Doctoral students in Pharmaceutical Sciences have access to an extensive network of research laboratories and highly specialized scientific facilities, as presented on the Ricerc@ Sapienza portal (section Research Laboratories). These infrastructures include state-of-the-art instrumentation for chemical, physicochemical, biological, and technological characterization of molecules and pharmaceutical formulations, enabling advanced and interdisciplinary research activities.
Among the main instruments available (listed here as examples and not exhaustive) are next-generation mass spectrometers, such as the Q Exactive UHMR with nano-electrospray source, which allows high-resolution analyses while preserving native protein structures using only a few microliters of sample, and the ULTRAFLEXTREME MALDI-TOF/TOF BRUKER, capable of extremely accurate molecular weight determination of biologically relevant macromolecules (up to ~150 kDa) and suitable for advanced mass spectrometry applications, including polymer analysis. Also available is a Raman-SERS spectroelectrochemical system (SPELEC-RAMAN) with electrochemical and surface amplification (EC-SERS), capable of detecting trace amounts of organic, biological, and metal species in situ with high sensitivity.
For the synthesis and characterization of new compounds and materials, facilities include: a BioX 3D printer (CELLINK) for bioprinting, equipped with three interchangeable printheads and temperature control, suitable for matrices such as alginate, cellulose, collagen, gelatin, and methacrylated derivatives; a stress-controlled rotational rheometer (Discovery Hybrid Rheometer-1, TA) for studying the rheological behavior of liquid, semi-solid, and gel-like samples; flash and preparative chromatography systems (CombiFlash NextGen 300+, C-850 Pure FlashPrep Buchi); HPLC and UHPLC systems (Extrema Jasco LC-4000, Thermo Scientific Dionex Ultimate 3000); SFC/SFE analytical and preparative systems; a Discover 2.0 microwave synthesizer with autosampler; a Shimadzu QP-2010-Plus GC-MS; a Bruker Avance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer; a Martin Christ alpha 1-2 LDPlus lyophilizer; and a PARR Hydrogen Apparatus for hydrogenation reactions. Additional optical and spectroscopic equipment includes a JASCO polarimeter and JASCO UV spectrophotometers.
To support research activities, doctoral students can rely on the “Giordano Giacomello” Library (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Building, CU019), an interdepartmental library shared with the V. Del Vecchio Library and specialized in pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, pharmaceutical legislation, and related fields. The library offers 85 reading seats, 6 Internet workstations, Wi-Fi access, and an extensive collection of treatises, journals, monographs, and specialized bibliographic repertories—including historic materials acquired since 1872. Through Sapienza’s Library System, users have access to electronic journals and databases from major international scientific publishers. Dedicated study spaces for doctoral students are available within the library, providing a supportive environment for study and research activities.