Cycle / Years
41th cycle [2025-2028]
Contacts
Supervisor(s)
Prof. Fabio Di Francesco, Dr. Federico Maria Vivaldi
Title of the PhD project
CRISPR/based biosensing strategies
Abstract of the PhD project
The aim of this project is to develop CRISPR/Cas-based biosensing strategies for nucleic acid detection that are fully compatible with point-of-care diagnostics. CRISPR/Cas biosensors are highly specific and programmable tools for molecular detection. However, most current platforms require upstream nucleic acid pre-amplification, such as PCR or isothermal techniques, to reach diagnostically relevant sensitivity. These steps increase assay complexity, cost, and time, while also introducing contamination risks, thus conflicting with the core concept of rapid and simple point-of-care biosensing. In this context, the research focuses on developing catalytic DNA circuits integrated with CRISPR/Cas systems to achieve exponential signal amplification without increasing the amount of genetic material. This approach addresses the main limitation of current platforms by shifting from target amplification to signal amplification. By exploiting the collateral activity of CRISPR/Cas enzymes and coupling it with autocatalytic molecular circuits, the platform aims to achieve high sensitivity while maintaining simplicity, robustness, and portability.
Academic Fields and Disciplines (SSD), main and secondary
...
Educational and third mission activities
...
International
...
Publications
...
Oral communications at conferences
...
Poster communications at conferences
• “Development of an Impedimetric Phage-Based Biosensor for Escherichia coli Detection”
A. Cipolli, L. Sembranti, E. Fausti, Z. Yousefnaiyejahromi, N. Poma, F. M. Vivaldi, M. Di Luca, A. Tavanti, F. Di Francesco. Poster presentation, Chemistry for the Future International Conference, University of Pisa, July 7–9, 2025.
Other achievements
...
Funding
...
