Technologies

Organotypic models of ovarian cancer are 3D models containing defined extracellular matrices, such as collagen and fibronectin, ovarian cancer cells with specific genetic/molecular characteristics, and one or more cancer-associated stromal cell types (fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, endothelial cells) to mimic specific metastatic niches of ovarian cancer (omentum, peritoneum, interstitial stroma) and the complex interactions within tumor tissues.

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

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

This innovative technology involves the use of a high-affinity, highly specific antibody that targets extracellular domains of connexin hemichannels (Cx26, Cx30, and Cx32). The antibody has been designed to reduce or inhibit the growth of brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), and to alleviate the associated epilepsy. By blocking connexin hemichannels, the antibody interferes with pathological ATP release and other signaling mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression and neural hyperexcitability.

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.

VisLab laboratory of IMM possesses a latest generation Raman micro-spectroscope equipped for vibrational measurements with high spatial and spectral resolution, at controlled temperature and in fast-imaging. The apparatus can be used to collect information and chemico-physical maps without the need for sample preparation and alteration, therefore for non-destructive studies and in operating conditions.

At IFN-CNR, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano-Department of Physics, we have developed Raman microscopy approaches compatible with the study and characterization of biological and industrial samples. In detail, our facility houses a self-built spontaneous confocal Raman microscope with the following characteristics: two excitation lasers (660nm and 785nm), inverted microscope (Olympus IX-73) and Princeton spectrometer / CCD.

Extracellular vesicles produced by teratocarcinoma cells were isolated and characterized. Functional assays on glioblastoma (GBM) cell cultures showed the inhibitory effect of these vesicles on tumor cell migration, without inducing undesirable effects such as increased cell proliferation or chemotherapy resistance.

This invention comprises an interrogation and readout differential method for chemical sensors based on Surface Plasmon Resonances (SPR). The integration of the SPR sensing unit (chip or other), as intermediate reflecting element of a Fabry-Perot (FP) optical resonator, is the starting point for the application of this method.

We have identified the presence of the poorly characterized precursor proNGF-A in human tissues, deposited its coding nucleotide sequence (GenBank MH358394) and demonstrated its neuroprotective and neurotrophic activity in vitro and in vivo. We inserted mutations into the native molecule, identified through computational analysis, which allow proNGF-A production by eukaryotic expression systems, through a method currently validated on a laboratory scale.

Recently, nanoparticles and nanovesicles have been investigated as potential approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, in the Biotech sector an increasingly deeper penetration of new treatment models and biological drugs based on cellular, subcellular and vesicle therapies is expected. The patent is based on the production of Myelin-based nanoVesicles (MyVes) produced by microfluidics, starting from myelin extracted from brain tissue. These vesicles find two major fields of applications as potential drugs or as supplements/nutraceuticals.

NANOINCICLO is a technology based on the use of nanostructured cyclodextrins (CDs) for the targeted delivery of drugs such as anticancer drugs, photodynamic drugs, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, antibacterials, nutraceuticals and metals with therapeutic and diagnostic properties. Successful CDs for the proposed technology are FDA-approved or in advanced pre-clinical investigational stage and include natural and functionalized, polymeric, and amphiphilic monomeric CDs.

Filamentous bacteriophages for size, in vivo biodistribution and easiness of engineering, are considered as natural nanoparticles. The developed technology allows the construction of bio-nanoparticles based on filamentous bacteriophages delivering proteic antigens and immunomodulating lipids. Thanks to the high content of hydrophobic residues, phage capsid proteins have high binding affinity to lipids, allowing the conjugation of immunostimulating lipids.

The environment as well as the food production provide a number of both natural and synthetic compounds whose effects on human being as an organism have not yet been determined nor investigated.