DEB | Master’s Thesis Opportunity 09/26

Two opportunities for an experimental Master’s thesis are available immediately at the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Chemistry of Natural Substances, under the supervision of Prof. Lorenzo Botta.

Nature-Inspired Bionanotechnologies for the Sustainable Synthesis of Natural Products with Pharmacological Activity

The thesis project focuses on the development of sustainable processes for the synthesis and diversification of natural products and their analogues with potential pharmacological interest. The research will involve the integrated use of photocatalysis, biocatalysis, and electrocatalysis, including cascade processes and nanostructured catalytic systems, for the preparation of different classes of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, stilbenes, naphthoquinones, flavolignans, and phenylpropanoid derivatives.

Sustainable Development of Enzyme-Engineered Collagen Scaffolds for Tumor Modeling and Controlled Drug Release in Merkel Cell Carcinoma

The second thesis project focuses on the development of three-dimensional scaffolds and two-dimensional devices based on collagen, obtained through sustainable enzymatic cross-linking processes. The research will include the preparation and physicochemical, morphological, and functional characterization of the materials, with particular attention to porosity, stability, and the ability to load and release bioactive molecules in a controlled manner, for applications in tumor modeling and the local treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma.

For further information and to assess the compatibility of the project with their academic background, students can contact Prof. Lorenzo Botta at lorenzo.botta@unitus.it