Latemar - Laboratorio di Tecnologie Elettrobiochimiche Miniaturizzate per l'Analisi e la Ricerca

Research

PROJECT I - Lab on chip

Coordinators

Dr. Diego Vozzi, Dr. Ivan Vallini

Keywords

lab on chip, fluidics, extraction, micro-PCR, fluorescence detection

The strategic global objective of this research activity is the development of advanced microfluidic devices for genomics, post-genomics, proteomics and molecular analysis (Lab-on-a-Chip). The implementation we are currently carrying out introduces great improvements compared to the existing ones in terms of sensitivity, cost reduction, speed, predisposition to automation, reliability and repeatability.

In particular, we are developing three different modules respectively for extraction/purification of DNA from whole blood, DNA amplification through PCR and hybridization/detection through a traditional fluorescence approach implementing the APEX protocol for SNPs detection. The technological process has been preceded by Finite Element Analysis and Behavioral simulations with commercial tools (CoventorWare and Comsol) to properly design the microfluidic circuitry and the efficiency of thermal cycling.

All the three modules are actually developed in parallel with traditional microelectronic and micromechanical materials such as silicon, glass and metals and they will be assembled in a hybrid solution. Currently the first prototypes for the microfluidic characterization are under test together with biological protocols customized for the scaled reagents volumes involved.

Further improvements will involve several aspects of the current implementation of the device. In particular work in progress is related to the employment of polymeric materials (PDMS, COC, PC, PMMA, …) in substitution of the standard silicon/glass pair; these materials offer several advantages in terms of optical properties and surface treatments for DNA adhesion. In this case, patterning will be achieved through hot embossing technique (COC, PC, PMMA) or casting in situ (PDMS)

PROJECT II - Cantilever

Coordinators

Dr. Carlo Ricciardi

Keywords

microcantilevers, functionalization

Aim of this research activity is the improvement in the efficiency of the actual detection techniques for the mentioned micro-devices. To this end, two solutions are currently under investigation: (i) microcantilevers to be used as microbalances and (ii) electrochemical luminescence (ECL).

Application of micro- and nano-cantilevers to molecular recognition is a recent breakthrough in life science and biochemistry and has rose great expectations in the scientific community for its fundamental and technological perspectives. The use of a cantilever system for genomics, post-genomics and proteomics may result in larger sensitivity, quantitative analyses and label-free detection, opening a wide range of applications in genome analysis and molecular diagnostics. Mass sensitivity of a few femtograms was recently reported using nanoscale resonators. The detection principle is simple and rather well known: the cantilever is functionalised with a proper probe which can selectively bind to the target molecule (typical examples of probe-target partners are antibodies and proteins or complementary DNA strands). The interactions between the binding sites of probe and target change the mechanical response of the system.

Besides a large variety of successful experiments in literature, a deeper comprehension of fundamental mechanics and physical chemistry of the MC based molecular recognition systems is needed. We are working on this aim coupling ab initio simulations with FEM (Finite Elements Methods) modeling of the cantilever mechanics. Experimentally, SAM and/or biomolecule elastic constants could be estimated by non-contact AFM measurements, while surface stress effects on home-made cantilevers will be checked by means of our dynamic mode set-up.

Finally, silicon and polymers microfabrication techniques offer new exciting opportunities for the realization of miniaturized biotechnological devices. For these applications specific modification of surfaces is crucial. Depending on the final application, proper functional moieties are introduced on the surface either to create reactive sites able to covalently anchor biomolecules and to improve the compatibility of materials by preventing nonspecific adsorption which may have an adverse effect on the performance of bio-devices. This is why in the Laboratory a team with multidisciplinary competences is working on the specific subject of surface functionalization with important expectations for all the other research activities.

PROJECT III - ECL

Coordinators

Prof. Luca Prodi, Prof. Francesco Paolucci

Keywords

ECL, microelectrodes, functionalization

Aim of this research activity is the improvement in the efficiency of the actual detection techniques for the mentioned micro-devices. To this end, two solutions are currently under investigation: (i) microcantilevers to be used as microbalances and (ii) electrochemical luminescence (ECL).

ElectroChemical Luminescence (ECL) is another potentially disruptive alternative to the standard fluorescence detection approach. We are actually working on the development of a complete detection scheme, starting from the synthesis of new ECL markers, through the fabrication of customized microelectrodes, up to the development of a readout dedicated optoelectronic system. Performances of each step of our system will be compared to actual commercial solutions.

PROJECT IV - Nanostructures for electrical and mechanical transduction of biochemical interactions

Coordinators

Dr. Ivano Alessandri

Keywords

Nanogap, nanoelectrodes, piezoelectric nanostructures

This project aims to explore novel possibilities for detection of oligonucleotides and small biomolecules by exploiting some of the key functional properties achievable through the synthesis and the integration of nanostructured systems. The project outlines are specifically addressed to a fundamental research activity which could open to completely new perspectives.

For more informations:

- Alessandri I, Bergese P, Depero LE, “ZnO whiskers in chestnut husk-like structures: sequential synthesis and proof of chemomechanical transduction”, to be published in the special issue of Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology dedicated to the proceedings of ChinaNANO2007.

- Bergese P, Oliviero G, Alessandri A, Depero LE, “On Thermodynamics of Mechanical Transduction of (Bio)Chemical Reactions”, J. Coll. Int. Sci., in press

PROJECT V - Nanostructured carbon and bioactivity

Coordinators

Dr. Michele Vinante, Dr. Simone Musso

Keywords

Carbon Nanotubes, functionalization, biocompatibility

Aim of this project is the production, characterization, modification and biological properties investigation of carbon based nanostructured materials (nanotubes and nanographite) for biosensing applications and in particular for the development of a DNA detection device.

The first stage of this project is aimed to produce worthwhile quantities of vertically well-oriented multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on uncoated silicon substrates by a simple and economical chemical vapor deposition process.

Subsequently, the as-grown material will be characterized and then chemically modified. In particular, the chemical modification plays a key role in the tuning of the chemical properties of the CNTs, allowing a different response to different biomolecules. Several functionalization treatments, previously reported in literature, will be attempted in order to tailor the CNT properties for the foreseen applications. The presence of reactive groups on the material surface will allow the chemical insertion of nucleic acids, proteins and other biological molecules on CNTs, which consequently will make possible to produce nano-biological sensors. Moreover, the presence of ferromagnetic particles trapped inside the CNT hollow cavities, can enable the production of systems that can migrate below a magnetic field effect.

The interaction of biomolecules with CNTs will be studied with the final aim to make them biocompatible and useful as biosensors or as coatings for biomedical devices. The interaction mechanisms between CNT surface and blood are characterized by a complex series of events that are yet not clearly understood. The aim of this research activity is to investigate the relationship between surface properties (chemistry, hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity and topography) and biological responses such as the composition and structure of the adsorbed plasma protein layer and platelet adhesion/activation properties. In this work the behavior of CNTs compared to various forms of carbon (pyrolitic carbon, nanocrystalline graphite and amorphous carbon) will be investigated.

Besides the study of conformation and orientation of adherent proteins, the adhesion extent of various DNA (oligonucleotides, genomic DNA) structures will be evaluated to gain fundamental knowledge useful for both the development of CNT based biosensors and the development of an innovative materials for genomic DNA isolation (see Latemar project on Lab-on-Chip).

PROJECT VI - Nanostructures/Nanoparticles for Biosensing

Coordinators

Prof. Francesco Geobaldo, Dr. Fabrizio Giorgis

Keywords

SERS, SEIRA, nanoparticles, SPR, fluorescence enhancement

This project deals with the synthesis and characterization of metallic/dielectric nanostructures and nanoparticles aimed to obtain efficiency enhancement of Raman, Infrared and Fluorescence spectroscopies. Such enhancements will be exploited for detecting biomolecules in assays with very low concentration.

Raman Enhancement: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a spectroscopic technique which combines modern laser spectroscopy with the exciting optical properties of metallic nanostructures, resulting in strongly increased Raman signals when molecules are attached to nanometer-sized gold and silver structures. The effect provides the structural information content of Raman spectroscopy together with ultrasensitive detection limits. Actually, when molecules are attached or are in close proximity to gold and silver nanostructures the Raman scattering can take place in the enhanced local optical fields of the metallic surfaces (electromagnetic field enhancement); indeed, particular scattering enhancement occurs when excitation and scattered electro-magnetic fields are in resonance with the surface plasmons of the nanostructures. Besides the electromagnetic mechanism, also a chemical enhancement can contribute to enhance the Raman efficiency, particularly when molecules are ‘chemisorbed’ on the metal surface. Among the most effective nanostructures devoted to SERS, metallic nanoparticles with spherical/ellipsoidal shape can be synthesized in liquid solution by metal hydrosols or by salt reduction in templates consisting of nano and mesoporous dielectric matrices, while ordered structures constituted by nanosized cylinder/ellipsoid/emisphere arrays can be fabricated by using nanolithography tools.

Infrared absorption/reflection Enhancement: an effect quite similar to SERS occurs in the mid-infrared region. Molecules on metal surfaces show infrared absorption 10–1000 times more intense than would be expected from conventional measurements without the metal. This effect is referred to as surface-enhanced infrared absorption/reflection (SEIRA) to emphasize the analogy to SERS. The electromagnetic interactions of the incident photon field with the metal and molecules play predominant roles in this effect; on the other hand, chemical interactions of the molecules with the surface can give additional enhancement. Enhanced spectra can be observed in the transmission, attenuated total-reflection (ATR), external-reflection and diffuse-reflection modes.

Fluorescence enhancement: fluorescence is the product of two processes, excitation by the incident field influenced by the local environment, and emission of radiation influenced by the balance of radiative and nonradiative decay. If the excitation of the system analyte-nanostructure is closely tuned with the energy of the plasmon resonance of the metal, the radiative rate can be enhanced; on the other side, if the emitting analyte is in close contact with the metal surface, nonradiative energy transfer to the metal nanostructure leads to a decrease of the quantum yield, bringing to fluorescence quenching. Thus, in order to have a dominant fluorescence enhancement activated by metallic nanostructures, the distance between emitter and metal structure have to be tuned at nanometric level.

The research activities of this project will consider different strategies devoted to enhance the efficiency of the above mentioned spectroscopies. As far as SERS and SEIRA techniques are concerned, metallic structures synthesized on semiconductor and glass substrates are being developed, using electron-beam lithography and lift-off process for the fabrication of ordered matrix of Ag and Au pillars, while nano and meso-porous silicon processed by electrochemical etching is used as template for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles obtained by reduction of salts. For what concerns fluorescence spectroscopy, the sensitivity enhancement will be obtained by optical confinement in stratified porous silicon based structures (Fabry-Perot microcavities) and by confining thousands of organic and metallo-organic chromophores embedded in silica nanoparticles.

PROJECT VII - Polymeric Lab-On-a-Chip

Coordinators

Ing. Matteo Cocuzza

Keywords

Polymeric lab on chip, fluidics, interconnections, extraction, micro-PCR, fluorescence detection

Since the introduction of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices in the early 1990s, silicon and glass have been the dominant substrate materials for their fabrication. This is primarily driven by the fact that fabrication methods were well established and surface properties and derivatization methods were well characterized and developed. Several material properties of silicon and glass make them very attractive materials for use in microfluidic systems; however, the cost of producing systems in silicon or glass is driving commercial producers to seek other materials. Commercial manufacturers of microfluidic devices see many benefits in employing polymers that include reduced cost and simplified manufacturing procedures, particularly when compared to glass and silicon. An additional benefit that is extremely attractive is the wide range of available polymer materials which allows the manufacturer to choose materials’ properties suitable for their specific application.

Aim of the project is the realization of three different microfluidic modules (Lab-on-a-chip) respectively devoted to the extraction of DNA, PCR and detection through hybridisation. Integration of microfluidic interconnections and fluidic actuation and control is envisioned. The modules and the different complementary tools will be produced through hot embossing of thermoplastic polymers (PMMA, COC, PC) and casting of soft elastomeric siloxane polymers such as PDMS.

Suitable strategies for polymer surface conditioning for the different applications have been stated and under development, both through wet and plasma processing.

PROJECT VIII - Nanostructures for DNA separation

Coordinators

Prof. Barbara Onida

Keywords

Separation, nanochannels, mesostructures

High-resolution separations is extremely challenging: besides opening new possibilities in separation science, it could permit to reduce drastically the length of separation system and to achieve dimensions comparable with a microchip format.

Nanostructured porous materials, prepared by a bottom-up approch using sol-gel process with surfactant micelles acting as templates, are promising systems for these applications. To this purpose, a strict control of dimension and direction of channels is necessary. Control of channels orientation may be achieved in oriented films and by exploiting the confinement effect of microstructured enviroments, such as ceramic porous membranes.

Research in this field is being carried out in order to obtain oriented nanoporous silica with pores size in the range 2-10 nm and test the systems in separation of biomelecules, such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Published papers (or in press)

  • F. Giorgis, E. Descrovi, A. Chiodoni, E. Froner, M. Scarpa, A. Venturello, F. Geobaldo, “Porous Silicon as efficient Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrate”, J. of Nanoscience and Naotechnology, in press
  • S. Stagni, A. Palazzi, S. Zacchini, B. Ballarin, C. Bruno, M. Marcaccio, F. Paolucci, M. Monari, M. Carano, A. J. Bard, "A New Family of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridine Complexes Bearing 5-Aryltetrazolate Ligands as Systems for Electrochemiluminescent Devices", Inorg. Chem., 2006 45(2); 695-709
  • S. Zanarini, A. J. Bard, M. Marcaccio, A. Palazzi, F. Paolucci, S. Stagni, "Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Tetrazolate Group: Electrochemiluminescence in Solution and Solid State", J. Phys. Chem. B.; 2006 110(45); 22551-22556.
  • S. M. Mendoza, I. Arfaoui, S. Zanarini, F. Paolucci, P. Rudolf, "Improvements in the characterization of the crystalline structure of acid-terminated Self-Assembled monolayers on Au(111)", Langmuir, 2007; 23(2); 582-588.
  • G. Rossetto, P. Bergese, P. Colombi, L. E. Depero, A. Giuliani, G. Pirri, S. F. Nicoletto. “Effects of the multimeric peptide M6 on P. aeruginosa: evaluation by atomic force microscopy (AFM)”, Nanomedicine, in press.
  • P. Bergese, G. Oliviero, I. Alessandri, L.E. Depero, “Thermodynamics of mechanical transduction of surface confined receptor/ligand reactions”, J. Coll. Int. Sci., in press.
  • I. Alessandri, P. Bergese, L.E. Depero, “ZnO whiskers in chestnut husk-like structures: sequential synthesis and proof of chemomechanical transduction”, to be published in the special issue of J. Nanosci. Nanotech. dedicated to the proceedings of ChinaNANO2007.
  • A. Zattoni, P. Reschiglian, M. Montalti, N. Zaccheroni, L. Prodi, R. A. Picca, C. Malitesta, “Characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles imprinted for tyrosine by flow field-flow fractionationand spectrofluorimetric analysis”, Inorg. Chim. Acta, 360, 1063-1071 (2007).
  • M. Montalti, N. Zaccheroni, L. Prodi, N. O’Reilly, S. L. James, “Enhanced Sensitized NIR Luminescence from Gold Nanoparticles via Energy Transfer from Surface Bound Fluorophores” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 129, 2418-2419 (2007).
  • S. Nardis, F. Mandoj, F. R. Fronczek, L. Prodi, M. Montalti, G. Battistini, K. M. Smith, R. Paolesse, “Synthesis and Functionalization of Germanium Triphenylcorrolate: The First Example of a Partially Brominated Corrole”, Eur. J. In. Chem., 16, 2345-2352 (2007).
  • M. Busi, M. Laurenti, G. G. Condorelli, A. Motta, M. Favazza, I. L. Fragalà, M. Montalti, L. Prodi, E. Dalcanale “Self-Assembly of Nanosize Coordination Cages on Si(100) Surfaces”, Chem. Eur. J., 13, 6891-6898 (2007).
  • G. Brandino, G. Cicero, B. Bonferroni, A. Ferretti, A. Calzolari, C. M. Bertoni and A. Catellani, “Polarization properties of (1-100) and (11-20) SiC surfaces from first principles”, Phys. Rev. B 76, 085322 (2007).
  • G. Canavese, S.L. Marasso, M. Quaglio, M. Cocuzza, C. Ricciardi and C.F. Pirri, "Polymeric mask protection for alternative KOH silicon wet etching", J. Micromech. Microeng., 17, 1387-1393 (2007).
  • C. Ricciardi, S. Bianco, G. Canavese, E. Celasco, G. Cicero, M. Cocuzza, E. Descrovi, S. Fiorilli, E. Giuri, S. Marasso, M. Quaglio, P. Rivolo, A. Ricci, F. Pirri, L. Napione, F. Bussolino, D. Bich, A. Merialdo, P. Schina, R. Correale, "Sensoristica a base micro e nano oscillatori meccanici", Newsletter Nanotec IT, Giugno 2006, pp.10-14
  • G. Farruggia, S. Iotti, L. Prodi, M. Montalti, N. Zaccheroni, P. B. Savage, V. Trapani, P. Sale, F. I. Wolf, “8-Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives as Fluorescent Sensors for Magnesium in Living Cells”, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 128, 344-350 (2006).
  • M. Friggeri, M. Montalti, L. S. Dolci, L. Prodi, N. Zaccheroni, M. C. A. Stuart, K. J. C. van Bommel, “Energy transfer from a fluorescent hydrogel to a hosted fluorophore.” Langmuir, 22, 2299-2303 (2006).
  • M. Montalti, L. Prodi, N. Zaccheroni, G. Battistini, S. Marcuz, F. Mancin, E. Rampazzo, U. Tonellato, “Size effect on the fluorescence properties of dye doped silica nanoparticles”, Langmuir, 22, 5877-5881 (2006).
  • P. Ajmone-Marsan, S. Tramontana, R. Mazza, “Nanotechnologies applied to the analysis of animal genome”, Veterinary Research Communication, 31, suppl. 1 (2007)
  • P.Bergese, P.Colombi, M.Zucca, G.Oliviero, E.Bontempi, L.E.Depero, G.Pirri, F.Damin, M. Chiari, “Investigation of a biofunctional polymeric coating deposited onto silicon microcantilevers”, Applied Surface Science, (2007) 253: 4226-4231.
  • S.Porro, S.Musso, M.Vinante, L.Vanzetti, M.Anderle, F.Trotta, A.Tagliaferro, “Purification of carbon nanotubes grown by thermal-CVD”, Physica E, 37, 1-2, 58-61 (2007).
  • M. Montalti, L. Prodi, N. Zaccheroni, M. Beltrame, T. Morotti, and S. Quici, “Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles by Metal Ions Complexation”, New J. Chem., 31, 102-108 (2007).
  • S. Fiorilli, B. Onida, C. Barolo, G. Viscardi, D. Brunel, E. Garrone, “Tethering of modified Reichardt’s dye on SBA-15 mesoporous silica: the effect of the linker flexibility”, Langmuir, 23(4) (2007) 2261-2268
  • S. Musso, S. Porro, M. Vinante, L. Vanzetti, R. Ploeger, M. Giorcelli, B. Possetti, F. Trotta, C. Pederzolli, A. Tagliaferro, “Modification of MWNTs grown by thermal-CVD”, Diamond and Related Materials, 16 (2007), 1183-1187.

Participations to Congresses and Workshops

  • S. Forti, M. Vinante, C. Pederzolli, M. Giorcelli, S. Musso, A. Tagliaferro, G. Digregorio, L. Lunelli, L. Pasquardini, L. Vanzetti, A. Lui, M. Anderle, "Hemocompatibility properties of carbon-based materials", NDNC 2007 May 28-31, 2007 Osaka, Japan
  • S. Porro, M. Vinante, C. Pederzolli, S. Musso, A. Tagliaferro, "Thermal CVD growth of nanocrystalline graphite and study of biological properties", Diamond 2007, Berlin, Germany 9-14 September 2007
  • S. Forti, M. Vinante, C. Pederzolli, M. Giorcelli, S. Musso, A. Tagliaferro, G. Digregorio, L. Lunelli, L. Vanzetti, A. Lui, M. Anderle, "Biocompatibility of carbon-based materials", NanoSMat 2007, International Conference on Surfaces, Coatings and Nanostructured Materials, 9-11 July 2007, Algarve (Portugal)
  • S. Marasso, G. Canavese, S. Lobartolo, M. Cocuzza, A. Ferrarini, E. Giuri, D. Perrone, M. Quaglio, A. Ricci, I. Vallini, "Apex protocol implementation on a Lab-on-a-chip for SNPs detection", 33rd International Conference on Micro and Nano-Engineering, 23-26 September 2007, Copenhagen (Denmark)
  • B. Sciacca, F. Frascella, F. Giorgis, E. Descrovi, F. Geobaldo “Controlled light emission and propagation in porous silicon resonant multilayers” oral contribution held at the 2nd International Conference on Surfaces, Coatings and Nanostructured Materials ‘NanoSMat 2007’ 9-11 July 2007, Alvor-Algarve (Portugal)
  • S. Fiorilli, C. Ricciardi, E. Descrovi, G. Canavese, G. Digregorio, I. Ferrante, S. Marasso, C.F. Pirri, E. Garrone, A. Ferrarini, M. Delledonne, “Characterization of grafting density and hybridization efficiency of thiol-modified oligonucleotides on gold surface” presented at 3rd International Congress & Exhibition on Nanobiotechnology, NanoBio-Europe 2007, June 13-15, 2007 Münster (Germany).
  • S. Fiorilli, C.Ricciardi, G. Canavese, G. Digregorio, I. Ferrante, S. Marasso, P. Rivolo, C.F. Pirri, E. Garrone, G. Oliviero, P. Bergese, P. Colombi, L. E. Depero, F. Damin, M. Chiari, “Polymer coated microcantilevers for biosensing applications”, presented at 3rd International Congress & Exhibition on Nanobiotechnology, NanoBio-Europe 2007, June 13-15, 2007 Münster (Germany).
  • G. Canavese, S. Lo Bartolo, M. Cocuzza, A. Ferrarini, E. Giuri, G. Mantero, S. Marasso, D. Perrone, M. Quaglio, A. Ricci, I. Vallini, “Implementation of APEX Protocol on Silicon Based Lab on a Chip”, Lab-on-a-Chip World Congress, Edimburgo, 15-16 Maggio 2007.
  • G.P. Brandino, G. Cicero, and A. Catellani, “A DFT study of low index polar surfaces: the case of SiC and ZnO”, Total Energy, Trieste, January 2007.
  • E. Kucukbenli , G. Cicero, and A. Catellani, “First Principles Study of Ground State Properties of InN”, Total Energy, Trieste, January 2007.
  • Cicero G., Catellani A. “Ab initio simulations of alkyl-terminated Si (001) surfaces”, Total Energy, Trieste, January 2007.
  • Cicero G. “Ab initio simulations of surface stress at alkil-terminated Si(001) surfaces”, APS March Metting 2007, Denver, CO, USA.
  • Cicero G., Brandino G. Catellani A. “A DFT study of low indexes non-polar surfaces: the case of SiC and ZnO”, APS March Metting 2007, Denver, CO, USA.
  • Ajmone Marsan P. “Nanotechnologies applied to the analysis of animal genome” Invited lecture at the Workshop “Nanotecnhologies” held at the LX National SISVet (Italian Society of Veterinary Science) Congress, September 2006, Terrasini (PA), Italy.
  • Anderle M. “Surface functionalization: a key step in biomolecule assembly for development of advanced biomedical devices and applications”, IUVSTA Special Symposium September 2006, Korea.
  • Anderle M. “Surface functionalization: a key step in biomolecule assembly for development of advanced biomedical devices and applications”, Nanoforum September 2006, Milano, Italy.
  • Cicero G. “Ab initio simulations of alkil-terminated Si(001) surfaces” Workshop on “NEW PERSPECTIVES IN BIO-NANOTECHNOLOGY”, September 2006, Torino, Italy.
  • Giuri E., Ricci A., Ricciardi C. “Influence of geometry on mixing in a passive micromixer” COMSOL User Conference, November 2006, Milano, Italy.
  • Fiorilli, Ricciardi, Rivolo, Marasso, Bianco, Napione, Bussolino, “Detection of Stimulated Proteins in KDR/VEGF-A165 System by Microcantilever Sensor” AVS 53rd International Symposium, November 2006, San Francisco (USA).
  • Pasquardini L. “Organo-Silane Coated Silicon Substrates for DNA Extraction” Workshop on “NEW PERSPECTIVES IN BIO-NANOTECHNOLOGY”, September 2006, Torino, Italy.
  • Ricci A., Giuri E., Ricciardi C. “Simulation of surface stress effect on mechanical behaviour of silicon microcantilevers” COMSOL User Conference, November 2006, Milano, Italy.
  • P.Bergese, E.Bontempi, P.Colombi, G.Oliviero, L.E.Depero “Soft thin films thickness and roughness evaluation: a comparison between SFM tip scratch tests and X-Ray Reflectivity”, Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Standard Materials and Metrology for Nanotechnology (SMAM2), 2006.
  • S.Porro, S.Musso, M.Vinante, L.Vanzetti, M.Anderle, F.Trotta, A.Tagliaferro “Purification of carbon nanotubes grown by thermal-CVD”, E-MRS Nice – Symposium E: Science and Technology of Nanotubes and Nanowires, Nice (France), May-June, 2006.
  • S. Musso, S. Porro, M. Vinante, L. Vanzetti, R. Ploeger, M. Giorcelli, B. Possetti, F. Trotta, C. Pederzolli, A. Tagliaferro, “Modification of MWNTs grown by thermal-CVD”, Diamond 2006, Estoril (Portugal), September, 2006.
  • S.Forti, L.Lunelli, A.Lui, L.Pasquardini, C.Pederzolli, L.Vanzetti, M.Vinante, M. Anderle, M.Giorcelli, S.Porro, S.Musso, M.Rovere and A.Tagliaferro “Plasma protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on various carbon films”, 6th Specialist Meeting on Amorphous Carbon (SMAC), Crete (Greece), September, 2006.
  • F.Giorgis, C.Ricciardi, E.Celasco, D.Perrone, E.Descrovi, S. Ferrero, A.M. Rossi, "Raman spectroscopy on micro and nano-structures", presented at Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Colloquia on 'Raman spectroscopy: a powerful technique to characterize nano-materials', Torino, June, 2006.
  • Spiazzi M., Ferrarini A., Delledonne M., “Development of a system for genetic traceability of fish species and deriving foods by the implementation of a microarray platform”, SIGA annual congress. September 10-14, 2006. Ischia (Naples).
  • L. Prodi, G. Battistini, S. Bonacchi, M. Montalti, E. Rampazzo, N. Zaccheroni, “Luminescent Chemosensors Based on Silica nanoparticles” International Conference on Molecular Machines and Sensors (ICMMS/07), Shanghai (China), May 7-9, 2007.
  • S. Bonacchi, M. Montalti, L. Prodi, E. Rampazzo, N. Zaccheroni, “Absorption and emission properties during the formation kinetics of pyrene doped silica nanoparticles”, IV convegno nazionale congiunto di Fotobiologia e Fotochimica, Acquafredda di Maratea, 6-9 Giugno 2007.
  • G. Battistini, S. Bonacchi, M. Montalti, L. Prodi, E. Rampazzo, N. Zaccheroni, “Luminescent Chemosensors Based on Silica Nanoparticles”, IV convegno nazionale congiunto di Fotobiologia e Fotochimica, Acquafredda di Maratea, 6-9 Giugno 2007.
  • E. Marzocchi, S. Grilli, M. Beltrame, L. Della Ciana, L. Prodi, “Horseradish Peroxidase-Catalyzed Luminol Oxidation”, IV convegno nazionale congiunto di Fotobiologia e Fotochimica, Acquafredda di Maratea, 6-9 Giugno 2007.
  • L. Prodi, M. Montalti, N. Zaccheroni, E. Rampazzo, S. Bonacchi, R. Juris, “Luminescent Silica Nanoparticles in Diagnostics”, 41st IUPAC Congress, Torino (Italy) August 5-10, 2007.
  • G. Oliviero, “Polymer coated microcantilevers for biosensing applications”, International Workshop on Nanomechanical Sensors, Montréal, May 27th-30th 2007.
  • C. Ricciardi , “New insights on the influence of surface stress on microcantilever resonance: simulations and experiments”, International Workshop on Nanomechanical Sensors, Montréal, May 27th-30th 2007.
  • P.Rivolo, “Polymeric Surfaces Chemical Modification by Low-Pressure Plasma Processes for Application to DNA Array Technology”, AVS 54th International Symposium, October 14-19, 2007, Seattle, WA, USA.
  • C. Ricciardi, "Cantilever Sensors for Biomolecular Detection", Nanoforum 2007, September 18-19, 2007, Milano, Italy.
  • S. Fiorilli, "Characterization of grafting density and hybridization efficiency of thiol-modified oligonucleotides on gold surface", Nanobio Europe, July 13-15, 2007, Munster, Germany.
  • S. Fiorilli, "Polymer coated microcantilevers for biosensing applications", Nanobio Europe, July 13-15, 2007, Munster, Germany.
  • P. Bergese, “Chemomechanical transduction of biochemical interactions”, First symposium on nanomedicine, Helsinky, Jan. 15-16, 2007. (Invited).
  • I. Alessandri, P. Bergese, L.E. Depero, “ZnO whiskers in chestnut husk-like structures: sequential synthesis and proof of chemomechanical transduction”, ChinaNANO2007, Beijing, June 2-5, 2007.
  • I. Alessandri, P. Bergese, L.E. Depero, “ZnO whiskers and belts: sequential synthesis and proof of chemomechanical transduction”, MC8, London, July 2-5, 2007.
  • I. Alessandri, M. Zucca, E. Bontempi, L.E. Depero, “Multicoated opals and inverse opals for optically amplified photochemistry”, MC8, London, July 2-5, 2007.
  • S. Zanarini , A. J. Bard, M. Marcaccio, A. Palazzi, F. Paolucci, S. Stagni, "New Ir and Ru dyes for ECL based immunoassay", Chianti electrochemistry 2006, Siena 15-20 Luglio 2006.
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