The direct 3D visualization of biological tissues, made possible by multiphoton microscopy, has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the relation between the structure and function of biological tissues, opening the way to impressive applications in biomedicine and drug delivery, and even in phytotherapy, and agricultural and food industries. Micro4Nano will develop new approaches and methods towards the 3D visualization of biological tissues, combining imaging of fluorescent species, with structural, functional, and chemical information.

A new generation of multifunctional nanocarriers for two-photon microscopy and drug delivery will be designed and extensively exploited towards real-time monitoring of living cells and tissues. In an intersectoral endeavour, microscopy will be combined with microfluidics to investigate the tissue behaviour under controlled perfusion conditions.

Micro4Nano promotes international and multidisciplinary collaborations between experts in complementary fields, including microscopy, drug delivery, spectroscopy, chemical synthesis, theoretical and computational chemistry.

The direct involvement of industrial partners guarantees the timely exploitation of original results from advanced research laboratories towards innovative products and services.

WP1 – Training and Dissemination

Provide multidisciplinary, intersectoral and international training through secondments and the dissemination of scientific and technological results.

WP2 – Enabling Knowledge

Synthesis, experimental and theoretical characterization of functional materials (dyes, drugs & nanocarriers).

WP3 – Microscopy and Microfluidics

Preparation, optimization and exploitation of nanocarriers for two-photon microscopy. Imaging of ex vivo animal tissues through nonlinear microscopy.

WP4 – Management

Effective coordination of management activities, ensuring the smooth development of the project.