health technology innovators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and industry leaders.

"Quantification of marine biotoxins in seafood". Perveen Akhtar presented both a poster and a flash presentation (5 minutes) at the 76th Irish Universities Chemistry Research Colloquium, Maynooth University, Jun, 2025.

Perveen Akhtar obtained €1000 travel grant to COST action in Spain in May 2026.

Publication: 

Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Supramolecular Vesicle-Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles in Combination with Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Brain Cancer Treatment

PI Dr. Bilal Javed, Dr. Furong Tian School of Food Sciences and Environmental Health

Prof. Paula Bourke, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, UCD.

2024-2028

Industrial Partner: Pfizer

Nano Lab Research Centre

Sustainability and Health Research Hub

Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub

ARISE PhD in the thematic research area Biopharma, Life Sciences, & Medical Technologies

Glioblastoma is a grade IV glioma and is the most aggressive tumor of the central nervous system. The median survival of GBM patients is 14.6 months. The blood-brain barrier represents the biggest challenge in treating glioblastoma. Novel combinatorial therapies can be used to address the drug penetration problem and treat glioblastoma.

Can pH-responsive fluorescent liposomes-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) be used in combination with cold atmospheric plasma treatment to offer a more targeted, safe, and efficacious therapeutic approach for brain cancer in pre-clinical 3D cell culture models compared to current treatment options, while simultaneously improving drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier?

Objectives:

• Synthesis of ligand-associated pH-responsive fluorescent liposomes.
• In Vitro Tracking of fluorescent liposomes in the glioblastoma cells.
• Determining the efficacy, selectivity, chemical, and molecular cellular mechanisms.
• Determination of the efficacy of CAP in 2D and 3D cell culture models.
• Use of 3D models of brain cancer to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combinatorial chemotherapeutic approach.

Development of Next-Generation Digital Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Platforms for Industrial Applications: Multiplex Detection and Quantification of Co-Occurring Mycotoxins and mTBI Biomarkers

PI: Dr. Furong Tian, Dr. Bilal Javed, Dr. Baljit Singh

School of Food Science and Environmental Health, TU Dublin-City Campus

Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub, TU Dublin

MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway and HEMS Research

PhD student Gayathree Thenuwara

2024-2028

Industry Trinity Biotech & Glantro.

ARISE  in the thematic research area Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering

This research focuses on the development of next-generation digital nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunochromatographic platforms for industrial and healthcare applications. The project will investigate the multiplex detection and quantitative analysis of co-occurring mycotoxins and biomarkers associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), including concussion.

Both gold and selenium nanoparticles will be evaluated as signal-generating labels for mycotoxin and mTBI biomarker detection. Different nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and optical properties will be investigated to improve assay sensitivity, signal intensity, selectivity, and multiplexing performance.

A digital application will also be developed to analyse lateral flow strip images and quantify analyte concentrations based on test-line intensity. By integrating nanoparticle engineering, multiplex lateral flow technology, and digital image analysis, this research aims to develop rapid, portable, sensitive, and user-friendly testing platforms for food safety, industrial monitoring, and point-of-care healthcare applications.

Impact and Engaement

• Poster presentation at the Annual Research & Innovation Showcase TU Dublin in May 2025.

• Present poster  in ARISE research show case June 2025

• Be a jury member at SciFest 2025, TU Dublin

• Industry Visit to Trinity Biotech May 2025

• A poster presentation at the ARISE Coffee Morning on 9^th  September 2025.

• Shortlisted in the case study competition “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Safety and Compliance in Cosmetics” – Dr Furong Tian / Gayathree Thenuwara

• Poster presentation at the 16th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, TU Dublin, The Courtyard, Aungier Street, in January 2026
• Poster presentation at the Annual Research & Innovation Showcase TU Dublin in May 2026.
• Oral presentation at the 53rd Annual Food Science and Technology Conference, organised by the Institute of Food Science and Technology Ireland and Technological University Dublin January 2026.

Gayathree at the National Association of Hospital Pharmacy (NAHPT) Annual Conference  March, 2026, in the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, held at the RDS on 27–28 May 2026.  Visit University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in Jan 2026,  BioDot machine demonstration and meeting with the Vice President on 17th April 2026, Industry visit to SGS Ireland , Visit to St James’s Hospital, Ireland, on 21 July,2026 

Publications

Thenuwara, G., Akhtar, P., Javed, B., Singh, B., Byrne, H.J. and Tian, F., 2025. Recent Advancements in Lateral Flow Assays for Food Mycotoxin Detection: A Review of Nanoparticle-Based Methods and Innovations. Toxins, 17(7), p.348.

Thenuwara, G., Javed, B., Singh, B., Byrne, H.J. and Tian, F., 2024. Sex-and Gender-Specific Considerations in Mycotoxin Screening: Assessing Differential Exposure, Health Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies. Microbiology Research, 15(4), pp.2455-2492.

Thenuwara, G., Curtin, J. and Tian, F., 2023. Advances in diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for gliomas: A comprehensive review. Sensors, 23(24), p.9842. doi: 10.3390/s23249842

Thenuwara, G., Javed, B., Singh, B. and Tian, F., 2024. Biosensor-Enhanced Organ-on-a-Chip Models for Investigating Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics. Sensors, 24(9), p.2865. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092865

Thenuwara, G., Cui, X., Yao, Z., Javed, B., Naik, A.S. and Tian, F., 2024. Evaluating the Health Implications of Kombucha Fermented with Gardenia jasminoides Teas: A Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties. BioChem, 4(4), pp.350-370.

Akhtar, P., Thenuwara, G., Byrne, H.J., Tian, F. and Javed, B., 2026. Nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunoassays for detecting marine biotoxins in seafood: a systematic review of trends in development over two decades. Talanta Open, 13, p.100604.

Singh, B., Bhat, A., Thenuwara, G., Ravi, K., Naik, A.S., O’Connor, C. and Tian, F., 2025. Hidden Threats in Water: The Global Rise of Emerging Contaminants. Pollutants, 5(4), p.48.

Singh, B., Fredj, Z., Savitha, R., Bhat, A., Thenuwara, G., Dahiya, I., Goswami, S., Singh, S. and Fuku, X., 2026. Analysis of emerging PFAS contaminants in water: review and future perspectives. RSC Sustainability, 4(7), pp.2795-2827.

The initiative, led by Professor Hugh J. Byrne, combines kinetic/mechanistic modeling with label-free microspectroscopic imaging to explore subcellular glycolysis pathway kinetics and cellular responses.

Post doctoral: Dr. Muhammad Kashif

Engagement and impact: 

"Shedding light on cellular glycolysis pathway kinetics using a Spectralomics approach", Oral Presentation, Nitin Patil, Montpellier, Apr, 2025 ·

"Tracking metabolic kinetics via extracellular and intracellular analysis using vibrational spectroscopic techniques", Poster Presentation, Zohreh Mirveis, Montpellier, Apr, 2025 ·

"Shedding light on cellular glycolysis pathway kinetics using a Spectralomics approach", Oral Presentation, Nitin Patil, ICAVS, Xiamen, December 2025

"Shedding light on cellular glycolysis pathway kinetics using a Spectralomics approach, integrating multivariate statistical and machine learning analytical approaches." Oral Presentation, Nitin Patil, EUT Machine learning Symposium, TU Dublin, Jun, 2025 ·

"Tracking the kinetics of intracellular glycolysis and glutaminolysis pathways using vibrational · spectroscopy, combined with multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches for data mining", Oral Presentation, Zohreh Mirveis, EUT Machine learning Symposium, TU Dublin, Jun 2025 ·

"Raman spectroscopic monitoring of multiproduct chemical reaction kinetics; the case of ester hydrolysis", Poster Presentation, Muhammed Kashif, MECAREACT 2025: Vibrational and electronic spectroscopies applied to the study of reaction mechanisms, Sorbonne University -Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Jun 15-20, 2025. ·

"Tracking the kinetics of intracellular glycolysis and glutaminolysis pathways using vibrational spectroscopy, combined with multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches for data mining", Oral Presentation, Zohreh Mirveis, 27th EMBL PhD Symposium, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Nov 25-27, 2025

Dr. Julie Dunne (Head of the School of Food Science and Environmental Health), Prof. Christine O'Connor (Head of Research, Faculty), Dr. Furong Tian (Director of NanoLab), Dr. Baljit Singh (MiCRA Technology Gateway), Prof. Hugh J. Byrne ( Head of Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub) and Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher (School of Food Science and Environmental Health) celebrated Dr. Xingyi Zhao and Dr. Francesca Ravera at the graduation ceremony in 2025.

PI Prof. Hugh J. Byrne

Postdoc Dr. Mark Keating

ViroSPEC is a joint multidisciplinary project by TU Dublin and UCD. Backed by the Science Foundation Ireland, it develops label-free spectroscopic microscopy techniques to study respiratory viruses and cellular infections.

Engagement and Impact

Mathematical modelling of viral uptake and RNA release in vitro", M.E. Keating, Poster presentation, 9th European Conference of Virology, Croatia, Apr, 2025.

ERAMUSE student Chiara Olive was working withNitin Pati,  Swati Kashik and Prof. Hugh Byrne. Present ‘Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Micro-spectroscopy as a Label-Free method for Monitoring the Glycolysis Pathway in A549 Cells' on ERAMUSE showcase on 6th August, 2025.

Prof. Hugh Byrne met with Professor Cui. Both professors, alumni of the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart, discussed opportunities for collaboration in cancer diagnostics using spectroscopy on 9th Sep 2025.

Prof. Hugh Byrne organised alumni of FOCAS to present in Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub. The aim is to meet industry, explore career path and possible areas for collaboration with industry.

Professor Hugh Byrne organised an event that brought together alumni of FOCAS to present their work at the Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub. The event aimed to showcase the diverse career journeys and research achievements of FOCAS graduates while strengthening connections between academia and industry.

A key objective was to provide an opportunity for researchers, students, and alumni to engage directly with industry representatives, explore a range of career pathways beyond academia, and gain insights into the skills and experiences valued by employers. The event also fostered discussions around potential research partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects between the Research Hub and industry, creating opportunities to translate research into real-world applications and address emerging industrial challenges.

Novel photonic bio sensing platform for rapid and highly sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers

PI Anand Vadakkedathu Raveendran

Communication

A news article titled Irish Team Applying Label-Free Biosensor Tech for Point-of-Care Early Breast Cancer Detection in Clinical Diagnostics Technology & Disease Research News | 360Dx, Jul 23 2025

NEW YORK – A research team at the Technological University Dublin has embarked on a project that could result in a point-of-care device for the early-stage detection of breast cancer.

Investigators from TU Dublin's Photonics Research Center and its Nanolab Research Center are involved in the  project, which recently received €650,000 ($760,590) from the Irish government to realize its aims.

The new project's funding was made available via the Irish government's Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Pathway Program and is part of a €23 million investment announced on June 25. A full list of the 36 projects funded is available here.

The TU Dublin project will involve the combination of two light-based technologies called whispering gallery mode (WGM) sensing and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to underpin a sensitive, label-free detection system for established cell-surface protein cancer biomarkers.

This collaborative effort unites resources from TU Dublin's Photonics Research Center as well as its Nanolab Research Center. The latter is led by Furong Tian, the NRC's director, who has expertise in nanomaterials and nanoparticle modification. Tian has in recent years published work on applying nanoparticles in a variety of ways, such as a fluorescent multiplex assay for Salmonella detection or colorimetric immunosensing probes to detect mycotoxins.

This know-how, she said, will be put to use in the development of the new technology platform.

Tian's colleague Anand Vadakkedathu Raveendran (VR), a postdoctoral researcher in TU Dublin's Photonics Research Center and principal investigator on the project, "has opened a new research direction by using nanoparticles to enhance high Q-factors of whispering gallery mode resonance," Tian said. "That means that light can circulate many times within the resonator, enhancing interaction with the surrounding environment and boosting sensitivity."

She added that the researchers' envisioned platform will rely on an optical fiber containing a laser to identify whether a cell is cancerous by analyzing it on the surface of a nanoparticle. "We will do this by analyzing the spectrum of the reflected laser combining the optical fiber and Raman spectroscopy to work out which molecule it is," she said.

According to VR, the approach should allow for the detection of cancer-related biomarkers in blood samples, even at extremely low concentrations. Such a tool would help support earlier diagnosis of disease, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. As such, the researchers feel strongly about its commercial future.

"The proposed technology has a high potential for spinout or licensing," said VR. "Accurate early diagnosis of the disease is critical to a positive disease prognosis and patient survival," he added, further noting that Ireland has a developed medical technology sector and offers "vast opportunities" for such an arrangement.

According to VR, the researchers will simultaneously detect WGM and SERS signals from a tubular glass cavity, such as a micro-capillary or micro-bottle. The envisioned cavities will be coated with specific nanoparticles to improve sensitivity and enhance signal strength.

"Tubular structures offer inherent advantages for sample delivery and are easily integrated into narrow microfluidic systems," said VR.

He said the ultimate goal is to develop a tubular WGM-SERS-enabled optofluidic chip with high throughput and low sample consumption for the detection of breast cancer biomarkers. VR said that initially the team would focus on the detection of established markers for breast cancer such as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, carbohydrate antigen 15-3, carcinoembryonic antigen, and HER2. The TU Dublin researchers hope to attain this by the end of the four-year project, by which time they should have a proof-of-concept prototype of an ultrasensitive hybrid sensor for speedy, noninvasive breast cancer diagnostics and, eventually, other disease areas.

"Following this, we plan to conduct feasibility and pilot studies to evaluate the system's practical performance and optimize its integration into real-world diagnostic workflows," VR commented.

He noted he will be advised during the project by Yuliya Semenova, the director of the Photonics Research Center.

VR noted that his group selected breast cancer as the first indication because of its high social and economic costs, which deplete healthcare resources and result in a loss of productivity due to morbidity and premature death. "Cancer continues to represent a heavy burden on European society" and is especially costly, he said, citing
a 2013 study in Lancet Oncology, which reported that breast cancer healthcare costs amounted to €6.73 billion in 2009, about 13 percent of all cancer-related healthcare costs.

VR pointed out that in Europe, breast cancer patients with a higher socioeconomic status often have a higher rate of diagnosis and lower death rate. "This could be due to having greater access to mammography screening compared with women of a lower socioeconomic status," he suggested.

As such, a portable, noninvasive, and highly sensitive method of catching breast cancer could help expedite effective early treatment for such patient groups and create "significant economic impact both in Ireland and globally," he maintained.

A few research groups have taken note of this potential. In 2022, a team at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in Barcelona, Spain, was awarded €161,000 to develop a multisensor platform to detect microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Though point-of-care testing for breast cancer is not yet a hotly pursued market, such devices are being developed for other indications. A team at the University of California, Los Angeles, has been developing a liquid biopsy test for lung cancer that relies on electrochemical detection technology, for example. Cizzle Biotechnology, a UK firm, is also commercializing a point-of-care test for lung cancer.

VR acknowledged the availability of some other point-of-care devices and reiterated that his team aims to market a device that is "rapid, highly sensitive, noninvasive, potentially portable, and does not require trained personnel to operate."

Dr. Anand VR and Abhjinan Bhat in Researh & Innovation Award in 2005.

Optimisation of peat-derived Bacillus spp. with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to formulate potential nano-enabled biofertilisers for sustainable agriculture in the Republic of Ireland

PI Dr Furong Tian & Dr Michelle Giltrap (School of Food Science and Environmental Health)

PhD student Gouri Nilakshika Atapattu

2022-2026

Impact and Engagement 

Connect with Reillys’s community Garden. Comunity Roots, Cabra Men’s Shed, Dublin Woaen’s Shed, Treasure the Tolka 

Gouri Atapattu has present her work at14th International Conference “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” Riga, Latvia 2024.

Gouri Atapattu gave an invited talk at 11th International Congress of Food Technologists, Biotechnologists & Nutritionists Zagreb, Croatia 2025.

Gour gave a speech aunder this session Soil as a living system- beneficial plant–microbe interactions to deliver biotechnological solutions for sustainable agriculture Brussel, Belgium, June 2026. 

Gouri present in School Research Show Case in 2024,2025, 2026. She receive the best presentation award in 2026.

Spectroscopic Profiling of Multidrug Resistance in Human Lung Cancer Cells

PI

Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher , School of Food Science and Enveriomental Health

Prof. Hugh J Byrne, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub

2025-2029

PhD student Prajwal Venugopal Rao

Dr Esen Efeoglu Maher is a new assistant lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health. She is also an active Principal Investigator in the Nanolab Research Centre. Dr Efeoglu has an extensive background in cellular biotechnology and chemical biology, and her current research focuses on understanding mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer and exploring novel therapy adjuvants to overcome this resistance. She deploys dynamic, innovative, and student-centred strategies in teaching chemistry modules, ranging from analytical/bioanalytical methods to organic chemistry.  Dr Efeoglu has published 30 articles in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals (impact factor ranging from 3 to 11). Her research was cited over 500 times, and she holds an h-index of 15. She has national and international collaborations within academia, including but not limited to DCU (School of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Life Sciences Research Facility and State-of-the-art Proteomics facility), Trinity College Dublin (Trinity College Translational Medicine Institute) and St. James Hospital (Lung Cancer Biobank), Ege University (Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry). To celebrate the Landmark of the year at TU Dublin, she has produced high-impact research with final-year project students, published in the first volume of the newly launched Journal of Academic Research & Innovation (JARI). She presented High-throughput proteomic analysis of FFPE lung tissues at the Proteomics in User Group Meeting for UK/Ireland & Nordics. She has successfully supervised a PhD student to completion and is currently supervising another PhD student in the Nanolab Research Centre.

Dr. Elena Alex, Dr. Maria Chiara Leva, Dr. Furong Tian and Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher in graduate ceromony 2025.  Dr. Tao Zhang and Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher in final year project students award ceromoney 2026. Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher is a cordinator of finaly year projects and collabrating with all techical offcier. 

Nano-Enabled Sensor Development for Arsenic Detection and Determination in Drinking Water

PI Dr. Furong Tian, School of Food Science and Environmental Health (FSEH)

Dr. Baljit Singh, MiCRA Technology Gateway

Prof. Christine O'Connor 

2022-2026

PhD student Abhijnan Bhat

Approximately, more than 230 million people worldwide are affected by arsenic toxicity. Rapid, cost-effective, reliable and portable techniques such as sensor-based methods are crucial. In this regard, the use of colorimetric and electrochemical methodologies has come to the forefront of research as a possible means of fulfilling these requirements.

Abhijnan Bhat has published 15 papers.

Highlight recent achievments

· Advanced Materials Technologies, WILEY TOP VIEWED ARTICLE: Dr Baljit Singh et al. 2025 “Nanomaterials‐Based Biosensors for the Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: Recent Trends and Future Perspective”

· RSC FRONT COVER: Environmental Science: Advances (RSC, Baljit Singh et al.): “Review of analytical techniques for arsenic detection and determination in drinking water”

· COVER PAGE POLLUTANTS (MDPI): Baljit Singh et al. “Hidden Threats in Water: The Global Rise of Emerging Contaminants”, Pollutants (MDPI), 2025, 5(4), 48, selected as the Journal/Issue Cover

Dr. Baljit Singh has served on the jury panels for the SciFest and celebrated the Research & Innovation Award.

De. Julie Dunne,Dr. Siobhán Daly, Prof. Chrisitne O'Connor, Dr. Gemma Kinseller, Dr. Graham O'Neill, Dr. Baljit Singh and Abhijnan Bhat cellebrated in Resarch Innovation Award night  in 2025.

From Wood to Wonder: Unmasking the Flavour Development of Irish Whiskey during Cask Maturation

PI Prof Christine O’Connor, Prof Kieran Kilcawley (Teagasc), and Dr Maria Kyraleou 

2023-2027 Research Irerland Pathway

PhD researcher Tereza Welyn Ng’ambi (School of Food Science and Environmental Health), supervised by , participated at Soapbox Science Dublin, a public engagement initiative that showcases the work of women and non-binary scientists by bringing research out of academic environments and into public spaces. 

Tereza presented her Research Ireland–funded research on the impact of cask maturation on the flavour profile of Irish whiskey. Her talk, “From Wood to Wonder: Unmasking the Flavour Development of Irish Whiskey during Cask Maturation,” generated strong public engagement, particularly from whiskey enthusiasts and members of the public interested in the science behind Irish whiskey production.

Christine’s research group has led the development of a novel 2D GCMS analysis technique which can quantitatively measure 200 congeners (chemical compounds) in whiskey samples which led to a publication in Talanta Open 2024. This is the greatest chemical detail achievable internationally on whiskey flavours.

The research was showcased in an article in RTE Brainstorm (What's behind Irish whiskey's second coming? (rte.ie)) and Teagasc Research News ( 2023 - Fundamentals of whiskey flavour - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority)

Christine hosted the SFI Dublin Science Festival during science week in November 2023 on the topic, Raise a glass: Exploring the chemistry and artistry of Brewing and Distilling which attracted over 130 members of public and drinks sector to attend.

Christine was an expert panellist at the TU Dublin Brewing and Distilling Showcase held in TU Dublin May 2023 where she was joined by industry representatives to discuss skills and training needs in the drinks sector in Ireland.

The research dissemination from the group has attracted international interest for example China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries visit to TU Dublin in July 2024. Christine was lucky to have a return visit to their facility in Beijing in December 2024.

Christine is the Faculty of Sciences and Health, Head of Research and Innovation, she chairs the All Ireland Steering Committee of the Royal Society of Chemistry, she is a member of the RSC Ireland education committee and a member of the RIA Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences committee and the Institute of Food Technologists. Christine is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Christines’ Postgraduate students have won national awards from SCI, IFSTI, RIA Kathleen Lonsdale Prize and Chioke Okolo will be presenting his whiskey research at the IFT conference, Chicago, July 2025.

In parallel to conducting research on food and beverages, Christine hosted the European EIT Food, Reformulation for Healthier Lives through Food event in November 2022 in TU Dublin joined by Academics, industry representatives, start up companies and Academics and Food Researchers, Food Industry Managers, Food Regulators, funding agencies and Food start-up businesses.

Christine also led on the production of a Science of Sense Food podcast for RTE jnr in 2024 showcasing the food science research that is conducted in TU Dublin and is available on the RTE website for use in primary schools nationally: The Science of Sense - RTÉ Podcasts. 

Identification and Proteomic Characterisation of Plant-derived anticancer compounds

PI 

Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher 

Dr. Tao Zhang

Student  Sarah Vickers- Breakthrough Cancer Research Summer Scholarship 2026

Dr Esen Efeoglu Maher coordinates final year research projects in the school. She communicates with students, demonstrators, supervisors, and technical officers to ensure the smooth progression of the modules and the final-year projects, which she handles. She provides mammalian cell culture training to students, demonstrators, and technical staff each semester and ensures the cell culture facility meets high standards.

Dr Esen Efeoglu Maher training demonstrators cell culture in CQ 220, Dr. Furong Tian, Dr. Esen Efeoglu Maher, Student  Sarah Vickers, Dr. Tao Zhang at TU Dublin openning day Dec 2025. Senior Technical Officer, Plunkett Clarke, and technical professionals Jyothi Nair, Noel Grace, Anthony Hutchinson, and Gisele De Campos Pinto offer their research and training environment. Recognising techical professionals is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential to the future of science.

IMPACTS OF LAND USE CHANGE ON SOIL ORGANIC MATTER DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN TEMPERATE PEATLANDS 

PI Furong Tian, Michelle Giltrap, Julie Dunne

2022-2026

Why peatland restoration is important for public health

Dr Furong Tian works directly with farmers to show that academic research can connect with communities and positively impact environmental recovery and public health.

“Today, more than ever, we need open, honest and inclusive science,” says Dr Furong Tian.

“Not just in labs and journals, but in schools, communities and public conversations. Because the more people understand science, the more they can shape it – and benefit from it.”

Tian is a lecturer in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health and director of the Nanolab Research Centre at Technological University Dublin (TUD).

With a bachelor’s degree in medicine, a master’s degree in biochemistry and a PhD in chemistry, her research interests lie at the intersection of medicine, nanotechnology and environmental health.

She has worked at the Fourth Medical University in China, Kyoto University in Japan, and at the Max Planck Institute and the Helmholtz Centre in Munich, Germany.

Last year, her research leadership was recognised by TUD with a Fiosraigh Award for Research Excellence.

Here she tells us about her current research, which focuses on peatland restoration and citizen science.

Tell us about your current research.

Since joining TUD, my research has focused on bridging academic work with real-world environmental and public health solutions. A key component of my work is mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in developing sustainable, community-based innovations.

In 2020, I served as principal investigator in drafting the Farm:Carbon project – a major peatland restoration initiative funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU, with a total budget of €1.149m. This led to a formal partnership in 2021 between TUD and Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative Society, supporting peatland rehabilitation and water quality improvement.

As a result, I secured two postgraduate fellowships, and subsequently two PhD fellowships were awarded to my students Gouri Atapattu and Obeng A Samuel.

Our research focuses on farm-based interventions across more than 30 sites in Offaly and Laois – modelled as ‘lighthouse’ farms for sustainable practices.

These sites have become living laboratories where students and farmers co-develop environmental solutions.

Farmers participate in surveys on vegetation and biodiversity and receive guidance on the ecological and agricultural benefits of restoration. The programme provides up to €5,000 per farm to implement restoration measures.

In addition to environmental monitoring, my team also conducts human health risk assessments, focusing on trace element release resulting from peatland use changes.

We investigate potential exposure pathways and ecological transfer of toxic metals through soil, water and biota, especially in disturbed or drained peatlands where harmful elements such as arsenic, lead and cadmium may become mobilised. This aspect of our research supports science-based policies and risk reduction strategies to protect both ecosystems and human health.

Our research methodologies include microbiological profiling of peat, water testing, and soil and peat analysis.

Student engagement and recognition remain central to this work.

One of my students was awarded a travel grant to present at Tropentag 2022, an international conference themed ‘Can agroecological farming feed the world? Farmers’ and academia’s views’, further highlighting the global relevance and academic quality of our research.

Additionally, students have won Best Scientific Poster awards at the SURE Conference (2022–2024) and have co-authored publications in Frontiers in Environmental Science, Environmental Science: Advances, and Sustainability, covering peatland restoration, wastewater management and hospital effluent treatment.

These initiatives reflect my commitment to cross-disciplinary research, sustainable agriculture and citizen science, while demonstrating how academic leadership can drive both ecological resilience and public health outcomes through collaborative, real-world action.

In your opinion, why is your research important?

My research is important because it addresses some of the most urgent challenges we face today: climate change, environmental degradation, sustainable agriculture and human health.

By focusing on peatland restoration and land use change, we are not only working to reverse environmental damage but also to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the mobilisation of harmful contaminants that pose risks to both ecosystems and public health.

Peatlands are critical carbon sinks, and their degradation contributes significantly to carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Restoring these landscapes has a direct impact on climate mitigation.

At the same time, we are assessing how these land use changes affect the release of trace metals and nutrients – critical for understanding and managing human health risks, especially for nearby communities and food systems.

The broader impact of this work lies in its cross-sector, community-driven approach. By working directly with farmers, students and public agencies, we are translating laboratory research into practical, on-the-ground solutions.

In the long term, I foresee this research contributing to: policy development in climate, agriculture and public health; scalable models of community-led environmental restoration; improved training for students as future scientists and change-makers; increased public awareness and engagement in environmental stewardship; and the development of ‘lighthouse farms’ as demonstration sites for eco-friendly practices, which could serve as replicable models for sustainable land management and restoration, both locally and internationally.

Ultimately, my goal is to show that academic research, when connected to real communities and landscapes, can be a powerful driver of both environmental recovery and public wellbeing.

What inspired you to become a researcher?

My journey into research has been deeply shaped by the inspiring leadership of Dr Julie Dunne, head of the School of Food Science and Environmental Health. Her passionate commitment to sustainability education and community engagement sparked a new dimension in how I viewed the role of research – not just as academic inquiry, but as a powerful tool for societal impact.

Dr Dunne consistently encouraged us to integrate sustainability across teaching, research and public outreach. She led initiatives that brought science beyond the classroom, such as visiting secondary schools for science festivals and facilitating lab experiences for younger students. These hands-on activities helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, igniting curiosity and interest in scientific exploration at an early stage.

What inspired me most was her vision of building sustained, meaningful connections between academia and the wider community. That ethos – of making research accessible, collaborative and impactful – has stayed with me and continues to shape the way I design my own projects. Her approach encouraged me to pursue research that not only answers scientific questions but also fosters inclusivity, civic engagement and real-world problem-solving.

What are some of the biggest challenges or misconceptions you face as a researcher in your field?

One major challenge is the misconception that peatland restoration is purely ecological and slow-moving, when in fact it has urgent and direct impacts on water quality, climate and human health.

There’s also a tendency to overlook the health risks linked to land use changes, such as trace element release.

Balancing rigorous research with meaningful community engagement is another challenge, especially as it often isn’t fully recognised in traditional academic frameworks.

Finally, securing funding for interdisciplinary, field-based research can be difficult, as it doesn’t always fit neatly into conventional categories – despite its real-world importance.

Do you think public engagement with science and data has changed in recent years?

Yes, public engagement with science and data has changed dramatically in recent years – especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, science entered our daily lives in a way we hadn’t seen before. People followed case numbers, debated vaccines, and even started reading scientific articles and data charts. This brought a surge in public interest – but also new challenges.

On one hand, more people now appreciate the value of science and understand its role in shaping policy and public health. On the other hand, we saw how quickly misinformation can spread, and how difficult it can be to communicate uncertainty in a fast-changing situation.

The pandemic also showed the power of community-based science. From symptom trackers to local research projects, people got involved in science – not just as audiences, but as contributors. That spirit of citizen science and public partnership is something we can – and should – build on.

How do you encourage engagement with your own work?

I encourage engagement with my work by making it hands-on, inclusive and grounded in real-world impact. A key part of this is involving both undergraduate and postgraduate students in fieldwork, lab analysis and community-based projects – particularly on farms where they can directly observe the environmental and health implications of land use and restoration.

I also work closely with farmers, secondary schools and local communities. We hold workshops, site visits and interactive sessions where people can ask questions, share local knowledge and see how research applies to their daily lives. These efforts help build trust and ensure the science is accessible and useful.

In addition to community engagement, I actively share our findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific posters and conference presentations, making sure the research reaches both academic and practitioner audiences.

Workshops and science festivals – especially those involving secondary school students – also allow me to foster early interest in environmental health and sustainability.

For me, engagement means more than just sharing results – it’s about building relationships, creating dialogue and ensuring that research is something people feel part of and can act on.

PI Dr. Furong Tian                     

     Dr. Michelle Giltrap

     Prof. Nataliia Ryzhenko

PhD student Volodymyr Laptiev

2022-2026

Valorising seafood side streams, residues, unwanted catches and discards for production of bioactive protein hydrolysates and high added value biomoleculesPI Dr Azza Silotry Naik, School of Food Science and Environmental Health 

Prof Christine O’Connor 

PhD student Ranahansi Bandara

Industry  BioAtlantis

2025-2029

Valorising seafood side streams, residues, unwanted catches and discards for production of bioactive protein hydrolysates and high added value biomolecules

Dr Azza Silotry Naik, Prof Christine O’Connor  and PhD student Ranahansi Bandara are in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership funded VASEACAD  meeting in TU Dublin and Dublin bay on 6th November 2025, visited visit BioAtlantis in Tralee on 7th November 2025.

Ranahansi Bandara Presented a poster title ' Enyzmatichydrolysis of by products from Blue Fine Tuna and AtlanticSalmon Processed in tye Europeaj Fish Industry' in School annual research show case in May 2026.

Dr Azza Silotry Naik: Championing Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation

Also making significant strides is Dr Azza Silotry Naik; Lecturer and Researcher in TU Dublin, whose work in sustainable resource management explores the transformation of plant and marine by-products into functional, high value ingredients.

Dr Naik’s research targets UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production by exploring novel ways to repurpose brewing and distilling byproducts, seafood processing waste, and other industrial food streams. Her innovative approach was further recognised through a NEMOS Teaching Fellowship (2023) under the Erasmus+ programme, where she developed experiential learning modules to incorporate sustainability into student-led projects.

Her research is supported through various EU and national funding streams, including the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, ARISE funding, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Feasibility Fund, focusing on beetroot byproduct valorisation. 

TU882

Beyond academia, Dr. Naik serves as an Irish delegate to the European Chemical Society (EuChemS), promoting industry–academia collaboration and representing her research in European and international forums.

TU881 projects

Publication Karpova, A.; Adesina, D.; Tian, F.; Naik, A.S. Seaweed (Laminaria digitata) and Honey Kombucha: A Fermented Antioxidant-Rich Beverage. Fermentation 2025, 11, 379. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070379

TU875 project and FOOD TECH 2006

Valorizing Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG)—a major brewing by-product into bioactive fractions for sustainable applications in pet and farm animal nutrition.

PI Dr. Azza Silotry Naik and Dr. Gemma K. Kinsella

ARISE PhD student Ing. Emmanuel Duah Osei

Industry Specialist Nutrition Company

2024-2028

Using green extraction techniques, Emmanuel investigate the recovery of BSG bioactive fractions, including dietary fibre, phenolic compounds, and protein hydrolysates with improved techno-functionality and biological activities such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antihypertensive properties. These bioactive fractions can potentially improve the nutrition and health status of pets and farm animals while supporting a circular economy. 

He present a poster title 'Potential of Brewer's Spant Grain Bioactive Fraction as functional Ingredients fro Pet and Farm Animal Food Application' at TU Dublin MSc Brewing and Distillery Launch in April 2025.

He was invited to give a talk in Nanolab Research Centre Monthly seminer in Physical to Life Science Research Hub.

He present a poster in School Annual research showcase in May 2026.

Microalgae-derived bioactives for gut-health-promoting functional foods

PI Dr. Azza Silotry Naik

Prof. Hugh J. Byrne

PhD Student Nisha John

2025-2029

3.9 million women and 3.0 million men are living with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) globally, In Europe, IBD incidence rates range from 10.5 to 46.1 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. Poor diets—especially those high in ultra-processed foods, salt, preservatives, sugary drinks, and fast food—are major contributors to gastrointestinal issues globally.

Objectives

1 Biochemical characterisation of whole microalgae cells, ghost vesicles and debris from Chlorella vulgaris Dunaliella tertiolecta Rhodomonas maculata and Porphyridium purpureum
2. Micro encapsulation of probiotic bacteria onto whole cells and ghost vesicles
3. Enzymatic hydrolysis of protein in whole cells and debris for Anti inflammatory Peptides, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti hypertensive, Immunomodulatory Anticancer
4. Evaluation of gut health promoting activity of encapsulated ingredients and hydrolysates

Nisha John has presented posters in school annual show case in 2025 and 2026.

Nisha John, Emmanuel Osei Dua, Catherine Moreilli, Allex Elliot, Cory Flyn, Hafsa Chaouche, and Katherine Chirko—under the guidance of their supervisor, Azza Silotry Naik, the event was designed as a vibrant and engaging introduction to food science for primary school children in the "Foodathon" event on  October 17th, 2025, at the Central Quad lab (CQ-109) on the Grangegorman campus. 

They made Spirulina Hummus Bowl, Protein Power Blaas, Green Spirulina Protein Smoothie, and No-Bake Spirulina Energy Bites to show primary student about food nutrition and its environmental impact both fun and engaging.

Nisha demonstrated her work in the labs in Central Quad. Nisha and her supervsior Dr. Azza Silotry Naik in the school annual research show case in May 2026. 

She was invited to give a talk at Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub on 30th July 2026.

Bioprospecting of Irish Seaweeds for anti-inflammatory Bio-actives

Funded by Research Ireland

PI Dr Azza Silotry Naik

Dr. Julie Dunne

Postgraduate Student Catherine Morelli

Catherin with school girls in Bioeconomy Week Ireland (October 2025) and TU Dublin openning day (December 2025) 

 Catherine present a poster in the Teagasc,  Catherine and Azza in the  boy school  in November 2025 and School research show case in May 2026

Anti-inflammatory & Neuroprotective potential of Protein Hydrolysates from Marine and Brewery

Byproducts

PI Azza Silotry Naik

Summer intern Lone Eline Haas

She was invited to give a talk at Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub on 30th July 2006.

Development of a High-protein Edible Straw

PI Dr. Azza Silotry Naik

Dr. Elena Alexa at the Centre for AMR and One Health Research (CAMROH). 

ERAAMUS student: Marlene Jade (Institute agro Montpellier)

Collaborate with MICRA Technology Gateway

Marlene Jade is working with Dr. Elena Alexa and PhD student Ranahansi Bandara supervsied by Dr. Azza Silotry Naik(Nanolab Research Centre, Centre for Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts, Food Innovation & Health Research Centre) in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health.

Her work was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Tara Heffernan on Procurement and IV Management, and Mariana Semnoloni on IV Handover.

Marlene Jade was invited to give a talk at Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub on 30th July 2006.

Interaction Between Microalgae R. Lens and Bacteria L. Plantarum

PI

Dr. Elena Alexa at the Centre for AMR and One Health Research (CAMROH),

Dr. Azza Silotry Naik(Nanolab Research Centre, Centre for Sustainable Packaging and Bioproducts, Food Innovation & Health Research Centre) 

ERAAMUS student: Cassandre Lambert-Bouthier (Institute agro Montpellier)

Cassandre is working with PhD student Nisha Johns, supervised by Dr. Dr. Azza Silotry Naik and Prof. Hugh J Byrne

Cassandre was invited to give a talk at Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub on 30th July 2006.

ERAAMUS student: Marlene Jade (Institute agro Montpellier)

Collaborate with MICRA Technology Gateway