Biophysics laboratory - LBF

Short description

In the Laboratory of BIOPHYSICS (LBF) cell activity is studied through both experimental in-vitro and in-silico modeling approaches. Particular attention is paid to the study of the bioelectrical properties of single cells and their interaction during the spatial and temporal coordination that underlies the formation of complex systems. For this purpose, the LBF develops and uses interfaces and biocompatible electronic devices, with translational properties for diagnostic and biomedical applications. The development of descriptive and predictive models is integrated with the experimental analysis.

Research themes

• bioelectric properties of non-excitable cells and control of motility through electric fields
• effect of electromagnetic fields on the bioelectric activity of single and networked cortical neurons
• effect of ionizing radiation at Ultra High Dose Rate produced by Plasma Focus sources
• In-vitro realization of viable cell samples, even with three-dimensional scaffolding
• Interfacing of cellular samples with conductive polymeric substrates or organic transistors for the development of new biomedical devices
• Study of the diffusion of water across cell membranes using NMR relaxometry on in-vitro systems

Instrumentation

• Class II laminar flow sterile cabinet, CO₂ incubator for cell culture and support equipment
• Set up for recordings of cellular bioelectrical activity in-vitro: “patch clamp” and support equipment
• Epifluorescence, phase contrast and differential interference (DIC) optical microscope equipped with perfusion system, incubator and illumination system for optogenetics
• Acquisition system of the bioelectrical activity of single cells, cellular networks and in-vitro tissues: "multielectrode array" (MEA) and "electrochemical organic transistors" (OECT)
• Systems for chronic and acute exposure of biological samples to electromagnetic fields
• Detection system of endogenous electric fields: "vibrating probe"

Teaching and training

The LBF offers its resources to support:

• Experimental practice for three-year (LT) and master's (LM) courses in the study of cellular bioelectrical properties
• Supervision of LT/LM physics thesis
• Development of PhD and PostDoc projects
• Laboratory visits and description of the experimental procedures for middle and high school students