Ikerbasque Research Professor Luis Liz-Marzán from CIC biomaGUNE will receive an honorary degree in Science at the University of Antwerp in recognition of his expertise in the synthesis, characterisation and application of plasmonic metal nanoparticles.

It will be possible to attend the masterclass ‘From nanoparticles to artificial tumours: A lifetime scientific journey’ and conferral of the honorary degree online, but registration is required.

Here follows the abstract of the masterclass:

Nanoplasmonics can be defined as the science studying the manipulation of light using materials much smaller in size than the radiation wavelength. This technology finds applications in various fields including sensing and diagnostics. An essential component of nanoplasmonics are nanostructured noble metals, which absorb and scatter light efficiently, through coherent oscillations of conduction electrons. Although the remarkable optical response of “finely divided” metals has been well known for over 150 years, the recent development of sophisticated characterization and modelling methods has dramatically reactivated the field. This talk will provide an overview of the gradual shift in research approach, from colloidal synthesis methods, through self-assembly, optimization of plasmonic properties and ultimately performance in biosensing applications. Several examples will be presented in which nanostructured materials comprising gold nanoparticles have been used as substrates for ultrasensitive detection of biorelevant molecules.