CFDNOVA

... and products in the biotechnology field." While working the the project POEM (Predictive Oncology via Engineering Modeling) we were rewarded a PROOF of EXCELLENCE by INNOLABS (a Horizon2020 cluster). That event changed completely our corporate vision.
We understood the fundamental process of business accelerating, which consisted in understanding the importance of what is essential apart from the idea itself. We gained a better understanding on business need and solution, intellectual property rights, market analysis, pricing, business plan, legal and financial aspects (cash flow, income, balance, etc.). In due time, we will also get to manage supply chain, human resources development and recruiting (hopefully).
We could start managing funding and investors, and learn how to execute correctly an operational plan. In the meanwhile, we grasped the central role of communication and networking and the importance of a strong sales strategy. At the end, we realized how long (and difficult) the way is to build a company from scratch.

The Spin-off was approved by the University of Basilicata in 2023; iBMB was incorporated in 2023, VAT ID 02156870764.
Its activity beginnning presently pending, iBMB Srls is going to be appointed (as per the Italian Law) as an Innovative Startup.

Email: ibmb4info@gmail.com, ibmbsrls@pec.it

• VENC-SEA: the engineering processes leading to the Valorization of Extracted Natural Components from the SEA.
  Chitin is a polysaccharide that is the primary component of crustacean exoskeletons.
  Sodium alginate can be obtained from algae such as Sargassum and Posidonia.
  The process of obtaining these valuable components typically involves several steps, including pre-treatment, demineralization, deproteinization, and decolorization. Pre-treatment is an important step in this process, as it involves the removal of proteins and other impurities from the natural substrate. This is typically accomplished through a combination of mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic methods, such as grinding, boiling, and the use of proteolytic enzymes. The goal is to break down the protein matrix of the exoskeleton and expose the chitin, which can then be processed into chitosan. Same can be  done for the Sargassum or Posidonia algae to yield for sodium alginate.
  Pre-treatments can be optimized to ensure the highest yield and purity of these components, while realizing an environmental sustainable process. This involves the use of different variables such as process temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration. In particular, we have realized a microwave-assisted extraction by using a fluidized bed to optimize exposure of subject material.
  The resulting chitosan is suitable for a range of applications in fields such as biomedicine, agriculture, and materials science. While the resulting  alginate can be used as sustainable packaging  film. This project is brought forth in collaboration with the CNR-IPCB research institute of Pozzuoli, Naples (Italy).
  
  

• CancerMate: computational prognosis post-therapy outcome in breast cancer.
  Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. While advancements in medical research have led to improved treatments and survival rates, accurately predicting the progression and prognosis of breast cancer remains a significant challenge. Computational prognosis of breast cancer involves the use of advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze large amounts of clinical data to predict the progression of breast cancer and patient outcomes. In particular, deterministic models can be cast that are based on mathematical equations that describe the physical and biological processes underlying cancer growth and treatment. These models typically require a large amount of data, including patient-specific clinical and biological data, to calibrate and validate the model. Once the model is validated, it can be used to predict cancer growth and treatment outcomes for individual patients.
  There are several reasons why the discipline of computational prognosis of breast cancer is important and should be studied and empowered in medical oncology:
  -> Improved accuracy and personalized treatment: computational prognosis can provide more accurate predictions of disease progression and personalized treatment plans for individual patients.
  ->Patient stratification: computational prognosis can help identify patients who should be treated with a given neoadjuvant therapy in a given time window, depending on the personal burden and the risk of developing breast cancer with may be surgically removed with more impactful ways.
  -> Accelerating research: computational prognosis can help accelerate the pace of medical research by providing a tool for analyzing large amounts of clinical and computational data.
  -> Better resource allocation: accurate predictions of disease progression and patient outcomes can help allocate medical resources more effectively and efficiently.
  Please browse about the specific website for this project, that we have cast: virtualcancercure.com.
  Here you find our Technology Offer within the Enterprise Europe Network.

... (OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, Comsol Multiphysics) for transport phenomena modeling, and multiobjective optimizations (modeFRONTIER). Within the Dept. of Engineering, the Modeling and Prototyping Multiphysics Laboratory (ModProLAB) carries our computational resources and a few ongoing experiments. The experiments run as validations of the related numerical modeling.

Whenever possible, we strive to parallel our Modeling with Prototypes, or lab-scale benches. A great deal of processes around us involve physical, as well as chemical and biological effects, and useful numerical description can be tried with our technology. Modeling is exactly the virtual representation of these numerous occurrences.

CFDNOVA competences can be found in the following:

Fluidodynamics and Transport Phenomena in general

• Processes with enhanced localized heat/mass convection by jet impingement: we have a running experimental rig

• Air fluidized bed, in controlled temperature: we have a running experimental rig

• Plants (channel, valves) for non-newtonian fluid flows

• Sloshing in/pouring from tanks and vessel

• Ventilation in rooms, including aerosol diffusion and convection (i.e. COVID-19 scenarios)

• Automotive applications of Shape Memory Alloys for dynamic alterations of body details to obtain Cx decrements

• Food, Energy and Water nexus

• Multiphase/phase change systems, even in presence of biological/chemical reactions

Thermal Analysis

• Conduction-Convection-Radiation, even in intertwined modes

Multiphysics Phenomena

• Microwave-assisted processes, such as water or Volatile Organic Compounds separation from substrates: we have a running experimental rig

• Ultrasound-coupled thermal analysis

Energy Analysis

• Cogeneration, Trigeneration

• Microgeneration, involving refuse and biomass

• Insertion of green energy in industrial frameworks

• Thermoelectricity: we have a running experimental rig

• Technical-economic feasibility

• Entropy-based optimization in flow systems and solid structures

Processes to/in Bio-Substrates

• Dehydration/drying: we have a running experimental rig

• Computational prognosis of solid tumors from diagnostic images: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Breast cancer

• Neurotoxic and carcinogen formation in foods, depending on the process features

• Thermal treatments to biofluids: pasteurization, sterilization. Heat exchanger fouling

• Refrigeration and flash freezing

• Quality and safety indicator departure in foods and bio-fluids subject to thermal treatments or storage

• Applications of controlled/modified atmosphere packaging of bio-substrates

• Algae and crustacean substrate treatments for alginate or chitosan production in circular economy frameworks