Regional R&D project (Bando unico R&S anno 2012, POR CReO 2007 – 2013, linea d’intervento 1.5.a – 1.6) dealing with nano-formulations and immune cells engineering for diagnosing enabling purposes, involving several enterprises and research centres – closed in 2015

The SYNERGY project aims at developing industrial products, based on nano-systems, suitable for applications of strategic interest, that can be employed in different industrial sectors. Nano-encapsulation techniques of magneto-optical systems will be used to develop stable suspensions, suitable for a possible immunological therapy through the engineering of specific T-type lymphocytes. Similar techniques will be used to develop suitable carriers to protect food or cosmetic essences and to release them under appropriate and controlled conditions. Finally, nano-engineering applications will be used to develop cerameric materials (hybrid ceramic-polymeric nanocomposites), reflective semiconductor and IR nanostructures with high functional characteristics either for textile, mechanical and glass industry.

The project stems from a consolidated experience of the Lead Partner (COLOROBBIA) in the production of nano-materials, from the skills of the University of Florence and CNR (IFAC, IPFC and IFC) in the development of biopolymers, in nano science and imaging techniques and, finally, from the potential and flexibility of industrial partners willing to introduce innovation on the market. The basic idea is therefore to foresee a synergy between different areas of industrial and academic research, based on the instrinsic multi-functionality of nanotechnologies. The overall objective is the competitive advantage of new materials that overcome the technological barriers and can be applied in different industrial areas. The project is also characterized by a strong focus on Industrial Research where nanomedicine is the most advanced front.