Born on October 17th, 1968.
Graduated cum Laude in Chemistry, Bioorganic degree, in 1993 at the University of Parma discussing the thesis “Synthesis of calix[4]arene based receptors for polar organic molecules”.
In 1992 spent a three months period of research in the group of Prof. David Reinhoudt at the Twente University of Enschede (NL) working on hydrogen bonding self-assembling structures.
In the period 1994-1997, PhD degree in Supramolecular Chemistry at Parma University under the supervision of Prof. Rocco Ungaro. PhD title in 1998 discussing the thesis “Calixarene Macrocycles Functionalised whit Carbohydrates and Amino Acids: Synthesis, Structure and Recognition Properties”
In 1995 spent a four months period of research in the laboratories of Professor A. Dondoni at the University of Ferrara working on synthetic aspects of carbohydrate chemistry.
In 1998 fellowship financed by the European Community (Euratom Action in FP4) on the Project "Treatment and Disposal of Radioactive Waste" aimed at the synthesis of new ionophores based on calixarenes for the treatment of radioactive waste.
From 1999 to September 2014 Researcher at the Department of Organic and Industrial Chemsitry of Parma University.
In 2010 (April 18th – May 1st) visiting researcher in the group of Prof. W.-D. Fessner at the Technische Universität Darmstadt (Germania) to develop chemo-enzymatic procedures for the functionalization of glycocalixarenes.
Since September 1st, 2021, Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainbaility of Parma University
In 2023 awarded the Prize for research "Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences" by the Organic Chemistry Division of Italian Chemical Society
PROJECTS
PI in the Project “New non-viral molecular vectors for gene therapy: synthesis, physico-chemical properties and biological activity” (2007-2010), funded by Cassa di Risparmio di Parma Foundation.
Co-Director in the Project "Portable Sensors for Unmanned Explosive Detection" (2018-2021), funded by NATO.
PI of projects “SPEED PARMA PoC - Agents for transfection of miRNAs and antagomiRNAs” e “SPEED PARMA PoC - Agents for transfection ofPetide Nucleic Acids” (2023-2025)
- PI of PRIN Project “Multifunctional compounds for a multitarget approach against neurodegenerative diseases”MULTIFUN (2023-2026)
- PI of project “Bifunctional phosensitizer-inhibitor conjugates for augmented photodynamic therapy” funded by Cariparma Foundation (2024-2025)
- Research Unit Responsible in project "Identification of novelchemical inhibitors of alpha-synuclein oligomerization as potential therapeutic compounds for Parkinson’s disease (ISThePark)", funded by University of Parma (2022-2024).
- Research Unit Responsible in project "Illuminating dark gene targets through coevolution" founded by Telethon Foundation (2026-2028)
Participants in italian
- PRIN Project 2001038212 "Calixareni funzionalizzati nel riconoscimento molecolare, nella catalisi biomimetica e nei dispositivi supramolecolari" (12/12/2001-19/1/2004);
- PRIN Project 2002032472 "Funzionalizzazione Selettiva di Calixareni e Sintesi di Glicoconiugati" (16/12/2002-18/1/2005);
- PRIN Project 2003030309 "Dispositivi supramolecolari basati sui calixareni" (20/11/2003-14/12/2005);
- PRIN Project 200858SA98 "Glicocluster a base calixarenica selettivi per le galectine come agenti terapeutici e diagnostici" (22/3/2010-22/9/2012);
- PRIN Project 2010-2011 2010JMAZML "Italian network for the development of multivalent nanosystems (MULTINANOITA)" (1/02/13 – 01/02/16);
- FIRB Project RBNE01J4Z "Molecole innovative ad attività antiflogistica ed antitumorale prodotte con metodologie chimiche avanzate"
- FIRB Project RBNE019H9K "Manipolazione molecolare per macchine nanometriche"
- FIRB Project RBFR10Y5VW "Studio del flusso di energia e di carica in nuovi sistemi multicromoforici sintetizzati ad hoc, di complessità controllata e crescente: verso sistemi intelligenti per la fotovoltaica organica" (08/03/12 – 08/03/15);
and in international
- Project “New Shapes for Molecular Recognition and Catalysis based on Chiral Building Blocks and Calixarenes”, European Program COST ACTION D7 (1994-1996);
- Project ERBFMRXCT980231 “Towards an Understanding of Carbohydrate Recognition in Aqueous Media”, Training and Mobility for Researchers Program (1.4.1998-31.3.2002);
- Project “Synthetic Receptors for the Stereoselective Recognition of Chiral Anions: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Structure-Enantioseparation Relationships”, European Program COST ACTION D11 (1998-2002);
- Project “Rational design of glycomimetics” (2001 - 2003), European Program COST ACTION D13-012;
- Project “New Molecules Towards Human Health Care”, European Program COST ACTION D13 (22.9.2001-22.9.2004);
- Project HPRN-CT2002-00190 "Carbohydrate Based Ligands for Nucleic Acids Recognition" (Carbona), Research Training and Mobility Program(1.6.2002-31.5-2006);
- Project “Molecular Tectonics Approach of Porous Crystalline Materials”, European Program COST ACTION D31/0017/05 (27.2.2004-26.2.2009);
- Project “Multivalent Ligands for Cholera Toxin Inhibition and Sensing”, European Program COST ACTION D34/0001/05 (24.6.2005-23.6.2010);
- Project COST Action CM1005 “Supramolecular Chemistry in Water” (31/03/2011-30/03/2015);
- Project “Multivalent Glycosystems for Nanoscience – MultiGlycoNano”, European Program COST ACTION CM1102 (11/07/11 – 11/06/15);
- Project FP5-RTD: Selective Extraction Of Minor Actinides From High Activity Liquid Waste By Organised Matrices - CalixPart FIKW-CT2000-00088 (1.9.2000-31.1.2004);
- Project FP6-Fission-2004 Selective extractants for removal of minor actinides from high activity liquid wastes – EUROPART FI6W-CT-2003-508 854 (1.4.2004-30.6.2007);
- Project FP7-Fission-2007: Actinide reCycling by SEParation and Transmutation, ACSEPT (1.3.2008-30.09.2012);
- Project FP7-Fission: Safety of ACtinide SEparation proceSSes, SACSESS (01/03/13 – 30/06/16);
- Project Horizon 2020, Euratom, 755171-GENIORS (2017-2021).
Participant in applied projects funded since 2008 by ENI (426,000 € overall) and aimed at the development of additives for fuels and lubricants.
From 2012 to 2015 substitute Member for Italy in the Management Committee of the COST ACTION CM1102 “Multivalent Glycosystems for Nanoscience – MultiGlycoNano” Project.
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
His current research is mainly focused on the synthesis of calixarene derivatives functionalised with amino acids, small peptides, carbohydrates, guanidinium groups, in order to obtain receptors for biologically relevant molecules, and multichromophoric systems for organic photovoltaics. In particular the design and synthesis of receptors for peptides and carbohydrates and of glycosylated calixarenes as ligands for target proteins is addressed to obtain biologically active molecules. He studies the properties of these macrocycles in particular by NMR and ESI-MS spectrometries and Atomic Force Microscopy.
PUBLICATIONS
Currently co-author of 128 publications on peer reviewed international journals, 11 peer reviewed chapters on international books and encyclopedia, 6 patents
H-index (at 2026.07.09, Source: Scopus): 43
Citations WsC (at 2026.07.09, Source: Scopus): 6854
Presented 43 oral communications, 10 of which as invited lectures, 1 keynote lecture and 1 plenary lecture, at national and international congresses.
Co-author of more than 150 poster communications, 3 of which awarded as best poster presentation of the congress.
REVIEWER
- for the following journals: Chem. Commun., Chem. Soc. Rev., RCS Adv., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Org. Lett., Eur. J. Org. Chem., Langmuir, Bioconj. Chem., Langmuir, Beilstein J. Org. Chem., Biochimie, ACS Sust. Chem. Eng., ACS Adv. Mat. Interf., Nanoscale, Small, Supramol. Chem., J. Incl. Phen., Bioorg. Med. Chem., Tetrahedron, Tetrahedron Lett., Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, Eur. J. Med. Chem., Biochimie, Colloids and Surfaces a, Chemistry of Materials, J. Nanopart. Research, J. Nanosc. Nanotech., PlosOne, BioNanoScience, ISRN Organic Chemistry, Therapeutic Delivery, Mendeleev Commun., Theranostics, Int. J. Nanomed., Molecules, Scientific Reports, New J. Chem.
- for UE of ERC project as external referee, for the Czech Science Foundation, for the Polish National Science Centre, for Start Cup Veneto.
- for PhD thesis
From 2011 to 2014 Member of the “ISRN Organic Chemistry” (Hindawi Publishing Corporation) Editorial Board.
INSTITUTIONAL DUTIES
Member of the Athenaeum Committee for the assignment of the local funding (2005-2007)
Scientific Coordinator of the Committee for the Researchers Night, edition 2014 and 2015
Member of the Organizing Committee of the COST-D34 Workshop “Multivalent Neoglycoconjugates for bacterial sensing and inhibition” (2006)
Member of the Organizing Committee of the IX Italian National Congress of Supramolecular Chemistry (2009)
Substitute Member for Italy in the Management Committee of the COST ACTION CM1102 “Multivalent Glycosystems for Nanoscience – MultiGlycoNano” Project (2012-2015)
Member and Dean of Committee for the Quality Assurance at Parma University (2021-currently)
Member (2023-present) and vice-coordinator (since 2026) of the National Board of the Interdivisional Group of Biotechnology of Italian Chemical Society
Member of the Boards of the Bachelor and Master degrees for which he served and serves as teacher
Member of the Department Board
Member of the Board for the revision of the Statute of University of Parma (2011)
Member of the Academic Senate as representative persons of researchers (2012-2014)
Member of the Board of PhD Programme in Chemical Sciences (2010-present)
Referent Local Person for the National Project “Piano Nazionale Lauree Scientifiche”, Chemistry Area (2015-present), with the responsibility of the organization and realization of stages, laboratory activities and orientation meetings for high-school students.
Referent person of the Bachelor and Master degrees in Chemistry for the University orientation (2015-present)
Member in three different years (2016, 2021 and 2022) of Committees for the admission to the PhD Programme inChemical Sciences at University of Parma.
Delegate of the Department Director for “University Orientation and Public Engagement” (2017-2023)
Member of the Athenaeum Working Group for the “Development of the academic teaching activity” (2018-2023)
External referee for 7 PhD thesis of students from University of Florence (2016, 2019 and 2022), University ofMilano Bicocca (2017), University of Milan (2018), University of Pisa (2025), University of Sevilla (2025)
Member of 9 Examination Committees for final PhD dissertation at University of Parma (2014 and 2019),University of Florence (2014 and 2021), University of Milan (2014 and 2021), Politecnico of Milan (2016 and 2019),Universidad de Sevilla (2024).
Member of Committees for the selection and hiring of researchers (2018) and associate professors (2019, 2023and 2024)
