Laboratories of the RISE Competence Centre

The daVEB-Lab is a laboratory of cell biology and manipulation of biological samples in support of the "da Vinci European Biobank" (biobank certified ISO9001 since 2011 for the "collection, conservation and distribution of biological samples and the data connected to them for scientific research"). The laboratory is flanked by the biobank repository, at the Sciences Campus of Sesto Fiorentino, for the management of cryopreservation, distribution, processing and molecular analysis services of biological samples and associated data.

Services

• Distribution of biological samples, of its collections for research purposes.
• Third party storage of biological samples (biofluids, tissues, cells, DNA, etc.) and associated data, and their backup.
• DNA extraction from biological samples
• Human cell cultures
• Emergency plan support for small biobanks or repositories (disaster recovery plan)

The daVEB-Lab laboratory has at its disposal: Hamilton automated machine for DNA extraction that allows to process up to 384 samples simultaneously; CO2 incubator for cell cultures; laminar flow hood; microscope; refrigerated centrifuge. In addition, it has at its disposal the daVEB biobank storage area.

Manager
Paola Turano
Contacts
da Vinci European BioBank 
Sesto Fiorentino Sciences Campus
Via L. Guerri, Edificio LAP e RISE A- 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze) Italy 
Ph: +39 055. 457.3432 
Email: daveb(AT)csavri.unifi.it

The ICON Center includes researchers and professional profiles experienced in biotechnology. There are physicists, biotechnologists, biomedical engineers, telecommunications engineers.
Thanks to the high-precision instrumentation it is equipped with, ICON digitizes (imaging) biological and non-biological samples on slides with various types of post-processing, including the development of ad hoc algorithms for the identification of some characteristics. 
It also develops tools based on various techniques of artificial intelligence and analytical data, for an optimized management of processes and work flows, with a view to providing tools and services to support decision-making in various areas and with specific reference to technology transfer.

Services

• digitization and characterization of samples on slide
• development of automatic processing software for specific workflows
• development of software tools to support the decision-making process
• software maintenance services on the developed applications

The centre has a Raman Horiba Xplora INV microscope and a Zeiss Axio-Scan Z.1 scanning electron microscope.

Manager
Francesco Saverio Pavone
Contacts
Riccardo Cicchi
via Nello Carrara, 1 - 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 
Ph+39 055 457 2482 
email: rcicchi(AT)lens.unifi.it 

The Laboratory is equipped with a video conferencing structure - based on CISCO systems - which guarantees high quality multimedia connections and is located inside a room fitted with support equipment such as microphones, video cameras and a 55"(full HD) monitor for the integrated vision of the other venues connected by videoconference.
The room has also a table for the speakers involved in the videoconference and is able to welcome an audience of up to 60 people.

Services

The Cisco Telepresence SX20 HD Videoconferencing system with which the Laboratory is equipped is a flexible solution that allows users to easily transform any flat screen monitor into a powerful telepresence system, for small and medium meeting rooms. SX20 Quick Set offers high definition video quality, contemporary conference capability and three camera options to manage different room sizes and configurations. 
The videoconferencing platform can be used to provide multimedia communication services for those who carry out activities that require remote connections to promote and manage their products nationally and internationally. The services provided can be scaled according to the level of quality required by the customer.
Manager
Roberto Caldelli
Contacts
tel. +39 055 2751391 
roberto.caldelli(AT)unifi.it

MeProLab

MeProLab deals with: study of membrane proteins for the transport of ions; study of the interactions between drugs and membrane proteins; DNA study; analysis in the biotechnological, food, environmental and industrial fields.
MeProLab has 9 laboratories; some of them are used to house sophisticated measuring equipment; others constitute a facility for molecular biology. 
Specifically, the centre is equipped with the following:

• a biosafety level II laboratory for working with mammalian cells infected with adenovirus
• a cold room at controlled temperature, to handle the biological material necessary for the extraction of wild-type proteins

The following equipment is available:

• Patch-clamp system (MolecularDevices)
• HPLC / DAD-FLD, Agilent 1100 Model with DAD and Fluorescence detectors for spectroscopic measurements
• V-560 spectrophotometer
• GELDOC ™ XR + System
  MeProLab collaborates with the BioElectroLab of the Chemistry Department and with NextGenomics.

Services

• production and supply of membrane proteins and study of their interactions with new molecules of pharmacological interest (Ca-ATPase, Na, K-ATPase, phospholamban)
• determination of the cardiotoxicity of molecules and nanoparticles
• DNA analysis: analysis of genes for the determination of food and respiratory allergies and intolerances, DNA diagnostic probes
• biological and biotechnological analysis: qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins, peptides and amino acids, separation of DNA, RNA, polynucleotides
• food analysis: components of natural foods, food additives, contaminants
• analysis of the microbiome to support medical therapies
• body composition analysis, with bioimpedance meter
• nutritional training: educational nutritional courses aimed at middle and high schools
• environmental analyses according to the Ministerial Decree 152/2006 for waters, soils, waste and work environments
• development of new analysis protocols on request

Manager
Stefania Tegli, Francesco Tadini Buoninsegni
Contacts
Tel. 055 4573228 - 4573239  
stefania.tegli(AT)unifi.it

MOlecular Diagnostics & Life Sciences is a molecular diagnostics competence centre based on innovative analysis technologies with a multidisciplinary approach. Starting from chemistry and physics, it is oriented towards biology and engineering with applications in the life sciences (biomedical sector), wellness (food, cosmetics and safety) and in the cultural heritage sector.

Services

• development and validation of diagnostic methodologies and measurement of chemical, physical and biological parameters, responding, in addition, to the REACH (Registration, Evalutation, Authorization of Chemicals) parameters
• analysis of diagnostic profiles in complex matrices (biological fluids, food, cosmetics, fabrics, algae-like biomass, etc.)
• chromatographic analyses
• environmental analyses
• amino acid analyses
• food and cosmetic analyses
•  anti-doping analyses
•  synthesis of peptides and small molecules (preparation of immunological probes, analytical standards, etc.)
•  training activities in its areas of expertise

The centre has advanced instrumentation including:

• Microwave solid phase peptide synthesizer (Liberty Blue, Cem) for Peptide Synthesis
• Chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (Uhplc-Ms) (Thermo - Dionex) for Characterization
• 20m3 scroll pump (5-Pascal)
• 6m3 scroll pump (5-Pascal)
• Plate washer and plate reader (Tecan) for Biomolecules Detection
• 120 cm microbiological safety cabinet and support with wheels, equipped with UV lamp and wheeled support for Molecular biology
• Laboratory fridge Temp. +2 a +20°C;
• Laboratory freezer Temp. -5 a -25°C. Vertical double door total capacity 250 l
• LIO-5P bench freeze dryer with fittings for vacuum scroll
• pump Rotavapor with vertical glassware
• Biacore T 100 (Ge Healthcare) for Biomolecules Detection

Manager
Anna Maria Papini
Contacts
Tel. 055 4573651 
annamaria.papini(AT)unifi.it