Biosensors are analytical devices that combine a biological recognition element with a signal transducer to detect chemical or biological targets in a selective and measurable way. Over the past decades, biosensors have become a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, with applications ranging from clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring to food safety and industrial biotechnology. Advances in synthetic biology, molecular engineering, and nanotechnology have dramatically expanded what biosensors can do, enabling the development of low‑cost, rapid, and portable technologies that can operate outside traditional laboratory settings. These innovations are especially relevant in regions where access to centralized analytical infrastructure is limited, making biosensors powerful tools for addressing local health, environmental, and societal challenges.
The course “Development and applications of biosensors: from synthetic biology to portable technologies” is an advanced, five‑day training activity designed to provide participants with a comprehensive and up‑to‑date view of biosensor development, from fundamental molecular design principles to real‑world, field‑deployable applications. This second Latin American edition builds on the success of a previous regional course and aims to strengthen scientific capacity and collaboration across Latin America in this strategically important area of biotechnology. Hosted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and coordinated by leading researchers from Argentina, Mexico, and the region, the course brings together internationally recognized instructors and early‑career scientists in an intensive learning environment.
The main objective of the course is to provide advanced training to PhD students and early‑career postdoctoral researchers working in biotechnology‑related fields, with a specific focus on biosensing technologies. Participants will gain state‑of‑the‑art theoretical knowledge and hands‑on experience in the design, construction, and application of biosensors based on DNA, RNA, proteins, whole cells, and cell‑free systems. The course emphasizes approaches particularly suited to field use, such as paper‑based assays, isothermal amplification methods, and CRISPR‑based diagnostics, which are increasingly important for health and environmental monitoring in low‑resource settings.
Beyond technical training, the course seeks to build regional capacity and foster long‑term collaboration. By bringing together participants and instructors from multiple Latin American countries and beyond, the program promotes scientific exchange, networking, and the formation of research partnerships. The course also aims to bridge basic science and applied biotechnology, equipping participants with the tools needed to translate fundamental discoveries into practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development, public health, and environmental protection.
Participants can expect a highly interactive program that combines lectures by international experts, trainee presentations, poster sessions, and intensive hands‑on laboratory work. The first part of the course focuses on conceptual and technological foundations. Topics include engineering synthetic DNA and proteins for sensing applications, developing genetically encoded biosensors, low‑cost diagnostic strategies, functional DNA nanostructures, and using synthetic biology circuits for detection. Special attention is given to emerging platforms such as cell‑free systems, which allow biosensing reactions to be performed outside living cells and enable robust, portable technologies.
Additional thematic areas include whole‑cell biosensors, redox and contaminant sensing, CRISPR‑Cas‑based detection systems, and isothermal amplification techniques for rapid diagnostics. Lectures address both the underlying principles of these technologies and real examples of how they are being applied by leading laboratories to detect pathogens, environmental contaminants, and other targets of regional relevance. Daily flash talks and poster sessions allow participants to present their own research, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from peers and instructors, reinforcing active learning and community building.
The final two days of the course are dedicated to hands‑on laboratory training, organized in small rotating groups to ensure close interaction with instructors. Participants take part in practical modules that cover the assembly of lateral flow assays, cell‑free protein expression and purification, CRISPR‑Cas detection assays, and isothermal amplification reactions such as LAMP. These sessions emphasize biosensor prototyping, experimental design, data interpretation, and troubleshooting, while highlighting approaches that rely on accessible, open, and locally implementable technologies. Group discussions at the end of each day encourage reflection on lessons learned and exploration of future collaborative projects.
The course is structured as an immersive, on‑site workshop delivered primarily in English to ensure full participation of all instructors, while allowing flexibility and inclusivity during student presentations. The learning modality is deliberately blended, integrating high‑level lectures, peer‑to‑peer learning, mentoring, and practical experimentation. This structure enables participants not only to acquire new knowledge and skills, but also to understand how different biosensing strategies can be adapted to their own research environments and regional needs.
The target audience consists of approximately 20 to 30 advanced PhD students and early‑career postdoctoral researchers from across Latin America, with broad representation from different countries and scientific backgrounds. The course is particularly suited for participants working in biotechnology, synthetic biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, nanotechnology, and related disciplines who are interested in developing or applying biosensors. By prioritizing young scientists and fostering inclusivity, the course contributes to the growth of a strong, interconnected regional community capable of advancing biosensor research and innovation in Latin America.
Overall, this course offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced theoretical insight, practical experience, and a regional perspective on biosensor development, while engaging with leading experts and peers in a collaborative and highly applied learning environment.
Application procedure
Application will be received via this form.
Applicants will be asked to submit a CV, a motivation letter, an abstract for their research project, and an institutional support letter.
Last day to apply: April 24th, 2026, for scholarship applicants. April 30th for applications in general.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Daiana Capdevila (dcapdevila@leloir.org.ar) or Ana Peinetti (apeinetti@qi.fcen.uba.ar).
