Two Seal of Excellence research projects have been awarded to the Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems “E. Caianiello” (ISASI) in Pozzuoli under the third call of the Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS 3), the Italian program supporting the most innovative basic research and inspired by the European Research Council (ERC) model.
Among the 15 funded projects that designated the CNR as Host Institution, two were awarded to ISASI. Both projects have a five-year duration, with total funding of €2.9 million.
Dr. Daniele Pirone, fixed-term Researcher at ISASI-CNR, received fundings for €1.1 million under the Starting Grant scheme, PE7 panel, for the SFEROIDE project (“Smart imaging Flow cytomEtry of cell spheRoids by label-free hOlographIc tomography for 3D multi-scale hiErarchical analysis”). The SFEROIDE project aims to develop an innovative technology based on holographic tomography in a flow cytometry configuration for label-free, 3D, quantitative and non-invasive characterization of cell spheroids without fluorescent markers. The goal is to study complex cellular models, enabling drug testing and tailoring of more effective and personalized therapies in several fields, including oncology.
Dr. Claudia Tortiglione, Research Director at ISASI-CNR, received fundings for €1.8 million under the Advanced Grant scheme, LS9 panel, for the BIONIC project (“Engineered living BIoelectrONIC interfaces”). The BIONIC project aims to investigate neuronal connectivity and function using the simple nerve net of Hydra and 3D neural networks with defined geometries as models. Through synthetic biology and nanotechnology, living bioelectronic interfaces will be fabricated into specific neural circuits, generating “bionic” animals and tissues. Their stimulation will allow the modulation of a wide range of processes governed by bioelectrical signaling, with impact on various fields, from neurotechnology to regenerative biology.