Prof. Giuseppe Firrao, professor of plant pathology

Scientists and student tutors
Dr. Emanuela Torelli, PhD
Dr. Monica Marini, PhD

Research 
Until very recently, nanotechnologists – scientists who build devices and materials one atom or molecule at a time – concentrated almost entirely on electronics, computers, telecommunications, and materials manufacture. Now nanobiotechnology, in which bio-engineers construct tiny particles combining inorganic and biological materials – is pushing to the forefront of this rapidly advancing field of science. Devices build at the nanoscale have the potential to detect events at the molecular level, elaborate autonomously the inputs received and output signals for direct communication to cells. In our lab we simulate in silico nano-object that then we build using a technique named DNA origami. We are particularly interested in the pathogen interaction induced conformational changes of nano-objects and their use in signal communication to the plant cell.

Lab facilities
Full biolab facilities, including centrifuges, hoods, thermocyclers, ligth and electron microscopies

Topics offered for thesis

• Development of DNA origami based nanodetectors
• Cellular sensors to enhance early responses to biotic and abiotic stress
• Detection of movement of nanoparticles in plant tissues
• Signal modulation through controlled plasmon resonance