Know4Nano

Presenters

Dr. Marianna Rossetti

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher
ICN2, NanoBioelectronics and Biosensors group

Dr. Rosetti is a chemist specializing in engineering Nature-inspired DNA-based nanodevices for applications in diagnostics, imaging and drug delivery. Her interdisciplinary background spans DNA nanotechnology, materials science and analytical chemistry. She obtained PhD in Chemistry at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 2018, with a thesis on DNA nanoswitches for bioanalytical applications. She has received several research grants from the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi and a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship. From 2018 to 2022, she carried out her research at University of Rome Tor Vergata in the lab of Prof. Francesco Ricci. Since 2022, she has been working at ICN2 in the Nanobioelectronics & Biosensors group led by Arben Merkoci. Currently, her main research project aims to advance point-of-care diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease by combining paper-based platforms, electrochemistry and graphene-based materials within the EU-funded 2D-BioPAD. International experiences in Italy, Canada, the USA and Spain have allowed her to build a strong global network and collaborate in several European projects. Dr. Rosetti has supervised more than 20 students, lectured on biosensors and chemistry and is actively involved in outreach activities, including for women in science. She also serves as chair, reviewer and organizer at international conferences, such as the Nanobalkan conference.

Talk Title: DNA-based Sensors: From Design to Bioanalytical Applications

DNA-based sensors have become powerful tools in bioanalytical applications, leveraging the inherent programmability and specificity of nucleic acids. These sensors exploit DNA’s unique properties, such as sequence recognition and self-assembly, to detect a wide range of targets, including nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and antibodies. Beyond aptamers, DNA can also be engineered as a versatile scaffold for constructing complex nanostructures, further expanding the scope of potential applications. Additionally, the integration of CRISPR-based tools and nanomaterials significantly enhances sensor sensitivity and performance. In this presentation, I will highlight examples of DNA-based sensors, ranging from simple hybridization probes to advanced scaffolded DNA architectures, showcasing their adaptability for various detection platforms.

This project is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe GA 101159710