Aleksandra Radenovic

Expertise Single-molecule Biophysics, Nanofluidics, Biosensing, 2D Materials, Super-resolution Microscopy Current work My laboratory works in the research field of single-molecule biophysics, with a strong emphasis on nanofluidics, advanced microscopy, and nanoscale device engineering. Together with my students and collaborators, we have contributed to four major research directions:(i) Nanopores and 2D materials for sensing and energy applications. We introduced transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) membranes, particularly MoS₂, into nanofluidics and nanopore sensing. Our work demonstrated their potential for single-molecule detection, osmotic energy harvesting, and filtration. (ii) Microscopy innovations for materials and biological interfaces. Our work applies SMLM to characterise optically active defects in 2D materials, resolve nanoscale emitter distributions, and probe interfacial dynamics such as proton transport and liquid–solid interactions. We also introduced parameter-free image analysis tools and combine SMLM with complementary techniques (e.g., SOFI, AFM, SICM) to extract quantitative, high-resolution information across complex nanoscale systems.(iii) Nanocapillary-based single-molecule characterisation. Recent advances include the development of scanning ion conductance spectroscopy (SICS), which enables repeated, label-free measurements of the same molecule and opens new possibilities for biomarker detection and future sequencing technologies.(iv) Neuromorphic iontronics and nanopore-based computing. Our research explores ionic analogues of electronic computation using nanopores and nanofluidic systems. We demonstrated nanofluidic logic based on mechano–ionic memristive switches and identified memristive behaviour in biological nanopores governed by lumen charge. Mission Our mission is to uncover and control the complex behaviour of biomolecules at the single-molecule level by developing and integrating advanced nanoscale technologies. Biological function often arises from rare, transient molecular states that remain hidden in ensemble-averaged measurements; capturing these dynamics requires tools capable of probing, manipulating, and engineering matter at the ultimate limit of resolution.We therefore focus on the development of next-generation experimental platforms that combine nanopores, nanofluidics, super-resolution optical microscopy, and force-based manipulation. By leveraging solid-state and biological nanopores, low-dimensional materials, and nanocapillary-based approaches, we aim not only to sense and analyse single molecules with high precision, but also to control their transport, interactions, and functionality in real time.A central goal of our work is to bridge disciplines—linking biophysics, materials science, and nanoelectronics—to enable new paradigms such as high-throughput molecular sensing, quantitative imaging of dynamic processes at interfaces, and iontronic systems inspired by biological function. Through continuous innovation in instrumentation and methodology, we seek to transform our ability to observe, understand, and ultimately harness molecular behaviour for applications in biology, energy, and information processing. Prof. Aleksandra Radenovic is a full professor of bioengineering at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and head of the Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology. She has received her Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland.) in 2003 and a graduated Physics at the University of Zagreb (Croatia) in 2000. Curriculum vitae Link to 2 page pdf CV (update March 2026) Education The H.I.T. Program | (High Potential University Leaders Identity & Skills Training Program – Inclusive Leadership in Academia 2025 – 2026 Center for Higher Education and Science Studies (CHESS) at the University of Zurich Advanced Academic Leadership Program for ETH domain Professors | 2023 – 2023 International Institute for Management Development - IMD, Switzerland Ph.D. Biophysics | Development of low-temperature atomic force microscope for biological application 2000 – 2003 University of Lausanne, Switzerland Directed by Prof. Giovanni Dietler, Laboratory of Physics of Living Matter Master of Science in Physics | Experimental Physics-Biophysics 1994 – 1999 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb Croatia Research advi-sors: Directed by Prof. Selma Supek and Dr. Goran Baranovic Gymnasium Latin & Ancient Greek (Focused on languages, humanities, and strong general education) | Gymnasium 1990 – 1994 Classical Gymnasium in Zagreb (Croatian: Klasična gimnazija) Professionals experiences Associate Dean of Research 2026–2026 School of Engineering, EPFL, SwitzerlandCo-Director of Bioengineering institute 2024–2026 School of Engineering, EPFLProfessor 2021  Full Professor  2015-2021  Associate Professor  2008 Tenure-Track Assistant Professor  2008–2008 Bioengineering at the School of Engineering, EPFL, SwitzerlandPostdoctoral Fellow,  Prof. Jan Liphardt’s research group, Department of Physics, University of California  2004–2007 Department of Physics, University of California Visiting Scientist, 2007–2008 Visiting Scientist, NIDCR at NIH Institute and HHMI Janelia Farm USAPatents Patent Number: WO07079411 ALIGNMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND INTEGRATION OF NANOWIRES USING OPTICAL TRAPPING Publication date: 2007-07-12.Patent Number: WO2014141168 A1 MANUFACTURING OF ORIFICES IN GLASS LIKE MATERIALS, E.G. NANOCAPILLARIES AND OBJECT OBTAINED ACCORDING TO THIS PROCESS Publication date: 2014-25-03Patent Number: WO2015121394 MOLECULAR SENSING DEVICE- Publication date: 2015-20-08Patent Number:  WO2016142925 NANOPORE FORMING METHOD AND USES THERE OF- Publication date: 2016-15-09 LICENSED TO ROCHEPatent Number: WO2018002099 OSMOTIC POWER GENERATOR Publication date: 2018-04-01Patent Number: WO2023233345 4532109. NANOPORE-BASED SCANNING SYSTEM AND METHOD Publication date: 09.04.2025. EPFL Ref. 6.2333-PCT_EP   ARSA Ref. P3722EP00 / 0013-569 / db-lmPatent application filed  NATURE-INSPIRED STALACTITE NANOPORES FOR BIOSENSING AND ENERGY HARVESTINGPatent application filed BENCHMARKING OF SINGLE IMAGING DATASETS PCT / 19 180 900.3 - Your ref.: 6.1943 - Our ref.: 34623EP; Publication date: Pending Teaching & PhD PhD Students Helena Miljkovic, Akhil Sai Naidu, Karl Rufus Pang Yeo, Wei Guo, Eveline Simone Mayner, Nianduo Cai, Marianna Mitsioni Past EPFL PhD Students Paolo Annibale, Camille Alice Raillon, Fabrizia Dutto, Arun Shivanandan, Metin Kayci, Jiandong Feng, Roman Bulushev, Michael Graf, Adrien Charles Descloux, Sebastian James Davis, Martina Lihter, Evgenii Glushkov, Vytautas Navikas, Arielle Louise Planchette, Michal Daniel Macha, Mukeshchand Thakur, Nathan Ronceray, Khalid Ibrahim, Yunfei Teng Past EPFL PhD Students as codirector Hossein Babashah, Simon Finn Mayer Courses Fundamentals of biophotonics BIO-443 This module serves as an introduction to the area of biophotonics. The approach is multidisciplinary .The course is mainly knowledge-based but students will benefit from the skills learned by carrying out problem solving and by completing the assignment. Seminar in physiology and instrumentation MICRO-568 To get familiar with the state-of-the-art in medical and bio-instrumentation. To acquire basic understanding of related physiology associated to these instruments. Fundamentals of biophotonics BIOE -443 This module serves as an introduction to the area of biophotonics. The approach is multidisciplinary .The course is mainly knowledge-based but students will benefit from the skills learned by carrying out problem solving and by completing the assignment.https://people.epfl.ch/profiles/5002/edit?lang=en Seminar in physiology and instrumentation MICO-568 This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of the art in biomedical instrumentation. It focuses on the principles, design, and application of biomedical devices and measurement methods used in relation to human health. Students will learn how these technologies are used to monitor, diagnose, and support physiological functions, while gaining insight into the underlying biological and medical concepts.https://edu.epfl.ch/coursebook/en/seminar-in-physiology-and-instrumentation-MICRO-568 Awards Full career Emmy Noether Distinction European Physical Society 2025 Elected Member, Elected Member, Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) 2025 Optica Fellow Optica 2021 ERC Advanced Grant 2021 SNSF-ERC Consolidator Grant 2015 CCMX Materials challenge award 2016 ERC Starting Grant European Research Council 2010 SNSF Fellowship Swiss National Science Foundation 2003