Research Topic
This research project focuses on the synthesis, physicochemical characterization and functional evaluation of advanced hybrid nanomaterials and bioinspired interfaces, including artificial membranes, nanozymes and angiogenic nanoparticles. The aim is to understand the relationships between composition, structure and functional properties, enabling the rational design of smart materials for healthcare and environmental technologies.
A multidisciplinary, multi-technique approach will be adopted, combining advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to investigate the structural, physicochemical and surface properties of the synthesized materials.
Particular attention will be devoted to enzyme-like catalytic activity, photocatalytic and plasmonic behaviour, stability and reusability of the nanomaterials, with applications ranging from biosensing and targeted drug delivery to antimicrobial technologies, anti-fouling surfaces and sustainable recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste.
Research Objectives
- Synthesize smart biomimetic and bioinspired materials and interfaces, including artificial membranes, nanozymes and multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles.
- Investigate their physicochemical properties using complementary spectroscopic, microscopic and surface characterization techniques.
- Evaluate enzyme-like catalytic activity, plasmonic and photocatalytic properties, as well as material stability, durability and reusability.
- Explore applications in biosensing, antimicrobial technologies, anticancer and targeted therapeutic strategies, anti-fouling coatings and environmentally sustainable processes such as electronic waste recovery.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is suitable for students with a background in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering or related disciplines who are interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, nanotechnology, biology and medicine.
Note for prospective PhD candidates
Candidates wishing to apply for admission to the PhD Programme in Chemical Sciences (XLII Cycle, Academic Year 2026–2027) at the University of Catania must submit their application through the official UNICT PhD call.
Application deadline: 31 July 2026
This internship focuses on the synthesis and characterization of advanced biomimetic and bioinspired materials, such as artificial membranes, nanozymes, and angiogenic nanoparticles. The research will focus, by a multitechnique approach including several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, on the physicochemical properties of hybrid nanocomposites, exploring their enzyme-like characteristics, stability, reusability, and photocatalytic and plasmonic properties. Applications will target medical (e.g., anticancer therapies) and environmental fields (e.g., antimicrobial surfaces, e-waste recovery, non-fouling surfaces).
Call deadline for applications to the PhD in Chemical Sciences UNICT (XLII Cycle, AY 2026/27): 31 July 2026