My current research interests deal with rapid methods for detection, enumeration and identification of pathogens. I also work on fast AST (Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing) and PST (Phage Susceptibility Testing).My knowledge about nanomaterials helps me in designing new techniques for diagnostic based on physicochemical properties of pathogens. My current research focuses on phenotypic methods compatible with biology labs requirements (automation, low cost, label-free, non-invasive, etc.):- Digital microbiolology: encapsulation of bacteria cells into fluorinated emulsion microdroplets, for rapid detection and enumeration; single-cell study of the enzymatic activity.- Raman and SERS spectroscopy for the fast identification of bacteria: label-free identification of single cells or microcolonies.- Optical forward scattering for non-invasive identification of bacteria within microcolonies.- Synthesis of sol-gel materials for the optical detection of microbial volatile metabolites: non-invasive detection of pathogens based on the capture of specific volatile metabolites

Synthesis and characterization of FePt magnetic nanoparticles

Synthesis and characterization of soluble nanostructures for Photodynamic Therapy

- Synthesis of nanostructured composites based on carbon nanotubes and ceramic.- Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated carbon nanotubes.- Study about the electrochemical derivatization of carbon nanotube sidewalls