Research activities

The research activities carried on by this unit are related to the use of modern methods of organic chemistry to understand and solve problems laying at the interface of chemistry with physics, biology, and material science. Our challenge is the interpretation at the molecular level of every chemical, physical, or biological process in which organic compounds, both of natural or synthetic origin are involved. The major aim is to exploit this basic knowledge in several applied fields like the environmental-ecological sciences, the synthesis of novel sustainable materials, biotechnology, pharmacology, medicine and agronomy. 

Section #1

Structural elucidation of natural products, mainly by extensive NMR analysis and Mass Spectrometry, and organic synthesis. Quali- and quantitative analysis of natural and/or industrial samples, including polymers and their additives, through combined chromatographic and spectroscopic measurements. Molecular structure assignment of biologically active secondary metabolites isolated from marine organisms, plants and bacteria sources.

Section #2

Quali- and quantitative profile of metabolites/lipids in cell membranes, tissues and biological fluids. We have developed an RPLC/ESI MS/MS-based methodology for precise identification and characterization of cellular lipids. In particular, we were the first reporting cellular lipidomics studies combining NMR with the MS techniques. Although modern lipidomics approaches mainly rely on the wide arsenal of MS techniques, NMR represents a powerful tool for the qualitative analysis and often it is crucial for the elucidation of their structural details. In particular, through 31P-NMR it is possible to differentiate the membrane lipids in distinct PL classes and to obtain reliable and reproducible quantitative data such as the molar fractions of all the PL classes. In all the (only) MS-based approaches these data are difficult to obtain since PL classes have quite different response factors in ESI source and a direct comparison among all these classes is often hindered by several other factors.

Section #3

New organic molecules as antibacterial and antiviral agents, and as inhibitors of proteins involved in tumors and neurodegenerative diseases: drug design by docking calculations and in silico evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters, biomimetic approach of Nature-inspired bioactive molecules, organic synthesis also by eco-friendly methods, structural characterization and assignment of absolute configuration, HPLC purification of compounds to be used in in-vitro screenings.

Section #4

New polymeric materials based on natural compounds and lignocellulosic derivatives. This research activity is developed to synthesize new thermoplastic or thermosetting materials deriving from the exploitation of natural molecules (mainly by-products of the agro-forestry biorefinery). Target natural compounds are fully characterized, chemically modified, and used as building blocks in the fabrication of new sustainable polymeric materials. We want to broaden the understanding of the effect of natural lignocellulosic structures on the final properties of materials, obtained through scalable processes, and inspired by sustainable chemistry. Some materials are designed for applications in packaging, agriculture, and photochemistry.

Section #5

Valorization and recycling of polymeric biomaterials. This line of research studies the end-of-life of biodegradable and/or biobased biopolymers to create new alternatives to biodegradation, to create new life cycles of the material, and new functional products, effectively lengthening the lifetime of these polymeric structures. Of particular interest is the study of the recycling and valorization of polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose acetate.

Group members