Development and characterization of a multiparametric microsensor for yeast cell growth monitoring

In this work, the development and testing of a microfabricated multiparametric sensor for rapid cell growth monitoring is described, especially focused on yeast quality assessment for wine applications. The device consists of two integrated microsensors (pH, impedance), able to monitor extracellular metabolism. Microbial growth has been performed both in standard culture conditions and in presence of ethanol (12% v/v) in order to carry out a common screening of wine yeast strains. Cell growth tests can be performed in just three hours, providing a fast, reliable, sensitive and low cost analysis with respect to the conventional procedures

A multiparametric electrochemical microsensor for wine yeast quality assessment

This work is aimed at the realization of an integrated platform for high-throughput screening of wine yeast strains in order to improve the overall quality and productivity of wine making process. The approach is based on a multiparametric sensors integrated with a non-standard fabrication process derived from a 4µm Al-gate CMOS technology, allowing the on-line monitoring of pH, temperature and impedance of yeast cultures for the characterization of ethanol resistance of yeasts

DESIGN OF MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES FOR DRUG SCREENING ON IN-VITRO CELLS TO OPTIMIZE OSTEOPOROSIS THERAPIES

The processes of bone resorption and formation are tightly gover regulatory agents. In addition, minerals and trace elements affect bone formation and resorption through direct or indirect effects on bone cells or bone mineral. Some trace elements closely chemically related to calcium, such as strontium, have pharmacological effects on bone when present at levels higher than those required for normal cell physiology. Indeed, strontium was found to exert several effects on bone cells. In addition to its antiresorptive activity, stron have significant beneficial effects on bone balance in normal and osteopenic animals. Accordingly, strontium ranelate has been thought to have potential interest in the treatment of osteoporosi aimed at designing a microfluidic device for pharmacological in individuating the concentration range in which the drug effectiveness is guaranteed. In particular, the device will be optimized for anti therapies with strontium ranelate. The device consists of a microchannel network for the delivery and mixing of chemical species, designed to provide a controlled drug concentration to the cell culture