Direttore ICB

Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Naples “Federico II” (ORCID N. 0000-0002-5453-461X; WOS Researcher ID C-3354-2012), with a strong dedication to chemical biology and interdisciplinary research. Scientific work focuses on small, naturally derived molecules with pharmaceutical relevance, particularly in the areas of immunology and oncology, and on their application as tools to explore and modulate complex biological systems. Research activities include the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds from marine organisms, investigation of their biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, and the design of molecules that interact with cellular targets to influence key biological processes. A translational research approach is adopted, bridging basic science with medical and biotechnological applications, through the integration of organic chemistry, chemical biology, and advanced analytical technologies.

Main Research Areas:

• Discovery of novel antitumor and immunomodulatory compounds through chemical biology
• Isolation, structural elucidation, and synthesis of natural products
• Study of biosynthetic pathways and secondary metabolism
• Mechanisms of action and chemical communication mediated by lipids and small molecules

Technologies and Additional Interests

Research activities rely on advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and cytometry. There is also a strong interest in technological approaches for elucidating biosynthesis and the cellular function of natural products.

 analysis, isolation, structural characterization and chemical synthesis of small organic molecules and their use in cell biology

 Biosynthesis of natural products and chemical studies of metabolism and cellular processes

 Functional applications and chemical biology of lipids and secondary metabolites

 Chemical communication mediated by small molecules

 Identification and mechanism of action of bioactive compounds

 Drug discovery and proof-of-concept of new pharmaceutical compounds (in particular antitumor and immunomodulating compounds)

 Implementation of biotechnological processes and functional products

 Chromatography

 Spectroscopy

 Synthesis

 NMR and MS

 Synthetic biology

in aggiornamento…

   MAIN RESEARCH SITE, POZZUOLI (NA)

   direttore.icb@cnr.it

   (+39) 081 8675018 – 081 8661444