New Diagnostic Methods for Chemistry
Analytical and bioanalytical methodologies
CNR-ICCOM develops at ABC-Lab of the Secondary Site of Pisa new methodologies and instruments for the determination and characterization of elements, chemical species and biomolecules at trace and ultra-trace levels in biological, clinical and environmental samples using atomic and electrochemical spectrometry methods , chromatographic and separative techniques coupled with UV / visible detectors, fluorescence, absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorescence, and mass spectrometry. The main activities include:
- Realization of an on-line analyzer for traces of metals in emissions from thermoelectric power stations;
- Development of methods for the analysis of proteins, amino acids and metabolites in biological fluids, cell cultures and biomaterials;
- Multi-technique characterization of polymers, biomaterials and protein materials deriving from the recovery of waste material (keratin, collagen);
- Development of methods for extracting polyphenols, bioactive substances and proteins from waste material based on solvent-free and environmental friendly procedures, using ultrasounds, microwaves, DES (Deep Eutectic Solvents) and NADES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents).
Spectroscopic methods
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques are developed at the MaRS-Lab laboratory of the secondary office in Pisa and applied to the study of organic, inorganic or composite materials of biological, biomedical, technological or environmental interest. Spectroscopic methods are applied in particular for the study of:
- Materials and processes for the energy transition and the reduction of climate change: structural and dynamic characterization of inorganic materials for photovoltaics (provskites), eco-sustainable building (cements with innovative formulations), catalysis (2D materials, …), gas separation and storage (MOFs, membranes) and thermal energy storage (MOFs, inorganic salts) by means of multi-nuclear NMR techniques;
- Materials and processes for the circular economy: application of 13C ssNMR for the study of organic matter in soils, biomass and municipal solid waste and of the transformation of organic waste materials into high value products (compost, biochar);;
- Advanced materials: characterization of structure, dynamics and phase properties of molecular organic materials (liquid crystals, plastic crystals, ionic liquids, pigments) and polymeric materials (elastomers and rubbers, also loaded with nanofillers, for the tire industry; flame retardant polymers for fabrics; hybrid materials; carbon fibers) of technological interest;
- Materials for biomedicine: characterization of materials for biomedical applications as nanostructured contrast agents for MRI and theranostics, hydrogels for tissue engineering and bone regeneration, drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.