Technology transfer Center of competences: MODELS

Center of competences: MODELS

A.M. Papini is the scientific coordinator of research and service activities of Molecular Diagnostics and Life Sciences (MOD&LS), a specialized laboratory for molecular diagnostics part of the competence centre RISE (Rete di Infrastrutture di ricerca industriale per SErvizi avanzati alle imprese innovative – Network of infrastructures of industrial research for incubation and advanced services to innovative companies) hosted at the University of Florence’s Incubator, whose constitution was funded by the Tuscany Region PAR FAS 2007-2013, P.I.R. 1.3 linea di azione 1 “infrastrutture per settori produttivi.

MOD&LS has a multidisciplinary approach based on innovative analytical technologies. Starting from chemistry and physics, MOD&LS is oriented toward biology and engineering, with applications in the fields of the life sciences (biomedical field), the well-being (food, cosmetics and safety) and the cultural heritage. The center provides know-how and services to companies, including the supply of synthetic antigens for autoimmune diagnostic tests—products developed and licensed by the start-up founded by PeptLab researchers, Toscana Biomarkers (2007–2014), to international companies operating in the in vitro diagnostics sector (DIESSE, DIAMETRA, etc.). It integrates multidisciplinary knowledge and competences for the essential feedback between fundamental research and final applications of industrial interest with the goal of accelerating innovation and technology transfer, solving in relatively short time the specific problems that are of interest for companies.

Between 2017 and 2020 MO&DLS hosted PeptFarm, the 'University of Florence – Industry' joint laboratory established between PeptLab and Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici (F.I.S. S.p.A., Vicenza, Italy), founded by A.M. Papini, who also served as its scientific coordinator. The initiative aimed to support technology transfer for the large-scale GMP production of peptides and active pharmaceutical ingredients (see doi: 10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00490 and doi: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00368).

MOD&LS has an advanced instrumentation that includes peptide microwave-assisted automatic synthesizer (Liberty Blue, Cem), UPLC-MS system (Dionex, Thermo) for analytical characterization, Schroll vacuum pumps 20m3 and 6m3, rotavapor, benchtop lyophilizer (LIO-5P), microplate washer and microplate reader (Tecan), Biacore T 100 (Ge Healthcare), microbiology safety cabinet with UV lamp and support stand with wheels, laboratory fridge (from +2°C to +20°C) and freezer (from -25°C to -5°C).