Past DISIT Seminars

Autumn Semester 2025

Dynamic Helical Metallopolymers: Origins, Conformations, Luminescences, Applications
Prof. Michael C. W. Chan
City University of Hong Kong

Tuesday 23rd September
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

The study of metallopolymers with controllable helical sense remains in its infancy. Reports in the literature are rare and depict integration of the chiral element directly into the polymer backbone, leading to rigid, “static” helicity with high helix inversion barriers. “Dynamic” helical metallopolymers with low helix inversion barriers can potentially offer flexibility and adaptability, thus rendering them more amenable for development of functionality, but such systems have not been explored. Instigated by our previous work on shape-persistent coordination frameworks,1 we have described new luminescent poly(M-salphen)-alt-(m- and p-phenyleneethynylene)s (M = Pt, Zn) with coilable structures.2,3 Saccharide-functionalized conjugated metallopolymers that display mirror-image circular dichroism spectra for L- and D-sugar sidechains respectively, signifying ordered (helical) coiling of the polymer backbone with opposite screw-sense preferences, have been developed.4 The observation of different spectroscopic behavior and Cotton effects for a variety of solvents (in a reversible manner) and temperatures thus demonstrate the flexible, responsive and dynamic nature of the folded helical conformation in these systems. New advances and applications as bioactive materials will be presented.
References

(a) Shape-Persistent (Pt-salphen)2 Phosphorescent Coordination Frameworks: Structural Insights and Selective Perturbations, Z. Guo, S.-M. Yiu, M. C. W. Chan*, Chem. Eur. J. 2013, 19, 8937–8947
(b) Mitochondria-Targeted Platinum(II) Complex: Dual Inhibitory Activities on Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration/Invasion, J. Li, X. He, Y. Zou, D. Chen, L. Yang, J. Rao, H. Chen, M. C. W. Chan, L. Li, Z. Guo, L. W. Zhang, C. Chen*, Metallomics 2017, 9, 726–733.
Alternating Poly(Pt-salphen)-(p-phenyleneethynylene) as Phosphorescent Conjugated Linear-Rod and Coilable Sensory Materials, S. Sun, W.-L. Tong, M. C. W. Chan*, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2010, 31, 1965–1969
Poly(Zn-salphen)-alt-(p-phenyleneethynylene)s as Dynamic Helical Metallopolymers: Luminescent Properties and Conformational Behavior, C. Zhao, S. Sun, W.-L. Tong, M. C. W. Chan*, Macromolecules 2017, 50, 6896–6902
Saccharide-Functionalized Poly(Zn-salphen)-alt-(m- and p-phenyleneethynylene)s as Dynamic Helical Metallopolymers, C. Zhao, S. Meng, H.-N. Chan, X. Wang, H.-W. Li*, M. C. W. Chan*,Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202115712

SEMINAR FLYER

Non-Conventional Antioxidant Systems: The Intriguing Antioxidant Chemistry of Superoxide Radical and its Possible Implication in Ferroptosis
Prof. Luca Valgimigli
University of Bologna

Tuesday 14th October
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

Superoxide radical or its conjugated acid, the hydroperoxyl radical (HOO·), is the main radical species produced metabolically in living organisms and it is also released during the oxidation of some organic materials like aliphatic alcohols and amines, representing a chain-transfer process which propagates their oxidative degradation. In biological systems, it is considered a detrimental oxidizing species and is implicated in the on-setting of Ferroptosis [1]. We will show that it can also have opposite valence and it can work as potent co-antioxidant, acting as a sacrificial reducing agent that recycles chain-breaking antioxidants like phenols and particularly polyphenols, or it enables the chain-breaking behavior of persistent nitroxides [2-5].

Indeed, its generation by suitable precursors, such as gamma-terpinene or other compounds bearing the 1,4-cycloheadiene core, in the presence of persistent nitroxides like 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-N-oxide (TEMPO) was show to boost unprecedented antioxidant performance, pairing the most potent natural or man-made chain-breaking antioxidants, while working in a catalytic fashion where TEMPO is continuously recycled [2]. Similarly, gamma-terpinene boosts the antioxidant performance of polyphenols, particularly catechols like synthetic 3-5-di-tert-butylcatechol or natural caffeic acid derivatives, or hydroxytyrosol (from olive) in the protection of vegetable lipids of interest in food science [4]. Based on the above chemistry lipophilic antioxidants bearing the catechol or TEMPO active core have been designed and tested under biomimetic settings, in combination with a source of hydroperoxyl/superoxide radical, seeking for a tool to modulate ferroptosis in biological systems [5]. The spontaneous release of hydroperoxyl/superoxide radical during the autoxidation of polyunsaturated lipids under mimetic settings has also been preliminarily investigated and its role will be discussed in the context of antioxidant strategies aimed at modulating Ferroptosis.

References

L. Valgimigli. Biomolecules 2023, 13, 1291. Doi:10.3390/biom13091291
A. Baschieri, L. Valgimigli, S. Gabbanini, G. A. DiLabio, E. Romero-Montalvo, R. Amorati J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 10354−10362
K.A. Harrison, E.A. Haidasz, M. Griesser, D.A. Pratt. Chem. Sci. 2018, 9, 6068–6079
Y. Guo, A. Baschieri, R. Amorati, L. Valgimigli. Food Chemistry, 2021, 345, 128468
Y. Guo, A. Baschieri, F. Mollica, L. Valgimigli, J. Cedrowski, G. Litwinienko, R. Amorati. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 15220–15224
J.-F. Poon, O. Zilka, D.A. Pratt. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 14331–14342

SEMINAR FLYER

Artificial Phosphodiesterases in Supramolecular Chemistry - from Nanostructured Enzymes Mimics to Temporally Controlled Catalysts
Prof. Riccardo Salvio
University of Tor Vergata

Wednesday 29th October
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

Guanidinium units and metal cations such as ZnII and CuII frequently occur in nature as key components of many enzymes, owing to their ability to act as electrophilic activators and nucleophile carriers, particularly in phosphodiesterases. In recent years, several supramolecular catalysts have been developed to mimic natural phosphodiesterases [1,2]. Kinetic data and titrations indicate that, in many cases, the active species feature a deprotonated water molecule coordinated to a metal cation [2]. The cooperative action of metal cations and guanidinium units can be exploited through a variety of molecular architectures, from conventional scaffolds such as calix[4]arenes to nanostructured supports including gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), polymer brushes grafted onto silica nanoparticles [2], hydrophobic aggregates [3], and carbon-based materials such as nanodiamonds [4]. These systems will be discussed in the seminar from a mechanistic perspective.The pH sensitivity of these enzyme mimics suggests that their reactivity can be tuned by modulating solvent properties. Activated Carboxylic Acids (ACAs) have been shown to reversibly alter the pH via a rapid drop followed by gradual recovery through decarboxylation and base generation (Figure 1b) [5]. We employed this strategy to design supramolecular artificial phosphodiesterases whose activity can be repeatedly switched off and slowly reactivated. By varying the ACA identity and concentration, buffer strength, and initial pH, we achieved precise temporal control over catalytic activity. This tunable, dissipative behaviour could be extended to a broad range of out-of-equilibrium systems and catalysts, offering insights into the design of functional materials.
References

M. Raynal, P. Ballester, A. Vidal-Ferran, P. W. van Leeuwen, Chem. Soc. Rev. 2014, 43, 1734-1787
A. Casnati, R. Salvio, Coord. Chem. Rev. 2025, 531, 216479
Lisi, D.; Vezzoni, C. A.; Casnati, A.; Sansone, F.; Salvio, R., Chem. Eur. J. 2023, 29, e202203213
Vezzoni, C. A.; Casnati, A.; Orlanducci, S.; Sansone, F.; Salvio, R. ChemCatChem 2024, e202301477
D. Del Giudice, S. Di Stefano, Acc. Chem. Res. 2023, 56, 889-899

SEMINAR FLYER

Multiscale Computational Approaches to Neuroscience
Prof. Michele Piana
University of Genova

Tuesday 18th November
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

Advances in neuroscience increasingly rely on the integration of multi-modal and intrinsically multi-scale data, paving the way for predictive, precise, and personalized approaches to brain research. In this talk, I will discuss how computational modeling can be tailored to harness this wealth of complementary information, aiming to generate novel insights into the mechanisms underlying complex brain disorders, with a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases.
SEMINAR FLYER

Translation Laboratories in Action: Building Bridges between Hospital and University
Dr. Annalisa Roveta
Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca Innovazione (DAIRI) - AOU AL

Tuesday 2nd December
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

The creation of the Integrated Research Laboratories (Joined Labs) between the Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI) of Alessandria University Hospital and the Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT) of the University of Eastern Piedmont represents a consolidated model of cooperation between healthcare and academic institutions [1].Launched in 2020, the initiative was designed to strengthen translational research — understood as the continuous process that transforms discoveries from basic science into clinical applications and, in turn, uses clinical evidence to inform and refine laboratory investigations. From this perspective, the Joined Labs serve as a catalyst for the bidirectional exchange of knowledge, integrating biomedical research with clinical needs and technological innovation.Thanks to a structured plan, DAIRI and DISIT have developed a shared research infrastructure aimed at advancing studies on environmentally related diseases, antibiotic resistance, and digital health innovation. Five Joined Labs were formally established, each combining complementary expertise, advanced instrumentation, and research personnel from both institutions:

Sequencing Laboratory – dedicated to genomic surveillance and microbiota analysis, with projects on antibiotic resistance and SARS-CoV-2 monitoring [2–4]
Preclinical Research Laboratory – focused on experimental models and new therapeutic strategies for mesothelioma and other tumors [5–7]
Asbestos Research Laboratory (LIRicA) – specialized in identifying and quantifying asbestos fibers and inorganic materials in biological tissues using SEM/EDX and micro-RAMAN technologies [8–10]
Artificial Intelligence and Medical Informatics Laboratory – promoting AI-based decision support, data analytics, and personalized education in healthcare [11–13]
Metabolomics Laboratory – extending the NMR platform (PRISMA) toward biomedical and preclinical metabolomics [14]

This integrated network has enhanced scientific productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and training opportunities for young researchers, fostering innovation and translational impact at both institutional and regional levels. The DAIRI–DISIT partnership now stands as a reference model for the joint development of health-oriented research infrastructures.
References

Maconi et al. Organizzazione della ricerca: in modello DAIRI di Alessandria. Sanità 4.0, 2(2022), p. 9-24
Leli C et al. Application of Real-Time PCR Syndromic Panel on Lower Respiratory Tract Samples: Potential Use for Antimicrobial De-Escalation. Microorganisms. 2025 doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13071678
Bottino P et al. Evaluation of Bacterial Viability for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Impact of Thawing Temperature and Storage Time. Microorganisms. 2024 doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12071294
Bottino et al. Clinical Evaluation and Comparison of Two Microfluidic Antigenic Assays for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus. Microorganisms. 2023 doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11112709
Bonsignore et al. Unraveling BOLD-100 synergistic potential in pleural mesothelioma treatment: an in vitro study. Invest New Drugs. 2025 doi: 10.1007/s10637-025-01540-9
Ghezzi et al. NAMPT and NNMT released via extracellular vesicles and as soluble mediators are distinguished traits of BRAF inhibitor resistance of melanoma cells impacting on the tumor microenvironment. Cell Commun Signal. 2025 doi: 10.1186/s12964-025-02361-2
Pellavio et al. Aquaporin-6 May Increase the Resistance to Oxidative Stress of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cells. Cells. 2022 doi: 10.3390/cells11121892
Croce et al. Assessment of Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopies for the Identification and Quantification of Asbestos Fibers and Typical Asbestos Bodies in Human Colorectal Cancer Tissues. Chemosensors. 2024 doi: 10.3390/chemosensors12100200
Croce et al. Application of a Multi-Technique Approach to the Identification of Mineral Polymorphs in Histological Samples: A Case of Combined Use of SEM/EDS and Micro-Raman Spectroscopy. Minerals. 2024 doi: 10.3390/min1407063
Croce et al. Asbestos Bodies in Human Lung: Localization of Iron and Carbon in the Coating. Geosciences. 2024 doi: 10.3390/geosciences14030058
Roveta A et al. Developing Mobile Apps to Support Clinical Management of HIV Patients: An Observational Study. Appl Clin Inform. 2025 doi: 10.1055/a-2543-7444
Bottrighi A et al. A Symbolic AI Approach to Medical Training. J Med Syst. 2025 doi: 10.1007/s10916-024-02139-y
Bottrighi A et al. A machine learning approach for predicting high risk hospitalized patients with COVID-19 SARS-Cov-2. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2022 doi: 10.1186/s12911-022-02076-1
Lalli et al. Derivatives of GdAAZTA Conjugated to Amino Acids: A Multinuclear and Multifrequency NMR Study. Inor Chem. 2022 doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02110

SEMINAR FLYER

Spring Semester 2026

Dataset Upcycling: Decoding Functional Biological States
Dr. Aurora Savino
University of Turin

Tuesday 10th February
14.30 - 15.30
Room 203

High-dimensional transcriptomic datasets capture how cellular regulatory networks shift across stimuli, perturbations, and physiological states. When large public resources are systematically harmonized and integrated, they enable the derivation of functional signatures that summarize recurrent transcriptional programs. Comparing new bulk, single-cell, or spatial profiles to these signatures supports scalable functional annotation, helping to contextualize cellular responses and to highlight potential drug or intervention opportunities. This framework provides a coherent way to relate diverse biological states across contexts such as cancer, aging, stress responses, and brain plasticity.

SEMINAR FLYER

Scrivere i Progetti Pensando alla loro Gestione: Spunti Pratici dagli Uffici Ricerca
Dr. Valentina Toson & Dr. Giuseppina Cannatelli
Università del Piemonte Orientale - Ufficio Ricerca

Wednesday 25th February
14.30 - 15.30
Room 203

La scrittura di un progetto di ricerca non incide solo sulle possibilità di finanziamento, ma anche – e soprattutto – sulla sua gestione una volta avviato. Questo seminario propone una serie di spunti pratici, maturati nell’attività quotidiana di supporto alla ricerca, su come impostare e descrivere alcuni elementi chiave del progetto in modo da facilitarne la gestione tecnica e finanziaria in caso di esito positivo.Attraverso esempi ricorrenti ed errori comuni riscontrati nella pratica, verranno evidenziati aspetti della proposta progettuale che possono avere un impatto significativo sulle fasi successive, dalla rendicontazione all’organizzazione delle attività. L’obiettivo è favorire una maggiore consapevolezza nella fase di scrittura, nell’ottica di una collaborazione più efficace tra docenti e strutture di supporto, a beneficio del buon andamento dei progetti finanziati.

SEMINAR FLYER

Design, Structure-Properties Relationship and Application of Chiral Emitters
Dr. Grégory Pieters
CEA Paris-Saclay, SCBM

Tuesday 10th March
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

The investigation into the characteristics of small organic molecules exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has become a dynamic and prominent area of research. This surge in interest is attributed to the manifold potential applications of these chiral compounds in diverse fields such as nanomaterials, optoelectronics, photonic devices, as well as molecular recognition systems and switches. Particularly in the realm of display technology, the utilization of CPL-active fluorophores as emissive dopants in circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) has recently emerged as a compelling strategy. This approach aims to mitigate the impact of anti-glare filters on brightness, consequently reducing power consumption in such devices.[1]During this presentation, we will outline our recent endeavors focused on the design and optimization of chiral emitters that amalgamate thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties with CPL emission. The discussion will encompass their application as emissive dopants in both bottom and top emission CP-OLED devices.[2-4] In the latter part of the presentation, attention will shift to the development of the first CPL-active molecules based on excited state internal proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence.[5] Finally, we will discuss the potential to engineer chiral functional materials through the control of dynamic chirality, shedding light on innovative possibilities in this exciting avenue of research.[6]

References

L. Frédéric, A. Desmarchelier, L. Favereau, G. Pieters, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2021, 2010281
S. Feuillastre, M. Pauton, L. Gao, A. Desmarchelier, A. J Riives, D. Prim, D. Tondelier, B. Geffroy, G. Muller, G. Clavier, G. Pieters, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 3990
L. Frédéric, A. Desmarchelier, R. Plais, L. Lavnevich, G. Muller, C. Villafuerte, G. Clavier, E. Quesnel, B. Racine, S. Meunier-Della-Gatta, J.-P. Dognon, P. Thuéry, J. Crassous, L. Favereau, G. Pieters, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2020, 2004838
L. Poulard, S. Kasemthaveechok, M. Coehlo, A. Kumar Ramar, L. Frédéric, P. Sumsalee, T. d’Anfray, S. Wu, J. Wang, T. Matulaitis, J. Crassous, E. Zysman-Colman, L. Favereau, G. Pieters, Chem. Commun. 2022, 6554
M. Coehlo, G. Clavier, G. Pieters, Adv. Optical Mater. 2022, 2101774
Angew. Chem. 2025, e202414490

SEMINAR FLYER

Physics with Particle Colliders
Dr. Michelangelo Mangano
CERN - Theoretical Physics Department

Tuesday 1st April
14.30 - 15.30
Room 203

Colliding high-energy elementary particles makes it possible to explore the laws of physics at the most fundamental level, to isolate the building blocks of the universe, and to understand the origin of their interactions. Over the past 50 years, colliders have discovered all the particles predicted by the Standard Model of fundamental interactions, culminating in the discovery of the final missing element, the Higgs boson, in 2012. This talk will illustrate the role of colliders in addressing the major open questions of particle physics, in the context of the current and upcoming programs of CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), as well as future projects.

SEMINAR FLYER

AI and Social Media Manipulation: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Prof. Fil Menczer
Department of Informatics - Indiana University

Tuesday 14th April
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

Disinformation can be very harmful. AI provides us with tools to mitigate these harms, such as methods to detect inauthentic accounts and coordinated information operations. Large language models (LLMs) can also help rate the reliability of information sources and aid in fact-checking tasks. However, attempts to scale up these AI-supported interventions must account for unintended consequences when people interact with AI. In some cases, fact-checking information generated by an LLM can actually decrease news discernment. In the hands of bad actors, AI can become a dangerous weapon. Aside from much-discussed deepfakes, generative AI can be used to easily and cheaply create fake but credible profiles and content at scale. These capabilities enable the infiltration and manipulation of vulnerable online communities. Given the near-impossibility of detecting AI-generated content, research is needed to develop new ways of challenging the provenance of content before wide exposure through distribution channels like social media and search engines.
SEMINAR FLYER

Scientific Integrity - Experiences of a "Confidant" with Conflict Resolution and Alleged Misconduct in Research
Prof. Rainer Schulin
ETH Zurich

Wednesday 29th April
14.30 - 15.30
Room 203

Scientific integrity has become increasingly important at universities and other academic institutions in recent years. The increasingly intense competition for research funding and positions, and the resulting pressure to publish, have not only led to more frequent and bitter conflicts over authorship, but also to a rise in sensitivity to the negative consequences of scientific misconduct, given the responsibility of scientists for the quality of the knowledge they produce and for the careful use of the resources they are provided by society. Universities and research institutions have responded by issuing guidelines and codes of conduct for scientific integrity and establishing positions promoting compliance with these rules. In this context, I served for five years at ETH Zurich after my retirement as a confidential advisor of ETH Zurich in counselling and conflict resolution and as a trusted representative for preliminary investigations in cases of alleged scientific misconduct in research. In this lecture, I will report on the experiences I had in this role.

SEMINAR FLYER

Beyond Sweetness: Honey as Functional Food and Medical Device
Dr. Juraj Majtan
Institute of Molecular Biology - Slovak Academy of Sciences

Tuesday 12th May
14.00 - 15.00
Room 204

Honey has been valued for millennia not only as a natural sweetener but as a therapeutic agent. Modern research is now uncovering the molecular basis of honey's biological functionality, bridging traditional use with evidence-based applications in functional food science and medical device regulation. This lecture explores the multifaceted biological properties of honey, with particular emphasis on its antibacterial and wound-healing capabilities. The transition from artisanal food product to regulated medical device presents unique challenges. We examine the regulatory landscape for medical-grade honey, including CE-marking requirements, quality standardization, and the critical gap between traditional beekeeping practices and pharmaceutical-grade production standards. Finally, we discuss clinical efficacy and therapeutic applications of honey based on recent scientific evidence.

SEMINAR FLYER

Fake News e Come Riconoscerle
Dr. Michela Vuga
Bioscience Enterprice BSE srl

Thursday 28th May
11.00 - 13.00
Room 101

The seminar “Fake News e Come Riconoscerle”, led by science journalist Dr Michela Vuga, is part of AIRCampus, the project through which the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) engages with students at Italian universities. Dr Vuga will take us on a journey through “fake news”, teaching us how to recognise it, analyse it critically and defend ourselves against it. The seminar is open to students from all degree programmes and to lecturers.

SEMINAR FLYER

Mycorrhiza Induced Resistance: Functioning and Applications in Agriculture
Prof. Maria Jose Pozo Jimenez
EEZ-CSIC, Granada

Tuesday 09th June
14.30 - 15.30
Room 204

The mutualistic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plants is widespread in nature and confers multiple benefits to hosts and ecosystems. Beyond improved nutrient acquisition, they enhance resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses through greater metabolic and phenotypic plasticity, enabling more efficient activation of defenses. Numerous examples show AM plants exhibit increased resistance to pathogens and pests, a phenomenon known as Mycorrhiza-Induced Resistance (MIR). AM inoculation can affect not only the host plant but also the rhizosphere microbiota and, even the microbiomes of attacking herbivores.
Using tomato as a model, we show how MIR efficiently reduce damage by the destructive pest Tuta absoluta. We employ pharmacological and genetic approaches, omics technologies, and network analyses to understand the regulation and function of MIR and its effects across higher trophic levels, exploring its impact and potential sinergy with other biocontrol agents. The strategy allowed the discovery of bioactive compounds mediating these effects with potential for biotechnological applications. Proof-of-concept field experiments under agronomic conditions show that MIR can reduce pest incidence without yield penalties, and modulate plant secondary metabolism improving fruit quality and antioxidant properties. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AM inoculants into integrated pest management programs for sustainable crop protection and fruit biofortification.

ReferencesFiorilli V et al., 2024. Ann Rev Phytopathol doi: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-121423-042014Lidoy J et al, 2025. J Agric Food Chem, doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c14198.Lidoy J et al, 2025. J Exp Bot, doi:10.1093/jxb/eraf053Minchev Z et al, 2024. Agron Sustain Dev, doi:10.1007/s13593-024-00991-3Minchev Z et al, 2026. J. Pest Sci, doi: 10.1007/s10340-025-01966-3

SEMINAR FLYER

Autumn Semester 2026

Title
Speaker
Affiliation

date
hour
ROOM

Lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum (abstract).

SEMINAR FLYER

Page updated

Report abuse

Past DISIT Seminars

Contacts