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Onsite/On-Campus Research Program in Biosensors, Lab-on-Chip and Organ-on-Chip Technologies

Omnics Lab / University of Salento-CNR-INFN

Giuseppe Maruccio (b. 1978) is Full Professor of Experimental Physics of Matter at the University of Salento, where he leads the Omnics Research Group, uniting experts from physics and life sciences to pioneer research in electronics, spintronics, magnonics, and -omics technologies such as genomics and proteomics. Under his guidance, Omnics has become the Italian node of the European Infrastructure on Magnetism (EMFL/ISABEL) and part of the nation’s IRIS infrastructure for applied superconductivity. Since 2024, Maruccio has served as both EMFL council member and Italy Director. He earned his Physics degree magna cum laude in 2000 and his PhD in 2004, building a prolific research career with over €6M in funding, 200 publications, and 6 patents (h-index 37). He has led and coordinated multiple EU and national research projects, contributed to organizing international conferences, and serves on editorial boards of high-impact journals. Recognized for science outreach, he co-founded the journal Ithaca and has received honors including the City of Lecce Excellence Award (2016). Maruccio’s interdisciplinary vision drives advances across physical sciences and biomedical applications.

Main Areas of Interest

Main Areas of the Group

Biosensors and bioelectronics

Lab-on-chip and microfluidics technologies

Organ-on-chip models (e.g. vascularized gut-on-chip, blood-brain barrier-on-chip)

Molecular diagnostics and cell-based assays

Physical sensors and transducers

Multimodal signal transduction and advanced detection methods

Specialties

Technology Development

Techniques You Will Learn

Electrical, electrochemical and impedance spectroscopy read-out

Magnetoresistance, optical, SPR and SRR-based sensing

RT-qPCR and molecular diagnostics assays

Microfluidics fabrication (soft lithography, microchannels, valves, mixers, DEP separation, droplet microfluidics)

Micro/nanofabrication of sensor platforms

Cell culture and functional cell-based assays (attachment, micromotion, migration, morphology, proliferation, apoptosis, drug testing)

Curriculum

This onsite program offers the opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary research environment focused on the development of innovative sensing platforms, lab-on-chip systems and organ-on-chip models. Activities can be tailored according to the participant’s background, interests, and the duration of the visit, and may involve one or more of the ongoing research topics of our laboratory.

The program provides hands-on experience with advanced fabrication and characterization techniques applied to biosensing, molecular diagnostics, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip platforms (e.g., vascularized gut-on-chip and blood-brain barrier models). Specific objectives and tasks will be defined jointly with the selected candidate to ensure a strong scientific match.

Foundations & Core Concepts in Biosensors

Orientation and Background:

Fundamentals of biosensors and bioelectronics

Introduction to physical sensors and transducers

Overview of multimodal signal transduction methods

Key Techniques:

Basics of electrical, electrochemical, and impedance spectroscopy read-out

Introduction to magnetoresistance, optical, SPR (surface plasmon resonance), and SRR (split ring resonator)-based sensing

Microfluidics & Lab-on-Chip Technologies

Principles and Engineering:

Architecture and components of lab-on-chip and microfluidic platforms

Fabrication methods: soft lithography, building microchannels, valves, mixers

Design of droplet and DEP (dielectrophoresis) microfluidic systems

Key Techniques:

Hands-on microfluidics fabrication

Testing and calibration of integrated physical sensors

Application of magnetoresistance, SPR, and optical-based detection within microfluidics

Organ-on-Chip and Molecular Diagnostics

Organ-on-Chip Models:

Introduction to organ-on-chip models (e.g., vascularized gut-on-chip, blood-brain barrier-on-chip)

Integration of biosensors within organ-on-chip platforms

Overview of advanced cell-based assays within these systems

Molecular Diagnostics:

RT-qPCR and advanced molecular diagnostic assays

Data interpretation from multiplexed biosensor arrays

Key Techniques:

Micro/nanofabrication of sensor platforms for functional organ-on-chip use

Real-time and end-point molecular read-outs from organ models

Cell-Based Assays, Signal Analysis & Integration

Functional Cell-Based Assays:

Culturing and monitoring cells: attachment, micromotion, migration, morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis

Implementation of drug testing protocols on cell culture and organ-on-chip platforms

Multimodal Signal Integration:

Combining electrical, optical, and molecular data streams

Advanced detection methods and quantitative interpretation

Integration of results into a comprehensive data management/reporting framework

Key Techniques:

In-depth cell culture and monitoring using biosensors

Quantitative analysis and troubleshooting of multimodal data

Final presentations and reflection: Each fellow presents their achievements, troubleshooting experience, and data on biosensor/cell assay projects

Accommodation

Guest house not available. Assistance can be provided in finding suitable short-term accommodation in Lecce.

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$1,063.00
6 weeks	$1,594.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00

Who Can Apply

Open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, early-career researchers, and professionals with a background in physics, engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, life sciences, or related fields.
Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation to participate in hands-on research in biosensors, lab-on-chip, or organ-on-chip technologies.
Basic laboratory skills and familiarity with at least one of the relevant areas (e.g., microfabrication, sensing technologies, molecular biology, or microfluidics) are desirable.
A good knowledge of English (spoken and written) is required to ensure smooth communication and integration into the research group.
International applicants are welcome; the program can be tailored according to individual backgrounds and interests.
Duration and specific activities will be defined in agreement with the candidate, depending on their experience and availability.

Host Details

Host Name: Giuseppe Maruccio

Affiliation: Omnics Lab / University of Salento-CNR-INFN

Address: Dip. di Matematica e Fisica, Via per Arnesano, Lecce

Website URL: http://www.omnics.it/home/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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