Universita Ca’ Foscari Venezia
The Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems (DSMN) at Ca’ Foscari Venice University (UNIVE), Italy, houses state-of-the-art laboratories merging expertise in Chemistry, Material Science, and Molecular Biology. DSMN offers BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in Chemistry, Sustainable Technologies, and Bio-/Nanomaterials. Research focuses include nanomaterials, sustainable chemistry, and technologies for cultural heritage. Facilities feature advanced instruments such as NMR spectrometers, electron microscopes, atomic absorption spectrometers.
The research group led by Professor Claudia Crestini, focuses on the valorization of biopolymers, with a primary focus on lignin. Their efforts include developing innovative NMR techniques for lignin structural analysis, sustainable extraction and fractionation methods, green approaches for selective functionalization, and exploring lignin-based colloidal systems such as nanoparticles and nanofibers. Additionally, they create advanced lignin-derived materials and nanocomposites.
Within the ReFibre project, the group will modify lignins by introducing dynamic covalent networks and adjusting their hydrophobicity and polarity. Decorateded lignins will be used to synthesize colloidal systems and produce resins with self-healing, anticorrosive, and controlled-active release properties.