An important topic within Science for Sustainability is the development of economically viable materials with enhanced properties produced with methods aimed at reducing environmental impacts. The purpose of this area is to develop environmentally compatible methods for the preparation, modification and processing of materials at different scales (nanoscopic, microscopic and macroscopic) with different properties, while minimizing energy losses. Furthermore, the study of the relationship between composition, structure, and performance of advanced materials will be carried out in order to understand, predict and control their properties and applications. This area has the participation of researchers from various areas of knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Pharmacy) contributing to the development of thematic projects as summarized below:

1. Preparation, modification and processing of new materials: entails materials such as polymers, ceramics, metals, composites, hybrid organic-inorganic, etc. using environmentally compatible strategies that lead to producing materials with enhanced properties.
2. Study of nanomaterials for sustainability: preparation, structural studies and application of nanoscale materials (nanotubes, nanowires, mesoporous materials, nanostructured thin films, nanoparticles, etc.).
3. Structure and properties of advanced materials: optimization of properties (electrical, mechanical, optical, magnetic and other ones) by investigating the relationship between the structure and the macroscopic properties of such materials.

Studies on the development of pharmaceuticals, biomedical optics and biosensors for the control and treatment of high-impact diseases in public health, as for instance cardiovascular disease, cancer and neglected diseases, are important measures for social and economic development in emerging countries. In Brazil this is a worrying situation given the significant prevalence and low investment for research on drugs, medicines and related products.

The objective of this research project is to develop bioactive molecules, biomedical optics and biosensors for the treatment of these diseases, thereby contributing to national health policies as well as to the country’s social and economic development. This interdisciplinary project has the participation of researchers from various areas of knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Biology), contributing to the development of thematic projects as summarized below:

1. Research on bioactive molecules and bioactivity studies: Investigation of the activity of biologically relevant molecules, based on Brazilian biodiversity, in molecular modeling programs, and in synthetic derivatives. This work will be linked to bioactivity studies of natural and synthetic compounds.
2. Use of light to diagnose disease and develop photosensitizes: Light is an interesting tool that can be applied in disease diagnostic techniques to characterize body fluids and in therapy when associated with a photosensitizer.
3. Electrochemical and optical sensors applied to the study of bioactive molecules:Electrochemical and optical techniques can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of action of bioactive molecules as they enable understanding the fundamental physical and chemical parameters that determine the interactions between the molecule and its receptor. Such techniques can be coupled to developing biosensors and models for biointerfaces.

A large number of countries have shown a growing interest in alternative energy sources on account of the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels. This fact has heightened the quest for technologies that aim towards the rational and efficient use of various forms of energy generated from non-renewable sources. Foreign policies and international treaties have encouraged striving for “clean energy”, motivating the development of viable energy generation and storage technologies with minimal environmental impact.

In terms of renewable sources, in which Brazil is one of the pioneers, we intend to undertake studies in the area of biofuels. Moreover, we intend to study other still under explored yet abundant sources in the country. In terms of non-renewable energy sources, our goal is to develop technologies that reduce environmental impacts, increase efficiency, and reduce the generation of waste. Another important matter is the study of autonomous power sources for use in portable devices. This area includes the participation of researchers, contributing to the development of thematic projects as summarized below:

1. Energy from renewable sources: Develop energy generating systems from biomass conversion, solar energy, hydrogen production, biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas.
2. Non-renewable energy sources: Enhance processes to obtain fuels from catalytic reactions.
3. Energy storage: Develop autonomous energy sources and components, especially lithium-ion batteries for portable equipments.

Human-caused environmental disturbances and imbalances (pollutant emissions from industrial activities, misuse of natural resources, etc.) represent one of the most serious problems for the sustainable development of contemporary society. This research area will propose technological solutions to minimize the environmental impact by incorporating the study of environmentally compatible processes, machines and equipment. Another focus regards searching for new remediation methods for water sources and contaminated soils. An additional important aspect regards environmental control through the study of quality indicators and analytical instrumentation. This area includes the participation of researchers from various areas of knowledge (Engineering, Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Pharmacy), contributing to the development of thematic projects as summarized below.

1. Study of environmentally compatible processes, machines and equipment: Develop environmentally compatible processes, machines, components and equipment without efficiency losses and which are economically viable.
2. Process for treating industrial waste and remediation of contaminated systems: Study and develop chemical, physical, electrochemical, photochemical and biological treatment of industrial wastewater and remediation of contaminated environmental matrices.
3. Study quality indicators in environmental matrices: Study quality indicators for different environmental matrices such as soil, groundwater, sediment and surface water bodies, resulting from the improper disposal of various types of waste into the environment.
4. Develop analytical instrumentation and bioanalytical processes: Study methods and analytical tools focused on reducing waste generation and energy expenditure coupled with the improvement in efficiency, accuracy, sensitivity, reproducibility and speed, while combining experimental studies to replace toxic reagents, miniaturize and automate devices.

Understanding the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics contributes toward developing new technologies, understanding environmental balance and preserving life on the planet. Thus, research themes that cover these basic concepts contribute to the Science of Sustainability.

This area focuses on the basic knowledge of chemistry and physics, associating them with the structural, functional and reaction of matter and its transformations, including studies of natural systems at molecular and atomic scales, and nuclear and elementary particles.

The nature and properties of matter will be unveiled by investigating their interaction with different radiation sources, which usually vary according to the environment in question. Computer calculations and theoretical studies with interactive methods to study chemical and physical phenomena will be carried out in order to predict a priori whether the target system has or does not have the desired properties or if it saves time, laboratory reagents, and other inputs. Transformations of matter using principles of sustainable chemistry and green engineering will also be a focus of this area, which includes the participation of researchers, including chemists, physicists and pharmacists, contributing to the development of thematic projects as summarized below.

1. Computational methods applied to the structure and transformation of matter: Use of computational (ab initio calculations, molecular dynamics) to understand the relationship between structure and property of matter associated with the scientific experimental method itself, hence enabling to select their most promising transformation without excessive costs, time and waste.
2. Study of the principles and applications of radiation for the development of Science of Sustainability: Investigations related to radiation, focusing on its nature and forms of interaction with matter at molecular and atomic level, and nuclear and elementary particles, which are applied in different areas of knowledge.
3. Transformations of matter by environmentally compatible methods: Apply the principles of Green Chemistry and Engineering for developing methods to obtain and modify organic or inorganic compounds that can later serve as tools in the preparation of new materials, energy generation and development of drugs, thus contributing to the country’s scientific and technological sustainability.