Room for wild ideas Nano interface Super-fast analysis of blood Out of balance Italian study fanatic Manufacturer of thin layers Aquarian
volume 3 number 1 2014
magazine
preface I MESA+ MAGAZINE 03
MESA+ provides room for ideas. This is also apparent in this February 2014 - volume 3 - number 1
issue. The company Ostendum
MESA+ Magazine is published by MESA+,
is developing a lab-on-a-chip
Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente,
that enables paramedics to
PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
perform blood tests on the
Editors: Miriam Luizink, David Redeker, Annerie Heesink , Myrthe Swaak
spot. Researcher Enver Güler
Photography: Eric Brinkhorst Graphic design and realisation: WeCre8 creative communication, Enschede
is building a pilot plant that
MESA+ Magazine is published twice annually.
generates power from saltwater
Circulation: 1.000 copies
and freshwater. And the Italian
More information is obtainable from Annerie Heesink, tel.: +31 53 - 489 3803.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in whatever form without the prior written permission of the publisher and other copyright owners.
This publication has been compiled with the greatest of care. Nevertheless, the publisher is not liable for any inaccuracies in this publication or for the unforeseen
Content Room for wild ideas.................................................................................................................. 04
dr. Ine Segers-Nolten, NanoBioPhysics group Confocal fluorescence microscopy image of a cultured human breast cancer cell (SKBR3 cell line), showing the nucleus in blue, the actin cyto
does not know exactly what she wants yet. But, she says, “In any
Schedule.......................................................................................................................................... 07
case, here in Twente you can go in
Nano interface............................................................................................................................. 08
all directions. Research, business
Super-fast analysis of blood................................................................................................ 12
world, everything is possible.” And
consequences of any errors.
Coverfoto:
Master’s student Francesca Rivello
Out of balance............................................................................................................................... 14 Italian study fanatic................................................................................................................... 16 Manufacturer of thin layers................................................................................................. 18
skeleton in green and the microtubuli in red.
Aquarian........................................................................................................................................... 20
that’s exactly how it is. Ir. Miriam Luizink, technical commercial director Prof. dr. ing. Dave H.A. Blank, scientific director
04
MESA+ MAGAZINE I Research
Alexander Brinkman examines how electrons interact with each other and
Research I MESA+ MAGAZINE 05
NAME: Alexander Brinkman (1975)
thus lead to new properties of materials. As professor within a larger research
POSITION: Professor of Quantum Transport in Matter
group, MESA+ gives him the room to focus entirely on research and teaching.
PREVIOUSLY: Studied Applied Physics in Twente and obtained his doctoral degree in 2003. Brinkman has been awarded three scholarships (Veni in 2004, Vidi in 2008 and a European ERC Consolidator Grant in 2013). He was UT lecturer of the year in 2010 and is a member of De Jonge Akademie of the KNAW MESA+... “gives me the opportunity to be involved with a small group of researchers within a larger research group”
Room for wild ideas A student stands in front of the desk of Alexander Brinkman, Professor of Quantum transport in matter. The students shows Brinkman a paper full of graphs. Brinkman is enthusiastic: “It seems that our wild idea has held firm up until now. Well done!” When the student leaves the room, Brinkman says: “This student is a wizard in mathematics. We are investigating a new idea for superconductivity at high temperatures. This kind of wild idea is perfect for graduating students. If the idea does not work, it is naturally disappointing, but the student can still get a degree with it. If you let research assistants do this, they have a problem for the remainder of the term of their project.” Brinkman’s career appears to have gone like clockwork: student, research assistant, postdoctoral fellow, lecturer, a few major scholarships and then professor. How did he manage that? Brinkman: “My dream is not ‘and now a Vici’. My dream is to achieve superconductivity at room temperature. My career has actually developed gradually. It already started when I was small. I then played with technical Lego and repaired televisions. I then started studying physics because it is such an interesting field of study. You’re solving puzzles, trying to understand how nature works. For me, it’s about the content. The rest, the scholarships, the appointments, follow on naturally.” So, the contents. Brinkman explains: “Look, an electron has a mass, a charge and a spin. At first sight, these appear to be fixed properties. But these properties change in matter. It’s just like a marble. Normally, a marble rolls nice and smoothly. But if you put it in syrup, its properties change. It’s just the same with electrons. Their properties change in matter and you get a particle with new properties. We
“My dream is to achieve superconductivity at room temperature”
06
MESA+ MAGAZINE I research
call this a quasi particle. If you put several
schedule I MESA+ MAGAZINE 07
MESA+ schedule 2014 group
Promotor
David Vermaas
MST
Kitty Nijmeijer
17
Wouter Maijenburg
IMS
André ten Elshof en Dave Blank
24
Sven Krabbenborg
MNF
Jurriaan Huskens
30
Bouwe Kuiper
IMS
Guus Rijnders
31
Enver Güler
MST
Kitty Nijmeijer
07
Steven Nyabero
XUV Optics
Fred Bijkerk
11
MESA+ colloquium
20
MESA+ technical colloquium
28
Harmen Droogendijk
TST
Gijs Krijnen
am able to focus entirely on the research
11
MESA+ colloquium
and do not have to spend much time on
14
Nishant Kumar
MSM
Stefan Luding
management issues. For me, that is ideal.
MSM
Stefan Luding
quasi particles together, they interact.
Date
Name
We try to manipulate quasi particles. In
14
MESA+ colloquium
this way we want to, for example, induce
17
superconductivity in a new class of materials known as topological insulators. This could form the basis for a new type of
january
topological quantum computation. Brinkman holds a rather special position at the University of Twente within MESA+. He is a professor within the Department
february
of Interfaces and Correlated Electron Systems of Hans Hilgenkamp. Brinkman: “I
With my own small club I am embedded in a larger whole, and I can work together with many colleagues.”
march
april
May
june
14
Olukayode Imole
20
MESA+ technical colloquium
20
Serkan Büyükköse
NE
Wilfred van der Wiel
21
Vasilisa Veligura
PIN
Harold Zandvliet
21
Wojciech Ogieglo
MST
Kitty Nijmeijer
26
Jolet de Ruiter
PCF
Frieder Mugele
26
Rielle de Ruiter
PCF
Frieder Mugele
28
Rogier Besselink
IMS
André ten Elshof
28
Shuo Kang
NI
Serge Lemay
03
Shilpa Argarwal
CPM
Leon Lefferts
08
MESA+ colloquium
11
Arturo Susarrey Arce
MCS
Han Gardeniers en Leon Lefferts
17
MESA+ technical colloquium
2
Vitaliy Ogarko
MSM
Stefan Luding
13
MESA+ colloquium
14
Abhinendra Singh
MSM
Stefan Luding
16
Wei Chen
IM
Arian Nijmeijer
16
Christina Kappel
MST
Kitty Nijmeijer
22
MESA+ technical colloquium
23
Erik Garbacik
OS
Jennifer Herek
04
Masoud Zabeti
CPM
K. Seshan
10
MESA+ colloquium
19
Peter Eerkes
ICE
Hans Hilgenkamp
19
MESA+ technical colloquium
20
Li Liu
CBP
Wim Briels
26
Hammad Qureshi
IM
Arian Nijmeijer
08
MESA+ MAGAZINE I Research
Research I MESA+ MAGAZINE 09
Séverine Le Gac is programme director of the multidisciplinary NAME: Séverine Le Gac (1977)
Nanotechnology for Innovative Medicine research programme.
POSITION: Programme director Nanotechnology for Innovative
In addition, she leads her own research group, Microfluidics for
Medicine and senior lecturer with the BIOS Lab-on-a-chip group
Nanomedicine. What is a Frenchwoman doing in Enschede? And how
PREVIOUSLY: Le Gac graduated in chemistry at the ESPCI in Paris.
does she bring together researchers from different disciplines?
She obtained her doctoral degree cum laude at the Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille. Her doctoral thesis on the development of a microfluidic system for protein analysis was awarded a prize from the French Association for Mass Spectrometry. She has been working in Twente since 2005, first as a postdoctoral fellow, then as a lecturer and now as a senior lecturer
Nano interface
MESA+... ‘has a really fantastic reputation’
In 2005, Séverine Le Gac came to Twente for both MESA+ and for
gether with, for example, the Max-Planck-Institut für molekuläre
the BIOS group of Albert van den Berg. Le Gac: “Both the group and
Biomedizin in Münster and the Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin
MESA+ have a fantastic reputation. Of course, I do miss Paris. I’m a
und Andrology in the same German city as well as the Amsterdam
“culture animal” and Enschede is obviously not at all like Paris. But on
VU University Medical Center, on the development of lab-on-a-chip
other aspects, I also like nature very much and that can be found here
systems for growing embryos and monitoring their viability using
in abundance. A walk through the woods is good to refresh my mind.”
dedicated sensors. The goal is to propose new systems that can be used in the future for IVF treatments. For now, embryos are cultured
MESA+ with MIRA
in a petri dish during the pre-implantation period, but lab-on-a-chip
Séverine Le Gac is programme director of the multidisciplinary
systems can better mimic the environment in which embryos would
Nanotechnology for Innovative Medicine research programme.
grow in vivo.
About 35 researchers from different disciplines work together in that research progamme. It is one of the four Strategic Research
Unique research
Orientations (SROs) of MESA+ (see the box as well). Le Gac’s
Le Gac came to Twente because of its good reputation. She stayed
SRO brings together biologists, chemists, biophysicists, applied
in Twente because it offers her a unique research environment.
physicists and medical technologists. The SRO not only unites
“Researchers collaborate here and also look beyond their own
people from MESA+, but also includes researchers from MIRA, the
discipline. That is ideal for me because my research and interests
University of Twente’s research centre for biomedical technology
also lie at the interface between several disciplines.”
and technical medicine. The overarching research programme aims to develop new methods, techniques and instruments for diagnoses
Strategic Research Orientations
and treatments. It also aims to provide insight into the molecular
To encourage cooperation by the various disciplines, MESA+
processes with respect to diseases. Le Gac: “It is exciting to work at
has four Strategic Research Orientations (SROs). This involves
the interface of several research fields. The researchers have various
around 35 researchers from related disciplines working together
backgrounds. This interdisciplinary environment is really something
on a single theme. This way of working leads to groundbreaking
I like. We get together every month. I show the MESA+ researchers
interdisciplinary research, while strengthening the cohesion
that there is more than just nanotechnology, and MIRA researchers
between ongoing research and enabling completely new
see that there is more than just pharmaceuticals.”
fields of research to be developed. The four Strategic Research Orientations of MESA+:
Embryo on a chip
1. Applied NanoPhotonics
Besides the programme directorship, Le Gac has her own research
2. NanoMaterials for Energy
group. With two PhDs and two postgraduate researchers, she
3. Enabling Technologies
is developing microfluidics for nanomedicine. She is working to
4. Nanotechnology for Innovative Medicine
10
MESA+ MAGAZINE I MESA+ NanoLab in the Picture
sem Nano technologists build such small structures that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. In order to see whether the researcher has actually made what he had conceived, an electron microscope is required. The electron microscope in the photo is a scanning electron microscope. This microscope not only makes the shape of the nanoparticles visible, it also says something about the chemistry. The microscope scans a fine beam of electrons over the sample surface to be examined. The sample produces a variety of electrons and x-rays. The radiation emitted is analyzed. This creates a detailed picture of the shape of the sample, including height differences and chemical composition.
MESA+ NanoLab in the Picture I MESA+ MAGAZINE 11
12
MESA+ MAGAZINE I spin-off
spin-off I MESA+ MAGAZINE 13
“We want to shrink our unit so that the chip, laser and detector all fit in a bag”
The Twente company Ostendum is developing a lab-on-a-chip that will allow doctors and paramedics to quickly perform on-the-spot analyses of, for example, blood, urine or saliva. An interview with managing director Paul Nederkoorn about the technology, the market and society.
Super-fast analysis of blood The example “Suppose someone collapses on the street. The ambulance arrives and takes the patient to the hospital. It takes an hour for the analyses of the blood test to be known. It then becomes clear that the patient did not have a heart attack, and may not have to go to the hospital. With the portable lab-on-a-chip that Ostendum is developing, a doctor or paramedic would have been able to determine blood values upon which an informed treatment can start immediately
NAME: Paul Nederkoorn (1967)
whereby the patient would not have had to go to the hospital
POSITION: Managing director of Ostendum (www.ostendum.
in many instances. About a quarter of the people who are
com). This MESA+ spin-off is working on a lab-on-a-chip that
suspected of having a heart attack would not have had to go
his wife, who has a PhD in biomedical sciences, also works
The market
to hospital after all. And the opposite also occurs: people with
for the company.”
“It helps a lot that major players like Achmea and De
vague symptoms who appear to actually have had a (mild)
Friesland Zorgverzekaar support us. Such institutional The logo
investors
“Ostendum in Latin means ‘must be demonstrated’. And
pharmaceutical companies or companies that produce
The instrument
‘Ost’ of course also refers to Twente, the east of the
diagnostic medical equipment.”
“It started with Aurel Ymeti’s doctoral research at MESA+.
Netherlands. The striped pattern in the logo shows that our
He invented a chip with channels through which liquid can
device detects optical interference.”
heart attack. Our instrument provides a quick answer.”
flow. In such a channel, you can introduce a particular type
make
us
an
even
better
partner
for
The social impact “In our industry it takes on average more than ten years
of antibody in advance. When your blood flows through the
The application
to go from idea to marketable product. We have now
channels, proteins from the blood bind to the antibodies.
“We currently have a table-top model that is being developed
been working for over five years, so we are about halfway.
With the aid of laser light, we can determine the amount
further. Our aim is to reduce the size and weight of our
Ultimately, the goal is to produce a portable analyzer and
of protein that bonds with the channels. In this way, we can
device so that it is truly portable; that the chip, laser and
an inexpensive disposable chip. A fast, accurate diagnosis
deduce the concentration of the protein in the blood and
detector all fit into a briefcase or bag. The calculations can
saves lives on-the-spot, promotes patient care and
obtain the blood values. Aurel is now technical director. And
be performed with a laptop, a tablet or a telephone.”
produces cost savings for society.”
will enable medics and paramedics to quickly perform on-thespot analyses of, for example, blood, urine or saliva. In 2013, Achmea and De Friesland Zorgverzekaar acquired a stake in the company that is located in the High Tech Factory on the University of Twente campus PREVIOUSLY: Nederkoorn graduated from the VU University Amsterdam in medicinal chemistry (with distinction), chemistry (with distinction) and business law. During his PhD in medicinal chemistry, he became research group leader and lecturer. He then took up employment with Shell. Since 2007, he co-founded and has participated in the development and investment firm UT International Ventures. The aim is to bring high-impact products from the academic setting to the market MESA+... ‘Ostendum builds on MESA+ doctoral research’
14
MESA+ MAGAZINE I RESEARCH
RESEARCH I MESA+ MAGAZINE 15
During the interview, the young
NAME: Sven Krabbenborg (1986)
researcher Sven Krabbenborg,
POSITION: PhD student in the Molecular
who has a wide range of interests,
Nanofabrication group led by Jurriaan
comes across as thoughtful and
Huskens. Krabbenborg makes chemical
balanced. Work, private life,
gradients on the microscale. He obtained
hobbies: everything in moderation
his doctoral degree in January.
and balanced. And that is in
PREVIOUSLY: Krabbenborg took a
contrast with his research about
Bachelor’s degree in Advanced
pushing systems out of balance.
Technology in Twente. He attained his
“We make things possible that
Master’s degree in Nanotechnology with
were initially impossible.”
distinction. With his dissertation he won the thesis prize from the University of Twente Faculty of Applied Sciences HOBBIES: Squash, go-carting, photography and diving MESA+... ‘brings together physics, chemistry and biology’
Out of balance
“Biologists and chemists can turn the knobs on a micro scale.”
Krabbenborg is a fourth year PhD student. He makes
One hundred tests on a small plate
chemical gradients on the microscale. Scientists have
Krabbenborg: “It is particularly at these scales that you
already been making gradients for a hundred years. For
can conduct interesting research. For example, you can
example, in a tank of water in which the pH on one side
see how a reaction behaves under different conditions.
can turn the knobs and create dynamic systems on a micro
really fantastic that researchers can now, for example, perform
of the container is higher than on the other. In Twente,
We introduce different conditions on one small plate with
scale.”
chemical reactions on a lipid membrane from the field of biology
the researchers do not use a container of water, but
scores of the same gradients and therefore do not have
rather a chip, a small plate that is a few centimetres wide
to perform lots of separate tests. We have, for example,
Chemistry, biology, physics
with which gradients of between ten and five hundred
succeeded in creating a catalyst gradient. This has
Krabbenborg had a wide range of interests at secondary
micrometres are made. Why does everything have to be
enabled us to study the so-called click reaction in a high-
school. His profiles included both Nature & Technology
Multinational
so small? Why do we want to create gradients of a fraction
throughput manner. We have also created a pH gradient.
and Nature & Health. In Twente, he was able to maintain
For nine years Krabbenborg’s life and work were in balance. And
of a millimetre, and why do we want to control gradients in
And we have created cell membranes with different
a broad focus with the Bachelor’s degree in Advanced
now? Krabbenborg: I am ready for something new. I would like to
fractions of seconds?
concentrations of lipids. With our technique, scientists
Technology. And now during his doctoral research he
move towards the business world. For example, to Philips, ASML
combines chemistry, biology and physics. Krabbenborg:
or DSM. Multinationals, yes, but a small spin-off is also possible.
“I find the multidisciplinary approach very appealing. It is
As long as I can keep working in a multidisciplinary manner.”
in a device based on physics. We make things possible that were initially impossible.”
16
MESA+ MAGAZINE I Master’s degree in Nanotechnology
Master’s degree in Nanotechnology I MESA+ MAGAZINE 17
NAME: Francesca Rivello (1992) POSITION: Master’s student in Nanotechnology. Started her Master’s degree in Twente in September 2013 PREVIOUSLY: attained her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Engineering at the Technical University of Turin in Italy HOBBY: Rivello played golf at a pretty high level (handicap: 3). She now plays tennis for fun and for the social contacts MESA+... ‘has a special coordinator for international students. It is very nice that there is someone who is there for you and who helps you’
The Italian student Francesca Rivello sent admission letters to five universities. All five accepted her. She chose Twente and MESA+. “Here you can already
“At school I hesitated between physics and medicine. At Twente it comes together”
specialize in the first year and in the second year you can conduct your own research.”
Italian study fanatic You just started. Have you already received your
can already introduce a focus in the first year, and
first marks?
can then specialize. At secondary school I already
how you should address the lecturers. In Italy, you
What are your plans for the future?
“Yes, we’ve already had the first three examinations.
hesitated between physics and medicine. At
refer to the professor by his title and his surname.
“I’m not exactly sure yet. I want to do something
I got a 9 for Nanoscience, an 8 for Characterization
Twente, these come together. That’s because MIRA,
Here you can use first names. The lecturers also
in the field of diagnosis and treatment of various
of Nano-structures and an 8 for Molecular and
the research institute for biomedical technology, is
know you by name.”
diseases with the aid of nanotechnology. I will
Biomolecular Chemistry. I found the last subject the
also situated here.”
soon have my first progress interview with my Do you miss Italy?
coordinator. Maybe I can help with the development
And, do you like it?
“Not really, Turin is only an hour away by plane. There
of medical equipment. In any case, here in Twente
“Yes. It is very nice and compact as well as being
are, of course, no mountains here, but the scenery is
you can go in all directions. Research, business
Why did Twente attract your attention?
well-organized. In that respect, it’s quite like Turin
beautiful and varied. I am now also working hard to
world, everything is possible.”
“During my Bachelor’s degree in Italy I started
where I was an undergraduate. I also find the
learn Dutch so that I can integrate properly.”
thinking about what I wanted. In Italy I had to travel
international aspect very appealing. For example, I
around for my Master’s. I would prefer to do it all at
spend a lot of time with a Chinese girl and a Brazilian
You played golf quite well; why did you not want to
one location. I then discussed the possibilities with
boy. When we arrived here, there were workshops
continue playing?
Nanotechnology master is top-class
my professor. Of the five suggestions, Twente’s
for international students. For example, we learned
“If I wanted to continue with golf, I would have to
In the Dutch Keuzegids (study guide) Masters for 2014, the University of
MESA+ was my first choice. Partly because you
about the education system in the Netherlands and
devote all my time to it. And then I wonder whether I
Twente Nanotechnology programme has the highest rating. The program-
could also make it my work. I’m just more interested
me may use the ‘Top course’ quality seal for a whole year.
most difficult, because I didn’t have much chemistry during my Bachelor course.”
in science.”
18
spin-off I MESA+ MAGAZINE 19
MESA+ MAGAZINE I spin-off
NAME: Cas Damen (1968)
TSST has already existed for fifteen years. It is one of the most successful
POSITION: Technical director and manager
spin-offs of what is now called MESA+. Twente Solid State Technology designs
of TSST, Twente Solid State Technology BV
and manufactures equipment with which universities and institutes can create
(www.tsst.nl). A company that since 1998
and examine thin layers. The equipment is used all over the world.
has been designing and building equipment that enables universities and institutes to create thin layers and thus develop new materials PREVIOUSLY: Damen attained his doctorate at the University of Twente in 1997. He performed research with a piece of equipment to create thin layers. After taking his doctoral degree he became director of the then new spin-off TSST MESA+... “we regularly make use of the expertise and facilities of MESA+”
Manufacturer of thin layers Cas Damen, the director of TSST points to a metal machine
students came to the West. They are now professors in
measuring two by two by one metre with tubes, spheres and
China and want to work with Western equipment.”
cylinders. “This machine is going to Switzerland soon.” From a distance it has some similarities with an iron squid or an
Turning to all knobs
old-fashioned one-man submarine. The device is a so-called
Each TSST machine is tailor-made. The time between
PLD system, which stands for pulsed laser deposition.
the first discussion and the delivery of the equipment takes about eight months. The first two months of this
The only one of its kind
are devoted to consultation, design and adjustment. The
TSST started in 1998. A few years earlier, the Twente
TSST staff (intermediate and higher vocational students
research group of Dave Blank, Guus Rijnders and Horst
and university graduates) then spends six months building,
Rogalla had succeeded in applying thin layers on a surface
testing and installing. Damen: “Our customers are always
of a ceramic substrate very accurately by means of a
pushing the limits of what is technically possible. If we
self-built PLD. Researchers from all over the world asked
guarantee that you can heat our machine to 1000 degrees,
the Twente researchers where they could also get hold of
then they want to go to 1100 degrees. Even if it means that
such a machine, but it was the only one of its kind. Rijnders,
they have to replace a part twice a year. With our machines,
Blank and Rogalla founded a spin-off and Cas Damen, who
you can turn all the knobs. That is our strength. That is why
had just completed his PhD research and had meanwhile
universities and institutes come to us.”
become an expert in the field of thin layers, became the first employee. The company now employs twelve people,
Course for customers
sells about eight units a year and has a turnover of three
Once the machine has been delivered, this does not mean
million euros.
that the customer then has to figure it out for himself. TSST has, for example, set up a course for the company’s
“TSST employs 12 people and has a turnover of three million euros per year”
China is emerging
customers together with MESA+. Damen: “We teach them
Universities and institutes all over the world make use of
the capabilities of the machine and the MESA+ researchers
the knowledge and skills of TSST. The demand is especially
show them the science they can get from it and how to
increasing in China. In 2013, TSST sold three of its eight
interpret the results. This is important for our customers
machines to China. For 2014, two more orders are already
and therefore for us too. A good research result works
scheduled for China. Damen: “Ten years ago, many Chinese
better than a glossy brochure.”
20
MESA+ MAGAZINE I RESEARCH
Water forms the common thread in Enver Güler’s research. In Turkey, he extracted heavy metals from water. In Israel, he worked on the production of drinking water from seawater (reverse osmosis technology). And in Twente, he generated energy from seawater and river water.
RESEARCH I MESA+ MAGAZINE 21
“Partly as a result of my research, a pilot plant is being built on the Afsluitdijk causeway where we can test my membranes on an industrial scale”
Aquarian Güler already knew
Blue energy
what he wanted to do
Many MESA+ staff and students can’t keep out of the cleanrooms, but not Güler:
while at secondary
“I make membranes that have an active area of approximately ten centimetres
school: solve problems
by ten centimetres. We work with polymers. An ordinary chemistry laboratory
for humanity. And
is quite suitable for this. Luckily we have one here too.” Güler then stacks the
that had to be, he
membranes on top of one another. First a membrane that only lets through
thought, by means
positively charged particles, then a membrane that only lets through negatively
of chemistry and
charged particles, then positive, then negative, and so on. Finally a stack of
physics. “While I was
membranes is created along which researchers pump salt water and fresh
working on my master’s
water. The scientists generate energy by means of the principle of reverse
degree in Israel on the
electrodialysis: energy from water. It is sometimes also referred to as blue
desalination of sea
energy.
water, my supervisor recommended that I
Afsluitdijk pilot plant
continue with this type
Membranes that extract energy from water already exist, but they are expen
of research, and that the
sive and do not work well for Güler’s application. The researcher therefore
Netherlands was the
developed a membrane that is more effective and can be made in one step,
best place to do this.”
making it less expensive than the membranes that are currently available
Güler subsequently
commercially. “Partly as a result of my research, a pilot plant is being built on the
performed his PhD
Afsluitdijk causeway where we can test my membranes on an industrial scale.
NAME: Enver Güler (1984)
research with the
It is the first time that the membranes from Twente are undergoing large-scale
POSITION: postdoctoral researcher at Wetsus, Centre of
MESA+ Membrane
tests.”
Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology. Güler obtained his PhD in January 2014 in Twente at the MESA+ Membrane
Technology group at the University of Twente
Collaboration with industry
from 2009 to 2013.
Güler’s research is being conducted in close cooperation with Wetsus. This is
generate energy from the mixing of seawater and river water
the top technological institute for water technology where researchers from
PREVIOUSLY: Güler completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical
Science and Technology group. He designed membranes that
universities, institutes and the business community collaborate. Güler: “With
Engineering at Ege University in Izmir on the Turkish west coast in
the pilot plant, we can study how our process works outside the laboratory. We
2007. In 2009, he obtained his Master’s degree at the same university.
also gain more insight into the costs and revenues.” The researchers initially
Among other things he performed research in Israel and completed
hope to generate a modest fifty kilowatts of electricity. They then want to build
traineeships at Bayer Crop Science and Unilever
a plant that produces two hundred megawatts. This is comparable with a small
HOBBY: Güler enjoys freshwater fishing and photography
coal plant. And Güler? He is now busy on removing sodium ion selectivity from
MESA+... ‘brings together fundamental research and applications’
irrigation water so that it can be used for agriculture. And so he continues with his common thread: water.
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MESA+ MAGAZINE I MESA+ NanoLab in the Picture
High Troughput Cell Analysis systeem One of the showpieces of the BioNanoLab is the High Throughput Cell Analysis system. With a type of robotic line, researchers can perform several measurements in succession and simultaneously. They can, for example, determine whether newly created nanoparticles are toxic to humans or animals. The research is performed with cells. The cells are located in scores of little holes on so-called multi-well plates. The robotic arm transports the plates between the system’s various measuring instruments. The absorption, luminescence and the fluorescence of the cells can be measured in this way. In addition, there is a special imager that makes 3D images of the cells in different fluorescent colours. In between the measurements, the plates with cells are placed in a 37°C incubator in order to keep the cells alive.
MESA+ NanoLab in the Picture I MESA+ MAGAZINE 23
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology I P.O. Box 217 I 7500 AE Enschede I the Netherlands I info@mesaplus.utwente.nl I www.utwente.nl/mesaplus