Functionalized plasmonic nanostructure platforms are widely used for developing optical biosensors and SERS assays. In this work, we present a low-cost and scalable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) system based on an innovative optical transducer comprising gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded in nano-fibrillated bacterial cellulose (BC). The AuNPs@BC composite leverages the unique nanofibrillar architecture of bacterial cellulose, which provides a high surface area, flexibility, and uniform nanoparticle distribution, enabling the formation of numerous electromagnetic “hot spots”. This structure excites localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), as demonstrated by a bulk sensitivity of 72 nm/RIU, and supports enhanced Raman signal amplification. The eco-friendly and disposable AuNPs@BC platform was tested for agrifood applications, focusing on the detection of thiram pesticide. The system achieved a detection limit of 0.24 ppm (1 µM), meeting the sensitivity requirements for regulatory compliance in food safety. A strong linear correlation (R² ≈ 0.99) was observed between the SERS peak intensity at 1370 cm⁻¹ and thiram concentrations, underscoring its potential for quantitative analysis. The combination of high sensitivity, reproducibility, and environmental sustainability makes the AuNPs@BC platform a promising solution for developing cost-effective, flexible, and portable sensors for pesticide monitoring and other biosensing applications.

Present work proposed design, finite element tools simulation and prototype fabrication of a low cost energy autonomous, maintenance free, flexible and wearable micro thermoelectric generator (μTEG), finalized to power very low consumption electronics Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) applications. The prototype, integrating an array of 100 thin films thermocouples of Sb₂Te₃ and Bi₂Te₃, generates, at 40 °C, an open circuit output voltage of 430 mV and an electrical output power up to 32 nW with matched load. In real operation conditions of prototype, which are believed to be very close to a thermal gradient of 15°C, the device generates an open circuit output voltage of about 160 mV, with an electrical output power up to 4.18 nW. In this work we proposed design, thermal simulation and fabrication of a preliminary flexible and wearable micro thermoelectric generator (μTEG), finalized to power very low consumption electronics for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) applications. Presented simulations show the performances of different fabrication solution for the PDMS/Kapton packages, considering flat and sloped walls approach for thermal gradient enhancement.

CNR-ITAE is involved in two projects related to hybrid fuel cell vehicles. The aim is to develop fuel cell - battery hybrid powertrains to be used in vehicles designed for some niche markets such as electric buses and lightweight electric vehicles. There have been tested a traction battery pack, a Nuvera fuel cell power module (Powerflow) and the combination of a parallel fuel cell - battery hybrid system. In this configuration the fuel cell power module is used as main power source for the powertrain, also providing battery charge when needed. The battery has the role to provide peak power during the starts of the vehicle. The hybrid powertrain has shown a fast response to even extreme and impulsive loads and a wider range compared to a battery vehicle without compromising the weight limitations on the vehicles.