'Rosette' sampler for collecting seawater samples at different depths as it emerges from the water in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Biophysics of the sea
The analysis of the marine environment allows us to understand the impact of human activities on the environment. An important part of our work is focused on the investigation of the marine carbon cycle, with a specific attention to the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM), as well as the biological lability of organic matter released by phytoplankton. The flow of organic material between marine organisms and the ecological-environmental dynamics of zooplankton are examined, with the application of the “omic” sciences of these organisms. The effects of climate change on ichthy species and invertebrates are also studied.
Principal investigators: Paolo Domenici − Serena Como − Chiara Santinelli – Valtere Evangelista – Giovanni Checcucci – Stefano Vignudelli – Mirco Guerrazzi – Giancarlo Bachi
Nanoparticles in the environment
We study the toxicity of polluting micro- and nanoplastics in the marine environment. Microalgae are used as a model of biological receptor. Analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in the marine environment is performed by Raman microscopy.
Principal investigators: Mario D’Acunto
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis occurs when light leads to a cascade of electron transfers in specialized compartments called reaction centers, which are part of super-complexes of proteins and cofactors known as photosystems. The formulation of structural models of photosystems allow an analysis of the molecular mechanism of electron transfer by means of spectroscopic techniques.
By studying the spectroscopic properties of light absorption in diatoms and cyanobacteria, commonly used in biotechnological applications, it is possible to better understand the biochemical responses and the genetic regulation of these organisms and the associated biophysical processes, allowing the formulation of improvements in the productivity of photoreactors.
Principal investigator: Giuseppe Zucchelli
Natural products and Nutraceuticals
Products and molecules of natural origin are explored and new methods of fractionation, purification and characterization are investigated. Bioactive molecules from complex systems of agri-food origin is carried out, with the aim of exploring their nutraceutical properties. In particular, the antioxidant, anti-aging, antibacterial, neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties in neurodegenerative processes are studied in cellular models. Particular interest is given to food production waste as a contribution to the circular economy.
In this area, bio-adhesives have been identified for aqueous environments from fluff, formulations of hydrogels as a three-dimensional niche for adiposestem cells, biomedical devices for the treatment of skin lesions based on new polysaccharides and polysaccharides as substitutes for glutern-free baking.
Principal investigators: Rosa Passantino − Daniela Giacomazza − Valeria Guarrasi – Maria Assunta Costa