Abstract: Compounds have a formula (1) wherein Y and Z are independently O, N, P; R, R1, R2, R3, where present, are independently H. Optionally substituted C1-C12 alkyl, O, or R and R1 and/or R2 and R3 form, together with the atom Y and/or Z to which they are attached, a 3-14 membered ring. The compounds optionally contain one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, N, and S, optionally substituted. Compositions include such compounds and the medical uses utilize such compounds.

Abstract: Compounds have a formula (1) wherein Y and Z are independently O, N, P; R, R1, R2, R3, where present, are independently H. Optionally substituted C1-C12 alkyl, O, or R and R1 and/or R2 and R3 form, together with the atom Y and/or Z to which they are attached, a 3-14 membered ring. The compounds optionally contain one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, N, and S, optionally substituted. Compositions include such compounds and the medical uses utilize such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for treating visual deficits comprising at least one step of injecting in the eye of a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of photoactive nanoparticles (NPs) or a composition comprising said photoactive nanoparticles (NPs).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for treating visual deficits comprising at least one step of injecting in the eye of a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of photoactive nanoparticles (NPs) or a composition comprising said photoactive nanoparticles (NPs).

Abstract: Devices are provided for inhibiting the electrical activity of an excitable cell through the application of a pulse of light which includes a substrate and a photoreactive film both of non-conducting material and laid directly on one another, in which the photoreactive film includes a layer of semiconductor polymer material and has an interface surface which can be placed in contact with an excitable cell and an electrolyte solution. After absorbing light, when placed in contact with the excitable cell and the electrolyte solution, the photoreactive film produces a potential difference across this interface surface which is capable of giving rise to hyperpolarization of the membrane of the excitable cell. Methods of inhibiting the electrical activity of excitable cells using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: Devices are provided for inhibiting the electrical activity of an excitable cell through the application of a pulse of light which includes a substrate and a photoreactive film both of non-conducting material and laid directly on one another, in which the photoreactive film includes a layer of semiconductor polymer material and has an interface surface which can be placed in contact with an excitable cell and an electrolyte solution. After absorbing light, when placed in contact with the excitable cell and the electrolyte solution, the photoreactive film produces a potential difference across this interface surface which is capable of giving rise to hyperpolarisation of the membrane of the excitable cell. Methods of inhibiting the electrical activity of excitable cells using such devices are also provided.

Abstract: An optical and atomic force microscopy measurement integrated system is described. The system has an atomic force microscope having a first probe configured to interact with a sample to be analysed, an optical tweezer, a second probe configured to be held in the focus of the optical tweezer, movement means for moving the two probes, measurement means for measuring the variations of position of the two probes and processing means configured to receive, as an input, the measurement signals of the two probes to generate an output signal representative of the sample.

Abstract: An interface for neuronal photoactivation includes a semiconducting polymer material, the semiconducting polymer material being excitable by luminous radiation for photovoltaically generating an electric signal. The semiconducting polymer material forms a substrate for neuronal cell adhesion.

Abstract: A micro-electrode array is described comprising an insulating substrate and a plurality of conductive paths defined therein, each of which includes an electrode area with microscopic dimensions, a connection area with macroscopic dimensions, and a buried interconnection region, wherein the insulating substrate is made of a first polymeric material, such as PDMS, and the conductive paths are made of a second polymeric material, such as PEDOT. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing such micro-electrode array is described, based on the configuration of an insulating substrate volume by replica molding on the first polymeric material through a prearranged master mould, bearing a configuration of microstructures adapted to define a plurality of cavities; successively filling the cavities with a second conductive polymeric material so as to constitute the electrode areas, the connection areas, and the interconnection regions; and arranging an insulating material sealing layer for the filled cavities.