Basic Organic - Green Chemistry and Bioorganic Analytical Methodologies

Research focus

The Peer review has evaluated this group as Average

This activity supports basic and applied research in the development of new synthetic and analytical methodologies with an emphasis on the chemistry and chemical control of structure, reactivity, benign-safe applications of chemicals and materials and on separation technologies. The members of the group (an interdisciplinary staff with strong national and international collaborations) are firmly convinced that basic research is essential for developing new technologies and for adopting practical economical solutions to industrial, environmental and analytical problems. Major thrust areas include: (1) Free radical chemistry: new catalytic systems for clean oxidation reactions by oxygen and hydrogen peroxide; innovative radical synthetic routes via metal catalysis; study of reaction mechanisms and development of sustainable industrial processes, heterocyclic chemistry; (2) Green chemistry: green metrics and design of synthetic approach to novel chemicals and materials; exploratory research activities in combinatorial synthesis; biofuels (biodiesel and bioethanol) and valorisation of biomass side-products (glycerol and proteins); substitution/elimination of toxic chemicals in manufacturing industries; fuel additives and technologies; (3) Proteomics and development of new, science-driven, laboratory-based analytical tools and techniques: expression, structural and functional proteome, gel and capillary electrophoresis (methodologies and techniques); protein equalizer technology for „deep proteome“ investigations; develop/adapt methods for allergen determination, immunoblotting; (4) Functional materials and rubber chemistry: protein derived materials; elastomeric polymers and blends; intercalated and exfoliated clay rubber nanocomposites; sulfonated copolymer membranes for fuel cells. In addition to maintaining a healthy core research activity, the group will further expand into bioscience research, particularly at the nano-bio interface. It will seek to develop new multidisciplinary approaches, with biology, chemistry, physics and computational science playing major roles, to model, design and synthesize new chemicals and novel materials. Some of the targeted areas that will receive support in the coming years include novel chemicals, sustainable technologies and innovative concepts that will impact biorefinery activities (with emphasis on protein recovery), hydrogen storage, novel electrodes and membranes for improving the efficiency of fuel cells, and theory and modelling to aid safe and benign new materials discovery. Also of particular interest will be a more extensive analyses of traditional manufacturing technologies to reduce the environmental impact and improve sustainability. The group will also facilitate multiinvestigator, multi-disciplinary team research, to bring appropriate talents to bear on increasingly more complex chemical problems. The group will continue to identify and support high-risk, highimpact, and often ground-breaking research.

Dipartimento di afferenza

Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica

Docenti afferenti

Full Professors
Attilio Citterio
Ombretta Porta
Pier Giorgio Righetti
Aldo Ricca (fuori ruolo)
Associate Professors
Sergio Auricchio
Angelo Clerici
Roberto Sebastiano
Assistant Professors
Ada Truscello
Carlo Punta