Technologies

A biosensor based on magnetic microspheres functionalized with a DNA-aptamer was developed for the specific biomonitoring of biological contaminants (mycotoxins) in urine.

Ageing characterization of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (BVM) and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (TBVM) by the combined use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and multivariate statistical analysis. Our database allows to differentiate BVM from TBVM samples. Moreover, within BVMs, samples with ageing <3/>3 years can be discriminated and within TBVM, samples with ageing between 12 and 25 years as well as >25 years can be discriminated.

AIDD is an integrated tool and a radically new way to discovery new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Ageing, etc.).

Aliophen-XP is a highly concentrated polyphenolic composition derived from Aliophen®, a patented formulation based on malt and hops (Patent No. 102017000096298). Developed to enhance the original formulation, Aliophen-XP is produced through a specialized process that removes components potentially interfering with the biological activity of the bioactive compounds naturally extracted from malt and hops.

Direct quantification of the percentage of arabica in roasted and ground coffee blends of arabica/robusta by High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), in solution and multivariate statistical analysis. Particularly, the metabolites content present in water extracts of coffee is analyzed and compared with NMR data of our database.

This proposal focuses on the preparation of biocoatings enriched with varying percentages of mint essential oil nanoparticles, followed by their application to potato tubers to limit sprouting and control the development of alkaloids, particularly solanine, a toxic substance for the body.

Aptamers, short structured single-stranded oligonucleotides binding at high affinity to a given target protein, are selected from large combinatorial libraries through repeated cycles of incubation of the library with the target, recovery and amplification of target-bound oligonucleotides (SELEX technology, Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). SELEX can be applied to select aptamers against a known target protein or against a specific cell phenotype, without any prior knowledge of the specific target, leading to new biomarkers discovery.

The proposed technology consists of a portable device for monitoring the freshness of fish, based on its smell. The device is based on a gas sensor and pattern recognition software to correlate the sensor signal to the freshness of the food. The technology is designed for its integration into domestic or industrial refrigerators.

Combined use of High-Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and multivariate statistical analysis for the differentiation of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano samples according to ripening and for the differentiation of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano from “Grana type” products available on the market.

Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) is regarded as the “gold-standard” method for fluorescence lifetime measurements. However, TCSPC requires using highly sensitive detectors, not suitable for measurements under bright light conditions, thereby making the use impractical in clinical settings. The invention described here solves this problem by synchronizing the fluorescence detection with an external light source.

C-ImmSim is one of the most advanced computational models of the immune system. The software resorts to (bit or amino acid) strings to represent the “binding site” of cells and molecules. C-ImmSim is an agent-based model that includes the major classes of immune cells of the lymphoid lineage and some of the myeloid lineage. Helper T cells are divided into five phenotypes. B cells and plasma B are also divided into two phenotypes.

The dramatic global health emergency due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires new diagnostic devices capable of identifying the presence of virus particles in patient biological samples. In this direction, the development of an innovative low-cost test, which provides the result within a few minutes, which is reproducible and which can reveal the direct presence of even a few viral particles, would be of fundamental importance for the monitoring and containment of the pandemic.

The compact-GC platform is a MEMS-based analytical module for the purge&trap pre-concentration and (gas)-chromatographic separation of a sample. The two analytical MEMS (pre-concentrator and GC column) are interconnected by means of a MEMS microfluidic manifold. The microfluidic manifold interconnects the analytical MEMS, but it also acts as injector through the integrated micro-valves.

The containers for plants and the like have different shapes, an open top to facilitate irrigation and material supply; a base that includes one or more holes to facilitate proper water drainage and to ensure ventilation for the rooting apparatus. An inconvenience of these containers is related to their placement in outdoor environments without roofs: in the presence of "unfavorable" climatic conditions, excessive exposure to rain water rather than excessive exposure to the sun, these containers expose plants to a series of problems.

CPIAbot is a conversational assistant supporting the learning of Italian L2 for migrants. It has been tested in particular in the context of CPIA - Centri Provinciali per l'Istruzione degli Adulti - MIUR.