Magnetoelectric 3D printing technology
The revolution of actuatable composites
events
Consortium Meeting on WP3 - Develop and integrate 3D printing and electromagnetic system for voxel-by-voxel manipulation
On January 30, 2025, the Consortium convened a meeting to deliberate extensively on the design and operational parameters of the electromagnetic system. During the meeting, the Consortium reviewed several experimental designs that had previously been tested. Detailed analyses of the results from these experiments were presented, with each design being evaluated based on its performance metrics and potential for integration into the final system. The discussion was aimed at identifying the optimal configuration that would meet the project’s stringent performance criteria.
In addition to the examination of the electromagnetic system’s architecture, considerable attention was given to the properties of the inks designated for use. The Consortium assessed various chemical and physical characteristics of the inks—such as viscosity, conductivity, and thermal stability—to determine their impact on the system’s overall performance. The interplay between the ink properties and the electromagnetic forces was scrutinized to ensure that the system could operate efficiently under a range of conditions.
Furthermore, the meeting focused on establishing the precise conditions required for the magnetic system to achieve peak efficiency. This included a thorough discussion on the necessary calibration of the electromagnetic components and the environmental parameters that could affect system performance. The members considered potential trade-offs between operational robustness and efficiency, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that would allow for both high performance and reliable operation.
The meeting concluded with the formulation of a detailed roadmap for future research and development. This roadmap outlines a series of follow-up experiments and further design modifications intended to refine the system’s performance. The Consortium agreed on a schedule for subsequent meetings to monitor progress, address any emerging challenges, and ensure that all components of the electromagnetic system and associated ink delivery mechanisms function synergistically to their full potential.
Empowering Young Innovators (10/09/2024)
​
The 2nd Innovators Workshop, titled Empowering Young Innovators, was held on September 10, 2024, and led by Dr. Maria Vliora, an Early Career Researcher (ECR) from DF. The workshop took place as part of the PhD course on Precision Medicine at the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy.
It was structured into two key sessions. In the first session, Dr. Vliora discussed career opportunities in industry for PhD graduates, focusing on entrepreneurship and the essential considerations for those looking to establish their own spin-off companies post-PhD. The second session concentrated on strategies for securing funding to support future research and career development. This included guidance on writing successful research proposals and identifying various funding sources available to early career researchers.​
2nd Young Innovators Event Announcement (10/09/2024)
​
In collaboration with University of Brescia, Italy Discovery foundation will organize an online event for Young researchers that want to advance their carrer after their PhD. Dr. Maria Vliora will introduce the EVA project as an example for opportunities for young scientists and how they can acelerate their carreers. She will also speak about funding schemes in Europe and how to aproach European calls.
​
The event will take place online on the 10th of September 2024, in the frame of the Precision Medicine PhD course that is supported by the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine of University of Brescia.
​
Nozzle Team Meeting (20/06/2024)
​
The current primary focus of The Nozzle Team is on the engineering and optimal operation of the nozzle, as outlined in Work Package 2 (WP 2).
In this meeting, the team delved into the ink mixing system integrated within the nozzle. New theoretical calculations were conducted, addressing questions raised by researchers in the previous session. These calculations focused on the nozzle's design parameters, the pressure applied, and the volumes of ink required to ensure proper operation and effective mixing.
Additionally, the nozzle experiments have been repeated, substituting water-based inks with inks containing higher density solvents. This adjustment aims to observe and analyze the different behaviors exhibited by the inks and to understand how varying densities impact the ink switching mechanism within the nozzle. These experiments are crucial for optimizing the nozzle's performance and ensuring it can handle diverse ink formulations effectively
​
Tuan Ngo, PhDc from the UoB group visited the ETH group to engage in a collaborative effort, discuss experimental methodologies, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the advanced laboratory techniques employed by the ETH group. His visit took place from 02 to 14 June 2024.
The visit facilitated an exchange of knowledge and expertise, fostering a deeper collaborative relationship and enhancing the career opportunities of the Innovators of the EVA consortium. The researcher aimed to enhance his proficiency in the specific laboratory practices utilized by the ETH group, thereby contributing to the advancement of his own and the UoB group research initiatives.
Collaborative Research Visit and Knowledge Exchange Between the Consortium
​
School Outreach in Collaboration with Magnet Project
​
Dr. Maria Guix and Dr. Beltzane Garcia-Cirera, from the University of Barcelona (UoB), have collaborated on the Magnet project, an initiative designed to foster educational alliances that promote academic success and bring science closer to younger audiences. Their contribution to the project took place in May 2024 and focused on engaging second-grade primary school students at Madorell’s School in Molins de Rei, Barcelona.
As part of the outreach activities, the researchers conducted a series of interactive experiments aimed at sparking interest in scientific topics. These experiments included demonstrations related to nanorobots, environmental pollution, and the water cycle, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
12th World Biomaterials Congress (WBC 2024)
​
During the 12th World Biomaterials Congress (WBC 2024), Prof. Josep Puigmartí-Luis had the opportunity to visit the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST). During his visit, he delivered an insightful talk titled "Revolutionizing Materials Engineering and Processing with Microfluidic Tools."
​
Prof. Puigmartí-Luis was invited by Prof. Hongsoo Choi from DGIST to present his work on May 28, 2024. His presentation focused on the transformative potential of microfluidic tools in advancing materials engineering and processing techniques. The talk highlighted innovative methodologies and applications that could significantly impact the field, sparking interest and discussion among attendees.
Visit of the EVA project coordinator to Beijing Institute of Technology.
​
Recently, the project coordinator, Prof. Josep Puigmartí-Luis, received an invitation from Prof. Mu-Hua Huang to serve as a Visiting Professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). During his visit, Prof. Puigmartí-Luis delivered a lecture on the EVA project, sharing insights and advancements with the academic community at BIT.
​
In addition to his lecture, Prof. Puigmartí-Luis had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art microfabrication facilities at BIT. This visit facilitated discussions with members of various faculties, exploring potential avenues for future collaborations within the scope of the EVA project. These interactions aimed to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and innovative research initiatives, leveraging the combined expertise of both institutions to advance the goals of the EVA project.
​
Prof. Josep Puigmartí-Luis also had the opportunity to meet with Prof. Xiang-Zhong Chen and his research group from Fudan University, Shanghai, China. During their discussions, they delved into recent advances in the field of Material Science. This meeting provided a platform for exchanging cutting-edge research findings and exploring innovative approaches in materials engineering. The collaborative dialogue underscored the potential for future joint research efforts, aiming to push the boundaries of Material Science and contribute to significant scientific breakthroughs.
Prof. Josep Puigmartí-Luis also visited the laboratory of Prof. Zhen-Zhen Li, where he engaged with his research group specializing in microfluidic technologies. During this visit, he gained insights into their pioneering research and experimental methodologies in the microfluidics domain. The interaction facilitated a detailed exchange of knowledge and ideas, highlighting the latest innovations and potential applications of microfluidic technologies. This visit further strengthened the foundation for potential collaborative projects and interdisciplinary research between their respective teams.
Project outreach within Nanoinventum initiative
​
Dr. Maria Guix and Dr. Beltzane Garcia-Cirera, from the University of Barcelona (UoB), led the EVA project’s participation in the Nanoinventum initiative (https://ca.nanoinventum.com/) in April 2024 (Figure 3). Nanoinventum is a program aimed at integrating science and nanotechnology into primary education. By developing a tailored course for schools, the project enables young students to familiarize themselves with scientific terminology and ignite their passion for nanotechnology. The primary goal of the EVA ECRs was to educate and inspire young children about nanomaterials and nanorobots by presenting the EVA project’s objectives in simple, accessible language. The participating students, third graders from Sagrada Familia School in Barcelona, engaged in designing nanorobots aimed at addressing health issues affecting society. This effort sought to spark interest in future innovation within the field of nanoscience.
The EVA project in MSc course for Environmental Health
​
In January 2024, the EVA project was presented in the MSc course of Environmental Health in the University of Thessaly. Dr. Maria Vliora presented details of the project throughout the lesson for "Food and water safety - biotechnological approaches for hygene management" where she discussed the developing technology and envisioned proof-of-concepts for wastewater treatments.
The presentaton of the project raised questions from the MSc students and created very positive impressions as a concept for the removal of micropollutants in wastewaters.
INK Team meeting
The meetings of our EVA INK team are on. In our last meeting, the team reviewed the progress made on Work Package 2, titled "Micro-engineered Nozzles for Printing Multi-Material Magnetic 3D Structures."
Based on the current advancements, several further actions have been planned to ensure the successful continuation of this work package. Key tasks will focus on refining the design and fabrication of the micro-engineered nozzles, optimizing the printing parameters for multi-material integration, and enhancing the magnetic properties of the 3D printed structures. Additionally, the team will conduct comprehensive testing and analysis to validate the performance and functionality of the printed structures, aiming to achieve higher precision and efficiency in the printing process.
EIC Tech2Market Innovation Discovery Trainning Program
​
Members from the EVA project consortium attended The EIC T2M program that supports researchers in their transition from lab to market by offering free training and support by experienced mentors, experts investors and market representatives.
In the first session on 12th February 2024, the seminar focused on accelerating ideas, creating a start-up to be able to market products, finding investors, pitching techniques and much more.
The next session, on February 16th, 2024, a live trainning session took place where the participants presented their bussiness plans and had the chance to discuss with experts on how to improve pitching techniques and to approach investors.
​
​
INK Team meeting on 15th February 2024.
​
The team discussed advancements on the work being conducted within Work Package 2, "Micro-engineered nozzles for printing multi material magnetic 3D structures".
​
Further actions on this work package have been planned according to the current progress.
In our 1st Innovators Workshop, held on 25th January 2024, The Opportunities for funding in Europe were discussed.
Prof. Andreas Flouris, from FAME Lab, University of Thessaly was the key speaker and after his talk the discussion was raised regarding the topics that were touched upon.
​
The young researchers of the consortium had the chance to discuss how to develop their own proposals, how to seek for funding from the European Commission, how to create strong consortiums. All these information aim to empower them and train them for the next steps in their careers.
The 1st Innovators Workshop is here!
The EVA project is organizing a series of workshops aiming to empower the early career researchers and the participants from SMEs in the consortium.
​
In this 1st Workshop, Prof Andreas Flouris from University of Thessaly will be the guest speaker and will talk about Funding opportunities in Europe and how someone should seek for these as a next step in their career.
​
1st Review Meeting for the EVA Project
On Thursday 16th November, 2023, the 1st review meeting for the EVA project took place online whith the attendance of the Project Officer, the external expert evaluators, and all the team members of the Consortium.
During the meeting, the progress of the work conducted during the first year of the project was presented to the experts and all questions and considerations were discussed to ensure the project will continue to produce revolutionary technological advancements in the field of 3D printing.
​
Update Meeting on the EVA Project progress
On Thursday 20th July, 2023, a meeting with all the consortium partners was held online to discuss the progress of our project EVA: Magnetoelectric 3D printing technology – the rEVolution of Actuatable composites.
The partners of the project were informed in the advancements on the 3D printing methods that are being developed within the project and the progress on the use of the novel 3D printing materials.
Ink Team - Update and Progress
On Thursday 20th February 2023, the INK Team held an online meeting to discuss the progress on the research part of the EVA project regarding the synthesis and optimization of the magneto-electric particles and inks that will be used for 3D printing.
​
Ink Team - Planning of Actions
In this first meeting of the Ink Team the plan was presented on Tuesday 22nd November 2022.
​
This included the development of the strategy to followed for the characterization of the particle composition and properties that will be used for the ink
Kick off Meeting of the EVA Project
On Thursday 6th October 2022, we held the Kick-off meeting for the European project EVA: Magnetoelectric 3D printing technology – the rEVolution of Actuatable composites.
​
The goal of the project is to develop new technologies which will allow for precise positioning and orientation of magnetoelectric particles during the 3D printing of multi-materials, enabling generation of multifunctional actuatable composites.
