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ITQB NOVA – Universidade Nova de Lisboa

ITQB NOVA brings specialized expertise in single-molecule biophysics, microfluidics, and the manipulation of hybrid biomolecules. The research unit focuses on building experimental fluidic architectures and stabilizing fragile biological entities within micro-scale devices. By optimizing the delivery, flow dynamics, and physical behavior of biological chains as they pass through nanostructures, ITQB NOVA ensures the mechanical reliability and reproducibility required for high-throughput single-molecule analysis.

ITQB NOVA Team Members

Dr. James Yates

Head of the Single Molecule Group & Tenured Research Associate

Dr. James Yates holds a degree (MBioc) and a DPhil in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford. His doctoral research focused on site-specific recombination and chromosome segregation in bacteria, reducing cellular mechanics to the physical translocation of DNA through nanometer-sized biological channels. Fascinated by how biological systems utilize porous membranes, he transitioned his research in 2012 to nanopore physics. Starting with biological alpha-hemolysin pores and moving into solid-state architectures, his work centers on optimizing device design, fabrication methodologies, and developing accessible experimental configurations. On the RamanProSeq project, he is responsible for synthesizing hybrid biomolecules, manufacturing specialized sensor devices, and establishing the unified hardware interface connecting fluidic systems with high-resolution microscopy.

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