Giorgio Ventimiglia

A single photochemical route for the formation of both copper nanoparticles and patterned nanostructured films

Nanometer-sized copper metal can be formed by UV irradiation of ethanol bis(2,4-pentanedionate)copper(II) solutions: simple tuning of the irradiation conditions switches the process from homogeneous to heterogeneous nucleation, and promotes the formation of either colloidal powders or nanostructured films.

Novel Biochip Platform for Nucleic Acid Analysis

This manuscript describes the use of a novel biochip platform for the rapid analysis/identification of nucleic acids, including DNA and microRNAs, with very high specificity. This approach combines a unique dynamic chemistry approach for nucleic acid testing and analysis developed by DestiNA Genomics with the STMicroelectronics In-Check platform, which comprises two microfluidic optimized and independent PCR reaction chambers, and a sequential microarray area for nucleic acid capture and identification by fluorescence. With its compact bench-top “footprint” requiring only a single technician to operate, the biochip system promises to transform and expand routine clinical diagnostic testing and screening for genetic diseases, cancers, drug toxicology and heart disease, as well as employment in the emerging companion diagnostics market.