In our lab, we design and synthesize stimuli-responsive artificial cells by engineering lipid vesicles with a combination of biological and synthetic molecules. By tailoring the membrane composition, we create artificial cells capable of responding to specific stimuli including light, pH, redox conditions, or enzymatic activity, triggering precise functional responses.

The applications of these systems span from the medical field, where they enable targeted transport and controlled release of therapeutics, to environmental solutions like capturing and degrading persistent pollutants. Artificial cell also play a crucial role in advancing fundamental studies on the origins and evolution of cellular life on Earth therefore addressing both applied and foundational scientific challenges.

We use the Belousov–Zhabotinsky chemical reaction as a generic signal emitter/receiver confined within micro-environments to organize “colonies” or arrays which exhibit emergent dynamical behaviors at the population level. This relatively simple lab-scale model replicates some of the communication strategies commonly found in biological systems, particularly those based on the passive diffusion of chemical and electrical signals. This research can help shed light on fundamental life processes and inspire new implementations in molecular computing and smart materials.

This work has been developed in collaboration with Prof. Marcello Budroni (University of Sassari, Italy), Prof. Sandra Ristori (University of Firenze, Italy) and Ali Abou-Hassan (Sorbonne University Paris, France)

Our research group focuses on exploring the potential of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), such as ZIF-8, to address challenges in environmental and biomedical fields. These compounds offer versatility in material science, being highly tunable in terms of composition, size, and physicochemical properties. Thus, they serve as a base for innovation. 

In the environmental field, we design and develop MOF-based strategies for pollutant degradation and remediation. By embedding catalytic molecules within the MOF crystals, we ensure that their catalytic activity remains intact even under harsh conditions, enabling robust and efficient performance.

Similarly, in the biomedical field, we optimize the synthesis of MOFs to function as carriers for drug delivery and biomolecule transport. By precisely controlling MOF characteristics, we create scaffolds capable of delivering therapeutic agents with high efficiency and specificity.

These projects are developed in collaboration with Prof. Istvan Lagzi (Budapest University), Prof. Annette Fiona Taylor (University of Southampton), Prof. Christodoulos Xinaris (IRCCS Milan) and Angelo Michele Lavecchia (IRCCS Milan).

Investigation and design of reaction networks and their emergent phenomena are the backbone of systems chemistry. The complex interplay among the subnetworks can lead to temporal oscillation, bistability, and pattern formation in batch and open systems. Exploring enzymatic reaction networks (ERN) opens up new possibilities for developing bio-related applications and synthetic cells with life-like functions. Using this principle, we can engineer microscopic compartmentalized system (e.g. inside giant unilamellar vesicles - GUVs) to obtain pH pulses, mimic quorum sensing phenomena and stimuli-responsive minimal cells. 

These projects are developed in collaboration with Prof. Istvan Lagzi (Budapest University, Hungary), Prof. Annette Fiona Taylor (University of Southampton, UK), Prof. Masaki Itatani (Hokkaido University, Japan). Prof. Pierandrea Lo Nostro (University of Firenze, Italy).