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Alma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di ParmaAlma universitas studiorum parmensis A.D. 962 - Università di Parma People and Organization
Università degli Studi di Parma

Riccardo Fontana

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Inter-university course lecturer
Department of Food and Drug

Presentazione

My research focuses on applied microbiology and medicinal chemistry, with the aim of developing innovative and sustainable strategies to control microorganisms of medical, environmental, and agricultural importance. My work explores natural bioactive compounds, bacteriophages, and novel antimicrobial formulations, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action, biofilm control, and the valorization of natural resources and agro-food by-products.

I strongly believe in the value of interdisciplinary research and scientific collaboration as essential drivers for translating basic research into practical applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agri-food sectors. Alongside my research activities, I am committed to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, fostering scientific curiosity and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Curriculum Vitae

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Assistant Professor (RTD-A) in Medicinal Chemistry (CHEM-07/A) at the Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara.

He obtained his Master’s Degree in Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy (summa cum laude) and his Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at the University of Ferrara, with a research focus on natural approaches against phytopathogenic bacteria.

His research activity lies at the interface of microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and applied biotechnology, focusing on natural compounds (including agro-food waste derivatives), innovative antimicrobial systems, bacteriophage therapy, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. He is also involved in environmental microbiology and viral vector development.

He has extensive experience in laboratory techniques, including cell and bacterial cultures, biochemical assays (MTT, ELISA), LC-MS, optical and electron microscopy, as well as biofilm and virulence factor analysis.

He is the author of several peer-reviewed publications in international journals and actively collaborates in national and international research projects.

He is involved in teaching and mentoring activities in microbiology and supervises undergraduate and graduate experimental theses.

He is fluent in English and Spanish (C1 level).

Research

Research areas

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.