Publications by authors named "Sara Springhetti"

Properly designed monolayer-protected nanoparticles (2 nm core diameter) can be used as nanoreceptors for selective detection and identification of phenethylamine derivatives (designer drugs) in water. The molecular recognition mechanism is driven by the combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions within the coating monolayer. Each nanoparticle can bind up to 30-40 analyte molecules.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A simple and effective method for high-sensitivity NMR detection of selected compounds is reported. The method combines 1D NMR diffusion filter experiments and small monolayer-protected nanoparticles as high-affinity receptors. Once bound to the nanoparticles, the diffusion coefficient of the analyte decreases in such way that spectral editing based on diffusion filters can separate its signals from those of other mixture components.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Monolayer-protected nanoparticles provide a straightforward access to self-organized receptors that selectively bind different substrates in water. Molecules featuring different kinds of noncovalent interactions (namely, hydrophobic, ion pairing, and metal-ligand coordination) can be grafted on the nanoparticle surface to provide tailored binding sites for virtually any class of substrate. Not only the selectivity but also the strength of these interactions can be modulated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A new sensing protocol based on NMR magnetization transfer sequences and the molecular recognition abilities of nanoparticles allows the detection and identification of organic molecules in complex mixtures.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A left-sided gallbladder sinistroposition is a rare finding. These gallbladders are situated left of the falciform ligament and are located under the left lobe of the liver, between segments III and IV. Common bile duct duplication is also rare, and its cause is not yet fully understood.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Anastomotic intimal hyperplasia (IH) is a major cause of both autologous vein and synthetic vascular graft failure. We have previously published data suggesting that cyclosporin may reduce the development of IH in a canine model. However, systemic administration of cyclosporin could create serious adverse effects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF