Hélder A. Santos is a physical chemist specialized in electrochemistry, biological mimetic models and soft interfaces. In 2003, he obtained his MSc in Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry, University of Porto (Portugal). In 2007, he obtained his DSc in Chem. Eng. from the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Helsinki University of Technology (Finland, now named Aalto University). In 2007, Dr. Santos joined the University of Helsinki, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, as a Postdoctoral Fellow. In 2009, he was appointed Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Research Fellow.
Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor (Docent) in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, an Academy of Finland Research Fellow (Associate Researcher), University Researcher, and Principal Investigator/Group Leader at the Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Helsinki. He is also the Head of the Unit of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Chemical Microsystems (NAMI). In 2012, Dr. Santos received the ERC starting grant for 2013-2017 worth of 1.5 M€.
Dr. Santos' research is focused on nanobiomaterials, including nanoporous silica/silicon materials, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery, diagnostics and therapy. He is the author/co-author of more than 170 publications (> 2912 citations, h-index = 33), 17 book chapters and more than 170 conference proceedings/abstracts, in a total of more tha 366 publications. He has supervised several undergraduate students and more than 43 MSc students. He supervised/co-supervised more than 28 PhD students, mentor of 16 post-docs, and is currently the supervisor of 12 PhD students and mentor of 5 post-doctoral researchers. He has also given more than 100 invited/selected talks in national/international meetings/conferences/lectures. In 2010, he received the "Talent Prize in Science" awarded by the Portuguese Government (TV-broadcasted for more than 15 million people), in 2013 and 2014 he received the Young Researcher Award 2013 and was distinguished by the exceptional scientific productivity, respectively, by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki, and in 2016 he was awarded the Academy of Finland Award for Social Impact. He has several national and international research collaborations in the areas of biomedical nano/micro-technology, controlled drug delivery, nanomedicine and cancer therapy, and innovative therapeutic modalities. He has acted as invited Guest Editor for Current Drug Discovery Technologies, Current Drug Metabolism and Biomatter journals. He is also an active referee for more than 100 international journals and evaluator for 18 international research foundations). Dr. Santos is also an Editorial Board Member for the journals of Drug Delivery Letters, Biomatter, International Journal of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, World Journal of Pharmacology, and Journal of Biopharmaceutics and Biotechnology. He is also the Editor of a recently launched Mesoporous Biomaterials journal, Academic Editor of BioMed Research International and PLOS ONE, and Editor of the book entitled "Porous Silicon for Biomedical Applications" (published), Woodhead Publishing/Elsevier, 2014.
Dr. Santos’ research career and development portfolio since 2009 totals over 4.1 M€ (European Research Council, Academy of Finland, Tekes, CIMO, Biocentrum Helsinki, Finish Cultural Foundation, University of Helsinki Research Funds, etc.).
Dr. Santos’ has also been the chair and coordinator of the courses Solid State Analysis of Pharmaceutics, Advance Seminars in Pharmaceutical Technology and Laboratory Experience within a Research Group.
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POSITIONS
2014–current –
2011–2017 – Docent, Principal Investigator & Academy of Finland Research Fellow,
2009–2011 – Academy of Finland Post-doctoral Research Fellow,
2007–2009 – Post-doctoral Researcher,
2005–2007 – Doctor of Science in Technology,
2003–2005 – Licentiate of Science in Technology,
Doctor and Licentiate degree supervised by
1999–2003 –Graduated in Chemistry (Licentiate Degree),
Graduation final work supervised by
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1.1.2014–31.12.2016 – TEKES, Finland. Dr. Hélder A. Santos (Partner).
1.1.2014–31.12.2016 – Biocentrum Helsinki, University of Helsinki Research Funds. P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2013–31.12.2017 – University of Helsinki Research Funds. P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2013–31.12.2017 – European Research Council (Multistage-multifunctional porous silicon nanovectors for directed Theranostics, #310892). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.8.2012–31.3.2013 – CIMO (Nanoporous silicon for targeted immunotherapy, #TM-12-8201). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.9.2011–31.8.2016 – Academy of Finland (Porous silicon nanodelivery systems for enhanced targeted cancer therapy, NANOPSi-CAN-Project #252215). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.2.2010–31.12.2013 – The National Doctoral Programme in Nanoscience - NGS-NANO (Biofunctionalization of porous silicon nanoparticles for brain cancer therapy). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2009–31.12.2011 – University of Helsinki Research Funds (Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of nanoporous silicon based materials, BioNanoPSi-Project #490039). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2009–1.12.2011 – Academy of Finland (In vitro/in vivo toxicity and bioavailability of mesoporous silica/silicon based materials, VIVOTOXSi-Project #127099). P.I.: Dr. Hélder A. Santos (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2008–31.12.2008 – Academy of Finland (Mesoporous silicon based composite materials as oral drug delivery systems, ComPSi-Project #122314). P.I.: Prof. Jouni Hirvonen (University of Helsinki).
1.1.2008–31.12.2008 – Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH (Germany) (Towards enhanced bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs utilizing PSi, ENBIPSi-Project). P.I.: Prof. Jouni Hirvonen (University of Helsinki).
1.4.2007–31.12.2007 – Academy of Finland (Mesohuokoiset materiaalit oraalisessa lääkeannostelussa, HUMALA-Project #211048). P.I.: Prof. Jouni Hirvonen (University of Helsinki).
1.3.2006–31.3.2007 – Finnish Ministry of Education and Academy of Finland through ESPOM graduate school, P.I.: Prof. Kyösti Kontturi (Helsinki University of Technology).
22.9.2003–28.2.2006 – Training and Mobility Research EU network “
Important research reports:
Hélder A. Santos, Scientific report for the chemical Finish company
Hélder A. Santos, Annual scientific report for the research and training
Hélder A. Santos, Annual scientific report for the research and training
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13. Project evaluator for The Life Sciences Research, Ministry of Science, Technology & Space, Israel. June–July 2014.
12. Doctoral thesis reviewer (Chemistry), "Influence of surface functionalization on the behavior of silica nanoparticles in biological systems”, Spring 2014, Department of Natural Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Finland.
11. Project evaluator for The Austrian Science Fund, Austria. January–February 2014.
10. Doctoral thesis reviewer (Chemistry), "Metal catalyzed coupling of amine and alcohol surrogates with aryl halides: efficient synthesis of anilines and phenols", Autumn 2013, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Bharathidasan University, India.
9. Opponent of Doctoral Thesis (Chemistry), "Characterization and optimization of electrochemical sensors for biogenic amines", 12.4.13, University of Porto, Portugal. Final decision: Approved with honors.
8. Project evaluator for "The Daniel Shiran Memorial Research Prize 2013" in Biomedicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel (December 2012).
7. Opponent of Master Thesis (Pharmacy), "Understanding the mechanism of protein intestinal permeation by using enterocyte-based in vitro co-culture cells", 17.12.12, Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde - Norte, Gandra, Portugal. Final decision: Approved; Grade 19/20.
6. Opponent of Master Thesis (Pharmacy), "Characterization and in vitro evaluation of dual drug loaded porous Si particles", 26.10.12, University of Pavia, Italy. Final decision: Approved; Grade: Excellent.
5. Project evaluator of Docentship (Adjunct Professorship; Chem. Eng.) application, Department of Natural Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, Finland (October 2012). Final decision: Approved.
4. Project evaluator for The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), The Netherlands. Cooperation in research between India and the Netherlands - Functional materials call, December 2012.
3. Project evaluator for The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Switzerland. Center of Excellence proposal, March 2012.
2. Project evaluator for Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium. Post-doctoral research visit project, July 2011 (accepted for funding).
1. Project evaluator for The Leverhulme Trust, UK. Proposal accepted for funding, March 2010.
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7. Harvard University,
6. Saarland University,
5. Univeristy of Porto,
4.
3. Univeristy of Warwick,
2. Univeristy of Liverpool,
1. University of Kuopio,
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Major Subjects
Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Bio-electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutics, Biomaterials, Porous Silica / Silicon
Biomimetic Systems
Structure of complex interfaces (amphiphiles, peptides, proteins, polymers, clusters, nanoparticles glycosaminoglycans)
Polymers/peptides/glycosaminoglycans/proteins/nanoparticles-lipid/liposome interactions
Ion and drug transfer across model membranes
Chemistry and Physics in Confined Space
Air/liquid and liquid/liquid interfacial systems
Physicochemical processes at surfaces of model membranes
Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of glycosaminoglycans-functionalised nanoparticles
Thermodynamic parameters of glycosaminoglycans binding to drug molecules
Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology
Controlled and targeted drug delivery: nanoporous silica / silicon micro- and nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Analytical analysis (e.g., HPLC, etc), flourescent- and luminescent-based in vitro assays, cell culturing for in vitro tests (Caco-2, RAW 264.7 macrophages, etc), cellular uptake and toxicity assays, etc.
Techniques/Instrumentation of Expertise (among others)
Langmuir–Blodgett, ac impedance/voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, isothermal titration calorimetry, UV-Vis, GC, HPLC, TEM, SEM, SECM, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culturing, dissolution and permeation methods, ELISA assays, etc.
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REVIEWER IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS / RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS (106)
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The Finnish Association of Pharmacy Teachers and Researchers (FOTY ry),
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23. Training: "Leadership Program for Academic Staff", Autumn 2013 - Spring 2014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
22. Training: "University pedagogy IV – Assessment of Learning, Spring 2013 (5 cr), Centre for Research and Development of Higher Education, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland. Final Grade: Excellent.
21. Training: "Research Ethics", University of Helsinki, 13th January 2011, University of Helsinki, Finland.
20. Training: "Workshop on Teaching Methods and their Cultural Underpinnings", Helsinki Education and Research Area (HERA), 14&26 October 2010, University of Helsinki, Finland.
19. Course: "Supervision and Guidance in Higher Education", Spring 2010 (5 cr), Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Centre for Research and Development of Higher Education, University of Helsinki, Finland. Grade: 5 (Excellent).
18. Course: "University Pedagogy I", Spring 2010 (10 cr), Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Centre for Research and Development of Higher Education, University of Helsinki, Finland. Grade: 5 (Excellent).
17. Training: "Full Costing Model", 26.01.2010, Info Centre, Viikki Campus, University of Helsinki, Finland.
16. Course: "The ABC of Animal Experiments 2010 – FELASA Accredited Scientists' Competence (Category C)", 4–15 January 2010, Viikki Campus, University of Helsinki, Finland.
15. Training: "First Aid: theory and practice" (Red Cross, 6h), 7th December 2009, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
14. Training: "Managing Staff and Finances", 26 November 2009, Viikki Campus (Biocentre 2), University of Helsinki, Finland.
13. Course: "New materials, applications and commercialization 2009", 10–11 / 21–23 September 2009, Micronova, Helsinki University of Technology, Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland.
12. Certification in the practice of Industrial Hygiene (IH) by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (3.5 certification maintenance (CM) points). Approval Number: 09-3557; Course Name/Location: 4th International Conference on Nanotechnology, Helsinki, Finland; Sponsor: Occupational and Environmental Health; Start/End Date & MultiOffering Year 26/8–29/8/2009.
11. Conference: 4th International Conference on Nanotechnology – Occupational and Environmental Health, 26–29 August 2009, Paasitorni, Helsinki, Finland.
10. Finnish Graduate School in Toxicology course: "Cell Culture Techniques and Alternative Methods in Toxicology II", 13–14 November 2008, Cell Research Centre, Medical School, University of Tampere, Finland.
9. Training: " How to Write a Competitive Proposal for Framework 7" by Dr. Sean McCarthy, 3rd September 2008, University of Helsinki, Finland.
8. Graduate School Electrochemical Science and Technology of Polymers and Membranes including Biomembranes (ESPOM) course: "Structures Self-assembling Amphiphile Structures Relevant in Nanomedicine", 22nd January 2008, University of Helsinki, Viikki–Drug Discovery and Development Technology Center (DDTC), Finland.
7. Graduate School ESPOM course: "Nanothechnology in Drug Research and Development", February 2006, University of Helsinki, Viikki–Drug Discovery and Development Technology Center (DDTC), Finland.
6. Course: "Introductory Statistical Mechanics, Molecular Biophysics, Nano-thermodynamics, and Bioelectrochemistry", October 2005, Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki, Finland.
5. Graduate School ESPOM, summer school: "Fundamentals of Electroanalytical Chemistry and Electrochemical Sensors", August 2005, Helsinki University of Technology, Seili¬Turku, Finland.
4. Graduate School ESPOM, course: "Computational, Cell Culture and Physicochemical Methods in Preclinical Pharmacokinetics", December 2004, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
3. "Symposium in Safety Chemistry", February 2003, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
2. Training: "Laboratories of High Risk: High Security", April 2002, Superior Institute of Engineering of Porto (ISEP), Porto, Portugal.
1. Training: "Sampling and Preparation of Samples", March 2001, ISEP, Porto, Portugal.