Head of laboratory: Prof. Paola M. Bonaccorsi
Researcher: Chiara M. A. Gangemi
The PhAMoSyn Lab (PhotoActive Molecules Synthesis Laboratory), based within the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, carries out fundamental, experimental, and applied research in the field of organic chemistry, with a particular emphasis on luminescent molecules for biological, biomedical, and nanotechnological applications.
The laboratory’s research activity focuses on the design, synthesis, and functionalization of molecular systems exhibiting tailored photochemical and photophysical properties. In particular, the group develops molecular platforms for applications in chemical sensing, bioimaging, and nanotechnology, (e.g. light-harvesting antenna systems and functionalized dyes for cellular localization and internalization pathway studies).
PhAMoSyn Lab actively collaborates with several national and international research groups and participates in interdisciplinary funded projects, including university PNRR initiatives such as SAMOTHRACE. Through these collaborations, the laboratory promotes cutting-edge research and technology transfer in the fields of chemistry, health sciences, and functional materials.
The laboratory’s main research areas include:
- Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel organic compounds.
- Development of luminescent molecules for applications in sensing and theranostics.
- Functionalization of natural chromophores (e.g., curcumin) and synthetic chromophores (e.g., BODIPY dyes and porphyrins) for use in in vitro and in vivo cell tracking and staining, as well as probes for the detection and monitoring of environmental parameters.
Through a well-established network of scientific collaborations ensuring a multidisciplinary approach, the PhAMoSyn Lab contributes to the development of innovative molecular systems with tailored chemical and photophysical properties. The laboratory promotes high-impact research focused on innovation and technology transfer in the fields of chemistry, health sciences, and functional materials.
The laboratory is equipped with standard instrumentation for carrying out conventional solution-phase synthesis, followed by purification using chromatographic systems and characterization through spectroscopic techniques.
