Valerio Francesco Annese

• Doctor of Philosophy
• MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

By combining information such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data, multi-omics methodologies have the potential to reveal the otherwise invisible processes of carcinogenesis. Using these data, a new generation point-of-care (POC) devices may support patient care through rapid diagnosis involving accurate and simultaneous multi-omics meas...

Edible electronics is a growing field that aims to produce digestible devices using only food ingredients and additives, thus addressing many of the shortcomings of ingestible electronic devices. Edible electronic devices would have major implications for gastrointestinal tract monitoring, therapeutics, as well as rapid food quality monitoring. Rec...

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a blood clot that starts in a vein. The risk of developing VTE is highest after major surgery or a major injury, or when someone has heart failure, cancer, or infectious disease (e.g., COVID-19). Without prompt treatment to break up clots and prevent more from forming, VTE can restrict or block blood flow and...

Edible electronics leverages the electronic properties of food‐grade materials to create non‐toxic technologies that can be either environmentally degraded or digested by the body after the completion of their function. Various edible electronic components have been recently proposed, and their integration into more complex circuits and systems is...

Edible electronics explores the electronic properties of food-derived materials and food additives to develop a completely safe-to-ingest technology with possible applications in medicine and agrifood. Among the different edible electronic components realized in recent years, edible rechargeable batteries represent an unprecedented opportunity for...

Traditional energy sources, such as alkaline batteries, cannot be in direct contact with food due to health hazards. However, a recently developed battery, constituted only by food-grade materials, overcomes this limitation as it can be used in direct contact with food without any contamination risk. In this work, we assess the feasibility of adopt...

Edible rechargeable batteries represent a novel opportunity for energy storage, which currently involves the use of toxic materials. Being entirely made of food‐derived materials and additives, such batteries open the way to electronic systems characterized by unprecedented features. Their sustainability and safety can be crucial for replacing trad...

A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistive sensor implemented using only food-grade materials, namely activated carbon, gelatin candy, gold, ethyl cellulose, and beeswax, was implemented. We envision this sensor might find future applications in measuring temperature within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Differently from other edible impl...

Edible electronics leverages the electronic properties of food‐derived materials to deliver safer technologies that can be degraded (or digested) in the environment (or body) at the end‐of‐life. Sensors will be central to future smart edible robots, and edible strain sensors are particularly interesting as they can transduce deformation, providing...

Edible electronics and robotics are emerging areas intimately bridging food science and engineering to deliver technology using food-derived materials. Edible devices offer unprecedented opportunities thanks to features such as bioresorbability, nutritional value, associated taste, minimal toxicity, and sustainability. However, several challenges n...

Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostics have gained increasing attention in recent years due to its numerous advantages over conventional diagnostic approaches. As proven during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the rapidity and portability of POC testing improves the efficiency of healthcare services and reduces the burden on healthcare providers. There are h...

Haemophilia is predominantly an inherited disorder that impairs the body’s ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. The condition of this disease is complex to manage, but many patients do so through home therapy and often only see their core multidisciplinary healthcare team annually. There is an increasing need for patients...

Objective: The detection of metabolites such as choline in blood are important in clinical care for patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease. Choline is only present in human blood at low concentrations hence accurate measurement in an affordable point-of-care format is extremely challenging. Although complementary metal-oxide semiconductor...

In a progressively interconnected world where the Internet of Things (IoT), ubiquitous computing, and artificial intelligence are leading to groundbreaking technology, cybersecurity remains an underdeveloped aspect. This is particularly alarming for brain-to-computer interfaces (BCIs), where hackers can threaten the user’s physical and psychologica...

There is a global unmet need for rapid and cost-effective prognostic and diagnostic tools that can be used at the bedside or in the doctor’s office to reduce the impact of serious disease. Many cancers are diagnosed late, leading to costly treatment and reduced life expectancy. With prostate cancer, the absence of a reliable test has inhibited the...

As single-photon imaging becomes progressively more commonplace in sensing applications such as low-light-level imaging, three-dimensional profiling, and fluorescence imaging, there exist a number of fields where multispectral information can also be exploited, e.g., in environmental monitoring and target identification. We have fabricated a high-t...

We demonstrate a proof of concept highly miniaturised fluorescence imager and its application to detecting cancer in resected human colon cancer tissues. Fluorescence imaging modalities have already been successfully implemented in traditional endoscopy. However, the procedure still causes discomfort and requires sedation. Wireless fluorescence cap...

Objective: Early stage diagnosis of sepsis without overburdening health services is essential to improving patient outcomes. Methods: A fast and simple-to-use platform that combines an integrated circuit with paper microfluidics for simultaneous detection of multiple-metabolites appropriate for diagnostics was presented. Paper based sensors are...

An important consideration when scaling semiconductor sensor devices is the effect it may have on noise performance. Overall signal to noise ratio can be improved both by increasing sensor size, or alternatively by averaging the signal from two or more smaller sensors. In the design of sensor systems it is not immediately clear which is the best st...

Nanotechnology has leveraged the performance and added to the functionality of biosensors. Biosensors with operation based on different transduction mechanisms are widely used for the sensing and quantification of the analyte molecules in biomedical applications (diagnostics) and for environmental monitoring. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies are an...

Precision metabolomics and quantification for cost-effective, rapid diagnosis of disease are key goals in personalized medicine and point-of-care testing. Presently, patients are subjected to multiple test procedures requiring large laboratory equipment. Microelectronics has already made modern computing and communications possible by integration o...

We present the design and application of a 64x64 pixel SPAD array to portable colorimetric sensing, and fluorescence and x-ray imaging. The device was fabricated on an unmodified 180 nm CMOS process and is based on a square p+/n active junction SPAD geometry suitable for detecting green fluorescence emission. The stand-alone SPAD shows a photodetec...

A new mobile healthcare system for neuro-cognitive function monitoring and treatment is presented. The architecture of the system features sensors to measure the brain potential, localized data analysis and filtering, and in-cloud distribution to specialized medical personnel. As such, it presents tradeoffs typical of other cyber-physical systems,...

Abnormal gait and postural instability are common disorders in people affected by Parkinson's disease (PD). This paper proposes an embedded cyber-physical system for the identification and the real-time extraction of highly selective diagnostic indexes for PD patients. A noninvasive wearable and wireless architecture for both gait analysis and post...

Online: http://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/iet-sen.2017.0340. This paper presents a P300-based Brain Computer Interface for mechatronic device driving, i.e. without need of any physical control. The technique is based on a machine learning algorithm, which exploits a spatio-temporal characterization of the P300, analyses all...

This paper presents a noninvasive brain-controlled P300-based wheelchair driven by EEG signals to be used by tetraplegic and paralytic users. The P300 - an Evoked Related Potential (ERP) - is induced for purpose by visual stimuli. The developed Brain-Computer Interface is made up by: (i) acquisition unit; (ii) processing unit and (iii) navigation u...

This paper presents a P300-based Brain Computer Interface (BCI) for the control of a mechatronic actuator (i.e. wheelchairs, robots or even cars), driven by EEG signals for assistive technology. The overall architecture is made up by two subsystems: the Brain-to-Computer System (BCS) and the mechanical actuator (a proof of concept of the proposed B...

Available: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=7974236. The need for diagnostic tools for the characterization ofprogressivemovementdisorders-astheParkinsonDisease(PD) - aimingtoearlydetectandmonitorthepathologyisgettingmore andmoreimpelling. Theparallelrequestofwearableandwireless solutions, for the real-time monitoring in a n...

In this paper, we present a P300-hased Brain Computer Interface (BCI) for the remote control of a mechatronic actuator, such as a wheelchair, or even a car, driven by EEG signals to be used by tetraplegic and paralytic users or just for the safe drive in case of a car. The P300 signal, an Evoked Related Potential (ERP) devoted to the cognitive brai...

A mobile-health solution for neuro-cognitive impairment monitoring based on P300 spatio-temporal characterization achieved by tuned Residue Iteration Decomposition (t-RIDE) is here presented. It allows remote monitoring of neuro-cognitive impairment through a domestic game-test by physician which can interact with it. Data collection is allowed by...

The paper describes the architecture of a non-invasive, wireless embedded system for gait analysis and preventing involuntary movements including fall. The system operates with synchronized and digitized data samples from 8 EMG (limbs) and 8 EEG (motor-cortex) channels. An embedded Altera Cyclone V FPGA operates the real-time signal pre-processing...

This paper proposes a novel mobile healthcare system for remotely monitoring neuro-cognitive functions of impaired subjects and proposing possible treatments. Currently, only hospital centers perform similar analyses through fixed and wired electroencephalography (EEG) inspection. The solution proposed here works wirelessly and improves its accurac...

A novel mobile healthcare solution for remotely monitoring neuro-cognitive efficiency is here presented. The method is based on the spatio-temporal characterization of a specific Event-Related Potential (ERP), called P300, induced in our brain by a target stimulus. P300 analysis is used as a biomarker: the amplitude and latency of the signal are qu...

in this paper an improved design of an RFID powered swallowable barometric endoradiosonde (ERS) is presented. The ERS consists of a micro fabricated capacitive sensor printed in gold on Polycaprolactone (PCL) on which a transponder chip design in 0.35um AMS technology is in-plane bounded to the PCL substrate. The implantable or inside the body, tra...

We propose a novel approach that integrates wireless, non-invasive devices with fast, real-time algorithms for large data analysis and biofeedback reaction, to discern the voluntariness of human movement through direct sensing of brain potentials combined with muscular action signal monitoring. The system has been tested in real situations.

The brain signal anticipates the voluntary movement with patterns that can be detected even 500ms before the occurrence. This paper presents a digital signal processing unit which implements a real-time algorithm for falling risk prediction. The system architecture is designed to operate with digitized data samples from 8 EMG (limbs) and 8 EEG (mot...

In this paper, a printed MEMS electrostatic energy harvester to be applied in tire pressure monitoring systems, ensuring infinite battery life due to the abundant vi-brational energy. The device has been characterized and performs -6.12MHz/kPa sensitivity, 400uW and 360uW for static and dynamic power, 0.4% INL error, 0.4 pF/KPa capacitance sensitiv...

Voluntary movements are managed by movement related potentials (MRPs) which are brain activity patterns detectable even 500ms before the movement itself. The corticomuscular matching between brain (EEG) and muscles (EMG) activity allows the assessment of the intentionality of the performed movement. Basing on this knowledge, a real-time algorithm f...

Previous studies indicate that the motor cortex and the cortico-spinal tract contribute to the control of walking in human subjects. This paper proposes a wireless wearable, noninvasive system to monitor the coupling between EEG and EMG from active leg muscles during gait. The system is designed for the detection of the evoked potential in the moto...

In this paper we propose a novel approach for online fall-risk assessment based on concurrent EEG and EMG monitoring. The fall-risk evaluation is based on: i) clinical condition of the individual, ii) environment, iii) EMG agonist-antagonist co-contraction analysis and iv) Movement Related Potentials and event related desynchronizations occurrence/...

Few knowledge is actually available about neural dynamics during natural motor behavior and its perturbation in aging and neurological diseases. In the present study we aim to evaluate EEG-EMG co-registration features of rest and walking in basal condition and under cognitive task in normal subjects. The investigations are able to characterize a “n...

One out of three subjects older than 65 years falls. Despite extensive research, existing assessment tools for fall risk have been insufficient for predicting falls since the phenomenology is complex and there is no equipment on the market that allows everyday life monitoring. In this paper we present a novel approach for fall-risk on-line assessme...

The improvements in sensors and wireless technology offer an effective way to enhance food safety and certification along all the perishable goods supply-chain, in order to reduce food waste and losses, while guaranteeing a high degree of quality and preventing diseases directly related to the use of expired or harmful products. In this paper, a co...

We present an innovative wireless wearable, low power, noninvasive neuroprosthetic system that is geared towards detecting and preventing falls. The system allows continuous monitoring of EEG/EMG, detecting in particular pre-motor potentials to prevent falls of elder and motor-impaired patients by introducing a feedback action to stabilize gait. A...

A wireless noninvasive monitoring system allowing pattern detection of voluntary movements in daily scenarios by the combination of online continuous analysis of EMG and synchronized presence or absence of EEG Movement Related Potentials has been presented. The processing validity for pattern detection has been proved by ex-perimental analysis cond...

We present a study based on time-frequency analysis to identify the correlation between synchronized EEG and EMG signals during gait for the detection of premotor brain activity, focusing on Bereitschaftspotential and mu-rhythm detection – directly related to voluntary movements. We demonstrate this correlation in the bands of interest (2-5 Hz and...

Abnormal gait is an usual feature in neurodegenerative disease (i.e.: Huntington Chorea, Parkinson and Alzheimer), while the capability to maintain a stable posture and fluid walking is progressive impaired in aging. Monitoring and correcting the insurgence of abnormal dynamic balance opens new scenarios in the cure of these diseases and falls prev...

The paper describes the architecture of a non-invasive, wireless system for fall prevention. The system includes: i) a wearable electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) measurement subsystem that detects the occurrence of unintentional limb movements as sign of a potential fall, and ii) a computing subsystem that classifies EEG-EMG s...

he subject of the present work is the design, the testing and the implementation of a biodegradable and biocompatible pressure sensor that can be swallowed or implanted in the human body. It has to be biodegradable, at least in part, biocompatible and small in the size. The biodegradable polymer used (Polycaprolactone, PCL) and the technique of pri...

The pursuit of new tools for monitoring the quality level of any kind of perishable product, in particular food, along all the supply chain, answers to the demand of reducing losses and waste and thus guaranteeing both customers’ safety and satisfaction and vendors’ interests. The combination of sensors with the wireless network technology offers a...

This paper summarizes all research advancements obtained by the Polytechnic of Bari through the RES NOVAE Project activities in the field of the smart district. In this context it is important to investigate and apply new efficient technologies solutions for the building management in order to optimize the energy usage and to improve the inhabitant...

In the present work, the design, the testing and the implementations of a biodegradable and biocompatible capacitive barometric endoradiosonde to be swallowed or implanted in the human body is reported. The biodegradable requirement has been achieved exploiting Polycaprolactone (biodegradable polymer - PCL) and the technique of printing thin gold f...

Nowadays, two of the most compelling challenges in the field of food safety and certification are the reduction of the multitude of food losses and wastes in the supply chain and the improvement of certification and monitoring procedures during each stage of production. The aim of this paper is to propose an effective solution to both problems: a w...

This position paper aims to support a control technique in the perishables goods supply-chain through a combination of near real-time wireless sensor network (WSN) for environmental monitoring and further data processing to predict the shelf life of the product. This approach returns a low cost, versatile and efficient tool that can significantly i...

In this paper, it is proposed the concept of a wireless sensor network (WSN) designed for real time remote sea water quality monitoring. Each net-work node is equipped by sensors measuring temperature, ambient light, con-ductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, dissolved ions and turbidity for an automated diagnosis that enables the early identification of...

Global trade has reached an ever seen level thanks to globalization. Maritime transportation covers an important role in responding to the growing demand of products from all around the globe. Due to the global travelling, products experienced several environment conditions; in the case of perishable goods, significant variations of transport condi...

This paper discusses the huge potential of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) as a tool for real-time monitoring in a perishable goods supply chain according to the pressing need of security and food certification. The combination of an appropriate monitoring system and further data processing create a tool that can provide the most useful information...