Personale docente

Dr. Riccardo Fontana’s research focuses on the development and application of innovative antimicrobial strategies at the interface of microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology. His main research lines include: Natural antimicrobial compounds and phytochemicals: study of plant extracts (e.g., Moringa oleifera, Magnolia officinalis) and agro-food waste-derived substances as sustainable alternatives to conventional antimicrobials, with applications against phytopathogens and human pathogens. Antimicrobial mechanisms and biofilm control: investigation of bacterial virulence factors, membrane permeability, and biofilm formation, with a focus on inhibiting microbial colonization and resistance mechanisms. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations: design and development of innovative formulations and preservative systems based on natural compounds and biopolymers (e.g., chitosan derivatives) with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Bacteriophage therapy and antiviral research: exploration of biological approaches, including bacteriophages and viral vectors, for the control of bacterial and viral infections. Environmental and applied microbiology: microbiological monitoring of healthcare and civil environments and evaluation of sustainable cleaning strategies through microbiological and life cycle assessment (LCA) approaches. Agri-food and plant protection applications: development of eco-friendly strategies for crop protection, targeting phytopathogenic bacteria with natural and bio-based products.