Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Fluorinated Hybrid Photopolymers for the Fabrication of Robust Diagnostic Optofluidic Devices – OPTO-19F-LUIDICS – is part of the PRIN2022 projects promoted by the MUR. 

The OPTO-19F-LUIDICS project aims to develop advanced photopolymers and specific optical biosensors capable of facilitating early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease through cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

How does OPTO-19F-LUIDICS work?

The OPTO-19F-LUIDICS project employs advanced laser techniques for the three-dimensional microstructuring of innovative photopolymers. These photopolymers are used to create optofluidic devices, which are miniaturized platforms combining microchannels for manipulating small volumes of fluids with spectroscopic techniques for molecular analysis of the fluids. These devices can rapidly and non-invasively detect small variations in specific analytes present in biological fluids, distinguishing between normal and pathological conditions.

Why is it important?

The project’s significance lies in its goal to provide early and non-invasive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a challenging condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By integrating microfluidics and optical biosensing, these optofluidic devices can analyze cerebrospinal fluid, accurately identifying disease markers. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of many other diseases, significantly improving treatment and management outcomes.

Project goals:

• Development of Photopolymers Processable by Laser 3D Printing Techniques: Create advanced materials for the fabrication of microfluidic devices.
• Development of Specific Optical Biosensors: Design and develop biosensors capable of recognizing Alzheimer’s Disease markers.
• Integration of Microfluidics and Biosensing: Develop optofluidic devices combining fluid manipulation and optical detection techniques for diagnostics.
• Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s: Utilize optical analysis of cerebrospinal fluid to identify Alzheimer’s Disease at an early stage.

Who is participating?

The project is coordinated by Caterina Credi from CNR-INO, with the participation of Martino Calamai (CNR-INO) and the Polytechnic University of Milan (DCMC) and the University of Florence (NEUROFARBA).

For more details about the project, you can contact caterina.credi@cnr.it.

The project OPTO-19F-LUIDICS  is funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.
Website PRIN: https://prin.mur.gov.it/PRIN 2022: OPTO-19F-FLUIDICS project