Contents
Nanotechnology News
Activities
Activities
The ECSIN laboratory is structured on 1000 sqm of laboratories (which can be extended to 1500 sqm) and 400 sqm of offices, arose in the university and trade show area (Cen.Ser.) of Rovigo, as a centre for the evaluation of the impact of innovative nanotechnologies on the health and the environment. The competences acquired in the nanotoxicology research activities, and the presence of instrumentation to test and analyze biological materials, enabled the Centre to start and support specific research projects in support of nano-biotechnology studies.
The research team is involved in collaborative European research projects, namely the project “Development of sustainable solutions for nanotechnology-based products based on hazard characterization and LCA”, financed within the 7th Framework Programme and starting in March 2010, together with several other projects submitted on NMP FP7 calls and other national initiatives. The team is involved as well in collaborations with the Universities of the Veneto Region, with the University of Rochester, and is involved in national and trans-national discussion initiatives on the themes of sustainable development and safety of nanotechnology systems.
The ECSIN laboratory has started in house research activities, structured in the following technology platforms:
Invivo and in vitro analysis of the effect of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials on biological systems – The study of the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on biological systems, in vivo and in vitro, has allowed the team to gain competences on the characterization, the administration, the localization of nanoparticles at sub-cellular, cellular, tissue and systemic levels in experimental models, namely cells and small laboratory animals. The team has gained competences and achieved the first results (published and submitted for the publication) on cellular and molecular biology investigation of the biological impact of ENPs in the experimental models. In details, this activity has been carried on through the characterization of cellular viability, through the application of functional genomics and the study of alteration of protein networks, in particular in the study of regulation of molecular pathways active in the DNA repair and oxidative stress response mechanisms.
Nanoparticles monitoring in environmental matrices – Considering the actual predominant relevance, the environmental matrix the team has focused its attention to date is the occupational aerosol, sampled in workplaces devoted to nanotechnology. The necessary techniques has been identified and optimized, and the best sampling strategies are realized in order to evaluate the occupational nanoparticle exposure, and to identify the origins of sampled particles. Real time monitoring is performed by mean of CPC and DMA, and in parallel the mass of the present particles is evaluated, and classified in 13 dimensional classes by mean of a Low Pressure Cascade Impactor.
The research team is involved in collaborative European research projects, namely the project “Development of sustainable solutions for nanotechnology-based products based on hazard characterization and LCA”, financed within the 7th Framework Programme and starting in March 2010, together with several other projects submitted on NMP FP7 calls and other national initiatives. The team is involved as well in collaborations with the Universities of the Veneto Region, with the University of Rochester, and is involved in national and trans-national discussion initiatives on the themes of sustainable development and safety of nanotechnology systems.
The ECSIN laboratory has started in house research activities, structured in the following technology platforms:
Invivo and in vitro analysis of the effect of nanoparticles and nanostructured materials on biological systems – The study of the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on biological systems, in vivo and in vitro, has allowed the team to gain competences on the characterization, the administration, the localization of nanoparticles at sub-cellular, cellular, tissue and systemic levels in experimental models, namely cells and small laboratory animals. The team has gained competences and achieved the first results (published and submitted for the publication) on cellular and molecular biology investigation of the biological impact of ENPs in the experimental models. In details, this activity has been carried on through the characterization of cellular viability, through the application of functional genomics and the study of alteration of protein networks, in particular in the study of regulation of molecular pathways active in the DNA repair and oxidative stress response mechanisms.
Nanoparticles monitoring in environmental matrices – Considering the actual predominant relevance, the environmental matrix the team has focused its attention to date is the occupational aerosol, sampled in workplaces devoted to nanotechnology. The necessary techniques has been identified and optimized, and the best sampling strategies are realized in order to evaluate the occupational nanoparticle exposure, and to identify the origins of sampled particles. Real time monitoring is performed by mean of CPC and DMA, and in parallel the mass of the present particles is evaluated, and classified in 13 dimensional classes by mean of a Low Pressure Cascade Impactor.