Business
Laboratory consultancy (third party account)
In addition to research and teaching activities, the laboratories carry out experimental activities relating to consultancy and agreements that the Department enters into with companies, companies, public bodies and other clients.
The agreements may have as their object research activities financed by external bodies, or consultancy activities for industrial innovation needs that require specific laboratory skills. The costs related to specific analyses that are carried out are, according to the type of user (internal or external), indicated in a specific price list drawn up and authorized by the Department.
Service activities
Analysis of pharmaceutical preparations, active ingredients and raw materials by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quality control analyses of drugs, medical devices, raw materials or active ingredients are carried out at the laboratory of bio-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical analysis. Analyzes are performed using Jasco HPLC systems coupled with UV-visible, fluorescence or luminescence detectors. The laboratory is equipped with HPLC systems and owns a wide range of chromatographic columns for different applications in the analysis of small and large molecules.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Analysis of macromolecules by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Analysis of proteins and peptides is performed by using LC-MS or LC-MS/MS approaches. Important structural information can be obtained either by analysing intact proteins (top-down approach) or peptides deriving from the enzymatic digestion of the proteins themselves (bottom-up approach). This technique is highly informative and allow i) to carry out protein identifications, ii) to evaluate the sample purity and iii) to study structural alterations due both to pathological processes but also to post-translational modifications. Automated on-line tryptic digestion by short-bed columns is also performed with a considerable reduction of the total analysis time.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Qualitative and quantitative spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric analyzes. The bio-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical analysis laboratory is equipped with a Jasco V-530 spectrophotometer and an HP 8453 spectrophotometer, both equipped with a thermostated cell for temperature-controlled studies. The laboratory is also equipped with a Jasco FP6200 spectrofluorimeter. The instruments can be used for a variety of qualitative and quantitative applications including enzymatic assays, analysis of active principles or spectroscopic characterization of pure compounds, quantitative determinations of active ingredients in drugs and medical devices.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Analysis by circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). CD spectroscopy allows investigations on the stereochemistry of small molecules and evaluation of the secondary structure of macromolecules such as proteins/peptides and nucleic acids. The studies are carried out in solution using a Jasco J-810 spectropolarimeter. The instrument is equipped with a Peltier system for controlled temperature studies or for the determination of melting temperature.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Analysis of chiral compounds by enantioselective HPLC. Enantioselective analyses are carried out by using chiral stationary phase columns on a Jasco PU-980 HPLC system, coupled with a Jasco MD-910 photodiode array detector or a Jasco J-810 spectropolarimeter. Different types of chiral stationary phases are available for the separation and analysis of different classes of chiral compounds. Coupling with a spectropolarimeter allows to acquire the CD spectra of single enantiomers in line with the HPLC system, allowing the study of their absolute configuration.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Analysis by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis laboratory carries out quality control analyses on biopharmaceutical and macromolecular products. The SEC technique is able to separate analytes according to their hydrodynamic radius, allowing to evaluate the integrity of the tertiary/quaternary structure and study aggregate formation.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Surface plasmon resonance biosensing (SPR). The Biacore X100 system (GE Healthcare) allows investigate biorecognition phenomena involving a ligand target and an analyte without the need of any derivatisation or labeling. The instrument allows to real-time monitor biorecognition events, determine kinetic (kon and koff) and thermodynamic (KD and KA) parameters, evaluate target selectivity, define structure-affinity relationships and interaction dynamics. The system is allows processing samples in an partially automated mode.
Reference Laboratory: Bio-Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Contact Manuela Bartolini
Gamma detector with multi-channel analyzer. By this instrument, it is possible to carry out radiochemical analyses of any kind of samples. The equipment consists of a Pop-Top Ortec HPGe (Hyper Pure Germanium crystal) with detection spectrum from ~ 40 KeV to 2 MeV coupled to a multi-channel analyzer with 8000 channels. With this setup, it is possible to determine simultaneously hundreds of radionuclides in different types of matrices. Thanks to the size of the measuring well (Ø approx. 25 cm) liquid, solid or gaseous samples of various sizes can be hold, sealed in appropriate containers or as such. The environmental samples commonly analyzed are (as an indication): vegetables, soil, water, animal derivatives.
Rates - Radiochemical analyses: Rate for Unibo users € 50/ sample, € 30/ sample for ≥ 10 samples; Rate for Universities, public research institutions and for all other external users from € 100 to € 150/ sample, from € 50 to € 80/ sample for ≥ 10 samples.
Contact Stefano Girotti
Luminometer, measurement of optical density and cell counting . These techniques and instrumentations allows the performance of toxicological tests using biosensors, such as bioluminescent bacteria and microalgae. Analyses can be performed on any aqueous solutions in order to evaluate its toxicity, to monitor xenobiotics levels in aquatic environments, marine and non-marine, and in terrestrial ones, for example during remediation processes.
Rates - Toxicological tests: Rate for Unibo users € 30/ sample, € 25/ sample for ≥ 10 samples; Rate for Universities, public research institutions and for all other external users from € 50 to € 70/ sample, from € 40 to € 60/ sample for ≥ 10 samples.
Contact Stefano Girotti
"Swab" devices and microbiological plate count . The control of surfaces and working premises hygiene (Regulation HACCP) is carried out by using these tests.
In particular, the microbial charge is determined in complex matrices, in bioaerosols, in water treatment systems, and on surfaces in contact with beverages and food through the bioluminescent measurement of ATP levels.
Rates - Surface and environment hygiene control: Rate for Unibo users € 15/ sample, € 10/ sample for ≥ 10 samples; Rate for Universities, public research institutions and for all other external users from € 20 to € 40/ sample, from € 15 to € 30/ sample for ≥ 10 samples.
Contact Stefano Girotti
HPLC-UV e HPLC-FL. Liquid chromatographic analysis by UV or fluorimetric (FL) detection allows quali- and quantitative determination of a wide range of compounds (e.g., active principles in pharmaceuticals) in complex matrices. HPLC is suitable in analysis of aqueous and aqueous/organic samples of non-volatile compounds.
Contact Roberto Gotti
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) belongs to the “family” electrokinetic techniques and allows quali- and quantitative determination similarly to those in HPLC, by an orthogonal separation principle. In general higher efficiency and shorter analysis time with respect to conventional chromatography can be obtained; in addition, CE offers wider versatility.
Contact Roberto Gotti
Gas Cromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) by conventional and Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) sampling. Gas chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is suitable for quali- and quantitative determination of volatile compounds in complex matrices. The use of MS detection by electron ionization (EI) allows unambiguous identification of the analytes based on the mass spectrum obtained on-line with the separation system. To this purpose the instrumentation available in laboratory is equipped with spectra libraries i.e., NIST and terpenes (the latter for essential oils characterization). The sampling by SPME is particularly useful for analysis of volatile compounds from aqueous matrices (es. small metabolites in biological samples: urine, feces, plasma etc..)
Contact Roberto Gotti
Development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, cosmetic products, food supplements and medical devices. Feasibility studies for the development of lyophilized tablets, thin films, micro/nanoparticles and liposomes to deliver API, health-promoting bacteria and natural molecules. Optimization of manufacturing processes such as freeze-drying (tablets), solvent casting (thin films), spray-drying (microparticles), ionic gelation (nanoparticles) and ethanol injection (liposomes).
Rates: from € 1.000 to € 5.000/sample (extra UNIBO).
Contact Barbara Luppi
Technological characterization of pharmaceutical dosage forms, cosmetic products, food supplements and medical devices. In vitro dissolution/release (Flow-Through Cell Dissolution Tester - USP 4) and permeation (Vertical Diffusion Cells- USP <1721>) tests through synthetic, biomimetic and biological membranes.
Rates: from € 250 to € 1.250/sample (UNIBO); from € 500 to € 2.500/sample (extra UNIBO).
Contact Barbara Luppi
Quali-quantitative analysis of drugs of abuse and doping agents. Development, validation and application of advanced methods for the identification and quantitation of classic drugs of abuse (cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates-opioids, amphetamines), new psychoactive substances (NPS) and doping agents in biological and non-biological samples. Simultaneous analysis also of neurotransmitters, hormones, metabolites and markers of consumption. These types of analysis are carried out by means of instrumental techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled with the principal detection means: mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and electrochemical. Development and validation of the main types of sample collection and pretreatment procedures (on all biological fluids and tissues) and on the most varied non-biological matrices: classic procedures (S/L extractions, L/L extractions, solvent precipitations, filtrations, SPE) and novel miniaturised procedures.
Reference Laboratory: Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab)
Contact Laura Mercolini
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of central nevous system (CNS) drugs. Quali-quantitative analysis applied to the TDM of CNS drugs (antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, sedative-hypnotics) for the study of chemical-clinical correlations between dosage of drugs, levels found in biological fluids/tissues, therapeutic effects and toxic or side effects. These types of analysis are carried out by means of instrumental techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled with the principal detection means: mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and electrochemical. Development and validation of the main types of sample collection and pretreatment procedures (on all biological fluids and tissues): classic procedures (S/L extractions, L/L extractions, solvent precipitations, filtrations, SPE) and novel miniaturised procedures.
Reference Laboratory: Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab)
Contact Laura Mercolini
Quali-quantitative analysis of compounds of natural origin. Identification and quantitation of active ingredients of natural origin in plant extracts, foods, beverages and related products, by developing selective methods for the extraction and separation of the main bioactive components. These studies are aimed at quality controls and/or evaluations of the nutraceutical properties of natural products. These types of analysis are carried out by means of instrumental techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled with the principal detection means: mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and electrochemical. Development and validation of the main types of sample collection and pretreatment procedures: classic procedures (S/L extractions, L/L extractions, solvent precipitations, filtrations, SPE) and novel miniaturised procedures.
Reference Laboratory: Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab)
Contact Laura Mercolini
Analysis of pharmaceutical formulations, galenic preparations and food supplements. Development ad-hoc, validation and application of methodologies for the instrumental analysis of pharmaceutical formulations, galenic preparations and food supplements. These types of analysis are carried out by means of instrumental techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with the principal means of detection. These types of analysis are carried out by means of instrumental techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), coupled with the principal detection means: mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry and electrochemical. Development and validation of the main types of sample collection and pretreatment procedures: classic procedures (S/L extractions, L/L extractions, solvent precipitations, filtrations, SPE) and novel miniaturised procedures.
Reference Laboratory: Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab)
Contact Laura Mercolini
Design (preformulation and formulation studies) of medicines, nutraceuticals, food supplements and medical devices, with particular expertise in the development of solid dosage forms (microparticles, granules and tablets).
Optimization of processes for the manufacturing (lab scale equipment) of solid dosage forms: spray congealing; granulation in fluidized-bed and high-shear mixer granulators; tableting in single-punch tablet press; coating of granules and tablets in fluidized-bed or in coating pan.
Testing of technological properties of solid dosage forms (including dissolution tests using USP Apparatus 1 and 2).
Contact Nadia Passerini
1) Botanical-pharmacognostic analysis of oregano samples used as food.
2) Enzymatic inhibition assays and in vitro biological activity (antioxidant, iron chelator, etc.) of complex biological plant samples, cosmetic products, food, pharmaceuticals and food supplements.
Contact Ferruccio Poli
Microbiological analysis of pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, food supplements and biological samples. These analyses may concern: (i) the microbiological/functional characterization of a specific product; (ii) the development and validation of probiotic products. Depending on the purposes, culture-dependent techniques (enrichment and/or selective media) or molecular phylogenetic techniques will be used.
Rates: from € 100 to € 1,000/analysis (UniBO users); from € 200 to € 2,000/analysis (external users).
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). ITC is used to study biomolecular interactions (protein-protein, protein-ligand, protein-nucleic acid, etc.) and enzymatic reactions. Data analysis provides the full thermodynamic characterization of the interaction (binding stoichiometry, affinity constant, binding enthalpy and entropy) and, for many systems, the determination of the kinetic parameters (kon and koff). For enzymatic reactions, data analysis provides the complete description of the catalytic activity (kcat and KM).
Rates: from € 30 to € 1500 (UniBO users); from € 60 to € 3000 (external users)
Contact Barbara Zambelli