PARTICIPATING LABS

Nako, Nakatsuka



At CHEMINA, our mission is to pioneer translational technologies that directly impact human health. Our multidisciplinary team works at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and neuroscience, to develop practical and innovative strategies to support patients. In neuroscience, where the chemical landscape of the human brain remains a black box, we take a comprehensive approach. First, we explore fundamental molecular pathways to identify chemical biomarkers for diseased states. Then, we engineer biosensors capable of tracking these molecules in complex biofluids to contribute to improved patient care.

Our research program is built on three key pillars:
1. Deepening our understanding of biomolecular interactions
2. Developing transformative chemical biosensing platforms
3. Translating novel tools directly from the lab to patients

Areas of interest:
1. Chemical Biosensing
2. Neurodegenerative diseases
3. Nanotechnology
4. Surface chemistry

Lab website

Key technologies
  • 1. Aptamer-based biosensors
  • 2. Optical biosensors
  • 3. Real-time monitoring of surface chemistry
Key biological questions
  • 1. How does neurochemical flux modulate fundamental brain (dys)function?
  • 2. Which small molecules have clinical relevance for monitoring in patients?
  • 3. How can we improve chemical biosensor function in complex biofluids?
Contact
EPFL Neuro-X Institute
Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnology (CHEMINA)
B3 3 246.134 (Campus Biotech bâtiment B3)
Ch. des Mines 9, 1202 Genève
Email: nako.nakatsuka@epfl.ch
 
Focus areas