Technologies

Chemical solution deposition of metal-organic precursors have favoured the research and development of thin films of simple and complex oxides such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, and Al2O3, up to their industrial application in pyroelectric and capacitor devices. Deposition methods used are spin-on and dip-coating. The advantages of the techniques are:

(i) low cost of equipment and chemicals

(ii) large area deposition

(iii) low crystallisation temperatures

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.

Therapeutic strategies targeting cell cycle in cancer have in general failed in the clinic since the drugs have lacked the therapeutic index required to achieve a robust response against cancer cells with little or no cytotoxic effect on normal cells. NEK6 kinase, which is implicated in cell cycle control, has recently emerged as an attractive target for the development of novel anticancer drugs with enhanced therapeutic index.

We have identified compounds that show a neuroprotective action in vivo, in models of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. SMA, Parkinson, Alzheimer, Huntington) in the model organism C. elegans. These compounds consist of: mixtures of 22 natural extracts, 15 natural molecules and 11 synthetic molecules.

With the advent of senolytic agents, capable of selectively removing senescent cells in “aged” tissues, the perception of age-associated diseases has changed from being an inevitable to a preventable phenomenon of human life. The present invention is part of this research topic with the identification of molecules with potential pro-apoptotic activity, specifically with senolytic activity. The computational approach adopted, is based on combining ligand-base and structure-based virtual screening.

Recently, it has been demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy can play a fundamental role in assisting the work of the anatomopathologist by allowing classification of oncological samples with practically 100% accuracy in oncological diagnosis.

This is a high-throughput sequencing based method to map euchromatin and heterochromatin accessibility. The method is based on the sequential extraction of distinct nuclear fractions containing: soluble proteins (S1 fraction); the surnatant obtained after DNase treatment (S2 fraction); DNase-resistant chromatin extracted with high salt buffer (S3 fraction); and the most condensed and insoluble portion of chromatin, extracted with urea buffer that solubilizes the remaining proteins and membranes (S4 fraction).

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

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.

Spark anemometry based on the analysis of an electrical discharge can be implemented in the automotive sector through measurements of the secondary circuit voltage. Actual applicability of this method is quite limited, given that it requires additional hardware that is not compatible with space requirements specific for production engines (e.g. fueled with gasoline, LPG or methane); furthermore, applying high voltage measurements is complex and entails increased cost.

We present a technology for the multiscale isolation (analytical-laboratory-production) of Extracellular Vesicles (VE), which overcomes the limitations of the currently available methods. As opposed to traditional "affinity-based" systems that exploit antibodies, our technology represents a radical paradigm shift in the development of affinity probes for vesicles, i.e.

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.

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.