Deep Eutectic Solevents and Eutectogels

We investigate neoteric deep eutectic solvents (DES)! They are eutectic mixtures for which the eutectic point temperature is lower than that of an ideal liquid mixture. These novel solvents share many features of the classical ionic liquids, such as good ionic conductivity, low vapor pressure, and high thermal stability, but they benefit from a low cost, greener character, and easier preparation. The immobilization of these solvents into polymer matrices affords new soft ionic materials called "Eutectogels".

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00657

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c01976

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/admt.202101680

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590006422002691

Smart nanomedicines for treating Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder associated with patchy hair loss that results from T cells attacking the hair follicles. Conventional treatment employs the use of topical corticosteroids, which, however, do not provide a cure. The EU-funded EngiNano-HF project (grant agrement N° 101028881) is interested to develop novel treatment solutions for AA using nanocarriers that facilitate the controlled release of therapeutic substances. Researchers will develop a series of polymer nanoformulations and characterise their properties alongside their capacity to penetrate hair follicles and achieve targeted delivery. Results have the potential to improve existing treatment options for AA.

Supramolecular Hydrogels based on Polyphenols

We explore small-sized polyphenols as supramolecular gelators of water-soluble polymers. These natural phenolic molecules are exciting building blocks found in many marine organism! Phenolic hydorgels can serve as reductant supports for preparing plasmonic nanocomposites.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00935

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c02242

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/py/d0py01036g

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/marc.201900217