Emanuela Maiorano (EM) is PhD student in BioAnalytical Chemistry (Chemistry Department "G. Ciamician" University of Bologna) since November 2023. Current research is focused on microfluidic thread-based analytical devices (μTADs) using as detecting principle the bio-chemiluminescence.
Master's Degree (M.Sc.) in Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry, Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari", University of Bologna. Final degree mark: 110/110 cum laude. Graduation date: 14/09/2023. The studies for the final thesis, titled "Monitoring bacterial bioplastic-degradation by microscopic imaging and electrochemical sensing" were carried out at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. Main activities and achieved objected: Culture and conventional analysis of bioplastic degrading bacteria and biofilms· Holo-tomographic imaging of biofilms · Construction and characterization of an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of metabolic bacteria markers. · Application of electrochemical biosensor to cultures of bioplastic degrading bacteria and biofilms.
Bachelor's Degree (BSc) in Science and Technologies for the Environment, University of Salento. Dissertation/thesis title: Characterization Of A Bio-Hybrid Device For The Conversion Of Solar Energy. Main activities and achieved objected: The work was aimed at the realization of a photoactive system obtained by inserting the pigment-protein complex of a purple bacterium known as Rhodobacter sphaeroides into an electrochemical cell. In particular, with the aim of improving the electron transfer and therefore the efficiency of the device, this protein complex, known as the RC (reaction center), was reconstructed into liposomes capable of mimicking the biological membrane that naturally accommodates the RC.
EM joined different national (RITRAINPLUS - WinterSchool 1: The European Research Infrastructures and Core Facilities in the European Research Area: An Introduction) and international (EIT CLIMATE KIC) programmes. In particular, EM was part of EIT CLIMATE KIC CLIMATE INNOVATION LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME 2021 e JOURNEY 2021 being part of online activities hosted by ETH Zurich (The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences). EM won the “EIT CLIMATE KIC ALUMNI MICRO AWARD 2021” with her project named “Burn the Fear!”, an awareness campaign towards students and local population regarding the problem of the Xylella fastidiosa disease which affects the olive trees in Salento Peninsula (Puglia, Italy). An open-air laboratory was created involving the students of the high school “I.I.S.S. V.Bachelet” Copertino, (Puglia, Italy).
EM was an undergraduate researcher at CNR-ISAC U.O.S LECCE. Main activities and responsabilities: Study and analysis of the carbon fraction in the atmospheric particulate collected in size-segregated mode in two port areas of the Adriatic Sea, Venezia (Italy), Rijeka (Croatia). Acquired skills and achievements: Study of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, use of detection systems (CPC, OPC, 3-D ultrasonic anemometer, thermohygrometer) and analyzers (Sunset analyzer (Sunset Laboratory Inc.)). Data processing.
EM joined several national and international congresses with posters contribution or oral presentations.
