Research Topics & Scientific Programs

The NanoSensing Group is a specialized research laboratory at the Department of Chemistry within Ghent University, Belgium, directed by Prof. dr. Anna Kaczmarek. Our primary research program investigates the chemical synthesis, photophysics, and interdisciplinary deployment of state-of-the-art luminescent nanomaterials, with dedicated specialization in nanothermometry, optical ion sensing, and nanoscale cancer theranostics.

Modern science demands non-invasive temperature and chemical diagnostics with nanoscale spatial precision. Conventional contact thermometers—such as metal thermocouples, resistance probes, and bulk thermistors—cannot access microscale environments such as live cellular organelles, microfluidic chips, microchemical reactors, or integrated semiconductor circuits. To solve these fundamental challenges, the NanoSensing Group creates sophisticated luminescent nanomaterials designed specifically for contactless, high-precision optical nanothermometry.

Our luminescent probes rely predominantly on trivalent lanthanide ions (spanning lanthanum to lutetium, La–Lu), which exhibit remarkably sharp f–f electronic transition bands, exceptionally long-lived excited states (ranging from microseconds to milliseconds), high photostability, and distinct temperature-dependent emission characteristics. By monitoring the luminescence intensity ratio between distinct emission lines (ratiometric nanothermometry), emission lifetime decays, or spectral shifts, our sensors provide absolute temperature readouts independent of fluctuating excitation power, probe concentration, or local tissue absorption.

Core Scientific Programs & Research Specializations

Advanced Spectroscopic Equipment & Synthesis Facilities

Our specialized laboratory infrastructure at Ghent University Campus Sterre, Building S3, hosts state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation dedicated to characterization of optical and thermal phenomena. Key equipment includes advanced Edinburgh Instruments steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectrometers, integrating spheres for absolute photoluminescence quantum yield determinations, optical cryostats for cryogenic temperature characterization between 77 Kelvin and 500 Kelvin, custom-built laser excitation setups, high-precision thermal stages, and dynamic light scattering for nanoparticle sizing.

Furthermore, our synthetic chemistry facilities are outfitted for inert-atmosphere Schlenk line synthesis, hydrothermal and solvothermal autoclaves, microwave-assisted reactors, and postsynthetic surface modification protocols. This integrated experimental environment ensures rigorous photophysical benchmarking and reproducible nanomaterial production from molecular precursors to functional devices.

Group Leadership & Academic Staff

The NanoSensing Group is spearheaded by Prof. dr. Anna Kaczmarek, Principal Investigator and Research Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Ghent University. The laboratory comprises an international cohort of postdoctoral researchers, doctoral PhD candidates, master students, and visiting fellows. Detailed curriculum vitae, project descriptions, and academic contacts are available on our team members directory.

Scientific Publications & High-Impact Output

Our research team regularly publishes discoveries in high-impact journals, including Chemical Society Reviews, Advanced Functional Materials, Chemistry of Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Inorganic Chemistry, and Angewandte Chemie. Comprehensive bibliographies and direct publisher DOI links can be explored on our dedicated publications portal and the official UGent Biblio Profile.

Career & Research Opportunities

We continuously welcome enthusiastic master thesis students, prospective PhD researchers, and postdoctoral scholars interested in luminescent materials, nanothermometry, and nanomedicine. For ongoing opportunities and application guidelines, please consult our opportunities section or reach out directly via our contact page.

Interdisciplinary Collaborations & Societal Impact

The NanoSensing Group collaborates extensively with leading medical research institutes, clinical oncology departments, and European photonics consortia. By interfacing inorganic coordination chemistry with molecular biophysics and materials science, our group translates fundamental laboratory breakthroughs in optical nanothermometry toward practical clinical diagnostic tools, covert anti-counterfeiting verification solutions for pharmaceutical packaging, and ultra-sensitive industrial microprocess monitoring systems across Belgium and international research frameworks.

Contact Information & Campus Location