Nanoscale materials have unique properties of basic interest for biological applications. For example, surface nanotopography can be a viable route for controlling cell response since this material mimics typical extracellular matrix structures.
Moreover, the presence of adsorption sites allows surface functionalization with different macromolecules (e.g. DNA, proteins and peptides), thus establishing the relevance of these special materials. The Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces (CIMAINA, one of the national Centres of Excellence at our University), works on research into the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials and their exploitation in biology. This activity has started Thetis, a spin-off supported by the University.
Current projects in nanobiotechnology are:
- development of new platforms in nanostructured materials for cell culture
- microarray-driven gene expression systems for high throughput phenotype screening
- functionalization of nanostructured surfaces to improve the selective adhesion of biological specimens
- testing on nanoparticle biocompatibility and toxicity
Other areas in nanobiotechnology are:
- Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery as a potential new path for the delivery of drugs. Studies examine the fate of nanoparticles in cell-based systems of human prostate cancer and in animal models of the disease
- Development of reagents and know-how for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and its extension to DNA chips (ChIP on chip). This activity has started GeneSpin, a spin off supported by the University.