The academic research interests are focused on polymeric materials and related processing technologies for advanced biomedical and energy applications. Specific research activities and know-how include: (i) the study of structure-property relationships in natural and synthetic polymers, copolymers and polymer blends to design new materials with physical properties aimed to specific applications; (ii) molecular, structural, morphological, and thermo-mechanical characterization of macromolecular systems; (iii) surface functionalization and surface characterization of polymeric materials mainly pointing at biomedical applications; (iv) use of the electrospinning technology to produce innovative nanostructures with a focus on the interaction between cold atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasmas and the electrospinning process.
The study of polymer structure-properties relationships is a
fundamental aspect in the design of new materials with physical
properties aimed to specific applications.
A research line of great interest regards the use of
bio-resorbable polymers, both commercial and 'ad-hoc'
synthesized, in order to obtain degradable temporary
scaffolds for cell growth. Scaffold
functionality can be improved through the addition and/or
modification with bioactive molecules. Such research line is among
the interest of research.
Another research line regards design of the
electrospinning process of polymeric solutions in
controlled conditions. Electrospinning technology allows
the production of nanofibrous mats from solutions of different
polymers. The accurate control of experimental parameters allows to
obtain polymer fibers with diameters ranging from nano-to
micrometers with optimized morphology. The obtained materials
may find applications in the filtration sector and in the tissue
engineering field. As regards the latter, electrospinning
technology is attacting increasing attention because artificial
scaffolds made of nanofibers are believed to be an ideal support
for cell growth. In fact, they provide a biomimetic environment,
dimensional similar to that of the extracellular matrix which is
present in the biological tissues. Other research lines
regard: (1) Functional materials - For energy
storage: research is focused on the development of gelled
electrospun membranes for safe, high-rate and high-energy polymeric
lithium-ion batteries; - For water treatment:
research is carried on within the EU-project NEFELE (Nano-
Electrospun Filter for Efficient Liberation & Encapsulation of
acticides for water treatment in transportation applications).
(2) Structural nanofibre-reinforced polymeric
composites: research is focused on the development of
high-performance engineered composite materials.