Professor Thomas Willum Hansen's project "Controlled Local Generation of Quantum Emitters in 2-Dimensional Materials"
In this project, we will use focused beams of electrons and ions to locally generate quantum emitters (QEs) in 2-dimensional materials. To correlate the structural properties of the generated emitters with their optical emission properties, we will characterize the materials before and after defect generation by means of high-resolution electron microscopy, photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence. For quantitative analysis of the electron microscopy data, we will develop convolutional neural network strategies for classifying the atomic-scale structure of the emitters as well as calculate their stability using density functional theory.
Local generation of quantum emitters will benefit the quantum field at large. Quantum emitters are essential building blocks for light-based quantum technologies such as quantum information processing as well as secure communications and quantum sensing. The future development of the field and its large-scale application in our society will rely on our capacity to generate stable QEs with excellent quantum optical properties and possibly working as close as possible to room temperature to avoid the use of power-hungry cryogenic systems.
Professor Stephan Sylvest Keller's project "Mucosal Immune Response through Buccal Microinjection of mRNA Vaccines (MINERVA)"
The development of COVID-19 vaccines based on mRNA technology marked a breakthrough in rapid vaccine development for protection against illness and death. Unfortunately, mRNA vaccines cannot prevent transmission of the virus because they fail to elicit an immune response in the mucous membranes. Mucosal immunity is crucial for quickly halting the spread of infectious diseases. While other vaccines can trigger an immune response when administered to mucous membranes, for instance via nasal spray or inhalation, this is not feasible with current mRNA vaccines due to their fragility and poor absorption across mucosal surfaces.
The aim of the MINERVA project is to develop a novel method for delivering mRNA vaccines buccally (through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity) to induce a robust immune response in the upper respiratory tract. Researchers at DTU Nanolab will exploit the new PolyFabLab for additive manufacturing of a novel microinjection system based on hollow microneedles. Ex vivo testing of macromolecule release and transport across the mucosa will be conducted in the group of Assoc. Prof. Line Hagner Nielsen at DTU Health Tech. Assoc. Prof. Gabriel Kristian Pedersen and Researcher Signe Tandrup Schmidt at Statens Serum Institute (SSI) will adapt mRNA vaccines specifically for buccal delivery and evaluate immune response in vivo.
Ultimately, the project aims to provide better protection against disease transmission, enable more targeted local vaccination, and facilitate faster approval processes for future vaccines.
