Pharmaceutical & Clinical Microbiology Labs

University of Catania (DSFS) & University of Molise (DiMeS)

 

Prof. Roberto Di Marco joined the University of Catania in October 2024, maintaining a continuous collaboration with UNIMOL, where he founded and led the Clinical Microbiology Laboratories for over 20 years.

He leading a  fully integrated academic research platform delivering high-value microbiology and biotechnology services to industry and public institutions. Built on a long-standing collaboration between the University of Catania and the University of Molise, the network combines advanced infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise, and a proven track record in translational research.

 

Value Proposition

• End-to-end R&D support: from study design to data generation and interpretation

• Fast, flexible, and client-oriented project execution

• Strong experience in industry collaboration (pharma, biotech, medical devices)

• High scientific standards with publication-grade data

• Full respect of confidentiality and IP protection

 

Core Services

 

We support companies across the full R&D pipeline, including:

 

Preclinical Microbiology & Anti-infective Testing • Pathogen isolation, identification, and characterization

• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC, E-test, Kirby-Bauer)

• Biofilm models and eradication studies

• Antibiotic interaction studies (FIC) and Post-Antibiotic Effect (PAE)

• Microbial Challenge Tests (MCT)

• Custom infection models (in vitro/ex vivo)

 

Mechanism of Action & Proof of Concept • Experimental design for MoA elucidation

• Target validation and functional assays

• Proof-of-concept studies for new compounds and formulations

 

Cell-Based Assays & Immunology • Immune and mammalian cell cultures

• Cytokine/chemokine profiling

• Monoclonal antibody production

• Immunofluorescence and chemotaxis assays

 

Molecular Biology & Advanced Analytics • DNA/RNA extraction and analysis

• PCR, RT-qPCR, gene expression profiling

• Cloning, transfection, and microbial engineering

• Western, Northern, Southern blotting

 

Toxicology & Safety Screening • In vitro cytotoxicity assays

• Cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation studies

• Early-stage safety profiling

 

Cell Biology & Morphological Analysis • Advanced cell culture systems

• Flow cytometry

• Histology, immunohistochemistry, and FISH

• Organotypic culture models

 

Industries Served

• Pharmaceutical & Biotech

• Medical Devices & Diagnostics

• Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Nutraceuticals

• Public Research & Healthcare Institutions

 

Team

Leadership of the group:  Prof. Roberto Di Marco, MD, PhD

Head, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory – University of Catania: Prof. Daria Nicolosi, PhD

Head, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory – University of Molise Prof. Giulio Petronio, PhD

 

Scientific Staff:  A multidisciplinary team of researchers and PhD scientists with expertise in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and cell biology, ensuring rigorous execution and reliable data delivery.

 

Why Partner With Us

• Academic excellence with industrial mindset

• Customized solutions tailored to client needs

• Access to specialized know-how and infrastructure

• Scalable collaboration models (fee-for-service