Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity

ISOF researchers are actively committed to discover new molecules and materials, develop new technological applications, disseminate their results in scientific publications and international conferences, organize events for the broader public, publish books.

We use synthetic chemistry to create a wide range of organic molecules with building blocks such as thiophenes, graphenes, anthracenes, porphyrins, metal-organic complexes, rotaxanes and many others.

We also use supramolecular chemistry to assemble nanosized objects into innovative materials, able, for example, to deliver drugs in specific parts of the body, or materials able to purify water, to interact with the membranes of living cells, to be used in composites for airplanes and cars.

We study the interaction between light and molecules both for fundamental research and for different applications, developing original molecular architectures and nano-machines to be used in light-emitting diodes, solar-to-fuel or solar-to-electricity conversion devices, sensors, photoactivable drugs or drug delivery systems.

We study the modifications of biomolecules – lipids and nucleic acids –due to free radical reactivity, using a combination of synthetic, mechanistic and analytical tools. We use liposomes and proteoliposomes as biomimetic models of free radical reactivity in aqueous systems. Modified biomolecules are part of our chemical biology approach to study cell, animal and human models, thus discovering molecular basis of biological disfunctions and providing new biomarkers to follow up onset and progression of human diseases and provide new ideas for therapeutical strategies.

Some examples of our expertise are:

Synthetic Chemistry

We create molecules with building blocks such as thiophenes, graphenes, anthracenes, porphyrins, metal-organic complexes, rotaxanes and many others.

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Supramolecular Chemistry

We assemble complex structures and materials using weak, reversible interactions.

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Radical Chemistry

We study the chemical reactivity of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids under free radical stress.

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Photochemistry

We study the interaction between light and molecules with a wide range of spectroscopic techniques.

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Sustainable Chemistry

Sustainability criteria are on the need to make chemistry not only a fascinating science, but also an acceptable human activity for our society.

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Materials Science

We assemble molecules into composite materials, whose nanoscale structure gives improved mechanical and electrical properties, new functionalities.

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Microscopy

We study the surface of materials from the nanometer to the millimeter scale to correlate their structure with electric or optical properties at the nanoscale.

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We can tailor the chemical, electrical and optical properties of a wide range of materials, allowing their use in many different technological applications to improve our life and protect our environment, to reach selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (ONU).

Here below some examples of the possible applications of our research:

Drug Design and Delivery

Small molecules and complex molecular conjugates for medical applications, to treat cancer and infectious diseases.

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Cell Interfacing

We use chemistry and materials science to study the outer membrane of cells, and interact with such cells.

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Stress biomarkers

We study the effects of radiations, drugs, oxidative and nutritional conditions characterizing the extent of damages to DNA

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CO₂ Exploitation

We combine the catalysis, nanotechnology, flow chemistry, magnetism and aerosol chemistry to overcome limitation related to CO₂ conversion

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Sustainable Polymers

We recycle waste from food industry to create plastic and cosmetics.

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Displays and sensors

We synthesize and study mall molecules able to capture or emit light.

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Energy generation and storage

We transform solar light in useful molecules and electricity.

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Composite Materials

We combine different materials at the nanoscale to create hierarchical structures with improved properties or new functionalities.

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Water purification

We assemble molecules into composite materials, whose nanoscale structure gives improved mechanical and electrical properties, new functionalities.

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ISOF is located in the CNR research area of Bologna.

Street Address: ISOF, Via Gobetti 101, Bologna, Italy.

When you arrive:

Stop at the main gate and ask about ISOF. Once inside, go through the main entrance hall and enter the main corridor. Building 4 is the first on the left along the main corridor; building 12 is the the first one on right, see map here below. Administration office is in ISOF building 4, 2nd floor.