1. Design and synthesis of bioactive molecules. In this context, a branch dedicated to the synthesis of new organic molecules with antiproliferative activity against human tumor cells is being developed. In particular the synthetic approach is currently aimed at the preparation of new structural hybrids, including those involving heterocyclic scaffolds, as inhibitors of histone deacetylases or/and CDC20 protein, which are tested on different cancer cell lines, including those of acute myeloid leukemia. Moreover, the research is dedicated to the continuation of the study on (9R)-9-hydroxystearic acid (9-HSA) and to development of methods for its delivery. This compound is a selective antiproliferative agent against cancer cells and can be obtained in enantiopure form starting from a precursor belonging to the chiral natural pool.
2. Detection and study, mainly through spectroscopic investigations, of labile intermediates of organic reactions. In this context, the research group isolated, for the first time, Wheland-Meisenheimer (W-M) intermediates. The latter are simultaneously intermediates of both, electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution. These compounds have been obtained by coupling between aromatic supernucleophiles and aromatic superelectrophiles at the neutral carbon atom. Many Wheland and W-M intermediates have been detected, isolated, and characterized (also through X-ray diffraction analysis) , and the research is continuing to extend the range of substrates.
3. Another topic is focused on the synthesis, reactivity and applications of heterocyclic derivatives with particular interest in systems containing the thiazole nucleus.
4. Minor topics are studies on organic molecules in the cosmetic field and investigations into the abatement of organic pollutants using green bioremediation technologies.
ERC
- PE5_23 Organic chemistry
- PE4_3 Spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques
- PE4_14 Chemical reactions: mechanisms, dynamics, kinetics and catalytic reactions
- PE5_16 Biological chemistry
Scientific Coordinator
Prof. Carla Boga
Group members
Dr. Gabriele Micheletti (CoCoCo)
National and international collaborations
- Department Chemie Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germania) collaboration with Prof. Herbert Mayr
- The Institution of Russian Academy of Sciences, A.E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry of Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, Kazan (Russia) collaboration with Dr. Elena Chugunova
- College of Charleston, SC (Stati Uniti D'America) Collaboration with Prof. Marcello Forconi
- University of TRIESTE collaboration with Prof. Patrizia Nitti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology -. Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna
- Department 'G. Ciamician' Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna