The Amazonian Materials Research Group, led by Prof. Dr. Robert Saraiva Matos, is an initiative of academic and scientific excellence based at the Federal University of Amapá (UNIFAP). Founded on November 14, 2017, the group’s central mission is to advance knowledge in the field of nanostructured materials by sustainably leveraging the rich resources of Amazonian biodiversity.
The group’s primary focus lies in the synthesis, characterization, and application of materials in the form of powders and thin films, developed through innovative and environmentally responsible methods. The uniqueness of the Amazonian Materials Research Group stems from its interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional materials science techniques with the strategic use of biomass from the Amazon rainforest. This approach not only underscores the importance of conserving natural resources but also proposes sustainable technological alternatives that value and promote the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Key research areas include optoelectronic devices, biomedical applications, and environmental photocatalysis. In optoelectronics, the group develops materials for use in sensors, solar cells, and light-emitting devices, contributing to the advancement of more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. In the biomedical field, research focuses on materials for antibacterial coatings, controlled drug delivery systems, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. In environmental photocatalysis, the group seeks innovative solutions for the decontamination of water and soil, utilizing nanomaterials capable of efficiently degrading pollutants under light irradiation.
The group’s experimental activities are primarily supported by the Amazonian Laboratory for Materials Research (LAPMat) at UNIFAP. LAPMat offers a modern infrastructure for chemical synthesis, materials processing, and advanced physical-chemical and structural characterization techniques. Equipment such as X-ray diffractometers, UV-Vis and infrared spectrophotometers, and thermal analysis systems provide a solid foundation for cutting-edge research.
One of the group’s distinctive strengths is the development of green synthesis routes, prioritizing the use of plant extracts, essential oils, and biomass from native Amazonian species as reducing, dispersing, and stabilizing agents for obtaining nanomaterials. This sustainable approach enables the production of particles with controlled morphologies and optimized properties, with lower energy consumption and without the use of toxic reagents, aligning perfectly with the principles of green chemistry.
The Amazonian Materials Research Group is also committed to the training of highly qualified human resources. By engaging undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, the group fosters a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment that encourages scientific innovation and creativity. In addition, strategic partnerships with national and international research groups amplify the impact of its discoveries and strengthen its presence within the global scientific community.
Since its establishment, the group has achieved significant milestones, including the publication of high-impact scientific articles, the filing of patents, and participation in major scientific events. Through its work, the Amazonian Materials Research Group reaffirms its commitment to transforming the Amazon’s natural potential into high-value technological solutions, contributing to the scientific, technological, and socio-environmental development of the region.
