WS.III

ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES and AI APPLICATIONS in BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

18 September

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE: 

Giuliana FAGGIO & Giacomo MESSINA, University "Mediterranea" of Reggio Calabria

The rapid advancements in nanomedicine are being propelled by cutting-edge characterization techniques and the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI).
This interdisciplinary workshop aims to highlight the pivotal role of advanced characterization techniques and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of biomedical research.

Structured into four thematic sessions, the program will explore a broad spectrum of emerging topics in the biomedical field. These include the use of state-of-the-art methods to investigate biomaterials at the nanoscale, recent developments in self-assembling systems and biomaterials, and innovative nanotechnological strategies tocombat recurrent and resistant biofilm-associated infections using antimicrobialnanoparticles. Additionally, the workshop will explore the transformative impact of AI in biomedical applications, with special focus on medical imaging.

Bringing together researchers in materials science, nanotechnology, and AI, this workshop will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering collaboration and sparking innovation at the forefront of biomedical advancements.

The symposium is funded by the project CALabria HUB per Ricerca Innovativa ed Avanzata (CAL.HUB.RIA) funded by Piano Operativo Salute-Traiettoria 4 “Biotecnologie, Bioinformatica e Sviluppo Farmaceutico”.

A deep understanding of biomaterials at the nanoscale is essential for driving advancements in biomedical research and innovative therapies. Cutting-edge characterization techniques, such as correlative microscopy and spectroscopy, offer unparalleled precision in analyzing the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of biomaterials. These insights are crucial for assessing their behavior, functionality, and interactions within biological systems. Furthermore, nanomechanical characterization techniques enable precise measurement of key mechanical properties, such as stiffness and elasticity-critical for designing biomaterials that closely mimic natural tissue behavior.
In this session, the talks will unveil how the innovative uses of these techniques are revolutionizing the field of nanobiomechanical characterization.

Biomaterials and self-assembling systems are revolutionizing the biomedical landscape, offering innovative solutions for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Advances in biomaterials design are enabling the development of highly biocompatible and functional materials that seamlessly integrate with biological systems, with potential applications extending beyond medicine. At the same time, self-assembling systems exploit the principles of molecular organization to create dynamic and responsive nanostructures opening new possibilities for smart biomaterials with tailored properties.
This session will feature discussions on these breakthroughs, showcasing their impact on the next generation of biomedical applications.

The session is organized in the framework of the PRIN 2022 PNRR Project P2022HM5E4 “Chirality induction in water based self-assembling materials” funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU.

The symposium on Antimicrobial Nanoparticles as future challenge in management of recurrent/resistant Biofilm-Associated Infection is a targeted thematic session dedicated to topics which fall in the framework of the PRIN 2022 project entitled “Future challenges in management of recurrent/resistant Infection: development of antimicrobial Nanoparticulate systems and physical-chemical investigation of their Interactions with biofilm-associated infection” (FINI), CUP: J53D23008880006, PNRR – Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.1 – PRIN 2022 Call for Proposals - Directorial Decree No. 104 of 02-02-2022, funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU.

In this session, featuring presentations and interactive discussions that delve into the current challenges in the design and characterization of novel therapeutic systems based on antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs), capable of eradicating biofilm-associated infections without cytotoxicity and side effects, will be addressed. Particular emphasis will be paid to the multiple viewpoints related to most advanced drug-loaded nanoplatforms employed for the eradication of biofilms produced by selected pathogen microorganisms, passing from technological aspects and design to their comprehensive physicochemical and morphological characterization.

Topics will encompass, in particular, synthesis techniques, pre-formulation studies, structural/dynamical characterizations and anti-bacterial/anti-biofilm assays, of newly synthesized anti-biofilm nanoparticulate systems, with the aim to offer a comprehensive scenario of the current advancements and targeted delivery mechanisms which propel their efficacy against resistant microbial communities.

The ultimate goal will be to foster a deeper knowledge of almost unknown processes related to biofilm-nanoplatform interactions and to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-art in view of developing novel nanoparticulate carriers, loading antimicrobial and natural anti-inflammatory agents, for innovative multi-drug therapies.