Barbara Cortese | University of Salento (original) (raw)

Papers by Barbara Cortese

Therapeutic Delivery, 2015

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2015

Upon noxious insults, cells of the brain parenchyma activate endogenous self-protective mechanism... more Upon noxious insults, cells of the brain parenchyma activate endogenous self-protective mechanisms to counteract brain damage. Interplay between microglia and astrocytes can be determinant to build a physiological response to noxious stimuli arisen from injury or stress, thus understanding the cross talk between microglia and astrocytes would be helpful to elucidate the role of glial cells in endogenous protective mechanisms and might contribute to the development of new strategy to mobilize such program and reduce brain cell death. Here we demonstrate that chemokines CX3CL1 and CXCL16 are molecular players that synergistically drive cross-talk between neurons, microglia and astrocytes to promote physiological neuroprotective mechanisms that counteract neuronal cell death due to ischemic and excitotoxic insults. In an in vivo model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) we found that exogenous administration of soluble CXCL16 reduces ischemic volume and that, upon pMCAO, endogenous CXCL16 signaling restrains brain damage, being ischemic volume reduced in mice that lack CXCL16 receptor. We demonstrated that CX3CL1, acting on microglia, elicits CXCL16 release from glia and this is important to induce neroprotection since lack of CXCL16 signaling impairs CX3CL1 neuroprotection against both in vitro Glu-excitotoxic insult and pMCAO. Moreover the activity of adenosine receptor A3R and the astrocytic release of CCL2 play also a role in trasmembrane chemokine neuroprotective effect, since their inactivation reduces CX3CL1-and CXCL16 induced neuroprotection.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2013

In this report, we evaluate the impact of a systematic change to the extracellular environment on... more In this report, we evaluate the impact of a systematic change to the extracellular environment on cell morphology and functionality by combining the inherent properties of biocompatible polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane and polycaprolactone with a specific surface response. By microstructuring pillars and pits on the substrates, varying spacing and height of the structures, we investigate the role of topography in fibroblast cell adhesion and viability. The change of wetting behaviour was tailored and evaluated in terms of contact angle measurements. It was shown that the range of micro-scale physical cues at the interface between the cells and the surrounding environment affects cell shape and migrations, indicating a tendency to respond differently to higher features of the micro-scale. We found that surface topography seems dominant over material wettability, fibroblasts responded to variations in topography by altering morphology and migrating along the direction of spacing among the features biased by the height of structures and not by the material. It is therefore possible to selectively influence either cell adhesion or morphology by choosing adequate topography of the surface. This work can impact in the design of biomaterials and can be applied to implanted biomedical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds and lab on chip devices.

ABSTRACT Underwater wettability and wetting transitions of non polar liquids with rough solid sur... more ABSTRACT Underwater wettability and wetting transitions of non polar liquids with rough solid surfaces are herein presented. Here, we demonstrate that a hydrophobic/oleophilic surface when immersed in water can result in an oleophilic or “Cassie” state of oil-wetting. This was achieved by utilizing respectively a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating on a cotton substrate and a combination of DLC and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods embedded into the structure. Moreover by increasing the time of immersion the oleophilic state reverted to a Wenzel state evolving to Cassie's regime. The mechanism of the transition was identified with the diffusion of the air into the water from the trapped air pockets of the substrate interface. Finally, switchable wettability of ZnO/DLC coated substrates allows a promising oil-water separation use.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) provides a promising alternative to plasmid DNA as a genetic material for de... more Messenger RNA (mRNA) provides a promising alternative to plasmid DNA as a genetic material for delivery in non-viral gene therapy strategies. However, it is difficult to introduce mRNA in vivo mainly because of the instability of mRNA under physiological conditions. Here, mRNA-protamine complex encapsulated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) are proposed for the intracellular delivery of mRNA molecules. The nanoparticles with a size of about 247 nm in diameter have a core-shell structure with an mRNA-containing inner core surrounded by PCL layers, providing high stability and stealth properties to the nanoparticles. The partial neutralization of the negatively charged mRNA molecules with the cationic protamine allows one to modulate the release kinetics in a pH-dependent manner. At pH 7.4, mimicking the conditions found in the systemic circulation, only 25% of the mRNA is released after 48 hours post incubation, whereas at pH 5.0, recreating the cell endosomal environment, about 60% of the mRNA molecules are released within the same time window post incubation. These NPs show no cytotoxicity to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, HeLa cells and MG63 osteoblasts up to 8 days of incubation. Given the stability, preferential release behavior, and well-known biocompatibility properties of PCL nanostructures, our non-viral PCL nanoparticles are a promising system that simultaneously resolved the two major problems of mRNA introduction and the instability, opening the door to various new therapeutic strategies using mRNA.

ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single fac... more ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

ABSTRACT Imatinib Mesylate (IM) is an inhibitor that targets the tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-... more ABSTRACT Imatinib Mesylate (IM) is an inhibitor that targets the tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-ABL present in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Here, IM-Chitosan complexes encapsulated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) are recommended for its potential in supporting controlled release and improving chemotherapeutic efficiency of IM. The nanoparticles with a size of about 247 nm in diameter has a core-shell structure with IM-containing inner core surrounded by PCL layer. The presence of chitosan (CH) allows one to modulate the release kinetics in the pH-dependent manner. IM was released from the NPs much more quickly at pH 4.0 and 6.0 than at pH 7.4, which is a desirable characteristic for tumor-targeted drug delivery. Our core-shell PCL NPs could provide simple and easy way to allow controlled release of IM and improve its chemotherapeutic efficiency, combining the pH sensibility of CH and the slow degradation of PCL.

In this work, we have investigated the potential benefits of combining biodegradable pH sensitive... more In this work, we have investigated the potential benefits of combining biodegradable pH sensitive core-shell PCL NPs loaded with IM and enzyme sensitive polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Our in vitro studies confirmed the excellent antileukemic activity of dual drug loaded nanoparticles on CML cells. As compared with a drug alone, co-treatment with IM and DOX loaded in nanoparticles allowed a sustained downregulation of BCR-ABL and significant CML stem cell death. This furthermore showed that couple formulation of nanoparticles enhanced the drugs' kinetics and efficacy, combined with the pH sensibility of core-shell PCL NPs loaded with IM and enzyme sensitive polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) loaded with DOX. Our study demonstrates that dual drug loaded nanoparticles work in a synergistic manner, lowering the dose and confirming that both drugs reach the target cell specifically, maximizing the cytotoxicity while minimizing the chances of cell resistance to any one drug.

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014

The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has already caused, and is continuing to cause, signif... more The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has already caused, and is continuing to cause, significant global environmental issues and has severely impacted people's lives and natural resources. The ramifications of oil spill accidents highlight the difficulty of achieving effective oil-water separation, and the consequences of these accidents are harsh and long-term. In this work, we describe a convenient approach to fabricate cotton textiles with a hydrophilic coating, showing both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The surfaces are successfully prepared by one-step growth of a diamond-like carbon film onto the textiles via plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition and exhibit highly controllable, energy-efficient oil-water separation with high separation efficiency. The results have important implications for oil-absorption dynamics while repelling water completely. The present work suggests encouraging applications to marine spilt oil cleanup and other water-oil separation systems. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Movies showing the oil selectivity of the DLC-coated cotton for discerning organic solvents or oils from water mixtures. See

Cellulose, 2014

ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single fac... more ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

Applied Physics A, 2010

The "Dancing Satyr", a bronze statue measuring more than 2 metres in height and weighting 108 kg,... more The "Dancing Satyr", a bronze statue measuring more than 2 metres in height and weighting 108 kg, repre-

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2015

Unconventional nanopatterning methods are emerging as powerful tools for the development of contr... more Unconventional nanopatterning methods are emerging as powerful tools for the development of controlled shapes and ordered morphology of nanostructured materials with novel properties and tailorable functions. Here, we report a simple yet straightforward and efficient approach for patterning through unconventional dewetting that involves surface tension driven process. Using this innovative approach, we have successfully demonstrated to be able to prepare surface micro-patterns over large areas deposited through Eu(3+):TiO2 nanoparticles providing rational control over the local nucleation of nanoparticles. Remarkably, these features could be addressed by polar or apolar solvents, suggesting potential applications in bottom-up nanodevices. This paper represents the first such attempt to create an inorganic materials non-lithographic template for the directed deposition of Eu(3+):TiO2 or related metal oxides. The technique, which is driven by the unique chemical properties and geometrical layout of the underlying patterned micrometer-sized templates, enables the construction of micro- and nano-structuration of dispersed inorganic functional materials suitable for electrooptical and photonic applications.

Organic Electronics, 2008

We use a soft lithography technique to pattern a high conductive poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene... more We use a soft lithography technique to pattern a high conductive poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) acting as anode in organic light emitting diodes. In this method all the polymer layers except for the desired pattern are lifted up from the substrate surface. We are able to define the emissive zones of our devices on a large area in a cheap and fast way. By comparing the devices realized using the patterned polymeric anode with an untreated indium tin oxide substrate, we obtained current efficiency values that have the same order of magnitude: this is the first step for the realization of low cost devices suitable for flexible substrates.

Understanding the mechanism of cell migration and interaction with the microenvironment is not on... more Understanding the mechanism of cell migration and interaction with the microenvironment is not only of critical significance to the function and biology of cells, but also has extreme relevance and impact on physiological processes and diseases such as morphogenesis, wound healing, neuron guidance, and cancer metastasis. External guidance factors such as topography and physical cues of the microenvironment promote directional migration and can target specific changes in cell motility and signalling mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that cells can directionally respond to applied electric fields (EFs), in both in vitro and in vivo settings, a phenomenon called electrotaxis. However, the exact cellular mechanisms for sensing electrical signals are still not fully well understood, and it is thus far unknown how cells recognize and respond to electric fields, although some studies have suggested that electro-migration of some cell surface receptors and ion channels in cells could be involved. Applied electric fields may have a potential clinical role in guiding cell migration and present a more precise manageability to change the magnitude and direction of the electric field than most other guidance cues such as chemical cues. Here we present a review of recent studies used for studying electrotaxis to point out similarities, identify points of disagreement, and stimulate new directions for investigation. Insights into the mechanisms by which applied EFs direct cell migration, morphological change and development will enable current and future therapeutic applications to be optimized.

Oil spills at sea are a severe global environmental issue. Smart materials with controllable wett... more Oil spills at sea are a severe global environmental issue. Smart materials with controllable wettability are of global challenging interest in oil/water related applications. Nature offers a versatile platform of remarkable hierarchical structures with a chemical component, which provides bioinspired solutions for solving many challenges. In this study, an approach to achieve robust superhydrophobic/oleophobic on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces which mimics the hierarchical morphology of the natural lotus leaf surface is showed. The structure is prepared by hydrothermal assembly of zinc oxide nanorods onto the microstructured surface, which resulted in an underwater superoleophobic surface with oil contact angle up to 153° which can effectively prevent the surface from being polluted by oils. Our results are significant in terms of their importance to academic research and industrial applications and may lead to an innovative impact in the science field.

A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superh... more A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

Therapeutic Delivery, 2015

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2015

Upon noxious insults, cells of the brain parenchyma activate endogenous self-protective mechanism... more Upon noxious insults, cells of the brain parenchyma activate endogenous self-protective mechanisms to counteract brain damage. Interplay between microglia and astrocytes can be determinant to build a physiological response to noxious stimuli arisen from injury or stress, thus understanding the cross talk between microglia and astrocytes would be helpful to elucidate the role of glial cells in endogenous protective mechanisms and might contribute to the development of new strategy to mobilize such program and reduce brain cell death. Here we demonstrate that chemokines CX3CL1 and CXCL16 are molecular players that synergistically drive cross-talk between neurons, microglia and astrocytes to promote physiological neuroprotective mechanisms that counteract neuronal cell death due to ischemic and excitotoxic insults. In an in vivo model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) we found that exogenous administration of soluble CXCL16 reduces ischemic volume and that, upon pMCAO, endogenous CXCL16 signaling restrains brain damage, being ischemic volume reduced in mice that lack CXCL16 receptor. We demonstrated that CX3CL1, acting on microglia, elicits CXCL16 release from glia and this is important to induce neroprotection since lack of CXCL16 signaling impairs CX3CL1 neuroprotection against both in vitro Glu-excitotoxic insult and pMCAO. Moreover the activity of adenosine receptor A3R and the astrocytic release of CCL2 play also a role in trasmembrane chemokine neuroprotective effect, since their inactivation reduces CX3CL1-and CXCL16 induced neuroprotection.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2013

In this report, we evaluate the impact of a systematic change to the extracellular environment on... more In this report, we evaluate the impact of a systematic change to the extracellular environment on cell morphology and functionality by combining the inherent properties of biocompatible polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane and polycaprolactone with a specific surface response. By microstructuring pillars and pits on the substrates, varying spacing and height of the structures, we investigate the role of topography in fibroblast cell adhesion and viability. The change of wetting behaviour was tailored and evaluated in terms of contact angle measurements. It was shown that the range of micro-scale physical cues at the interface between the cells and the surrounding environment affects cell shape and migrations, indicating a tendency to respond differently to higher features of the micro-scale. We found that surface topography seems dominant over material wettability, fibroblasts responded to variations in topography by altering morphology and migrating along the direction of spacing among the features biased by the height of structures and not by the material. It is therefore possible to selectively influence either cell adhesion or morphology by choosing adequate topography of the surface. This work can impact in the design of biomaterials and can be applied to implanted biomedical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds and lab on chip devices.

ABSTRACT Underwater wettability and wetting transitions of non polar liquids with rough solid sur... more ABSTRACT Underwater wettability and wetting transitions of non polar liquids with rough solid surfaces are herein presented. Here, we demonstrate that a hydrophobic/oleophilic surface when immersed in water can result in an oleophilic or “Cassie” state of oil-wetting. This was achieved by utilizing respectively a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating on a cotton substrate and a combination of DLC and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods embedded into the structure. Moreover by increasing the time of immersion the oleophilic state reverted to a Wenzel state evolving to Cassie's regime. The mechanism of the transition was identified with the diffusion of the air into the water from the trapped air pockets of the substrate interface. Finally, switchable wettability of ZnO/DLC coated substrates allows a promising oil-water separation use.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) provides a promising alternative to plasmid DNA as a genetic material for de... more Messenger RNA (mRNA) provides a promising alternative to plasmid DNA as a genetic material for delivery in non-viral gene therapy strategies. However, it is difficult to introduce mRNA in vivo mainly because of the instability of mRNA under physiological conditions. Here, mRNA-protamine complex encapsulated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) are proposed for the intracellular delivery of mRNA molecules. The nanoparticles with a size of about 247 nm in diameter have a core-shell structure with an mRNA-containing inner core surrounded by PCL layers, providing high stability and stealth properties to the nanoparticles. The partial neutralization of the negatively charged mRNA molecules with the cationic protamine allows one to modulate the release kinetics in a pH-dependent manner. At pH 7.4, mimicking the conditions found in the systemic circulation, only 25% of the mRNA is released after 48 hours post incubation, whereas at pH 5.0, recreating the cell endosomal environment, about 60% of the mRNA molecules are released within the same time window post incubation. These NPs show no cytotoxicity to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, HeLa cells and MG63 osteoblasts up to 8 days of incubation. Given the stability, preferential release behavior, and well-known biocompatibility properties of PCL nanostructures, our non-viral PCL nanoparticles are a promising system that simultaneously resolved the two major problems of mRNA introduction and the instability, opening the door to various new therapeutic strategies using mRNA.

ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single fac... more ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

ABSTRACT Imatinib Mesylate (IM) is an inhibitor that targets the tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-... more ABSTRACT Imatinib Mesylate (IM) is an inhibitor that targets the tyrosine kinase activity of BCR-ABL present in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Here, IM-Chitosan complexes encapsulated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) are recommended for its potential in supporting controlled release and improving chemotherapeutic efficiency of IM. The nanoparticles with a size of about 247 nm in diameter has a core-shell structure with IM-containing inner core surrounded by PCL layer. The presence of chitosan (CH) allows one to modulate the release kinetics in the pH-dependent manner. IM was released from the NPs much more quickly at pH 4.0 and 6.0 than at pH 7.4, which is a desirable characteristic for tumor-targeted drug delivery. Our core-shell PCL NPs could provide simple and easy way to allow controlled release of IM and improve its chemotherapeutic efficiency, combining the pH sensibility of CH and the slow degradation of PCL.

In this work, we have investigated the potential benefits of combining biodegradable pH sensitive... more In this work, we have investigated the potential benefits of combining biodegradable pH sensitive core-shell PCL NPs loaded with IM and enzyme sensitive polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Our in vitro studies confirmed the excellent antileukemic activity of dual drug loaded nanoparticles on CML cells. As compared with a drug alone, co-treatment with IM and DOX loaded in nanoparticles allowed a sustained downregulation of BCR-ABL and significant CML stem cell death. This furthermore showed that couple formulation of nanoparticles enhanced the drugs' kinetics and efficacy, combined with the pH sensibility of core-shell PCL NPs loaded with IM and enzyme sensitive polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) loaded with DOX. Our study demonstrates that dual drug loaded nanoparticles work in a synergistic manner, lowering the dose and confirming that both drugs reach the target cell specifically, maximizing the cytotoxicity while minimizing the chances of cell resistance to any one drug.

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014

The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has already caused, and is continuing to cause, signif... more The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has already caused, and is continuing to cause, significant global environmental issues and has severely impacted people's lives and natural resources. The ramifications of oil spill accidents highlight the difficulty of achieving effective oil-water separation, and the consequences of these accidents are harsh and long-term. In this work, we describe a convenient approach to fabricate cotton textiles with a hydrophilic coating, showing both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The surfaces are successfully prepared by one-step growth of a diamond-like carbon film onto the textiles via plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition and exhibit highly controllable, energy-efficient oil-water separation with high separation efficiency. The results have important implications for oil-absorption dynamics while repelling water completely. The present work suggests encouraging applications to marine spilt oil cleanup and other water-oil separation systems. † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Movies showing the oil selectivity of the DLC-coated cotton for discerning organic solvents or oils from water mixtures. See

Cellulose, 2014

ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single fac... more ABSTRACT A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

Applied Physics A, 2010

The "Dancing Satyr", a bronze statue measuring more than 2 metres in height and weighting 108 kg,... more The "Dancing Satyr", a bronze statue measuring more than 2 metres in height and weighting 108 kg, repre-

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2015

Unconventional nanopatterning methods are emerging as powerful tools for the development of contr... more Unconventional nanopatterning methods are emerging as powerful tools for the development of controlled shapes and ordered morphology of nanostructured materials with novel properties and tailorable functions. Here, we report a simple yet straightforward and efficient approach for patterning through unconventional dewetting that involves surface tension driven process. Using this innovative approach, we have successfully demonstrated to be able to prepare surface micro-patterns over large areas deposited through Eu(3+):TiO2 nanoparticles providing rational control over the local nucleation of nanoparticles. Remarkably, these features could be addressed by polar or apolar solvents, suggesting potential applications in bottom-up nanodevices. This paper represents the first such attempt to create an inorganic materials non-lithographic template for the directed deposition of Eu(3+):TiO2 or related metal oxides. The technique, which is driven by the unique chemical properties and geometrical layout of the underlying patterned micrometer-sized templates, enables the construction of micro- and nano-structuration of dispersed inorganic functional materials suitable for electrooptical and photonic applications.

Organic Electronics, 2008

We use a soft lithography technique to pattern a high conductive poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene... more We use a soft lithography technique to pattern a high conductive poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) acting as anode in organic light emitting diodes. In this method all the polymer layers except for the desired pattern are lifted up from the substrate surface. We are able to define the emissive zones of our devices on a large area in a cheap and fast way. By comparing the devices realized using the patterned polymeric anode with an untreated indium tin oxide substrate, we obtained current efficiency values that have the same order of magnitude: this is the first step for the realization of low cost devices suitable for flexible substrates.

Understanding the mechanism of cell migration and interaction with the microenvironment is not on... more Understanding the mechanism of cell migration and interaction with the microenvironment is not only of critical significance to the function and biology of cells, but also has extreme relevance and impact on physiological processes and diseases such as morphogenesis, wound healing, neuron guidance, and cancer metastasis. External guidance factors such as topography and physical cues of the microenvironment promote directional migration and can target specific changes in cell motility and signalling mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that cells can directionally respond to applied electric fields (EFs), in both in vitro and in vivo settings, a phenomenon called electrotaxis. However, the exact cellular mechanisms for sensing electrical signals are still not fully well understood, and it is thus far unknown how cells recognize and respond to electric fields, although some studies have suggested that electro-migration of some cell surface receptors and ion channels in cells could be involved. Applied electric fields may have a potential clinical role in guiding cell migration and present a more precise manageability to change the magnitude and direction of the electric field than most other guidance cues such as chemical cues. Here we present a review of recent studies used for studying electrotaxis to point out similarities, identify points of disagreement, and stimulate new directions for investigation. Insights into the mechanisms by which applied EFs direct cell migration, morphological change and development will enable current and future therapeutic applications to be optimized.

Oil spills at sea are a severe global environmental issue. Smart materials with controllable wett... more Oil spills at sea are a severe global environmental issue. Smart materials with controllable wettability are of global challenging interest in oil/water related applications. Nature offers a versatile platform of remarkable hierarchical structures with a chemical component, which provides bioinspired solutions for solving many challenges. In this study, an approach to achieve robust superhydrophobic/oleophobic on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces which mimics the hierarchical morphology of the natural lotus leaf surface is showed. The structure is prepared by hydrothermal assembly of zinc oxide nanorods onto the microstructured surface, which resulted in an underwater superoleophobic surface with oil contact angle up to 153° which can effectively prevent the surface from being polluted by oils. Our results are significant in terms of their importance to academic research and industrial applications and may lead to an innovative impact in the science field.

A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superh... more A simple, environmentally benign and energy efficient process for fabricating single faced superhydrophilic/hydrophobic cotton fabrics by controlling surface texture and chemistry at the nano/microscale is reported here. Stable ultra-hydrophobic surfaces with advancing and receding water droplet contact angles in excess of 146° as well as extreme superhydrophilic surfaces are obtained. Hydrophobic water-repellent cotton fabrics were obtained following plasma treatment through diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The influence of changing different precursor’s plasma pre-treatments such as H2, Ar or O2 on the properties of DLC coatings is also evaluated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and analysed in terms of contact angle measurements. Because of the DLC coating, the coated fabric showed to endure its superhydrophobic character even after 12 months.

In this paper we present a numerical analysis of a biosensor nano-structure. The nano- structure ... more In this paper we present a numerical analysis of a biosensor nano-structure. The nano- structure features the co-integration between the nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) with the well known metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) technology. The hybrid structure uses a double-clamped functionalised beam that is doubly isolated from the readout element (MOSFET) by a thin oxide layer and an air-gap. A 3D finite element analysis is performed to study the behaviour of the pull-in/pull-out when short-range forces such as the Casimir and van der Waals forces are acting on the nano-device. The analysis is complemented with a preliminary fabrication process to feedback info into the numerical analysis.