Bio Data
Place and date of birth: Geneva (Switzerland) July , the 30th 1965.
Status: married.
Education
Graduation degree in Chemistry, University of Ferrara, Italy, in 1992
Ph D degree in Chemical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy, in 1996
Employment
Assistant Professor 1997-2001 (Dept. Pharmaceutical Scienjces, University of Ferrara, Italy)
Associate Professor since November 2001 (Dept. of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy)
In January 2014 he obtained Italian National Scientific Qualification of Full Professor (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, art 16, comma 1, Legge 240/10), Decreto Direttoriale 222, 20 Luglio 2012, Academic Fields for Italian (University National Recruitment: 03/D2 “Drug Technology, Socioeconomics and Regulation), on the basis of scientific qualification criteria.
In August 2019 he obtained Italian National Scientific Qualification of Full Professor (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, art 16, comma 1, Legge 240/10), Bando DD 2175/2018, Academic Fields for Italian (University National Recruitment: 03/D2 “Drug Technology, Socioeconomics and Regulation), on the basis of scientific qualification criteria.
Teaching Activity
2003-2004: he was in charge of the course of “Applied Pharmaceutical Chemistry” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2004 – today: he is in charge of the course of “Biopharmaceutics” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2005 -2007: he was in charge of the course of “Pharmaceutical Technology I” at the Master degree in Pharmacy (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2007-2010: he was in charge of the course of “Innovative Pharmaceutical Fformulations” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2011-2012: he was in charge of the course of “Pharmaceutical Technology” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2012- today: he is in charge of the course of “Industrial Pharmacy and Legislation” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2003-2012: Member of the teaching board of the PhD school in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
2012-today: Member of the teaching board of the PhD school in Chemical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
On September 2014 he took a lesson titled “Prodrugs, micro- and nano-particulate systems: are they suitable tools for drug targeting into the central nervous system?” on the framework of the 14th Permanent Updating Course for PhD Students in the Pharmaceutical Technology Sector - Strategies for the Release and Targeting of Drugs to the Central Nervous System; University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
2020: chair of the Teaching Support Commission of the Master Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.)
Positions
2005-2009: Research Advice Member of the University of Ferrara
2020-2021: Scientific Advice Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Innovative Pharmaceutical Technologies, TEFARCO Innova, Italy
Member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Legislation (ADRITELF) and Italian Chemical Society (SCI).
Member of the Diffractometry Structuristic Center of the University of Ferrara, Italy.
Reviewer Activity
Referee of several journals: Artificial cells, nanomedicine, biotechnology; Biomacromolecules; Biomaterials; Chemistry & Biodiversity; Colloids and Surfaces B; Current Drug Delivery; Current Drug Target; Current opinion in drug delivery; Drugs; European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery; International Journal of Pharmaceutics; Journal of Controlled Release; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology; Journal of Leukocyte Biology; Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Molecular Pharmaceutics; Pharmaceutical Research; Pharmaceutics.
Funded projects
1998-2000: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies. Peptides with Potential Therapeutic and Diagnostic Activities” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 9703228605_004.
2002/2004: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Liposomes and nanospheres as vehicles for the administration of anti-herpetic peptides” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2002031487_005.
2004/2006: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Liposomes and nanospheres as vehicles for the administration of anti-herpetic peptides” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2004030380_007.
2007/2009: He was Scientific Manager of Research Unit in the research project entitled “Micro and Nano ParticulateS ystems Suitable for Nasal Administration of Drugs Characterized by Critical Stability or Bioavailability” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2006031753_002.
2013-2016: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Advanced technologies for the delivery of pharmacologically active molecules through the biological barriers of the body” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2010H834LS_005.
Research Activity
The main research topics involve (i) binding studies at molecular level of the interactions between drugs and cellular proteins, in particular receptors and transporters - these researches are performed with the aim to obtain "in vitro" models for the "in vivo" behaviour of drugs; (ii) stability studies of drugs in physiologic fluids; (iii) the use of pro-drugs or micro- and nano-delivery systems with the aim to improve the therapeutic pattern of drugs which show poor physiologic stability or are unable to reach their targets. These studies are applied on potential anti-ischemic drugs, sedatives, anti-inflammatory peptides, antiparkinson drugs and pro-drugs obtained by the conjugation of nutritive substances (as vitamins) to drugs with the aim to obtain their transport in the central nervous system.
In particular, in the technological sector the researches are structured as following schematized.
(1) Prodrugs and brain targeting:
(a) Lipidization of potential antiischemic drugs
(b) Prodrugs and endogenous carrier mediated transporters (CMT) of vitamin C and glucose as carriers for the transport of neuroactive drugs in the central nervous system;
(c) Prodrugs and active efflux transport (AET) systems: a new approach to elude the active efflux transport systems of drugs from the brain
(d) Prodrugs for a Potential Anti-Parkinson Multitarget Approach
(e) Prodrugs for a Potential anticancer synergic approach
(f) Prodrugs for the brain targeting of antiviral agents
(2) Micro and nanoparticles for the encapsulation and the controlled release of neuroactive agents and their targeting in the central nervous system
(a) Polymeric micro- and nano-particles
(b) Solid lipid microparticles
(3) Formulation of microparticles for nasal administration:
(a) Starch/cyclodextrin bioadhesive microspheres as platform for nasal administration of antiinlammatory agents
(b) nasal administration and brain uptake of neuroactive drugs
(c) Pharmacokinetic studies
(4) Influence of pharmaceutical co-crystal structures on the drug permeability across the intestinal barrier
Research programs for the future involve the brain targeting of neuroactive agents and drugs for the brain diseases following no invasive innovative formulations.
The research work is carried out in collaboration with the Modena and Reggio Emilia, Sassari, Pavia, Catania, Bologna and Camerino Universities (Italy); the Shering-Plough Laboratories (Milan, Italy); the Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research of Leiden University (The Netherlands; the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, U.S.A.; the Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology (Sweden); the Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia, U.S.A.; the Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie Théoriques, Université de Lorraine (France); the School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine of National Taiwan University; the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology of Federal University di Goiás (Brasil).
Author of more than 110 scientific papers, of six book chapters and more than 90 presentation abstracts at national and international symposia
Bibliometrical data:
H-index (Scopus March 2022): 30, Total number of Citations (Scopus March 2022): 2703
Impact Factor (ISI Web of Sciences, referred to year of publication): ranging from 0.359 to 9.776; mean for 111 publications: 3.431
Rank ISI Web of Sciences, referred to year of publication): Q1: 63/111; Q2: 25/111; Q3: 6/111; Q4: 14/111
Position as first, last and/or corresponding author: 81/111 = 73%
Foreign languages known: English and French
Place and date of birth: Geneva (Switzerland) July , the 30th 1965.
Status: married.
Education
Graduation degree in Chemistry, University of Ferrara, Italy, in 1992
Ph D degree in Chemical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy, in 1996
Employment
Assistant Professor 1997-2001 (Dept. Pharmaceutical Scienjces, University of Ferrara, Italy)
Associate Professor since November 2001 (Dept. of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy)
In January 2014 he obtained Italian National Scientific Qualification of Full Professor (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, art 16, comma 1, Legge 240/10), Decreto Direttoriale 222, 20 Luglio 2012, Academic Fields for Italian (University National Recruitment: 03/D2 “Drug Technology, Socioeconomics and Regulation), on the basis of scientific qualification criteria.
In August 2019 he obtained Italian National Scientific Qualification of Full Professor (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, art 16, comma 1, Legge 240/10), Bando DD 2175/2018, Academic Fields for Italian (University National Recruitment: 03/D2 “Drug Technology, Socioeconomics and Regulation), on the basis of scientific qualification criteria.
Teaching Activity
2003-2004: he was in charge of the course of “Applied Pharmaceutical Chemistry” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2004 – today: he is in charge of the course of “Biopharmaceutics” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2005 -2007: he was in charge of the course of “Pharmaceutical Technology I” at the Master degree in Pharmacy (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2007-2010: he was in charge of the course of “Innovative Pharmaceutical Fformulations” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2011-2012: he was in charge of the course of “Pharmaceutical Technology” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2012- today: he is in charge of the course of “Industrial Pharmacy and Legislation” at the Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.) (University of Ferrara, Italy).
2003-2012: Member of the teaching board of the PhD school in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
2012-today: Member of the teaching board of the PhD school in Chemical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
On September 2014 he took a lesson titled “Prodrugs, micro- and nano-particulate systems: are they suitable tools for drug targeting into the central nervous system?” on the framework of the 14th Permanent Updating Course for PhD Students in the Pharmaceutical Technology Sector - Strategies for the Release and Targeting of Drugs to the Central Nervous System; University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
2020: chair of the Teaching Support Commission of the Master Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology (C.T.F.)
Positions
2005-2009: Research Advice Member of the University of Ferrara
2020-2021: Scientific Advice Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Innovative Pharmaceutical Technologies, TEFARCO Innova, Italy
Member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Legislation (ADRITELF) and Italian Chemical Society (SCI).
Member of the Diffractometry Structuristic Center of the University of Ferrara, Italy.
Reviewer Activity
Referee of several journals: Artificial cells, nanomedicine, biotechnology; Biomacromolecules; Biomaterials; Chemistry & Biodiversity; Colloids and Surfaces B; Current Drug Delivery; Current Drug Target; Current opinion in drug delivery; Drugs; European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery; International Journal of Pharmaceutics; Journal of Controlled Release; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology; Journal of Leukocyte Biology; Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Molecular Pharmaceutics; Pharmaceutical Research; Pharmaceutics.
Funded projects
1998-2000: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Technologies. Peptides with Potential Therapeutic and Diagnostic Activities” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 9703228605_004.
2002/2004: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Liposomes and nanospheres as vehicles for the administration of anti-herpetic peptides” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2002031487_005.
2004/2006: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Liposomes and nanospheres as vehicles for the administration of anti-herpetic peptides” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2004030380_007.
2007/2009: He was Scientific Manager of Research Unit in the research project entitled “Micro and Nano ParticulateS ystems Suitable for Nasal Administration of Drugs Characterized by Critical Stability or Bioavailability” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2006031753_002.
2013-2016: He was Participant in the research project entitled “Advanced technologies for the delivery of pharmacologically active molecules through the biological barriers of the body” financed by Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) within the Italian Scientific Research Programs of Relevant National Interest (Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - PRIN) n. 2010H834LS_005.
Research Activity
The main research topics involve (i) binding studies at molecular level of the interactions between drugs and cellular proteins, in particular receptors and transporters - these researches are performed with the aim to obtain "in vitro" models for the "in vivo" behaviour of drugs; (ii) stability studies of drugs in physiologic fluids; (iii) the use of pro-drugs or micro- and nano-delivery systems with the aim to improve the therapeutic pattern of drugs which show poor physiologic stability or are unable to reach their targets. These studies are applied on potential anti-ischemic drugs, sedatives, anti-inflammatory peptides, antiparkinson drugs and pro-drugs obtained by the conjugation of nutritive substances (as vitamins) to drugs with the aim to obtain their transport in the central nervous system.
In particular, in the technological sector the researches are structured as following schematized.
(1) Prodrugs and brain targeting:
(a) Lipidization of potential antiischemic drugs
(b) Prodrugs and endogenous carrier mediated transporters (CMT) of vitamin C and glucose as carriers for the transport of neuroactive drugs in the central nervous system;
(c) Prodrugs and active efflux transport (AET) systems: a new approach to elude the active efflux transport systems of drugs from the brain
(d) Prodrugs for a Potential Anti-Parkinson Multitarget Approach
(e) Prodrugs for a Potential anticancer synergic approach
(f) Prodrugs for the brain targeting of antiviral agents
(2) Micro and nanoparticles for the encapsulation and the controlled release of neuroactive agents and their targeting in the central nervous system
(a) Polymeric micro- and nano-particles
(b) Solid lipid microparticles
(3) Formulation of microparticles for nasal administration:
(a) Starch/cyclodextrin bioadhesive microspheres as platform for nasal administration of antiinlammatory agents
(b) nasal administration and brain uptake of neuroactive drugs
(c) Pharmacokinetic studies
(4) Influence of pharmaceutical co-crystal structures on the drug permeability across the intestinal barrier
Research programs for the future involve the brain targeting of neuroactive agents and drugs for the brain diseases following no invasive innovative formulations.
The research work is carried out in collaboration with the Modena and Reggio Emilia, Sassari, Pavia, Catania, Bologna and Camerino Universities (Italy); the Shering-Plough Laboratories (Milan, Italy); the Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research of Leiden University (The Netherlands; the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, U.S.A.; the Department of Health Sciences, Luleå University of Technology (Sweden); the Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia, U.S.A.; the Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie Théoriques, Université de Lorraine (France); the School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine of National Taiwan University; the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology of Federal University di Goiás (Brasil).
Author of more than 110 scientific papers, of six book chapters and more than 90 presentation abstracts at national and international symposia
Bibliometrical data:
H-index (Scopus March 2022): 30, Total number of Citations (Scopus March 2022): 2703
Impact Factor (ISI Web of Sciences, referred to year of publication): ranging from 0.359 to 9.776; mean for 111 publications: 3.431
Rank ISI Web of Sciences, referred to year of publication): Q1: 63/111; Q2: 25/111; Q3: 6/111; Q4: 14/111
Position as first, last and/or corresponding author: 81/111 = 73%
Foreign languages known: English and French
