Technologies

To the enterprises working in the field of nutrition/nutraceutics and drug development/repositioning, we offer the know-how and state-of-the-art instrumentation of our labs to monitor multiple relevant biological parameters at the cellular level: metabolic activity, vitality, health, but also stress and toxicity. The use of advanced imaging techniques based on fluorescent/bioluminescent probes together with the availability of time-lapse acquisitions, guarantee the cutting-edge analysis of different biological parameters over time.

SITODIET is an innovative software that supports a translational approach to health’s state. It integrates various sources of physiological, behavioral, and psychological data to reduce the risks associated with the onset of lifestyle-related diseases (primary prevention), to support health professionals in early diagnosis (secondary prevention) or to manage the personalized therapy’s patient (tertiary prevention). SITODIETcollects data automatically, through actigraphy tools, as wristband or smartwatch, or manually

The proposing team that works at CNR ISTEC has recently patented a technology for the production of the Smart Polycrystals (SP), i.e. transparent YAG-based ceramic polycrystals (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) variably doped with rare earths ions and transition metals ions. The SPs solve the problem of the reduction of the efficiency in the solid state laser systems caused by the inhomogeneous heating of the single crystals during the emission process.

Environmental contamination is a prominent topic. Where the exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals (HMs) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is greater, the incidence of chronic degenerative diseases, such as oncologic, is increased. Scientific evidence reports that some phytochemicals are able to interact with HMs and PAHs by interfering with their cellular metabolism, inhibiting their cytotoxic mechanisms or helping to reduce tissue concentrations.

The proposed technology is about the development of an innovative sunscreen obtained from cod fish bones, according to the principles of the circular economy. The sunscreen is a reddish powder, which is constituted of hydroxyapatite (a calcium phosphate main component of human bones) modified with iron. It is prepared with a simple and easily scalable process (treatment of the bones in Fe solution and successively at T = 700 oC) and could be adapted for bones of other fishes. 

Grape pomace, a by-product of wine-making, is rich in polyphenols, metals, organic acids and can become a functional ingredient in food and beverage. The stabilisation of the pomace has been optimised to preserve the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the molecules present. Isolated grape skins have been reused in purity or in blends with other plant components as a base for: 1) herbal teas, 2) ready-to-drink functional beverages, 3) freeze-dried products.

Our treatment demonstrated the ability to kill metastatic human melanoma cells, for which there are very few effective therapeutic approaches. Use of a specific Essential Oil (EO) to inhibit the replication of human metastatic melanoma cells. This EO can be used both for direct application to the skin, and administered by mouth to reach both primary and metastatic melanomas.

Geopolymers belong to the class of chemically bonded ceramics: they are synthesized at low temperatures and are eco-friendly, as besides the low consolidation temperature required by the process they can be produced from secondary raw materials and industrial waste of various kinds, thus reducing the energy demand and the environmental impact of the entire production cycle. Materials such as fly ash, steel mill slag, biomass ash, sludge and silt, extractive residues, mineral and ceramic powders, organic or inorganic waste fibers, plastics, etc.

Safe, efficient and specific nano-delivery systems are increasingly needed for precision and regenerative medicine and targeted therapies (e.g. anticancer and antimicrobial therapies), as well as for  the cosmetic and nutraceutical sectors’ applications. Despite the appreciable success of synthetic nanovectors, like for example liposomes, their clinical and market application is hampered by some limitations: • large scale production, • low cost production • intrinsic toxicity • limited cellular uptake • limited consumer acceptance.