Ultrasensitive Point-of-Care & Wearable Bioelectronics for Precision Medicine

Department

Department of Chemistry, University of Bari

Main research activities/topics/projects

The research activities presented below will be directed to Master Students, PhD students, and post docs, with various degrees of complexity depending on their previous experience and their level of training. 

In the quest for more precise diagnostics, distinguishing the presence and absence of specific biomarkers at single molecule level endows the clinicians with a powerful analytical device enabling precise and timely diagnosis. 

The group of Electronic Biosensors and Analytical Electrochemistry focuses on the development of a ground-breaking single-molecule large transistor (SiMoT). This device achieved the world record for detection limits in label-free assays of both protein and DNA markers. SiMoT has been implemented in several projects within the group like BioScreen (as portable and single cartridge device) and SiMBiT (as 8x12 assay for multiparametric analysis).[1-3] The group encompasses also key-relevant activities on the microfabrication of wearable and edible amperometric bioelectronics for the continuous monitoring of metabolites (glucose, lactate, fructose, neurotransmitters, cardiac biomarkers, etc.) and active drug-release (stimulated through electrochemical inputs).[4,15] In addition to the preparation of materials and development of biosensors, the candidates will perform their characterization using a variety of techniques (i.e., spectroscopic, electrochemical, and microscopy techniques) under different operating conditions. All the activities will be carried out in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, with English as the working language. Various international students and post doc are already part of the work-team, ensuring a highly diverse working environment. 

The various PI working on the project will directly supervise all the candidates. Post doc and PhD students will have the possibility to work independently after an initial training period, and master students will be directly working in the laboratory with PhD students and post doc to maximize their learning process, while also fostering their independance. 

 References:

[1] E. Macchia et al. Sci. Advances 2022, 8(27), eabo0881

[2] E. Genco et al. Adv. Materials 2023, 35(42), 2304102

[3] E. Macchia et al. Adv. Science 2024, 11(27), 2470141

[4] V. Marchianò et al. Chem. Materials 2024, 36(1), 358-370

[5] A. Tricase et al. Electrochim. Acta 2024, 494, 144430

Working language

English

Special entry requirements

Knowledge of analytical chemistry, field-effect transistors devices and electrochemisty chemistry, as well as laboratory experience are all required at least at a level of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or material sciences and technology.

Duration in months (min-max)

Master Research:4-6

PhD sandwich: 5-12

Post Doc: 5-12