BV-FAPESP: research projects supported in this Center
CDMF in the Media: news about the Center
In the Center for the Development of Functional Materials (CDMF), we are proposing a step forward in materials science research. The research theme is the development of functional materials. Actually, the core of our center is the ability to synthesize materials with a controlled chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and morphology. An inherent part of our center has been the development of innovative methods and techniques based on the combined use of theory, simulations, and experimental results in order to interlink theoretical knowledge and experimental approaches. Thus, we will use these skills for the research and development of functional and nanostructured materials with tailored properties to solve problems related to renewable energy, health, and environmental sustainability.
In the new center, our proposal in terms of innovation and technological transfer will be directly connected to the basic research program (i.e., with functional nanostructured materials) and will act in the following segments: 1) Pilot plants for functional nanoparticles; 2) development of new applications for functional materials, and 3) generation of spin-off companies.
One fundamental target of this new center is to gain international recognition as a key research center for functional materials. This objective will be achieved through the publication of relevant papers in this field in major international journals as well as the strengthening of our collaborations with internationally recognized laboratories in functional materials. Moreover, additional efforts will be made to attract good international students. To accomplish this goal, every year we intend to promote a school of advanced studies in functional materials offering support to excellent students as well as inviting the best researchers in the field to give lectures to promote our center as an attractive global entity. The main idea is to publicize the research of our center and transform our laboratories to attract international Ph.D. students and post-doctoral researchers.
Our efforts regarding activities related to education and knowledge dissemination will be focused on five areas: 1) Improvement of science education through activities directed to elementary and high school students and their teachers as well as the development of interactive learning materials; 2) the attraction of young people to scientific careers through the interest of high school students in science and university studies; 3) the education of undergraduate and graduate students by contact with advanced topics in materials science and training in scientific knowledge diffusion; 4) the development of interactive scientific diffusion products; and 5) the enhancement of qualitative materials science and related topics in the media, concomitantly through press office services, research media training, and journalist training.
2022-04-20
The material is not an active ingredient but an adjuvant, and was successfully tested on an influenza virus in research conducted by an international team of scientists with Brazilian participation and reported in an article in Nature.
2020-07-08
In laboratory tests, the material inactivated 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in two minutes. The technology developed by the startup, which is supported by FAPESP, will be used to produce face masks and hospital apparel.
2020-05-06
Several initiatives are pursuing alternatives to increase the number of diagnostic tests performed in Brazil. Research groups who previously developed low-cost rapid tests for Zika fever and other viral diseases are adapting these models for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2.
2020-05-06
Developed with FAPESP’s support via its small business program, the N95-type respirator is made of material containing silica-silver microparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties that hinder surface adhesion by SARS-CoV-2.
