Nanobiointeractions Lab

The Nanobiointeractions Laboratory is a multidisciplinary experimental facility dedicated to the synthesis and characterization of engineered nanomaterials for biological applications. Here, researchers with a background in chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy and pharmaceutical technology work together towards the development of innovative inorganic nanomaterials with potential application in biosensing, drug delivery, nanomedicine and diagnostic imaging. Besides nanomaterial preparation, the laboratory is also equipped for: a) the synthesis of organic molecules that are used as surface coatings, linkers and labels, b) the conjugation of biomolecules, c) the in vitro testing of the materials on mammalian cell cultures and on bacteria.

The person in charge for the lab is Dr. Roberto Fiammengo

Chemical Hoods

The laboratory has two fume hoods for chemical synthesis, including the preparation of air sensitive materials and molecules under protective atmosphere.

Zetasizer Nano ZSP (DLS - dynamic light scattering and z-potential)

The Zetasizer Nano ZSP is the world’s highest performance system and particularly suitable for the characterization of proteins and nanoparticles where the highest sensitivity for size and zeta potential measurement is required. It includes a Protein Measurement option for protein mobility measurements. The measured parameters are particle and molecule size, translational diffusion, electrophoretic mobility, zeta potential of particles at high and low concentrations, viscosity and viscoelasticity of protein and polymer solutions, concentration.

NanoDrop™ 2000 Microvolume UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

The NanoDrop 2000 UV-vis spectrometer measures the concentration and purity of DNA, RNA or protein samples. Using only 1 µL, you can obtain your results in less than 15 seconds from sample pipetting to wiping the pedestal clean.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

NTA technology (was pioneered by NanoSight) is a unique method of visualising and analysing particles in liquids, from 10-2000nm, that relates the visible diffusion and rate of Brownian motion to particle size.

Sequential Microwave Synthesis System Discover® SP and Agilent 720 ICP-OES

The Discover SP is a powerful microwave synthesizer for performing a wide range of organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry. The system features a best-in-class 300 mL single-mode microwave cavity, allowing for extremely flexible reaction vessel sizes, in both pressurized and open vessel modes.








Quantification of nanomaterials in different matrices, including in biological samples, is carried out via elemental analysis by using an inductive-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer.

High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC)

The laboratory is equipped with an HPLC with diode array detector for the analysis of organic molecules and biomolecules.

7500 Real-Time PCR System and Thermal Cycler

Applied Biosystems® 7500 Real-Time PCR Systems offer high performance, multicolor real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for DNA analysis.









This compact thermal cycler features an intuitive touch-screen user interface to make running PCR easy. Thermal gradient technology allows you to quickly optimize your reaction in a single run.

Gel Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis cells by BioRad and precast polyacrylamide gels are offered for high-resolution separation of nucleic acids in mini and midi formats.

TyphoonTM 8600 variable mode imager

TyphoonTM 8600 variable mode imager is capable of fluorescence (UV-vis), storage phosphor, and chemiluminescence detection of gels and blots.

Plate reader Infinite M200 Pro, Tecan

Plate reader Infinite M200 Pro with dosing unit allows advanced in vitro testing with three possible readouts: Uv-vis, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence.

Cell culture room

No. 3 class II biological safety cabinets, incubator and microscopes for facilitating the in vitro testing experiments.

Sample treatment and Storage facility

The laboratory is equipped with a Rotovapor and Centrifuges for nanoparticles and bioogical sample treatments. Excellent storage possibilities are available: several fridges and -20 °C freezers, one -80 °C freezer and a cold room.