She achieved masters degree in Science and Technology for the Environment and Territory and PhD in International Physical Systems for Innovative Environtal Research at the Second University of Naples. Both in the period of thesis and during the training activities at the CNR of Naples , she learned the use of UV-Vis, ICPMS, GC-MS and different kind of microscopy. Specialized for two years in the use of Scanning Electron Microscope, still she works in this field on polymers, biological materials, and relevant to cultural heritage for diagnostic studies and scientific collaborations.
For conservation and restoration actions to be effective and respectful of cultural instances, it... more For conservation and restoration actions to be effective and respectful of cultural instances, it is crucial to acquire the knowledge framework of the examined monument by following a method which allows systematically collecting all the information needed to define its state of conservation. Managing complex data about a cultural asset requires a methodological guide that enables to coordinate information from multidisciplinary skills systematizing it and highlighting relations and connections between the various levels of knowledge. Based on such considerations, a study on the mosaics of the dome of the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte was carried out. The dome is located down the right nave of today's Basilica di Santa Restituta and is attached to the Cathedral. Its mosaics are considered as one of the most important expressions of paleo-Christian art in Italy, as a rare example of wall mosaic decoration still existing in the south of the country. At the ridge of the octagonal-based dome, on a starry sky background, stands out the " Chrismon " , i.e. the monogrammatic cross symbolizing the glorious Christ with the letters alpha and omega hanging from his arms. Based on a previous methodological study, in this paper we present new results, which, placing particular attention to the dome of the baptistery, focus specifically on a micro sample, called "cartellina d'oro", belonging to the mosaic of vault and more specifically to the monogrammatic cross, placed in the center of the dome. The availability of innovative analytical measures, allowed to carry out further laboratory investigations, in order to deepen the existing knowledge about the Byzantine mosaic and thus be a useful tool to go back to the artistic techniques used in paleo-Christian era.
New fiber composite materials are presented in this work. They have been obtained by treating the... more New fiber composite materials are presented in this work. They have been obtained by treating the surface of the fibers with a silane reactant used in the compounding stage to connect vegetables and mineral fibers to the other chemical components of the final composite materials. The silane reactant links on the surface of the fiber forming strong covalent bonds through the Si atoms. The other end moiety of the silane reactant carries an ammine group which is able to bind to epoxides in a copolymerization process. In such a way the fiber themselves becomes part of polymer networks which have much better mechanical properties with respect to the composite materials obtained by simply dispersing the fibres into polymer matrices. The observed physical and mechanical proprieties of these fiber composites candidates them to have future interesting applications in the field of conservation of cultural heritage.
This paper aims to provide a possible approach to the diagnostic plan through a in-depth analysis... more This paper aims to provide a possible approach to the diagnostic plan through a in-depth analysis about a case study, that is the cloister of the monumental complex of St. Augustine in Cosenza. It underlines the importance to carry out an important cognitive process meticulously, in order to achieve a efficient restoration project. This can happen by means an essential study of the asset all its features, through different approaches and the collaboration among several professionals. Therefore, the objective of this study is the definition of a map, or rather a precise route to follow in order to achieve a detailed knowledge of the cultural asset. An particulate knowledge framework has been performed on the cloister of Saint Augustine that has expected its territorial and environmental contextualization, the research of its history as well as an important architectural analysis. In this work the building materials have been described, the pathologies of decay have been highlighted and the morphological and chemical characterization of the stone of the masonry elements of the cloister has been performed by means the SEM analysis. A particular attention has been addressed to study of the crushing phenomena in act on the arches of the monumental cloister. The forms of material decay due to the structural instability and their causes have been studied. Furthermore, a structural analysis along the arches, performed through the construction of the lines of pressure, has allowed to verify the excessive values of the compression internal stresses on the masonry of the bearing elements of the cloister; this explains the presence of the instabilities due to the crushing phenomena along the arcades.
The employment of molecular tools with nucleic acid binding ability to specifically control cruci... more The employment of molecular tools with nucleic acid binding ability to specifically control crucial cellular functions represents an important scientific area at the border between biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. In this review we describe several molecular systems of natural or artificial origin, which are able to bind polyriboadenylic acid (poly(rA)) both in its single-stranded or structured forms. Due to the fundamental role played by the poly(rA) tail in the maturation and stability of mRNA, as well as in the initiation of the translation process, compounds able to bind this RNA tract, influencing the mRNA fate, are of special interest for developing innovative biomedical strategies mainly in the field of anticancer therapy.
International journal of pharmaceutics, Jan 12, 2015
In this work, we investigate the compaction activity of a sequential alpha,epsilon-peptide compos... more In this work, we investigate the compaction activity of a sequential alpha,epsilon-peptide composed of l-lysines towards two RNA targets, in view of its possible pharmaceutical application in RNA-targeting and RNA delivery. The basic oligolysine, object of the present study, proved not only to be efficient in compacting the single-stranded polyA RNA, but also to strongly interact with the polyA·polyU complex, as evidenced by CD-binding and UV-melting experiments. In particular, the marked differences in the CD spectra of the RNA targets upon addition of the peptide, as well as the different UV melting behaviour for the polyA·polyU complex in the presence and absence of the peptide, sustain the hypothesis of a strong RNA compaction capacity of the alpha,epsilon-oligolysine. Finally, by using HPLC analysis, we found a good resistance of the peptide against the lytic action of human serum, an important requirement in view of in vitro/in vivo biological assays.
In this work, we report the asymmetric synthesis and characterization of an artificial amino acid... more In this work, we report the asymmetric synthesis and characterization of an artificial amino acid based on triazolyl-thione L-alanine, which was modified with a thiophenyl-substituted moiety, as well as in vitro studies of its nucleic acid-binding ability. We found, by dynamic light scattering studies, that the synthetic amino acid was able to form supramolecular aggregates having a hydrodynamic diameter higher than 200 nm. Furthermore, we demonstrated, by UV and CD experiments, that the heteroaromatic amino acid, whose enzymatic stability was demonstrated by HPLC analysis also after 24 h of incubation in human serum, was able to bind a RNA complex, which is a feature of biomedical interest in view of innovative antiviral strategies based on modulation of RNA-RNA molecular recognition.
In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well a... more In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well as CD studies regarding its ability to interact with DNA and RNA. After the chemical synthesis and ESI-MS and NMR characterization, this heteroaromatic molecule was investigated by CD spectroscopy in order to evaluate it as a potential nucleic acid binder. Interestingly, the benzodifuran compound was found to be able to induce conformational changes in both DNA and RNA homoadenine molecules forming in the latter case a complex with a 6:1 benzodifuran/nucleobase stoichiometric ratio, as evidenced by CD titration experiments.
ABSTRACT A new type of rigid rod polymer is reported, easily obtained by thermal cyclization of a... more ABSTRACT A new type of rigid rod polymer is reported, easily obtained by thermal cyclization of a soluble/meltable polyamidic precursor. The polyamides are based on a diaminobenzodifurane monomer and are prepared by polycondensation reaction. The polymers are characterized by NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC. The cyclization reaction produces insoluble/unmeltable benzodifuroxazinonic based polymers with rigid rod structure. Due to their thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior the polyamides are easily obtained from melt as oriented films under shear and as fibers by extrusion. High degree of orientation and smectic-like arrangement of polyamides are demonstrated by X-ray fiber diffraction. Retention of the orientation upon cyclization is demonstrated by XRFD, optical and electron microscopy.
For conservation and restoration actions to be effective and respectful of cultural instances, it... more For conservation and restoration actions to be effective and respectful of cultural instances, it is crucial to acquire the knowledge framework of the examined monument by following a method which allows systematically collecting all the information needed to define its state of conservation. Managing complex data about a cultural asset requires a methodological guide that enables to coordinate information from multidisciplinary skills systematizing it and highlighting relations and connections between the various levels of knowledge. Based on such considerations, a study on the mosaics of the dome of the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte was carried out. The dome is located down the right nave of today's Basilica di Santa Restituta and is attached to the Cathedral. Its mosaics are considered as one of the most important expressions of paleo-Christian art in Italy, as a rare example of wall mosaic decoration still existing in the south of the country. At the ridge of the octagonal-based dome, on a starry sky background, stands out the " Chrismon " , i.e. the monogrammatic cross symbolizing the glorious Christ with the letters alpha and omega hanging from his arms. Based on a previous methodological study, in this paper we present new results, which, placing particular attention to the dome of the baptistery, focus specifically on a micro sample, called "cartellina d'oro", belonging to the mosaic of vault and more specifically to the monogrammatic cross, placed in the center of the dome. The availability of innovative analytical measures, allowed to carry out further laboratory investigations, in order to deepen the existing knowledge about the Byzantine mosaic and thus be a useful tool to go back to the artistic techniques used in paleo-Christian era.
New fiber composite materials are presented in this work. They have been obtained by treating the... more New fiber composite materials are presented in this work. They have been obtained by treating the surface of the fibers with a silane reactant used in the compounding stage to connect vegetables and mineral fibers to the other chemical components of the final composite materials. The silane reactant links on the surface of the fiber forming strong covalent bonds through the Si atoms. The other end moiety of the silane reactant carries an ammine group which is able to bind to epoxides in a copolymerization process. In such a way the fiber themselves becomes part of polymer networks which have much better mechanical properties with respect to the composite materials obtained by simply dispersing the fibres into polymer matrices. The observed physical and mechanical proprieties of these fiber composites candidates them to have future interesting applications in the field of conservation of cultural heritage.
This paper aims to provide a possible approach to the diagnostic plan through a in-depth analysis... more This paper aims to provide a possible approach to the diagnostic plan through a in-depth analysis about a case study, that is the cloister of the monumental complex of St. Augustine in Cosenza. It underlines the importance to carry out an important cognitive process meticulously, in order to achieve a efficient restoration project. This can happen by means an essential study of the asset all its features, through different approaches and the collaboration among several professionals. Therefore, the objective of this study is the definition of a map, or rather a precise route to follow in order to achieve a detailed knowledge of the cultural asset. An particulate knowledge framework has been performed on the cloister of Saint Augustine that has expected its territorial and environmental contextualization, the research of its history as well as an important architectural analysis. In this work the building materials have been described, the pathologies of decay have been highlighted and the morphological and chemical characterization of the stone of the masonry elements of the cloister has been performed by means the SEM analysis. A particular attention has been addressed to study of the crushing phenomena in act on the arches of the monumental cloister. The forms of material decay due to the structural instability and their causes have been studied. Furthermore, a structural analysis along the arches, performed through the construction of the lines of pressure, has allowed to verify the excessive values of the compression internal stresses on the masonry of the bearing elements of the cloister; this explains the presence of the instabilities due to the crushing phenomena along the arcades.
The employment of molecular tools with nucleic acid binding ability to specifically control cruci... more The employment of molecular tools with nucleic acid binding ability to specifically control crucial cellular functions represents an important scientific area at the border between biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. In this review we describe several molecular systems of natural or artificial origin, which are able to bind polyriboadenylic acid (poly(rA)) both in its single-stranded or structured forms. Due to the fundamental role played by the poly(rA) tail in the maturation and stability of mRNA, as well as in the initiation of the translation process, compounds able to bind this RNA tract, influencing the mRNA fate, are of special interest for developing innovative biomedical strategies mainly in the field of anticancer therapy.
International journal of pharmaceutics, Jan 12, 2015
In this work, we investigate the compaction activity of a sequential alpha,epsilon-peptide compos... more In this work, we investigate the compaction activity of a sequential alpha,epsilon-peptide composed of l-lysines towards two RNA targets, in view of its possible pharmaceutical application in RNA-targeting and RNA delivery. The basic oligolysine, object of the present study, proved not only to be efficient in compacting the single-stranded polyA RNA, but also to strongly interact with the polyA·polyU complex, as evidenced by CD-binding and UV-melting experiments. In particular, the marked differences in the CD spectra of the RNA targets upon addition of the peptide, as well as the different UV melting behaviour for the polyA·polyU complex in the presence and absence of the peptide, sustain the hypothesis of a strong RNA compaction capacity of the alpha,epsilon-oligolysine. Finally, by using HPLC analysis, we found a good resistance of the peptide against the lytic action of human serum, an important requirement in view of in vitro/in vivo biological assays.
In this work, we report the asymmetric synthesis and characterization of an artificial amino acid... more In this work, we report the asymmetric synthesis and characterization of an artificial amino acid based on triazolyl-thione L-alanine, which was modified with a thiophenyl-substituted moiety, as well as in vitro studies of its nucleic acid-binding ability. We found, by dynamic light scattering studies, that the synthetic amino acid was able to form supramolecular aggregates having a hydrodynamic diameter higher than 200 nm. Furthermore, we demonstrated, by UV and CD experiments, that the heteroaromatic amino acid, whose enzymatic stability was demonstrated by HPLC analysis also after 24 h of incubation in human serum, was able to bind a RNA complex, which is a feature of biomedical interest in view of innovative antiviral strategies based on modulation of RNA-RNA molecular recognition.
In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well a... more In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well as CD studies regarding its ability to interact with DNA and RNA. After the chemical synthesis and ESI-MS and NMR characterization, this heteroaromatic molecule was investigated by CD spectroscopy in order to evaluate it as a potential nucleic acid binder. Interestingly, the benzodifuran compound was found to be able to induce conformational changes in both DNA and RNA homoadenine molecules forming in the latter case a complex with a 6:1 benzodifuran/nucleobase stoichiometric ratio, as evidenced by CD titration experiments.
ABSTRACT A new type of rigid rod polymer is reported, easily obtained by thermal cyclization of a... more ABSTRACT A new type of rigid rod polymer is reported, easily obtained by thermal cyclization of a soluble/meltable polyamidic precursor. The polyamides are based on a diaminobenzodifurane monomer and are prepared by polycondensation reaction. The polymers are characterized by NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA, DSC. The cyclization reaction produces insoluble/unmeltable benzodifuroxazinonic based polymers with rigid rod structure. Due to their thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior the polyamides are easily obtained from melt as oriented films under shear and as fibers by extrusion. High degree of orientation and smectic-like arrangement of polyamides are demonstrated by X-ray fiber diffraction. Retention of the orientation upon cyclization is demonstrated by XRFD, optical and electron microscopy.
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