Nano4Bio

Nanostructured Surfaces for Cell Culture & Tissue Growth

The company
Nano4bio srl is a high know-how & technology start-up company, founded in Bologna (Italy) in 2008 by researchers of the University of Pisa and the National Research Council (CNR) of Italy. The Nano4bio team is composed by a group of young and multinational researchers (from Italy, Slovakia and Romania), mostly female, with a qualified background knowledge spanning from nanotechnology and pharmaceutical chemistry to material science and cell biology. The entrepreneurial idea comes up from several years of research in nano-bio-technology and from many European research projects. Nano4bio srl is a partner of the high nano-technology incubator Bologna Nanotech.
The Nano4bio portfolio starts with one patent application: “Functional surfaces with controlled morphology in the nanometric scale influence adhesion, viability and proliferation of cells”. N^oMI2009A001099 (deposited- IT 22/06/2009). Nano4bio founders are the inventors and the users with the exclusive license (from the owner CNR). It is expected a substantial growth of patent portfolio during the next three years.

The mission
The development, industrialization and commercialization of highly innovative nano-structured/nano-patterned substrates for in vitro cell cultures and tissue growth.

Industry sector

Nano-bio-technology.

Product

Nano4bio srl offers Smart4Bio products: innovative nano-structured/patterned substrates for in vitro cell cultures, ready-to-use and customized on demand.

Smart4Bio products can have a wide range of applications: they represent new tools for in vitro cell culture, stem cell differentiation, tissue engineering (regenerative medicine), advanced therapies, drug activity and safety screening, nano-toxicology tests.

Services

Nano4bio srl offers consultancy services:

- technology consultancy service for nanofabrication and nanopatterning of a wide range of materials and bio-molecules.

- scientific consultancy service and full assistance for the application to European Project calls, writing down projects in all their aspects.

The Market of interest
The Smart4bio products are mainly addressed to the market of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. The customers are in aprticular Pharmaceutical Companies, research institutes, Hospitals, Diagnositc and Biomedical analysis laboratories.

The advantages

The Smart4bio advantages are the control, versatility, scalability, patterning innovation and customization on demand.

The Smart4bio products have the added values to be cell-specific and suitable for comparative tests on different cell types, simultaneously (cell array). Nano4bio applied technology promote cell growth and differentiation and allow the control of cell proliferation and orientation in specific areas on the support. Smart4bio products offer new opportunities for nano-toxicology tests and drug activity screening, reducing time and cost of materials.

Most of the cell culture products available on the market are traditional in their conception. As a matter of fact, the application of Nano4bio technologies will set a breakthrough with respect to the state of the art. In fact, the availability of the nano-engineered supports will greatly support innovative biomedical pharmaceutical and toxicological research and results.

The Technology

Nano4bio technologies allow to control the geometry, length scale, design/motif, topography, roughness and chemistry of the substrates. Nano4bio masters the processes to chemically and/or physically modify, pattern and functionalize surfaces with thin films, controlling 3-D features at nanometer scale.
A wide range of different substrates (from plastic, glass, silicon, metal film/foils, to organic thin films) can be nanostructured. The nanopatterning of a wide range of polymers and biomolecules (proteins, lipids, DNA) can be performed by unconventional lithographic techniques. Nano4bio can provide, on demand, Smart4Bio products with custom tailored sizes, shapes, patterning features.

Partnerships

Nano4bio srl has established collaborative partnerships with different research institutes as the Centre for regenerative medicine “Stefano Ferrari” in Modena (leader in Europe in epithelial tissue reconstruction), the University of Pisa, and with the American company Solarno, with his expertise in carbon nanotubes and nanomaterials.

Up-to date:
In 2007-2008, Nano4Bio business project has been the winner of two Business Plan competitions: Start Cup, organized by the University of Bologna and Emilia Romagna Region, and Mind the bridge, organized by the American Embassy in Italy.

Nano4bio srl is today a partner of the high nano-technology Bologna Nanotech Incubator, in via P. Gobetti 52/3, 40129 Bologna, Italy.

Nano4bio is applying as small-medium enterprise to the VII European public research funding (HEALTH call 2009).

Nano4bio was present at the International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference Nanotech 2009, Tokyo, Japan and at Research2Business event in Bologna (2008 and 2009).

Nano4bio was selected by SPINNER 2013, the program of Emilia Romagna region to train young persons in research and technology innovation: Dr. Anna Bergia has been employed full-time in July 2009, using a Spinner grant.

In 2009, Nano4bio has been selected and is now incubated by We TechOff program, the new project of ASTER – Association Science and Technology of Emilia Romagna, supported by the Italian Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico, for the creation of innovative enterprises, through the supply of business, coaching and marketing services.

What we are looking for...
Concerning the business plan activity, Nano4bio is currently in R&D phase and is seeking for research partnerships, financial partners, investors, and seed capitals.

Team
Beatrice Chelli (CEO), Fabio Biscarini, Eva Bystrenova (CTO), Eleonora Da Pozzo, Adina N. Lazar, Antonietta Rizzo, Ilaria Tonazzini

Advisory Board:
Prof. Claudia Martini (University of Pisa), Dr. Cino Matacotta (Scriba Nanotechnology srl), Dr. Fabrizio Bugamelli (Almacube Bologna)

Curricula:

Beatrice Chelli

Profile

BC has extensive experience in Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, in Neurobiology, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnologies and Nanotechnologies. She is author of more than 18 publications and is reviewer of scientific international journals with high impact factor (Biochemical Pharmacology; Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; Journal of Translational Medicine). She has a wide network of national and international collaborations and has always been working at the border between different disciplines: Biochemistry-Pharmaceuticals-Life Sciences. She has experience in national and EU project management.

Qualifications and Education

Senior researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 2008

Senior researcher at UNIPI 2006-2008

PhD in Neurobiology and Clinic of Affective Disorders, University of Pisa, March 2006

Post-graduate in Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, University of Pisa, November 2002

Degree in Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies, University of Pisa, November 1997

Areas of expertise

Cell culture and cell differentiation

Radioligand binding assays

Survival/death cell assays

Mitochondrial potential assays

Steroid hormone quantitative assays

Electrophoresis (proteins and nucleic acids)

Flow Cytometry

Optical, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies

Scanning probe microscopy

Nanopatterning techniques (soft lithography)

Spectrophotometric, immunoenzymatic, radioimmunological and immunofluorescence techniques

Selected publications:

S. Taliani, F. Da Settimo, E. Da Pozzo, B. Chelli, and C. Martini. (2009). Translocator protein ligands as promising therapeutic tools for anxiety disorders.- Review- Current. Med. Chem., in press.

B. Chelli, A. Salvetti, E. Da Pozzo, M. Rechichi, F. Spinetti, L. Rossi, B. Costa, A. Lena, G. Rainaldi, F. Scatena, R. Vanacore, V. Gremigni and C. Martini. (2008). PK 11195 Differentially Affects Cell Survival in Human Wild-Type and 18 KDa Translocator Protein-Silenced ADF Astrocytoma Cells. J Cell Biochem, . 105(3):712-23.

M Rechichi, A Salvetti, B Chelli, B Costa, E Da Pozzo, F Spinetti, A Lena, M Evangelista, G Rainaldi, C Martini, V Gremigni, L Rossi. (2008). TSPO over-expression increases motility, transmigration and proliferation properties of C6 rat glioma cells. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1782(2):118-25.

B. Chelli, L. Rossi, E. Da Pozzo, B. Costa, F. Spinetti, M. Rechichi, A. Salvetti, A. Lena, F. Simorini, R. Vanacore, F. Scatena, F. Da Settimo, V. Gremigni and C. Martini. (2005). PIGA (N,N-di-n-butyl-5-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)indol-3-ylglyoxylamide), a New Mitochondrial Benzodiazepine-Receptor Ligand, Induces Apoptosis in C6 Glioma Cells. ChemBioChem, 6: 1082-1088.

B. Chelli, A. Lena, R. Vanacore, E. Da Pozzo, B. Costa, L. Rossi, A. Salvetti, F. Scatena, S. Ceruti, MP Abbracchio, V. Gremigni, C. Martini. (2004). Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands: mitochondrial transmembrane potential depolarization and apoptosis induction in rat C6 glioma cells. Biochem Pharmacol, 68: 125-134.

Eva Bystrenova

Profile

EB is a well qualified physicist, with over 10 years of expertise in the field of biophysics and nanobiotechnology. She is author of numerous publications of high impact factor; invited and keynote lecturer at several conferences. Versatile and very successful project manager with a wealth of pluridicriplinary technical skills acquired across a wide range of demanding roles including set-up of a completely new laboratory dedicated to “Bio-Nanotechnology” at ISMN-Bologna and the design and development of new instruments.

Qualifications and Education

Senior researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 2005

Senior researcher at EPFL Lausanne 2003-2005

Researcher at «Faculté des Sciences», Lausanne Univ. 1999-2003

Researcher at Slovak Academy of Science, Kosice, Slovakia 1998-1999

Philosophiae Doctor (PhD.) in physics at University of P.J.Safarik, Kosice, Slovakia 1994-1998

Areas of expertise

Nanofabrication methods

Self-organisation and self-assembling

Nanopatterning

Organic electronics and organic semiconductors

Scanning Probe Microscopies

Fluorescence microscopy

Optical, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies

Electrical and thermal measurement

Point contact spectroscopy

Selected publications:

P. Stoliar, E. Bystrenova, S. D. Quiroga, P. Annibale, M. Facchini, M. Spijkman, S. Setayesh, D. de Leeuw and F. Biscarini: DNA adsorption measured with ultra-thin film organic field effect transistors, Biosensors & Bioelectronics (2009).

A. Calò, P. Stoliar, E. Bystrenova, F. Valle, and F. Biscarini: Measurement of DNA morphological parameters at highly entangled regime on surfaces, Journal of Physical Chemistry B (2009).

E. Bystrenova, M. Jelitai, I. Tonazzini, A. N. Lazar, M. Huth, P. Stoliar, C. Dionigi, M.G. Cacace, B. Nickel, E. Madarasz, F. Biscarini, Neural Networks Grown on Organic Semiconductors. Advanced Functional Materials, 2008, 12: 1751-1756.

E. Bystrenova, M. Facchini, M. Cavallini, M.G.Cacace and F.Biscarini: Multiple length scale patterning of DNA by stamp assisted deposition, Angewandte Chemie Int.Ed.45 (2006) 4779.

A.Radenovic, E. Bystrenova, L. Libioulle, F. Valle, G. T. Shubeita, S. Kasas, G. Dietler: Characterization of Atomic Force Microscope Probes at Low Temperatures, Journal of Applied Physics 94 (2003) 4210.

Antonietta Rizzo

Profile

Qualified in the interdisciplinary field of Chemistry, Chemiometry and Physics, already implicated in the cross edge fields of renewable energies and nanotechnologies. Particularly interested in economic processes, financial systems and globalisation with proven entrepreneurial talent by founding three small companies, one of which in high tech field. In charge with integrating the scientific part with technological exploitations and with managment of research projects.

Qualifications and Education

Researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 2005, in charged with technology transfer and project management

PhD thesis in Chemical Sciences at the University of Bologna, 2001

Chemist Qualification after the State Qualifying Examination, 1998

Degree in Industrial Chemistry, University of Bologna, 1996

Areas of expertise

thermal and nuclear anomalies in the condensed matter

electrochemistry

mass spectroscopy

radionuclide spectroscopy techniques

nanomaterials and nanotechniques

archaeological methods

Selected publications:

L. Fedeli, P.Bartolomei, R. Giampieri, A. Rizzo,"Determinazione dell’età con il metodo del radiocarbonio" Atti e Memorie dell’Accademia Petrarca di Lettere, Arti e Scienze N.S. 58/1996.

G. Cammarota, W. Collis, A.Rizzo, C. Stremmenos, "A flow calorimetry study of the Ni/H system" Conference Proceedings, vol. 74 “ Anomalies in Hydrogen/Deuterium Loaded Metals, W.J.M.F. Collis (Ed.), SIF, Bologna, 1999

P. Bartolomei, A. Rizzo , “Radiocarbon dates of charcoal samples from the Holocene sequence”, chap. 5 in Uan Tabu in the Settlement History of the Libyan Sahara, edited by Elena A.A. Garcea, "Arid Zone Archaeology – Monographs 2" , Edizioni All'Insegna del Giglio, Firenze, 2000

G. Magnani, P. Bartolomei , F. Cavulli , M. Esposito, E.C. Marino ,M. Neri, A. Rizzo , S. Scaruffi , M. Tosi “U-series and radiocarbon dates on mollusc shells from the uppermost layer of the archaeological site of KHB-1, Ra’s al Khabbah, Oman”, Journal of Archaeological Science , 34 (2007) 749-755

A. Frattolillo, A. De Ninno, and A. Rizzo “Quantitative detection of tiny amounts of helium isotopes in a hydrogen isotope atmosphere using a standard-resolution quadrupole mass spectrometer” J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 25 (2007), 75-89

Ilaria Tonazzini

Profile

IT is a young and professional researcher experienced in the field of Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Cellular Neurobiology, Pharmaceuticals) with recently acquired proficiency in the interdisciplinary field of Nano-bio-technology. IT worked in important research centers like the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm and the CMBN in Oslo. IT’s research activity was focused on the CNS biochemical functioning and on the nanotechnological approach to CNS diseases, resulting in several publications in relevant scientific journals.

Qualifications and Education

Researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 2007

PhD in “Scienza del Farmaco e delle Sostanze Bioattive” at University of Pisa, 2004-2007

“Marie Curie” Fellowship at the Anatomical Institute & Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience (CMBN), University of Oslo, 2005 and 2006

Degree in Drug Control and Quality Assurance University of Pisa, 2005

Specialistic Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F), University of Pisa, 2003

Areas of expertise

Cell culture and cell differentiation

Toxicological tests in vivo

Veterinary toxicological tests

Intracellular signalling and functionality assays

Receptor binding studies

Survival/death cell assays

Western-blott and bi-dimensional electrophoresis

Optical, fluorescence and atomic force microscopies

Nanopatterning techniques (soft lithography)

Spectrophotometric, immunoenzymatic, radioimmunological and immunofluorescence techniques

Selected publications:

I. Tonazzini, Bystrenova E, Greco P, Stoliar P, Calò A, Lazar A, Chelli B, Martini C, Biscarini F, Multiscale morphology of organic semiconductor thin film controls the adhesion and viability of human neural cells, Biophysical Journal, 2009, in press.

I. Tonazzini, M. L. Trincavelli, M. Montali, C. Martini, Regulation of A₁ adenosine receptor functioning induced by P2Y₁ purinergic receptor activation in human astroglial cell, Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2008, 86 (13): 2857-2866.

M.L. Trincavelli, I. Tonazzini, M. Montali, M.P. Abbracchio, C. Martini, Short-term TNF-alpha treatment induced A2B adenosine receptor desensitization in human astroglial cells. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2008, 104: 150-161.

I. Tonazzini, M. L. Trincavelli, J. Storm-Mathisen, C. Martini,L. H. Bergersen, Co-localization and functional cross-talk between A₁ and P2Y₁ purine receptors in rat hippocampus, European Journal of Neuroscience, 2007, 26: 890-902.

O. Karovic, I. Tonazzini, N. Rebola, E. Edström, C. Lövdahl, B.B. Fredholm, E. Daré, Toxic effects of cobalt in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. Similarities with hypoxia and role of HIF-1, Biochemical Pharmacology, 2007, 73: 694-708.

Eleonora Da Pozzo

Profile

EDP has wide skills in Neurobiology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotechnologies. She has conducted research about steroids pathway, neurotrophic and transcription factors, identifying new biochemical markers in various pathologies. EDP is also involved in investigation about vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and about cancer, testing new drugs as possible anticancer and diagnostic tools, and angiogenesis. She is author of more than 28 abstracts, 10 publications in scientific international journals with high impact factor. She is involved in several national and international collaborations, arising during many projects, both national and European ones

Qualifications and Education

Researcher at UNIPI since 2008

PhD in Neurobiology and Clinic of Affective Disorders, University of Pisa 2008

Pharmacist Qualification after the State Qualifying Examination 2003

Degree in Medicinal Chemistry and Technologies, University of Pisa, 2003

Areas of expertise

Cell culture and cell differentiation

Radioligand binding assays

Survival/death cell assays

Western Blotting and Flow Cytometry

Blood component separation

Ex-vivo assays (kidney, heart, brain)

Umbilical vein endothelial cell separation

Intracellular signalling assay

Optical, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies

Steroid quantitative assays

Mitochondrial potential assays

Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis assay

Transcription factors immunoassay

Spectrophotometric, immunoenzymatic, radioimmunological and immunofluorescence techniques

Selected publications:

Dell’Osso L, Da Pozzo E, Carmassi C, Trincavelli ML, Ciapparelli A, Martini C. (2009). Lifetime manic-hypomanic symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder: relationship with the 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein density. Psychiatry Research (in press). IF: 2,310

Dell’Osso L, Carmassi C, Del Debbio A, Bianchi C, Da Pozzo E, Origlia N, Domenici L, Massimetti G, Marazziti D, Piccinni A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor plasma levels in patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry (in press). IF: 2.802

Piccinni A, Marazziti D, Catena M, Domenici L, Del Debbio A, Bianchi C, Mannari C, Martini C, Da Pozzo E, Schiavi E, Mariotti A, Roncaglia I, Palla A, Consoli G, Giovannini L, Massimetti G, Dell’Osso L. (2008). Plasma and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in depressed patients during 1 year of antidepressant treatments. J of affective Disorders. vol. 105, pp. 279-283. IF: 3,138

Taliani S,Da Settimo F, Da Pozzo E, Chelli B, Martini C. Translocator protein ligands as promising therapeutic tools for anxiety disorders. Review. Current Medicinal Chemistry (in press). IF:4.944

Chelli B, Salvetti A, Da Pozzo E, Rechichi M, Spinetti F, Rossi L, Costa B, Lena A, Rainaldi G, Scatena F, Vanacore R, Gremigni V and Martini C (2008). TSPO silencing affects glioma cell survival. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry vol.105, pp. 712-23 IF: 3,409

Adina Lazar

Profile

Young researcher with extensive qualification in Material Science, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology and recently in Neuropathology. Author of more than 25 publications and co-inventor in 5 patents, flexible and adaptable, with confirmed experience in multidisciplinary fields, now determined to combine research and development in the health care industry. AL, expert in protein assembly and material science, is responsible to elaborate the nanotechnological platform and to assure the assembly of highly sensitive and sensible products, with guarantied biocompatibility, focused on specific customer demand.

Qualifications and Education

Researcher at Pitie-Salpetrier Hospital, Paris 2009

Researcher at ISMN-Bologna, 2006-2008

PhD in Material Science, University Claude Bernard, Lyon, France, 2003-2006

Diploma engineer in Material Science at “Politehnica” University of Bucharest, Romania, 2002

Areas of expertise

Atomic Force Microscopy

Organic Synthesis

Colloids and Nanoparticle Preparation

Brewster Angle Microscopy

Crystallography

Nanofabrication and Nanopatterning

Circular Dychroism

Langmuir Balance

Cell culture

Dynamic Light Scattering

Scanning Electron Microscope

Electrophoresis (proteins and nucleic acids)

Optical, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies

Confocal microscopy

Immunochemistry

Selected publications and patents:

Adina N. Lazar, Alda Navaza and Anthony W. Coleman Solid-state Complexes of Calix[4]arene dihydroxiphosphonic acid with Bipyridine Ligands, Crystal Growth and Design, 2006, 6, 669-74

Adina N. Lazar, Anthony W. Coleman, Silvia Terenzi, Petter Strazewski, Observation of the formation of supported bilayers by amphiphilic peptidyl-RNA, Chem Commun, 2006, 1, 63-5

PCT/FR2007/051129: Applications de calix[n]arènes dans le domaine de la thérapie anti-cancéreuse, Coleman Anthony W., Baggetto Loris G., Lazar Adina N., Michaud Mickael H.

PCT/FR2007/051127: Co-colloides calixareniques, Anthony Coleman, Adina N. Lazar, Jerome Gilbert, Jean-Yves Renault

French Patent, 04/09236, Procédé et système d’analyse protéomique, Anthony Coleman, Jerome Gilbert, Adina N. Lazar, Julien de Bonfils

Fabio Biscarini

Profile

High quality researcher with more than 20 years of confirmed experience in research and application, author of more than 140 publications and co-inventor of 14 patents. Enthusiastic, dedicated and professional, enjoys being part of, as well as leading a successful and productive team group. Acknowledged with numerous international prices, among which, the Descartes price in 2007, member of Royal Society of Chemistry, the most recent devotement focuses on guiding the team to a successful research and development in the field of life science.

Qualifications and Education

Senior researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 2002

President of Scriba Nanotechnology at Bologna since 2005

Professor at University of Bologna, Université Mons-Hainaut, Mons, Belgium and Center for Advanced Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA 1998-2005

Researcher at ISMN-Bologna since 1996-2001

Areas of expertise

Chemistry and physic-chemistry

Organic and molecular electronics

Nanofabrication

Project manager

Conference organiser

Coordinator of european projects

Editor of Chemical Society Reviews

Selected publications:

P. Greco, M. Cavallini, P. Stoliar, S. D. Quiroga, S. Dutta, S. Zacchini, M. C. Iapallucci, V. Morandi, S. Milita, P. G. Merli, and F. Biscarini “Conductive sub-micrometric wires of platinum clusters fabricated by soft-lithography”, JACS 130, 1177-1182 (2008).

C. Albonetti, J. Martinez, N.S. Losilla, P. Greco, M. Cavallini, F. Borgatti, M. Montecchi, L. Pasquali, R. Garcia and F. Biscarini. “Parallel-local anodic oxidation of silicon surfaces by soft stamps”, Nanotechnology 19. Article Number: 435303 (2008).

F. Biscarini, M. Cavallini, R. B. Kshirsagar, S. Leòn, F. Zerbetto, D. A. Leigh, “Self-Organization of Rotaxane Nano-lines and Dots Triggered by a Local Mechanical Stimulus”, Proc. Nat. Acad. of Sci. USA 103, 17650-17654 (2006).

P. Annibale, C. Albonetti, P. Stoliar, F. Biscarini “High resolution mapping of the electrostatic potential in organic thin film transistors by phase electrostatic force microscopy”, J. Phys. Chem. A, 111, 12854-12858 (2007).

M. Cavallini, F. Biscarini, S. Léon, F. Zerbetto, G. Bottari, D. A. Leigh: “Information storage using supramolecular surface patterns” Science 299, 531 (2003).

Where

Via G. Fanin 48
40127 BOLOGNA
ITALY

Fax: (+39) 051 6311250

www.nano4bio.com
info@nano4bio.com

C.F. - P. IVA 02856121203