Research Lines: MD.P01.008.001 – Structure and dynamics of proteins
People: Mario D’Acunto

Raman spectroscopy: Basic research on the fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy applied to soft matter, cells, biological tissues, proteins, amino acids and to cancer diagnostics.

Nano and Bioplasmonica: the research activity is focused on highlighting the physical properties in the near field of metal systems interacting with biological systems. In particular, attention has been paid to the optical properties of nanoparticles (NP) of gold (nanoshells of diameter 100-150nm), variously functionalized with biological components, especially in their interaction with near-infrared external radiation. These properties have immediate application in the biomedical field, as NPs represent an excellent theranostic tool, valid both for diagnostic and cancer treatment of a wide range of oncological pathologies. In particular, the cancer treatment technique, commonly known as hyperthermic therapy, combines the absorption capacity of near-infrared NPs (light wavelengths 800-900nm) with the extraordinary transparency of cells at these wavelengths. Studies in these areas are conducted both on a theoretical and numerical level and on an experimental level.

Development of probe scanning microscopies, in particular AFM and SNOM, both in the study of the fundamental properties of interaction between the microscopy probe and the sample under examination, and in the application of these techniques to biological systems, in particular:
i) characterization of the chemical-physical surface properties of the scaffolds used for tissue regeneration.
ii) Characterization of cellular structures (morphology, shape, NP absorption capacity, etc.)
iii) Interaction between cellular components and scaffolds.
Moreover, the research activity in this area involves new developments concerning the combination of SPM with Raman spectrometry.

Development of NanoICT issues. In 2012, Mario D’Acunto founded a laboratory aimed at combining typically ICT (artificial intelligence, machine learning) issues with various nanosystems in order to create smart nanosystems. This scientific and technological sector is called NanoICT, and the laboratory activity is carried out in a collaboration between CNR institutes, such as the Institute of Structure of Matter, the Institute of Science and Information Technologies and the Institute of Biophysics.