XXXVI CICLO | Tomaino Elisabetta

Biologist scientist with transversal chemical and biotechnological knowledge and qualified as Biologist (section A). During PhD I have acquired skills in the characterization and valorization of biopolymers and natural compounds coming from industrial waste for the development of nanodevices (smart-sensors), nanobiocatalysts for the synthesis of natural bioactive compounds (organic chemistry) and home-compostable bioplastics. During my experiences I developed soft skills such strong communication, determination, teamwork and problem solving. creative spirit with a strong determination to achieve the goals. I developed a strong interest for the chemistry and its application in the biology, such as the synthesis of new natural bioactive compounds acting as antitumoral or antioxidants agents. But I also developed a strong interest for the development of new ecosustainable materials, such as bioplastics, enhancing the industrial wastes.

This study explores novel nano-biotechnology applications within the context of green chemistry and circular economy, with a primary focus on valorisation of natural polyphenols, in particular lignin as sustainable nanomaterials. The research focused on three main aspect of lignin nanoparticles utilization: I) nanofillers for biodegradable and home-compostable plastics blends; II) protective nanocarriers in cosmetic formulations; and III) nano-biocatalysts for green organic synthesis. The first section presents innovative lignin nanoparticles enriched with saccharides from fishery wastes, developed as versatile bio-filler for plastic formulation. The second section explores the utilization of lignin nanoparticles in cosmetic formulations, with a focus on sunscreen formulations. Lignin nanoparticles have been used as photoprotective carriers for commercially UV chemical filters and protecting active ingredients like ascorbic acid esters. The final part focused on the development of sustainable bio-catalysts by functionalization of lignin nanoparticles with multi-enzymatic cascades for green biocatalysis. These bio-catalysts demonstrate high catalytic activity in the synthesis of bioactive lipophilic esters and 1,4-benzoxazines derivatives under environmentally friendly conditions.

In summary, this study significantly contributes to green chemistry and circular economy applications by demonstrating the versatility of lignin nanoparticles as a nanoplatform for sustainable materials and biocatalysts. The research suggests promising entries for environmentally friendly industrial processes, highlighting the potential of lignin nanoparticles to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable and eco-conscious technologies.

• Tomaino E., Capecchi E., Ubertini V., Piccinino D., Bizzarri B. M., Saladino R. Synthesis of benzoxazines by heterogeneous multicomponent bio-chemo multienzymes cascade reaction. 2023.

• Piccinino D., Ubertini V., Capecchi E., Tomaino E., Gigli V., Saladino R. Synthesis of Bioactive Hydroxytyrosol Esters via Multienzyme Cascade on Electroactive Melanin Lignin Nanoparticles: A One-Pot Approach without Extra Reducing Agents. ChemCatChem 2023, e202300533. 

• Capecchi E., Piccinino D., Nascimben C., Tomaino E., Ceccotti Vlas N., Gabbellone S., Saladino R. Biosynthesis of Novel Ascorbic Acid Esters and Their Encapsulation in Lignin Nanoparticles as Carriers and Stabilizing Systems. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 9044. 

• Piccinino D., Capecchi E., Trifero V., Tomaino E., Marconi C., Del Giudice A., Galantini L., Poponi S., Ruggieri A., Saladino R. Lignin Nanoparticles as Sustainable Photoprotective Carriers for Sunscreen Filters. ACS Omega 2022, 7, 42, 37070–37077. 

• Capecchi E., Tomaino E., Piccinino D., Kidibule P. E., Fernandez-Lobato M., Spinelli D., Pogni R., Cabado A., Lago J., Saladino R. Nanoparticles of lignin and saccharides from fishery wastes as sustainable UV-shielding, antioxidant and antimicrobial bio-fillers. Biomacromolecules, 2022, 00236a. 

• Tomaino E., Capecchi E., Piccinino D., Saladino R. Lignin nanoparticles support lipase-tyrosinase enzymatic cascade in the synthesis of lipophilic hydroxytyrosol ester derivatives. ChemCatChem, 2022, e202200380. 

• Piccinino D., Capecchi E., Tomaino E., Gabellone S., Gigli V., Avitabile D., Saladino R. Nano-structured lignin as green antioxidant and UV shielding ingredient for sunscreen applications. Antioxidants, 2021,10, 274. 

• Capecchi E., Piccinino D., Tomaino E., Bizzarri B. M., Polli F., Antiochia R., Mazzei F., Saladino R. Lignin nanoparticles are renewable and functional platforms for the concanavalin a oriented immobilization of glucose oxidase–peroxidase in cascade bio-sensing. RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 29031.

Patent

• Eliana Capecchi, Elisabetta Tomaino, Davide Piccinino, Rebecca Pogni, Daniele Spinelli, Stefano Poponi, Alessandro Ruggeri, Raffaele Saladino. Preparazione di particelle composite di lignina e chitosano con attività antiossidante e UV-schermante e loro applicazione nel campo delle bioplastiche. Febbraio 2022. ID: 102022000002792.

• Davide Piccinino, Capecchi Eliana, Elisabetta Tomaino, Daniele Avitabile, Stefano Poponi, Alessandro Ruggeri, Raffaele Saladino. Micro- e nano- particelle fotostabili di lignina contenenti filtri chimici UV e sostanze antiossidanti e loro uso in campo cosmetico e cosmeceutico. Marzo 2022, ID: 102022000004040.