XL CICLO | Ubertini Valentina

I hold a master’s degree in biological and molecular sciences from the University of Tuscia. My expertise lies in organic chemistry, with a focus on green chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and biotechnological innovation. I have contributed to interdisciplinary research projects such as EXO-MARS, investigating Martian prebiotic models through irradiation studies, and BIOPLAST, exploring eco-sustainable biofiller materials.

My research interests focus on astrobiology, prebiotic chemistry and biotechnologies applied to space and terrestrial environments. I study the catalytic properties of lunar, Martian, and Enceladus analog minerals to understand their role in transforming simple molecules into complex organic compounds. I also work on developing In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems for space exploration, as well as methods for CO₂ capture and conversion using mineral photocatalysis and enzyme-based systems.

The project investigates prebiotic chemistry and innovative biotechnological processes with applications in planetary exploration and sustainable development. It focuses on studying the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of lunar, Enceladus, and Martian analog minerals in the synthesis of organic molecules under radiation and prebiotic conditions. Gamma-ray irradiation experiments will be conducted on formamide and HCN derivatives in the presence of these minerals, with reaction products analyzed using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Special attention is given to Martian analog minerals from Pantelleria’s Lake Venus, a site representative of Martian environments, to model prebiotic reactions. The project also explores novel chemical and biotechnological methods for CO₂ capture and conversion into high-value organic compounds, using photocatalytic mineral systems such as titanium and zinc oxides, as well as enzyme-based systems immobilized on hybrid nanoplatforms. These approaches aim to develop synthetic photosynthesis processes for carbohydrate production. Additionally, nanobiotechnological platforms incorporating enzyme cascades will be designed to optimize reaction conditions for efficient transformation processes. This multidisciplinary research combines planetary science, catalysis, and biotechnology to provide insights into the origins of life and develop sustainable technologies for future space missions and terrestrial applications.

• Ubertini, V., Capecchi, E., Tomaino, E., Piccinino, D., De Marchi, E., Bizzarri, B. M., Carotenuto, G., Castrignanò, T., & Saladino, R. (2024). One‐pot synthesis of (S)‐flavanones by a double‐face promiscuous chemo‐enzymatic cascade of lipases. ChemCatChem, 16(23). 

• Tomaino, E., Capecchi, E., Ubertini, V., Piccinino, D., Bizzarri, B. M., & Saladino, R. (2024). Synthesis of benzoxazines by heterogeneous multicomponent biochemo multienzymes cascade reaction. The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 89(4), 2343–2350. 

• Piccinino, D., Ubertini, V., Capecchi, E., Tomaino, E., Gigli, V., & Saladino, R. (2023). Synthesis of Bioactive Hydroxytyrosol Esters via Multienzyme Cascade on Electroactive Melanin Lignin Nanoparticles: A One‐Pot Approach without Extra Reducing Agents. ChemCatChem, 15(14).