The Center for X-ray Analytics at Empa enforces X-ray analytical method developments for materials science and technologies with the aim to support science and industrial innovation. Prof. Antonia Neels and her colleagues combine X-ray diffraction, scattering and 3D imaging in a multimodal approach for multiscale systems, going from the Ångström to the meter scale. The development of new materials is strongly connected to the possibilities for a comprehensive analysis of their properties. Analytical methods do not only provide knowledge about the materials, but also support understanding of dynamical processes of these materials especially in biological environments.
The focus of the talk will be on nanosystems with respect to biomedical applications. First, in-situ investigations for nanoparticle systems and their early event dynamics in biological environments will be emphasized. Here, the NPs colloidal stability is a crucial property as it strongly influences product efficiency. Second, hierarchical systems such as polymers, embedding nano-materials and serving as drug delivery systems, wearable sensors or tissue engineering, will be highlighted.