Nanomaterials for Health & Environmental Smart Sensors (Nano4Sens)

Research Group

Chiara Zanardi, Full Professor
Maria Antonietta Baldo, Associate Professor
Angela Maria Stortini, Researcher
Alessandro Silvestri, Researcher

web site: https://www.unive.it/nano@sens

Research topics

Electrochemical sensors for the monitoring of emerging contaminants in water

Sensors are developed for the determination of organic pollutants present in tap and wastewater, particularly consisting in phytosanitary products and disinfection by-products. Sensors for these species exploit nanomaterials (metal nanoparticles and graphene) eventually associated with enzymes. Detection of PFAS exploit the use of molecular-printed polymers: biomimetic materials that selectively recognize the analyte for the presence of sites of specific dimension and shape.

Sensors for the detection of biomarkers in biological fluids

The research group develops electrochemical sensors for the non-invasive analysis of various biomarkers in biological fluids, such as urine, saliva and sweat. In particular, multisensor platforms are developed for the determination of electrolytes and organic molecules in sweat and interstitial fluids, as well as to define the effects of prolonged exposure to organic pollutants sensors for urine. The detection exploits innovative sensor platforms, obtained on plastic, paper and fabric and the use of smark inks based on nanomaterials and even containing the (bio)receptor for the selective interaction with the target.

Miniaturized sensors based on micro- and nano-electrodes for the analysis of complex matrices

Electrode systems characterized by single and arrays of micro- and nano-electrodes are developed to conduct “in situ” diagnostic investigations, and in small volume samples, on the electrochemical processes of electroactive species present in real complex matrices. The attention is mainly focused on applications in the environmental, clinical and food fields for the determination of trace-level concentrations of natural components, metal contaminants, or biological indicators of the studied matrices.

Last update: 19/02/2025