Abstract
This project develops innovative Lab-on-Chip platforms by integrating (mechano)chemically engineered carbon-based nanomaterials (CBMs) into polymeric materials to produce nanocomposites that can be used with advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing, injection molding, and DLP. It has a dual focus: first, creating highly specific electrochemical sensors for neurodegenerative biomarkers using functionalized graphene and carbon nanotubes enhanced with antibodies and molecularly imprinted polymers, supported by AI-driven data analysis for real-time monitoring; second, fabricating versatile carbon-based electrodes through additive manufacturing for neural stimulation and recording. These electrodes will be evaluated in vitro or in vivo to assess their impact on neuronal growth, maturation, and synaptic connectivity. By optimizing CBM properties and electrode designs, the project aims to advance neurotechnology for early disease diagnosis, improved monitoring of neurodegenerative conditions, and innovative approaches to nerve regeneration, paving the way for future in vivo neuromodulation applications.
Objectives
- Objective 1 - Lab-on-Chip for early diagnosis of neurodegenaritive disease - Develop miniaturized Lab-on-Chip platform for selective electrochemical detection of neurodegenerative biomarkers in complex biofluids by integrating engineered CBMs with MIPs, antibodies, advanced manufacturing, and machine learning for automated analysis.
- Objective 2 – Neural Interface based on CBM- Electrodes - Develop Lab-on-Chip platforms for neural stimulation and recording using 2D/3D multi-electrode arrays. Evaluate CBM-based electrodes’ effects on neuronal growth, maturation, and connectivity to select materials for future in vivo applications
Collaborators
- Prof. RAUTI Rossana associate professor at University of Urbino
- Prof. CRIADO Fernández Alejandro professor at University of Coruna
- Dr. ESAU Del Rio Castillo Antonio Production Manager and Researcher at BeDimensional S.p.a.
- PACCAGNELLA Alessandro Professor at University of Padova
- BONALDO Stefano Researcher at University of Padovs
- MILANESE Daniel professor at University of Parma
- Dr. QUATTRINI Angelo researcher at San Raffaele Hospital
- Dr. ROMANO Alessandro researcher at San Raffaele Hospital
Key 5 publications
- 1. Turco, Antonio, et al. "Advancing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease diagnosis: A lab-on-chip electrochemical immunosensor for ultra-sensitive TDP-43 protein detection and monitoring in serum patients’." Talanta 273 (2024): 125866.
- 2. Turco, Antonio, et al. "Nanoarchitectonics of highly sensitive and with large working range 3D piezoresistive microporous foam based on carbon nanotubes and elastomer." Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 607 (2022): 1436-1445.
- 3. Turco, Antonio, et al. "An innovative and simple all electrochemical approach to functionalize electrodes with a carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole molecularly imprinted nanocomposite and its application for sulfamethoxazole analysis." Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 599 (2021): 676-685.
- 4. Turco, Antonio, et al. "Sputtering-enabled intracellular X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: A versatile method to analyze the biological fate of metal nanoparticles." ACS nano 12.8 (2018): 7731-7740.
- 5. Aldinucci, Alessandra, et al. "Carbon nanotube scaffolds instruct human dendritic cells: modulating immune responses by contacts at the nanoscale." Nano letters 13.12 (2013): 6098-6105.
People
- Maria Serena Chiriacò
- Francesco Ferrara
- Elisabetta Primiceri
- Antonella Iaia
- Roberta Di Maio
- Alfredo De Cillis