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Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences


Seeing the chemistry of vision

Researchers led by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski create two-photon excited fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscope (TPEF-SLO) to observe molecules supporting visual pigments in retinal cells in real-time. The device allows for non-invasive assessment of metabolic processes and biochemical markers, leading to new insights into eye diseases.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2022

The eukaryotic cell nucleus resembles the layout of a superstore

The eukaryotic cell nucleus has an organized layout, similar to a superstore, with DNA-packed into compact structures and molecules moving efficiently through channels. The chromatin fibers work like shelves, holding genetic information, while proteins move randomly within the channels according to Brownian motion rules.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 19, 2021

Laser harmony

Researchers have developed a femtosecond laser with unprecedented precision and stability, allowing for the observation of chemical transformations inside cells and the creation of ultra-thin layers on microchips. The laser's harmonic mode locking system enables precise control over pulse frequencies, opening up new avenues for applica...

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·DateJan 11, 2021

A new way to deliver drugs in MOFs

Researchers at the IPC PAS and WUT have developed a new, solvent-free drug encapsulation method that uses a pre-assembled metal complex incorporating the drug molecule. This approach could dramatically improve the efficiency of drug encapsulation in MOF materials and open the way to formulating vast arrays of 'drug@MOF' composites.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateApr 5, 2020

Towards high quality ZnO quantum dots prospective for biomedical applications

Scientists have successfully prepared high-quality ZnO quantum dots using a novel one-pot self-supporting organometallic procedure, offering promising prospects for biological applications. The new method yields stable and uniformly sized particles with unique physicochemical properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 3, 2019

SERSitive: New substrates make it possible to routinely detect one molecule in a million

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed new substrates for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) that guarantee signal enhancement and repeatability. These substrates enable the routine detection of small amounts of chemical compounds, including organic molecules and specific bacteria.

A polymer 'love hormone' sensor for the early detection of autism

A Polish Academy of Sciences team has developed a polymer 'love hormone' sensor that can detect micromolar concentrations of oxytocin, a biomarker associated with autism. The sensor's sensitivity is expected to increase to nanomolar levels, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially dramatic treatment efficacy improvements.

Mechanochemistry paves the way to higher quality perovskite photovoltaics

Researchers have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite photovoltaics using mechanochemistry, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced structural defects. The production process involves grinding powders to create homogeneous perovskites with fewer defects, which improves the cell's performance.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 7, 2017

The new method of analysis in record high speed DNA assay device

The new synergistic PCR (sPCR) technique developed by Curiosity Diagnostics combines the advantages of analogue and digital PCR methods. It offers faster analysis times, reduced calibration requirements, and increased accuracy in detecting genetic material. The method is particularly useful for laboratory staff to independently verify ...

The prototype of a chemical computer detects a sphere

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a chemical computer that can recognize the shape of a sphere with great accuracy. The system uses a network of oscillating droplets, where each droplet acts as a 'neuronal' unit, to process information and make decisions.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalComputational Methods in Science and Technology·DateMar 9, 2017

A new type of monitoring provides information about the life of bacteria in microdroplets

Scientists at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of Poland have developed a new method to monitor oxygen consumption by bacteria in microdroplets, enabling efficient testing of new drugs. The system uses polymer nanoparticles with phosphorescent dyes to measure oxygen levels without interfering with bacterial growth.

Sheets like graphene: Tailored chemistry links nanoparticles in stable monolayers

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.

Expanding when it shouldn't: New material with exceptional negative compressibility

Researchers at the Polish Academy of Sciences have discovered a material that expands when subjected to hydrostatic pressure, defying intuition. The sodium amidoborane crystal's unique properties are attributed to the formation of new hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules, leading to an abrupt increase in linear dimensions.