Research Laboratories

The laboratory possesses extensive expertise and state-of-the-art research equipment for the fabrication of functional surfaces, including:  

•     Spin coater for precise thin film deposition by rotation (Spin Coater by Ossila) 

•     Slot-die coater for controlled-thickness film deposition through a slit (Slot Die Coater by Ossila) 

•     Surface tensiometer and wettability analysis system for materials and coatings (Data Physics) 

•     Two microscopes (up to 100×) with cameras for surface morphology analysis and microorganism observation 

•     Portable microscope (up to 220×) with EDOF (Extended Depth of Field) and EDR (Extended Dynamic Range) technologies for enhanced focusing (Edge Plus by Dino-Lite) 

•     Stereomicroscope (up to 100×) with camera for surface analysis and microorganism inspection 

•     White light optical profilometer for sub-nanometer topography measurements and high-resolution 3D surface imaging, even on rough or low-reflectivity surfaces (Profilm3D by KLA) 

•     Stainless steel vacuum chamber (30 L) with high-performance industrial pump for degassing, resin curing, and surface testing under low-pressure conditions (VC3530SS, VPBDR16 by Vacuumchambers) 

•     Complete high-pressure system including a 12.5 L chamber and 95 L/min compressor, ideal for high-pressure experiments (PC2623S, AT550-9L by Vacuumchambers) 

•     Dual-stage vacuum pump for fast and powerful depressurization (10 CFM by VEVOR) 

•     Airbrush compressor for low-pressure coating applications (AS18-2 by Airbrush Studio) 

•     Wood/metal band saw – versatile tool for cutting panels, molds, and fabricating small lab subsystems (TC-SB 200/1 by Einhell) 

•     Experimental setups for heat transfer measurements 

•     Thermocouples for automated temperature logging 

•     Heating plates up to 200 °C 

•     Micro-milling and 3D printing system (ProtoMat LPFK) 

•     Heated press for bonding devices and replicating microtopography via thermal embossing 

•     System for hot embossing of micro/nanotopography (Hot Embossing Machine by Eden Tech) 

•     High-resolution resin 3D printer (12K) offering speed, precision, and reliability in the fabrication of detailed prototypes and models (Saturn 4 Ultra by Elegoo) 

•     3D printer for PLA and similar materials, ideal for large-scale prototypes, molds, and lab components (Ender-5 Max by Creality) 

•     Custom-built 3D bioprinter for printing biomaterials in tissue engineering and biocompatible surface applications (by 3D/HUB Greece) 

•     UV-Visible spectrophotometer for analyzing the optical properties of surfaces and liquid solutions (Optical Spectrometer by Ossila) 

•     Surface cleaning system using UV-generated ozone to remove organic contaminants (UV Ozone Cleaner by Ossila) 

•     Portable high-speed camera capturing up to 1,000 fps in full HD, ideal for analyzing fast dynamic phenomena (Chronos 2.1-HD High Speed Video Camera by Kron) 

The Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials and Nanotechnology focuses on both fundamental and applied research in innovative material systems, aiming to improve the functional, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of surfaces through the use of advanced processing technologies, including nanotechnology. Its core research targets the development of smart surfaces with applications in food science, energy, healthcare, and the environment. 

The Laboratory aspires to become a leading research hub at both national and international levels, fostering strong partnerships with industry, academia, and research institutions. It aims to serve as a center for education, training, and research mobility, while also supporting the development of new technologies and materials that contribute to a more sustainable and innovation-driven future. 

TEAM MEMBERS 

Dr. Kosmas Ellinas (Assistant Professor)

• PhD in Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2015) 

• MSc in Microelectronics, Interdepartmental Program, Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, NKUA (2009) 

• BSc in Physics, NKUA (2007) 

Panagiotis Sarkiris (Postdoctoral Researcher) 

• PhD, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (2023) 

• MSc in Microsystems and Nanodevices, NTUA (2019) 

• Integrated MSc, University of Western Macedonia, Mechanical Engineering (2016)

Vasiliki Tselepi (PhD Candidate)

• MSc in Microsystems and Nanodevices, NTUA (2021) 

• BSc in Physics, University of Patras (2019) 

Konstantinos Taliantzis (PhD Candidate)  

• MSc in Applied Physics with specialization in Environmental Physics, NKUA 

• BSc in Physics, NKUA 

Iliana Ntovolou (PhD Candidate) 

• MSc in Microsystems and Nanodevices, NTUA 

• BSc in Physics, NKUA 

Dimitrios Nioras (PhD Candidate NTUA, Research Associate)  

• PhD Candidate, NTUA, Department of Physics 

• MSc in Microsystems and Nanodevices, NTUA 

• BSc in Physics, NKUA 

Postgraduate Students:  

Iliada Giannaki – MRes in ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability in the Food Industry and Nutrition’ 

Despoina Farkatsi – MRes in ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability in the Food Industry and Nutrition’ 

Ioannis Filippou – MRes in ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability in the Food Industry and Nutrition’ 

FORMER MEMBERS / ALUMNI

Panagiota Bouki (Undergraduate Student) 

University of the Aegean, Department of Food Science and Nutrition 

Afroditi Athanasiou – MRes in ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability in the Food Industry and Nutrition’ 

Danai Sakellaropoulou – MRes in ‘Global Innovation and Sustainability in the Food Industry and Nutrition’
 

Athina Mitrogiannopoulou (Undergraduate Student) 

• University of the Aegean, Department of Food Science and Nutrition

Maria Bairaktari (Postdoctoral Researcher) 

• PhD in Chemistry: “Synthesis of bioactive molecules and development of encapsulation systems in nanocarriers”, NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering 

• IMBA – International MBA, Guglielmo Marconi University of Rome 

• MSc in Translational Research in Biomedicine, Democritus University of Thrace 

• BSc in Chemistry, NKUA
   

Efrosyni Tsounai (Research Associate) 

• MSc in Microsystems and Nanodevices, NTUA 

• BSc in Applied Sciences, NTUA, Department of Physics 

RESEARCH AREAS 

• Nanotechnology and its applications in food science 

• Functional materials, surfaces, membranes, and smart food packaging 

• Applied condensed matter physics 

• Materials and surface science 

• Wettability and interfacial phenomena 

• Microfluidic device engineering 

• Diagnostic platforms and sensing technologies 

KEY COLLABORATIONS 

• NCSR Demokritos – Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 

• Nanoplasmas PC – Spin-off company of NCSR Demokritos 

• Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) 

• Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina 

• NCSR Demokritos – Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics 

• BIC Violex S.A. 

• Ongoing collaborations with other laboratories within the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (DFSN) 

RESEARCH PROJECTS 

• GuardIAS - Guarding European Waters from IAS, HORIZON EUROPE 

Grant agreement ID: 101181413  (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101181413 ), budget: € 7 150 222,50 DFNS University of the Aegean Budget: €110,000 

The GuardIAS project is an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming aquatic environment governance and management in Europe. Its primary goal is to align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the IAS Regulation, focusing on mitigating the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health. GuardIAS plans to utilize advanced science, technology, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative tools and methodologies. These tools will be instrumental in preventing, detecting, eradicating, and managing IAS. 

• TACKLING WATER SCARCITY BY USING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES (2023-2026)

Programme: Erasmus+, Action Type: KA220-HED – Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education, (Project num. 2023-1-NL01-KA220-HED-000157009). 

Total Budget: €400,000 | University of the Aegean Budget: €70,000 

This project aims to address water scarcity by exploring and promoting advanced technologies through international academic collaboration and knowledge exchange

•   Project SUB2: «Universities of Excellence» project code 5180665, National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” NextGenerationEU.  

• NEXT GENERATION GREEN FUNCTIONAL SURFACES  (2023-2025)

Funding Scheme: Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) – Basic Research Funding (Sub-Action 2) Part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” 

In collaboration with Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR Demokritos 

Total Budget: €400,000 | University of the Aegean Budget: €190,000 

The project focuses on the development of environmentally friendly, high-performance functional surfaces using green chemistry and nanostructuring methods for applications in food packaging, sensing, and water treatment.  

• VASTNESS: passiVe wAter harveSTing usiNg grEen SurfaceS (2023-2025)

Funding Body: H.F.R.I. – Basic Research Funding (Sub-Action 1), National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” 

VASTNESS addresses one of the most pressing global challenges: the growing demand for potable water and its increasing scarcity. The project envisions the design of innovative technologies to enhance atmospheric water collection, especially in regions lacking access to desalination infrastructure. Key innovations include (a) engineered hierarchical micro/nanostructured surfaces, and (b) rationally designed superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surface patterns to enable selective wetting control and maximize water collection efficiency. The developed materials and methods will be used to construct a functional water harvesting prototype.

• Miniaturized, hybrid vapor chambers for the next generation electronic devices cooling
  Project Code: HEAT REGULATION – H.F.R.I. Postdoctoral Researcher Support (Call 3), Project ID: 6950
  This research explores the fabrication of two types of advanced microdevices: (a) a “hybrid thermal diode” featuring superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic zones to promote droplet condensation and gravity-defying liquid return, thereby enhancing heat transfer coefficients; and (b) an asymmetric heat transfer structure using superhydrophilic microchannels for lateral thermal transport, overcoming capillary pumping limitations in current cooling technologies. 

• GREEN SHIPPING OF ZERO CARBON FOOTPRINT (NAVGREEN)
  More info: https://navgreen.gr 
  The NAVGREEN project aims to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport by focusing on:the development of alternatives to conventional fuels, improving energy efficiency in ships and ports, implementing new digital technologies for optimized operations, and promoting recycling and the use of biofuels. 

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS 

For the full list of scientific publications, please visit the following link: 

Academic profile – Dr. Kosmas Ellinas 

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Physics (Theory and Laboratory) – Department of Food Science and Technology 

• Nanotechnology– Department of Food Science and Technology 

• Technology transfer and Design of Spin-off companies– Department of Food Science and Technology