The Chemistry Lab for Analytical Technologies and Sensors “CATS”, research group at the Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry of the University of Pisa, deals with the development and validation of innovative tools for medical and environmental monitoring, mainly using sensors and biosensors devices and classical instrumental techniques as liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. To reach these aims, breath, sweat, saliva, dried blood spot, and plasma samples are normally collected within pilot studies to identify potential chemical markers of diseases.

Our research comprises all the steps involved on the development of a sensor device, from the selection and synthesis of materials for the analyte recognition (such as: carbon nanomaterials and new biorecognition elements); the functionalization and characterization of surfaces; the choice and design of materials for the sensor board (wearable, 3d printed); to finally perform the sensor analytical validation and data analysis. Moreover, our research group perform experimental activities with the aim to develop reliable sample treatments for a selective analytes extraction. Solid phase extraction, solid phase micro-extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, needle trap micro extraction and micro-extraction by packed sorbent are examples of sample treatments normally employed to extract the target analytes from the matrix. Extracted samples are mainly analyzed using both liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry techniques. [Research Topic]

Currently our research group has many active collaborations with italian and european research groups as highlighted by the participation of our group in many projects.

If you are interested in collaborating, or if you would like to spend your study period abroad with us (graduate or post-doc), or if you are interested in doing your thesis (bachelor or master) contact Prof. Fabio Di Francesco [Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.] and Dr. Tommaso Lomonaco [Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.].