Nicolo' Landini

Chemoresistive gas sensors for the detection of colorectal cancer biomarkers.

Numerous medical studies show that tumor growth is accompanied by protein changes that may lead to the peroxidation of the cell membrane with consequent emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by breath or intestinal gases that should be seen as biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). The analysis of VOCs represents a non-invasive and potentially inexpensive preliminary screening technique. An array of chemoresistive gas sensors based on screen-printed metal oxide semiconducting films has been selected to discriminate gases of oncological interest, e.g., 1-iodononane and benzene, widely assumed to be biomarkers of colorectal cancer, from those of interference in the gut, such as methane and nitric oxide.

Detection of Tumor Markers and Cell Metabolites in Cell Cultures, Using Nanostructured Chemoresistive Sensors

Nowadays, tumor markers detection is one of the most dynamic field of research for medical technologies, as it seems a reliable source of screening technologies able to both detect neoplasms before their degeneration into malignant forms, and monitor possible relapses after the main cancer removal. On the other hand, studying neoplastic cell cultures behaviour, and their vitality in real time, places problems given to the high proliferation rate of the tumor cells. In this work, nanostructured chemoresistive sensors, sensing unit able to detect volatile chemicals in concentrations up to part per billions, have been used to detect neoplastic markers, with the idea to develop a technology able to follow in real time cell cultures and neoplasms growth, for both research and application in the medical field.

Silicon Carbide: A Gas Sensing Material for Selective Detection of SO2

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a long-time known material with exceptional mechanical properties. Ceramics obtained by sintering SiC grains are very hard and find application in car brakes, bulletproof vests and, in general, in high endurance applications. [...]