The Research Group has been dedicated to different topics in the area of Colloids and Surfaces. The approval by the PADCT/CNPq (Instrumentation Program in 1989) of a Project for the construction of a Langmuir trough, for the preparation and characterization of monomolecular films in the liquid interface, practically started the introduction of this technique in Brazil. Currently, the Group has focused on the study of biomineralization processes using Langmuir monolayers and Langmuir-Blodgett films. Among the projects, the obtaining of two patents involving the deposition of bioactive coatings consisting of phospholipids and hydroxyapatite, deposited on titanium surfaces and the preparation of bioactive bone cements, stands out. Also noteworthy is the thesis of Dr. Camila Bussola Tovani, winner of the Capes de Theses Award, in the field of Chemistry, in 2021. The thesis involved the synthesis of biomimetic materials containing strontium, with improved performance in controlling bone resorption in vitro. (http://dgp.cnpq.br/dgp/espelhogrupo/9251)
Equipments
In addition to the microscopy and spectroscopy facilities at the University, the laboratory is equipped with the following (among others) equipment for synthesis and/or characterization of samples:
Langmuir trough and BAM microscope
For the preparation and image of molecularly organized thin films.
Goniometer and automatic tensiometer
For wettability and surface tension studies.
ZetaSizer NanoZS
For the determination of size and charge of nanoparticles in liquid dispersion and solid surfaces.
Raman Spectrophotometer
For the determination of chemical composition and structure of solid and liquid compounds.