Research areas and methodologies

The Research Unit in Microsystems and Nanotechnologies It conducts cutting-edge scientific research in a highly interdisciplinary field that integrates engineering, chemical-physical sciences, and life sciences. Its primary objective is to develop innovative knowledge and technologies for the creation of micro- and nanosystems for a wide range of applications in the biomedical and industrial sectors.

The activities of the UR include the design, development and validation of highly complex devices and systems, among which diagnostic and therapeutic instrumentation, lab/organ-on-chip implants and devices, innovative materials, engineered tissues and organs, from the perspective of regenerative medicine.

Particular attention is paid to the definition and optimization of micro- and nanofabrication methodologies and technologies, exploring both theoretical principles and experimental aspects. The research focuses on the development of biohybrid systems, lab-on-chip devices, and organ-on-chip devices, as well as on the creation of in vitro biological models for the study of physiological and pathological processes.

To achieve these objectives, the UR employs advanced manufacturing techniques, as the 3D bioprinting , two-photon polymerization, which enable the creation of complex structures with high spatial precision. In addition, cutting-edge approaches are used for the characterization at the micro and nanoscale, which include super-resolution optical microscopy, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and X-ray microscopy, surface analysis using spectroscopic and chemical-physical techniques.

Collaborations with other Research Centers

  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany;
  • ICRC-FNUSA - St. Anne's Research Hospital, Brno, Czech Rep.;
  • King's College London, UK (Prof. Giancarlo Strong);
  • Polytechnic University of Milan (Prof. Filippo Rossi);
  • CNR Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC);
  • Oncology Reference Center, Aviano (PN);
  • University of Padua;
  • Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Spain;
  • TU Delft (Netherlands).

Patents

  • Crescenzi A, Trombetta M, Taffon C, Rainer A, Mozetic P, Costantini M, Santoro A (2016) Porous material for embedding cytological preparations, procedure for obtaining the same and its use, pat. No. 102016000111352
  • Centola M, Marsano A, Rainer A, Martin I, Vadala G, Trombetta M, Denaro V (2013), Bioactive material for cartilage regeneration and process for obtaining the same, pat. No. 102016000111352

LABORATORIES

The RU benefits from the university's core facilities for the micro- and nanofabrication of functional devices, including an ISO 7 cleanroom equipped with instruments for ultraviolet lithography (maskless grayscale), multiphoton lithography, thin-film etching and deposition, and soft lithography. Device characterization occurs through confocal, electron, and super-resolution microscopy, and mechanical strength tests (tensile, compressive, and fatigue) can be performed on the materials and structures produced. Micro- and mesoscale fabrication of polymeric materials is possible using 3D printers with DLP and inkjet technology, while high-precision machining of metallic materials is possible using a 5-axis CNC station.