Conference Agenda

Oligonucleotide optical switches are suitable molecules capable of turning on or modifying their light emission on molecular interaction with well-defined molecular targets. Among all the possible switches, molecular beacons (MBs) represent a powered tool for the detection of RNAs, such as micro-RNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA), which play an important role as indicators of the progress of different pathologies in the human body, from the chronic ones to cancer. In this work, the decennial activity carried on by the authors on the design of MBs specific for different targets, on their use as biorecognition elements for different optical setups (i.e. fluorescence o SERS based platforms), on their application for drug delivery in cell, etc., has been reported.

We utilize the de novo protein design to create bioinspired four-helix bundle maquettes capable of supporting artificial chromophore arrangements. These robust, water-soluble scaffolds were functionalized with Zn-pheophorbide a (ZnPa) and Rhodamine 101 (R101). The resulting complexes exhibited broad visible absorption, and modulated ZnPa emission due to energy transfer from R101 to ZnPa. Spectroscopic analyses supported by Molecular Dynamics simulations revealed the occurrence of excitonic coupling between ZnPa and R101. Our work demonstrates the potential of rationally engineered proteins as a sustainable platform for developing light-harvesting systems.

Photonic structures integrated with responsive photoresists have garnered significant attention, particularly following the advancements in two photon lithography. The pH responsive photonic array presented exhibits robust structural stability and generates progressively changing structural colours in transmission across various pH buffered solutions, highlighting their strong potential for biosensing applications.

Lanthanide β-diketone complexes, renowned for their luminescence, are pivotal in designing multifunctional advanced materials for diverse applications, including lasers, energy harvesting, and sensing. This work utilizes supramolecular Eu³⁺ bis-β-diketones as dopants in poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) to fabricate highly transparent, luminescent polymeric slates. These systems, exhibiting exceptional molar brightness, are explored as luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). PMMA/Eu³⁺ slates, synthesized via cast polymerization, demonstrate high transparency (AVT=92%, CRI>98) and effective UV absorption (300-400 nm), crucial for both aesthetic integration and UV protection. Coupling these slates with Si solar cells yielded LSC-PV devices, characterized according to standard guidelines. Notably, these devices achieve comparable performance to literature analogues, despite a 10-100 fold reduction in Eu³⁺ content, demonstrating efficient material utilization.