Study plan for the academic year 2024/2025


Elenco delle attività formative previste per i dottorandi del primo anno
Strategies in drug discovery and drug analysis
data presunta: 02/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott.ssa Sara Consalvi qualifica: Altro affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: This course will provide knowledge about the current strategies applied in the different phases of drug discovery, with a focus on early stages. After this course, students should be able to understand the scientific principles guiding the discovery of new drugs and recognize the role of different disciplines involved in the drug discovery process, as well as the importance of the identification of novel targets to develop innovative therapeutics. They should also demonstrate an understanding of the therapeutic potential of a candidate molecule and how chemical properties can affect its potential to become a new drug. This course will cover the following topics, which will be also discussed through case studies and evaluation of scientific publications, focusing on research methodology. Hit identification: overview of the drug discovery process; target-based, systems-based and chemocentric drug discovery; de novo drug design vs screening (virtual screening, random screening, high throughput screening); guiding principles and challenges in target-based and phenotypic drug discovery; chemical probes; compound sources for chemical libraries and focused compound collections; fragment-based drug discovery (principles, fragment-based screening, fragment elaboration, fragment-based approved drugs); drug repositioning (principles and challenges, case studies); biological products; innovative chemical modalities for challenging targets: undruggable targets and multispecific drugs (sequentially obligate multispecific drugs, matchmakers, PROTAC). Hit triage and prioritization: physicochemical and substructure filters; PAINS. Hit-to-lead development: challenges and objectives; multiparameter optimization; structure-activity relationship; bioisosterism and non-classical isosteres; SAR studies, structure modification strategies and application rules for hit expansion. Lead optimization: progression criteria and drug candidate parameters; lead optimization screening plan; main strategies to increase drug-likeness; case studies.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Metabolomic analysis in food sciences
data presunta: 03/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott.ssa Cinzia Ingallina qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: The aim of the course is to give an overview of the metabolomic approach with a particular focus on the study of foodstuffs and natural products. The first part of the course is focused on the decryption of metabolomics and its application to the analysis of food matrixes, whereas the second part of the course is focused on the re-emergence of natural products, description of primary and secondary metabolism with a focus on the four building blocks, and the application of metabomics to natural products. Specifically, the student will know the basic workflow of the experimental design, including sample preparation, data acquisition, processing and further analysis will be discussed. The course will also cover NMR and MS based metabolomics applied to various types of samples. Moreover, through the report of different case-studies, the student will be able to evaluate and apply the appropriate experimental design in a given metabolomics research question (including sample processing, choice of methods and analytical strategies) and be able to critically evaluate metabolomics results and publications. Syllabus: • Metabolome description: difference between primary and secondary metabolism. • Secondary metabolites biosynthetic pathways and case-studies of the most bioactive-relevant classes of natural compounds. • Preparation of experimental design. • Sample preparation of food and plant material. • Analytical methods in metabolomics. • Data processing using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. • Annotation and confirmation of metabolites. • Examples of metabolomic studies on foodstuffs and plant models.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Green Organic Chemistry
data presunta: 05/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott. Mattia Bizzarri qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Green chemistry is a branch of chemistry that involves the application of chemical product and processes in such a way that reduces the generation of hazardous chemical wastes and their release into the environment. It is an intelligent way of doing chemistry in which the waste production is minimized, energy is saved and the depletion of natural resources is cut down to some extent. Significant efforts have been made towards the development of new green approaches. Now we can synthesize many organic molecules with the help of green chemistry methods. This cycle of lessons talks about the application of green methodologies in different processes mainly focusing on the role of catalysts and green-facilities for the synthesis of natural and bioactive compounds. Syllabus • Introduction to green chemistry and focus on selected principles: Prevention of waste; Development of atom economy; Design and development of safe chemicals; Usage of safe solvents and auxiliary substances. • Use of catalytic reagents in organic synthesis: examples and applications of homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts in the preparation of bioactive compounds. • Use of catalytic reagents in organic synthesis: biocatalysts and biomimetics in the regioselective modification of natural substances. • Role of green chemistry in the synthesis of bioactive compounds: One-pot and multicomponent approaches for the synthesis of heterocyclic rings; green methodologies for complex mixture identification.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Biochemistry of bioactive peptides
data presunta: 06/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott. Bruno Casciaro qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The course aims to deepen the biochemistry of bioactive peptides, with particular focus on the chemical and biological aspects of this class of molecules, including both food- and non-food-derived peptides. After a general introduction on the aspects of synthesis and production, the course will deepen the biological properties of bioactive peptides, such as antihypertensive, antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities and the relative mechanism of action. In particular, the course will describe the general characteristics of these peptides citing recent examples of literature that highlight their potential as products to be used in the market for biomedical, industrial, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Finally, some of the laboratory techniques used to characterize bioactive peptides will be described as well as bio- and nano-technological approaches to improve their biological profile. Syllabus • General features of bioactive peptides. • Synthesis and production of bioactive peptides. • Biological properties of food- and non food-derived bioactive peptides (activities, toxicity, mechanism of action). • Antihypertensive peptides and relative examples. • Antiviral peptides and relative examples. • Antitumor peptides and relative examples. • Antimicrobial peptides and different examples. • Methodologies to characterize antimicrobial peptides. • Biochemical, nanotechnological and biotechnological approaches to ameliorate the biological profile of antimicrobial peptides. • Latest advances in the application of bioactive peptides in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and food industry.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Food contaminants and their determination: theory and applications
data presunta: 04/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Prof Lara Manyes i Font qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Estera
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes This course addresses controlling food contamination, both due to its consequences upon human health as well as the economic losses that it may cost the food industry. Reducing losses from food contamination is a worldwide priority today, and this contamination can have both a microbial as well as chemical origin. Syllabus The course will cover: • Concepts and classification according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the rapid alert system for feed and food (RASFF). • food analysis: aims, types, sampling, sample preparation and analysis. • Omics in food quality and safety • Functional ingredients and mycotoxins
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Sustainable advanced extraction techniques for the recovery of bioactive compounds
data presunta: 06/2025Dr Gloria Domínguez Rodríguez - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dr Gloria Domínguez Rodríguez qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Estera
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The aim of these lessons is to give the student a broad view on the developed techniques for bioactive compounds extraction. The most advanced strategies to make extraction of bioactive compounds greener will be discussed in four sections: Syllabus • Principles of green sample preparation. Processes that do not require any sample preparation for analysis (direct analysis) or a minimal sample pretreatment. Direct analysis in Real Time and Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI). • Conventional extraction techniques employed for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Disadvantages of using conventional extraction techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction and solid-liquid extraction will be discussed. • Predictive tools to select extraction solvents and emerging green solvents. Solubility prediction models such as Hansen solubility parameters and conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) will be explained. Besides, environmentally sustainable emerging solvents as alternative to organic solvents will be described, such as the use of water, liquefied gases, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, supramolecular solvents and bio-based solvents. • Advanced extraction techniques such as supercritical fluid (SFE), carbon dioxide-expanded liquid (CXLE), pressurized liquid (PLE), pressurized hot water (PHWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE), among others.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale

Eventuali maggiori informazioni piano form. 1°a
Modalità di scelta dell'argomento della tesi: Ogni dottorando, all'inizio del primo anno, deve concordare con il Collegio dei Docenti la scelta di un Tutor. Successivamente, ed in accordo con il proprio Tutor, propone un proprio progetto di ricerca in cui siano illustrati sia scopo del lavoro che le metodologie di analisi che si intendono utilizzare.
Modalità delle verifiche per l'ammissione all'anno successivo Al termine del primo anno, ciascun dottorando dovrà presentare una relazione scritta in lingua inglese in cui:
- elencherà i corsi/seminari seguiti ed i congressi/convegni a cui ha partecipato; - un rendiconto dell’attività svolta: relazione sull’attività di ricerca svolta ed eventuali prospettive verso le quali orientare la propria attività futura. Il candidato dovrà inoltre esporre in forma seminariale aperta al pubblico in lingua inglese, i risultati già riportati nella relazione scritta. Il Collegio dei Docenti valuta, quindi, l’attività svolta e delibera sull’ammissione del candidato al 2° anno del Corso di Dottorato, motivando la decisione presa.
Momenti di presentazione, di scambio e di discussione dei risultati di ricerca da parte dei dottorandi E' stato istituito un momento di scambio tra dottorandi intitolato "Tea Time" con cadenza trimestrale durante il quale gli studenti potranno confrontarsi iniziando la discussione partendo dalla presentazione breve del lavoro di alcuni di loro.
Il calendario è stato pubblicato sul sito
Attività formative, non incluse nella didattica programmata di cui ai punti precedenti, di docenti con affiliazione estera e/o di studiosi ed esperti sia italiani che stranieri provenienti da enti di ricerca, aziende e da istituzioni culturali e sociali Sono previsti dei seminari organizzati dal Collegio dei docenti e tenuti da professori di qualificate istituzioni di ricerca o da aziende.

Elenco delle attività formative previste per i dottorandi del secondo anno
Natural organic compounds of food and pharmaceutical interest
data presunta: 12/2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott. Marco Franceschin qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The aim of the course is to connect basic knowledge of organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry to the field of natural organic compounds. Indeed, natural organic compounds represent a very wide range of different compounds of food and pharmaceutical interest. During the course, the main biogenetic pathways and structural classification will be presented. At the end of the course, students should be able to recognize active substances in medicines and food that are of biological origins, suggesting the classes to which they belong. Moreover, a focus on food and drug additives as well as module 3 “quality” of the dossier and basis of GMP will be made for substances of natural origin. Syllabus • Techniques for the study and characterization of secondary metabolites, main biogenetic pathways • Acetate and mevalonate pathway: terpenes and cannabinoids • Shikimic acid pathway: flavonoids • Examples of secondary metabolites with known biological activity • Alkaloids: examples of natural antitumoral compounds • Natural antioxidants (polyphenols, vitamin E and vitamin C) • Nutrition facts label: food and drug additives (preservatives and colorants) • module 3 “quality” of the dossier: structure and information; basis of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Multidimensional mass spectrometry for applications in the (bio) chemical, pharmaceutical and food fields
data presunta: 01/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott. Davide Corinti qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Main goals of this course are: • to provide an introduction to mass spectrometry and its hyphenated techniques (Ion Mobility, MALDI imaging, CID, UVPD, etc.); • to demonstrate and discuss applications of MS and related techniques in biological, pharmaceutical and food chemistry; At the end of the course, students should be able to: • understand the basic concepts of mass spectrometry and related techniques; • demonstrate an understanding of how and why mass spectrometry can be applied to life sciences; • critically assess current literature on mass spectrometry analyses. In addition to theoretical lectures, students will attend practical lessons on mass spectrometry experiments. Syllabus • Introduction to mass spectrometry. • Ion sources (ESI, APCI, MALDI, APPI) and their application in life sciences. • Ion activation methods (CID, UVPD, IRPD, EXD) with examples. • Ion mobility-MS and its use for complex biological matrices and native mass spectrometry of biomolecular ions. • MALDI imaging for clinical diagnosis and analysis of biological tissues.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Development of NMR protocols for food analysis
data presunta: 02/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott. Mattia Spano qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The objective of the course is to train the students in developing a NMR protocol for the study of foods, from sampling to data processing. The aspects involved in the analytical protocol development will be considered: sampling, differences between liquid and solid samples, extraction methods, sample preparation for NMR analysis, NMR parameters for experiment setup, data processing. An example of NMR metabolomics application will be discussed in the context of innovative food matrices namely Novel Foods. In this context, Novel Food field will be discussed in terms of in terms of legislative regulation, scientific process for new matrices approval, food safety, nutritional benefits and potential risks. Syllabus • Sampling approaches. • Extraction methods for NMR analysis. • NMR sample preparation (solvent, buffer, internal standard, stabilizers) • Acquisition parameters for NMR experiments • NMR spectra processing • Novel Foods: legislation, new matrices characterization, nutritional benefits and risks, novel food approval
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Advanced methodologies for studying complex matrices
data presunta: 03/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Prof Andrea Calcaterra qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes: Rational retrosynthetic analysis of selected compounds through the disconnection of key bonds. Identification of synthons and suitable starting materials. Rational design of synthetic strategy of target compounds based on the retrosynthetic approach. Application of key reactions to solve synthetic problems. Syllabus: Classifications in synthetic methodology. Retrosynthetic analysis. Synthons and reagents. Group disconnections. Regio- and chemoselectivity. Useful reactions in total synthesis. Control of stereochemistry. Catalytic asymmetric reactions. Biosynthesis of selected alkaloids. Synthetic procedures for the construction of various alkaloid scaffolds: tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, monoterpene indole alkaloids (iboga and aspidosperma alkaloids), indole diterpene alkaloids. Selected total synthesis: thyroxine, longifolene, reserpine, strychnine, vinblastine and vincristine, estrone, menthol, taxol, epothilone A. Overview on the synthesis of complex marine natural products.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Chiral photon/chiral molecule interaction as a spectroscopic tool for chiral recognition
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Stefano Stranges qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Contents provided in the lectures will allow acquiring a deeper knowledge of basic concepts of molecular chirality and optical activity, fundamental aspects in both food and drug sciences, as well as of different approaches to characterize optical active molecules. Special focus is given on the recently developed PhotoElectron Circular Dichroism (PECD) technique in the context of chiral recognition, when this approach involves synchrotron radiation and state-of-the-art theoretical models. Syllabus • Optical activity and chirality. Optical activity and Group Theory. Molecular symmetry: dissymmetric and asymmetric molecules. • Optical activity manifestations as radiation absorption, dispersion, and emission (CD, ORD, CPL). Radiation polarizations, basic concepts and light-matter interaction. Optical Rotation Dispersion and Circular Dichroism of chiral samples. • Synchrotron radiation accelerators and Elettra Laboratory as ideal polarized photon source. Key features of SR. Photoabsorption and photoemission Circular Dichroism, NCD and PECD. • PECD experiment and theory synergism as powerful tool for chiral recognition. • Perspectives in PECD research activity of molecular chirality. Recent results on model chiral molecules and foreseen developments
modalità di accertamento finale:
Exploring the intrinsic properties of bioinorganic complexes by ion-molecule reactions
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Elisa Crestoni qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The objective of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge regarding ion-molecule reactions (IMRs) that can be carried out in the gas phase inside an ion trap mass spectrometer, like FT-ICR MS. An important advantage to working in the gas phase, an environment lacking solvent and counter ions, is that the intrinsic behavior of ionic species can be elucidated. Some general aspects including how to measure the rate constants and obtain the yield of the reaction, will be illustrated, and discussed in relation to the double well potential energy profile scheme, besides a description of the best suited equipment for IRMs. Several types of IMRs have been developed and applications in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and astrochemistry will be offered taken from recent example of literature. Syllabus • FT-ICR MS methodology to perform IMRs; • How to measure the experimental rate constants; how to calculate the collision rate constant and the efficiency of the reaction; • Types of IMRs: electron-transfer; proton-transfer; H/D exchange; H/D echange; nucleophilic displacement; radiative association; • Applications: determination of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters; chiral recognition; functional-group selective identification; oxygen atom transfer from high-valent metal-oxo complexes of bioinorganic relevance; effect of local environment in phosphorylated peptides; coordination of prosthetic group in systems of increased complexity.
modalità di accertamento finale:
A dynamic approach to investigate the stereochemical (in)stability of chiral compounds
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Alessia Ciogli qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes At the end of course, the PhD student will be familiar with the dynamic techniques helpful to investigate flexible molecules and he could approach the development of enantioselective chromatographic methods. Syllabus The presence of stereogenic elements is a common feature in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical compounds and demand of optically pure stereoisomers is a frequent issue in drug design: • The stereochemical lability of chiral species. • Theoretical aspect racemization and diasteromerization processes • Off-column approach: classical kinetic techniques. • On-column approach: dynamic HPLC and dynamic NMR. • An overview of both off-column and on-column approaches will be presented followed by significant examples of flexible (conformational and configurational) molecules of pharmaceutical interest.
modalità di accertamento finale:
NMR methodologies in the study of complex matrices
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Luisa Mannina qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The aim of this course is to provide knowledge regarding the application of NMR based metabolomic in the study of biological fluids to reveal specific diseases and the effect of particular dietetic regimes. Crucial aspects of the NMR methodology as well of the chemometric approach will be discussed. Different applications will be reported. The student will know the NMR spectra of some biological fluids such urines and saliva and the different ways to carried out the metabolite Moreover, the student will understand and critically evaluate the best chemometric approach to be used according to the specific problem Syllabus  NMR methodologies.  Samples preparation for NMR analysis.  NMR spectra of biological fluids and metabolite quantification.  Chemometric analysis.
modalità di accertamento finale:
Advanced ion spectroscopy techniques: identification and structural characterization of bioactive molecules
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Barbara Chiavarino qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Topics of the module include: • Gas Phase IR Spectroscopy of Ions and IRMPD Specificities: introduction of the technique. • Description the experimental set-ups: 1. Ion trap mass spectrometers (Paul trap and FT-ICR mass spectrometers) coupled with different ion sources (IE, CI and ESI) 2. Powerful infrared tunable laser sources: IR free electron lasers (IR-FEL’s) and tabletop optical parametric oscillator/amplifier OPO/OPA lasers. • Application to the IRMPD to elucidate the structure of gaseous molecular ions or ion-molecule complexes. • Kinetic measurements Syllabus • Overview of a relatively novel approach to perform vibrational spectroscopy of gaseous ions using the tools of mass spectrometry. • Perspectives of the application of IR multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy to obtain structural information on ions of fundamental, biological, pharmaceutical interest and its recent application in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis. • Understand the principles and application fields of IRMPD spectroscopy. • Design and identify which systems can be successfully studied with ion spectroscopy. • Critically compare experimental with theoretical IR spectra. • Analytically estimate the current literature on IRMPD action spectroscopy.
modalità di accertamento finale:
Click chemistry, a powerful molecular assembly tool for the widest range of applications.
data presunta: 04/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Giancarlo Fabrizi qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes At the end of course, the PhD student will be familiar with the following topics: • Click chemistry principles • Click chemistry reaction types • Clip chemistry • Mainly bimolecular applications of click chemistry. Syllabus • Metal-catalyzed click reactions • Metal-free click reactions • Click reactions promoted by light and oxidation • 4. Clip chemistry: rapid and regioselective disconnection.
modalità di accertamento finale:

Eventuali maggiori informazioni piano form. 2° I dottorandi del secondo anno dovranno seguire 4 corsi istituzionali inerenti gli obiettivi formativi del corso di dottorato e un ciclo di "Cycle of advanced lessons" costituito da corsi di due ore ognuno tenuti dai membri del Collegio dei docenti. Gli studenti sono tenuti, inoltre, a seguire i seminari organizzati dal collegio dei docenti e pubblicati sulla pagina dedicata.
Modalità delle verifiche per l'ammissione all'anno successivo Al termine del secondo anno, ciascun dottorando dovrà presentare una relazione scritta in lingua inglese in cui:
- elencherà i corsi/seminari seguiti ed i congressi/convegni a cui ha partecipato;
- un rendiconto dell’attività svolta: relazione sull'attività di ricerca svolta ed eventuali prospettive verso le quali orientare la propria attività futura.
Il candidato dovrà inoltre esporre in forma seminariale aperta al pubblico in lingua inglesei risultati già riportati nella relazione scritta. Il Collegio dei Docenti valuta, quindi, l’attività svolta e delibera sull'ammissione del candidato al 3° anno del Corso di Dottorato, motivando la decisione presa.
Momenti di presentazione, di scambio e di discussione dei risultati di ricerca da parte dei dottorandi E' stato istituito un momento di scambio tra dottorandi intitolato "Tea Time" con cadenza trimestrale durante il quale gli studenti potranno confrontarsi iniziando la discussione partendo dalla presentazione breve del lavoro di alcuni di loro.
Attività formative, non incluse nella didattica programmata di cui ai punti precedenti, di docenti con affiliazione estera e/o di studiosi ed esperti sia italiani che stranieri provenienti da enti di ricerca, aziende e da istituzioni culturali e sociali Sono previsti dei seminari organizzati dal Collegio dei docenti e tenuti da professori di qualificate istituzioni di ricerca o da aziende.

Elenco delle attività formative previste per i dottorandi del terzo anno
Advanced techniques in separation science for unravelling the complexity of natural products and (bio)pharmaceuticals: from small chiral molecules to peptides
data presunta: 12/2026 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Dott.ssa Giulia Mazzoccanti qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of separation science: • Gain in-depth knowledge of advanced separation techniques, with a focus on ultra-high-performance chromatography (UHPC) and explore the meaning of chromatographic parameters. Understand the thermodynamic significance of the retention factor and selectivity and delve into the concept of kinetics in chromatography. • Acquire specialized skills in separating chiral molecules, understanding the principles and applications of chiral chromatography, and exploring advanced methods for resolving enantiomers. • Explore techniques specific to the separation of (bio)pharmaceuticals, including protein and peptides. Investigate the challenges associated with detecting impurities in therapeutic peptides, especially considering minimal modifications, such as epimers, which pose challenges in both molecular structure and isobaric nature. • Understand advanced multidimensional liquid chromatography (such as bidimensional chromatography 2D-LC) techniques tailored for the analysis of complex mixtures. Delve into the synergistic benefits of coupling different separation dimensions. Syllabus • Introduction to Ultra-High-Performance Chromatography (UHPC) • Understanding the Thermodynamics of Retention Factor and Selectivity • Introduction to Chromatographic Kinetics (Efficiency) • Principles and Applications of Chiral Chromatography • Techniques for Separating Chiral Molecules • Advanced Methods for Resolving Enantiomers • Specific Techniques for Separating Proteins and Peptides • Challenges in Detecting Impurities in Therapeutic Peptides (e.g., epimers) • Introduction to Multidimensional Liquid Chromatography • In-depth Exploration of Bidimensional Chromatography (2D-LC)
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Biochemical aspects of nutrition
data presunta: 01/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: Prof.ssa Anna Maria Giusti qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The aim of the course is to provide an overview of the factors that influence food quality and the definition of appropriate parameters for its evaluation. The first part of the course will be focused on some markers of food processing and on the susceptibility of some phytochemicals to different thermal treatments. In the second part of the course the application of photoacustic technique to the direct analysis of phytochemicals in plant food will be covered. Syllabus • Food total quality definition • Markers of food quality • Importance of phytochhemicals as markers for food quality definition • Effect of thermal treatment on phytochhemicals in some plant foods • Photoacustic techhnique as non-destructive analytical approach to detect bioactive compounds in plant foods, • Comparison of the results obtained betwen destructive and non-destructive techniques.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Bio accessibility of food waste bioactive compounds under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, Case study - Dairy by-products
data presunta: 02/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 4
docente del corso: Dott.ssa Luana Izzo qualifica: Ricercatore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Food waste and industry by-products represent a considerable environmental and economic problem. For the past few decades, attempts have been made to find ways to reutilize. Several studies reported that different kind of food wastes obtained from fruits, vegetables, cereal, and other food processing industries can be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds which have demonstrated significant application in treating various ailments. Therefore, this course aims to provide knowledge regarding the re-evaluation of waste and by-products from food processing industries. The student will know which bioactive compounds with potential market value are present in agro-industrial residues, their recovery and effective application as ingredients in the design of new healthy foods or in nutraceutical formulations. Syllabus • The environmental impact of the food industries: main strategies for the minimization, management and enhancement of by-products from the food industry. • Food waste as a source of bioactive compounds. • Extraction technologies for bioactive compounds from food waste and by-products. • Bioactivities analysis of food waste extracts: spectrophotometrical determination. • Chemical characterization of food waste through UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS approach. • Bioaccessibility of food waste bioactive compounds under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.
modalità di accertamento finale: Test di verifica finale
Natural antivirals to fight viral diseases
data presunta: 02/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof.ssa Valeria Antonietta Pietropaolo qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Main goals of this course are: • to provide an introduction to viral infections and to different ways to treat them • to discuss applications of antiviral drugs and their limits At the end of the course, students should be able to: • understand the basic concepts of antiviral drugs in relation to different viruses. Syllabus • Introduction to viruses. • Antiviral drugs with examples.
modalità di accertamento finale:
Recent advances in metal-assisted cross-coupling processes
data presunta: 03/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Antonella Goggiamani qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes Contents provided in the lecture will allow the PhD student to: • have a good overview of the fundamental organometallic reactions • be able to use cross-coupling reactions to solve synthesis problems and conduct basic retrosynthetic analyses. • understand fundamental reaction types and mechanisms • know important applications of organometallic homogeneous catalysis in the production of large-scale (bulk) and smaller-scale (fine chemicals) production Syllabus This lecture aims to give topics on metal-assisted cross-coupling processes, one of the most powerful tools in the synthesis of potential pharmaceuticals, natural products, and organic materials at the laboratory and industrial scale. In the first part of the lesson, key reactions in organometallic chemistry such as transmetalation, oxidative addition, and reductive elimination as well as the role of different types of ligands will be discussed to provide a foundation for understanding of the principal cross-couplings and related reactions. In the second part, recent advances of Negishi, Stille, Suzuki, Sonogashira and Buchwald-Hartwig reactions will be described.
modalità di accertamento finale:
Radiotracers for tumor radioguided surgery
data presunta: 03/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Dante Rotili qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The aim of this course is to provide basic knowledge about the radioguided surgery (RGS) and the application of small molecules, peptides and antibodies as tracers for the surgical removal of tumors. The student will learn the advantages and drawbacks of all types of radiotracers (gamma, beta + and beta -) currently used in the tumor RGS and will understand and critically evaluate the best med chem approach to be used for their design and optimization. Syllabus  Principles and applications of tumor RGS.  Types of tracers suitable for tumor RGS.  Development of pure beta – radiotracers as a change of paradigm in tumor RGS.
modalità di accertamento finale:
Micro and nanoencapsulation of biologically active molecules: new trends and challenges
data presunta: 03/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Patrizia Paolicelli qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes This course will provide knowledge about the current strategies applied for micro- and nanoencapsulation of biologically active molecules, with a focus on new trends and challenges. After this course, students should be able to understand the importance and the potentialities of the formulation of active molecules in micro- and nanosized delivery systems to develop innovative therapeutics, with enhanced stability, efficacy and/or safety. They should also demonstrate an understanding of the different micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies available and how to select the best approach according to the specific molecule to be encapsulated. Syllabus: • Classification of micro- and nanosized delivery systems • Encapsulation techniques • Characterization of micro- and nanosized delivery systems
modalità di accertamento finale:
Journal club
data presunta: 10/05/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: seminariale - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Caterina Scuderi qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The purpose of the journal club is to generate questions and to interpret data. The participants should be able to: • Explain critical literature appraisal skills • Discuss controversies • Formulate ideas for future research
modalità di accertamento finale: Discussione in aula
Journal Club
data presunta: 11/05/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: seminariale - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Giovanna Poce qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The purpose of the journal club is to generate questions and to interpret data. The participants should be able to: • Explain critical literature appraisal skills • Discuss controversies • Formulate ideas for future research
modalità di accertamento finale: Discussione in aula
Journal club
data presunta: 12/05/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: seminariale - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof chiara Di Meo qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The purpose of the journal club is to generate questions and to interpret data. The participants should be able to: • Explain critical literature appraisal skills • Discuss controversies • Formulate ideas for future research
modalità di accertamento finale: Discussione in aula
How to write the PhD thesis
data presunta: 08/06/2027 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: seminariale - numero ore: 2
docente del corso: Prof Giuseppe La Regina qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Learning outcomes The purpose of this course is to give students the information on how to write and organize the PhD thesis.
modalità di accertamento finale:

Eventuali maggiori informazioni piano form. 3° I dottorandi del terzo anno sono tenuti a seguire i corsi per un totale di 36 ore e altre attività formative previste dal Collegio e a quelle concordate con il Tutor come seminari, workshop e scuole. Inoltre, saranno invitati a partecipare a convegni e congressi nazionali ed internazionali per i quali è prevista una copertura parziale delle spese.
Modalità di ammissione all'esame finale Entro la fine di settembre, il candidato presenta una relazione finale scritta in lingua inglese al Collegio dei Docenti e seminariale (30 min) nella stessa lingua aperta al pubblico. La relazione finale dovrà, inoltre, riportare obbligatoriamente l’attività di ricerca svolta presso l’istituzione straniera ed i risultati conseguiti. Il Collegio dei Docenti delibera in merito all'ammissione del candidato alla prova finale; lo stesso, inoltre, nomina due revisori per ogni candidato. Entro la fine di ottobre, i candidati inviano la tesi in lingua inglese ai revisori nominati dal Collegio i quali esprimono un proprio giudizio ed ammettono il candidato alla prova finale.
Modalità di svolgimento dell'esame finale L'esame si svolge di fronte ad una commissione di tre esperti nominati dal Collegio dei Docenti. L’esame consiste in una presentazione in forma seminariale aperta al pubblico in lingua inglese della propria tesi di dottorato.
Momenti di presentazione, di scambio e di discussione dei risultati di ricerca da parte dei dottorandi E' stato istituito un momento di scambio tra dottorandi intitolato "Tea Time" con cadenza trimestrale durante il quale gli studenti potranno confrontarsi iniziando la discussione partendo dalla presentazione breve del lavoro di alcuni di loro.
Attività formative, non incluse nella didattica programmata di cui ai punti precedenti, di docenti con affiliazione estera e/o di studiosi ed esperti sia italiani che stranieri provenienti da enti di ricerca, aziende e da istituzioni culturali e sociali Sono previsti dei seminari organizzati dal Collegio dei docenti e tenuti da professori di qualificate istituzioni di ricerca o da aziende.

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