Significant milestones have been reached in the PRP@CERIC project,

demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing scientific research and infrastructure.

Human Resources Acquisition

  • Area Science Park appointed Federica Mantovani as the new Infrastructures Manager of the “PRP@CERIC” project and she will oversee the activities of the research infrastructure. (February 2023)
  • The partners of “PRP@CERIC” project have onboarded 35 emerging researchers and research technologists, fostering the professional development of the new generation in scientific research. (December 2023)

Technological Enhancements Across Platforms

Structural Biology Platform

  • A SPARK multiplate reader has been upgraded for studying intermolecular interactions via fluorescence emission. (Installed at CNR-IC, November 2023)
  • Instrument for Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) measurements has been upgraded. (Installed at CNR-IC, December 2023)
  • A high-throughput crystallization robot has been acquired to automate protein crystallization, significantly enhancing the platform’s capabilities. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, January 2024)
  • The addition of a mass photometric system allows for the precise determination of the mass of biomolecules and macromolecules. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, January 2024)
  • A Microscale Thermophoresis System (MTS) has been introduced, providing detailed insights into protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, further enriching the platform’s study capabilities. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, January 2024)
     

Advanced Microscopy Platform

  • The integration of a portable FTIR-ATR system implements the platform’s capabilities into mid-infrared analysis, offering non-contact reflection analysis. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, February 2024)
  • A portable deep-ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy instrument enables in-situ biological sample detection through resonant UV Raman spectroscopy, complementing the platform’s in-depth analysis tools. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, February 2024)
     

Mechanobiology Platform

  • A high-resolution and fast-scanning Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) featuring video-rate imaging capability and rapid force spectroscopy enhances the platform’s capabilities. (Purchased by Area Science Park and installed at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, October 2023)
     

Multi-omics Platform

  • A BRUKER ESI-MALDI TIMS TOF Mass Spectrometer is acquired to enhance platform’s mass spectrometry capabilities. (Purchased by University of Salerno, August 2023)
     

Bioelectronics Platform

  • 5mm Smart Probe 400MHz (Bruker Iprobe)
  • Dip Coater (Biolin Scientific)
  • Upgrade Palm Sens Multistation
  • Upgrade of MALDI
  • Immunofluorescence Analyzer
    Instruments have been purchased by University of Naples “Federico II”.