IT – Page 17 – TechConnect Briefs

Nano-Patterned Surfaces Enhance Immunoreaction Efficiency

Valsesia A., Mannelli I., Colpo P., Bretagnol F., Ceccone G., Rossi F., European Commision Joint researcc Center, IT

Biomolecular recognition is a fundamental aspect in the biosensor development. The goal is to immobilize the biomolecule probes in an active state, limiting the non specific adsorption and maximizing their binding site accessibility for the [...]

Poly(acrylic) acid-coated Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Textile Finishing

Falletta E., Bonini M., Fratini E., Lo Nostro A., Lo Nostro P., Becheri A., Lo Nostro A., Lo Nostro P., Baglioni P., University of Florence, IT

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was obtained through two different methods and using different poly(acrylic) acids as templating agents. Cotton, wool, and polyester fabrics were treated with the nanoparticles, and their antimicrobial performances were tested [...]

Influence of His-195 on the nitrogenase FeMo-cofactor activity

Cavallotti C., Moscatelli D., Carrà S., Politecnico di Milano, IT

Mo-nitrogenase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. Its active site is the iron-molibdenum cofactor, FeMo-co, which is composed by two incomplete cubes, Fe4S3 and MoFe3S3, connected through three bridging [...]

Synthesis and Synterability of Hydroxyapatite-Coated Zirconia Nanopowders

Bondioli F., Cannillo V., Ferrari A.M., Manfredini T., Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, IT

Hydroxyapatite (HAP), Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, is a well-known and a valuable implant material with biocompatibility and bioactive properties. Full utilisation of the unique properties of hydroxyapatite bulk ceramics is, however, possible only after its proper reinforcement, i.e. [...]

Electrospun Microfiber Tubes and Self-Assembling Peptides Stimulate Neural Regeneration in Rat Sciatic Nerve Transections

Gelain F., Panseri S., Modica L., Taraballi F., Lowery J., Vescovi A., University of Milan-Bicocca, IT

Peripheral nerve injury is still a traumatic pathology that may impair patient’s movements by interrupting his motor-sensory pathways. New synthetic nerve grafts comprising electrospun tubes and tailored self-assembling peptides are used in our study to [...]

Quantitative Detection by Single Ion Channel Event Statistics: an Algorithmic Approach

Lodesani F., Bennati M., Fiegna C., Tartagni M., ARCES, IT

The capability of having ligand-gated ion channels embedded in planar biomimetic membranes, together with a proper electronic system for elaborating the signal will give the possibility of creating high-performances sensors, able to detect low concentrations [...]

A RC-based biosystem for measuring anti-oxidizing power

Tibuzzi A., Pezzotti G., Rea G., Bianconi D., Giardi M.T., Biosensor S.r.l., IT

The goal of this work is the development of specific and sensitive biosensors for the measure of anti-oxidizing agents power, by exploiting the property of Reaction Centres complexes (RCs) to specifically recognize oxidizing chemicals (e.g. [...]

Noise-Differential Based Detection of Cells on a Microelectronic Sensor/Actuator Array

Manaresi N., Lanzetta F., Romani A., Medoro G., Guerrieri R., Silicon Biosystems spa, IT

We present a new method to count cells on a microelectonic lab-on-a-chip integrating an array of Dielectrophoretic (DEP) cages and embedded optical sensors. Cells are trapped by DEP cages above photodiodes measuring the optical near [...]

Innovative PMMA/Silica nanocomposites for optical and biomedical applications

Avella M., De Petrocellis L., Di Pace E., Errico M.E., Gentile G., Orlando P., ICTP-CNR, IT

The main goal of this research is the preparation of new PMMA/Silica nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties and highly specific bio-activity. PMMA based nanocomposites reinforced with modified silica nanoparticles have been prepared and characterized. Transparency [...]

Nanoassemblies from Vitamin C Derivatives

Lo Nostro P., Ambrosi M., Fratini E., Ridi F., Carretti E., Alfredsson V., Ninham B.W., Baglioni P., University of Florence, IT

Two new amphiphilic derivatives of Vitamin C were synthesized. These molecules keep the same antioxidant activity of Vitamin C, but are soluble also in hydrophobic media. They produce nanoassemblies and organogels. We report here a [...]