Author: ep-admin

On 18 December 2025, the Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata hosted the Third-Year Meeting of the MUR Excellence Program 2023–27, X-CHEM – Expanding Chemistry. The seminar brought together doctoral students, researchers and senior academics for a full day of scientific exchange, offering a snapshot of the diversity, ambition and collaborative spirit shaping contemporary chemical research.

Held within the framework of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) Excellence Program, the meeting served not only as a progress review of the X-CHEM initiative, but also as a lively platform for dialogue across disciplines and career stages. Throughout the day, participants moved seamlessly between formal presentations and informal discussions, reflecting on how individual research projects connect to broader scientific and societal challenges.

A central highlight of the programme was the invited lecture by Professor Graça Vicente from Louisiana State University. In her talk, “Synthesis and Functionalization of Hydrazine Inserted BODIPY Derivatives”, Professor Vicente presented innovative strategies for expanding the functional versatility of BODIPY compounds through hydrazine insertion. By clearly illustrating how targeted molecular modifications can open new application pathways, the lecture demonstrated both scientific depth and pedagogical clarity. The presentation resonated strongly with the audience, offering insights that were accessible and stimulating for early-stage researchers as well as more experienced scientists.

Following the plenary session, attention shifted to the work of PhD candidates through a dedicated poster session, which formed the interactive core of the meeting. Doctoral students presented their ongoing research across a wide range of chemical sub-fields, transforming the poster hall into a space of intense exchange. Moving between posters offered participants a condensed overview of emerging research directions, while extended conversations allowed for deeper technical questions and constructive feedback.

Among the contributors, representing RELIANCE, was Elisa Recchia from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, who presented work on next-generation antimicrobial coatings based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Her research addresses one of the most pressing global challenges in chemistry and materials science: the development of effective strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.

In her study, she presented a performance comparison of four essential oils – eugenol, carvacrol, thymol and menthol – against five clinically relevant bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus clausii, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results identified thymol and carvacrol as the most effective antibacterial agents. Building on both antibacterial and virological data, carvacrol was selected for functionalization with two copper-modified MSN systems, distinguishing between calcined and non-calcined formulations. The findings highlighted the superior broad-spectrum efficacy of the non-calcined copper-modified MSNs (Cu-MSN-1), underlining their strong potential for future antimicrobial surface technologies in line with RELIANCE’s objectives.

The poster session was particularly enriching, as it offered the chance to discover several research projects closely related to Elisa’s own PhD work, while also highlighting complementary and innovative approaches. Several contributions explored nanoparticle-based systems, albeit from complementary angles, including surface  functionalization strategies, alternative antimicrobial agents and advanced physicochemical characterization methods. The sparked discussions were extremely valuable, as they opened the door to possible future integrations, illustrating how interdisciplinary dialogue can accelerate innovation and strengthen individual research efforts.

Beyond the scientific content, the Third-Year Meeting stood out as a space for reflection on the role of collaboration in excellence-driven research programmes. The diversity of approaches presented underscored how progress in chemistry increasingly depends on the ability to connect ideas across sub-disciplines, institutions and application domains. In this sense, the meeting embodied the core values of the X-CHEM Excellence Program: fostering quality, openness and meaningful exchange.

As the seminar concluded, participants left with new perspectives, potential collaborations and a renewed sense of motivation. Events such as this not only showcase scientific results but also reinforce the importance of community in addressing complex challenges – from fundamental molecular design to applied solutions for public health and environmental sustainability. For RELIANCE and its partners, the meeting offered both visibility and inspiration, reaffirming the value of contributing to shared European research goals within a vibrant and expanding chemistry landscape.

Contributor: Elisa Recchia, UNITOV

Authors: Amaia M. Goitandia, Maialen Argaiz, Miren Blanco, Giorgia Grilli, Elisa Recchia, Alessandra Amoroso, Nathalie Totaro, Andrea Ciammarucon, Riccardo De Santis, Leire Ruiz Rubio, Fabiana Arduini and Florigio Lista

Abstract

The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial infections, along with the continuous threat of viral outbreaks, poses a serious risk to public health worldwide and underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were successfully synthesized and subsequently functionalized with copper to impart broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The oxidation state of copper on the MSN surface was modulated through thermal treatments, allowing the evaluation of its influence on antimicrobial efficacy. The modified MSNs were tested against key bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving complete bactericidal activity after 2 h of exposure to E. coli. Moreover, as well as influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and MS2 bacteriophage (MS2) were evaluated, reaching an efficiency higher than 80%, 90%, and 97%, respectively. The results indicated that copper-modified MSNs exhibit potent antibacterial and antiviral activity, highlighting their potential as an antibiotic-free alternative for preventing microbial infections while mitigating the development of AMR bacteria.

Follow the link to read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241884

From 23 to 25 November 2025, the 25th European Meeting on Environmental Chemistry (EMEC25) took place in Chania, Crete (Greece), bringing together leading experts in the field of environmental chemistry. The international conference gathered 184 participants from 36 countries, featuring an extensive scientific program with 3 Plenary Lectures, 13 Keynote Lectures, 36 Oral Presentations, 31 Flash Presentations and 94 Poster Presentations – a clear validation of the event’s high scientific competence and growing global relevance.

Among the invited speakers was Prof. Fabiana Arduini from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, a key partner in RELIANCE. As a Keynote Speaker, Prof. Arduini delivered a lecture titled “Paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors for sustainable analyses in the environmental sector,” showcasing the innovative research carried out by her group on sustainable sensing platforms.

During her talk on 24 November, Prof. Arduini presented advances in paper-based electrochemical devices, detailing their structure, functionality, and broad application potential. Thanks to the porous nature of paper and its compatibility with printing technologies, her team develops sensors that integrate multiple analytical functionalities directly into a low-cost, lightweight, and easily manufactured substrate. This approach enables on-site environmental analysis, minimizing sample handling, reducing procedural complexity and improving access to real-time monitoring across diverse environmental matrices.

A highlight of the presentation was the demonstration of a reagent-free printed electrochemical sensor, modified with carbon black nanomaterial, capable of detecting essential oils across liquid, solid and aerosol samples. By leveraging the intrinsic porosity of paper, the sensor incorporates the necessary reagent and manages microfluidics without external pumps or additional sampling systems – showcasing a powerful example of sustainable sensor engineering.

Prof. Arduini’s contribution to EMEC25 enriched the scientific discussions and underscored the relevance of RELIANCE research activities in advancing next-generation analytical tools that could also be applied in environmental monitoring. Her keynote highlighted how paper-based electrochemical sensors open new pathways for simple, portable and sustainable analyses – offering unprecedented applications, such as the detection of essential oils in complex environments.

The participation of Prof. Arduini and her team demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of environmental sensing and to supporting Europe’s transition toward more sustainable and accessible analytical technologies.

This November, the Adriatic coast became the backdrop for a gathering of scientists and innovators working at the frontiers of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense. The International Workshop on Advanced Technologies and Mobile Laboratories for Countering Chemical Threats, held in Split, Croatia from 3 to 5 November 2025, brought together leading experts to exchange knowledge on how emerging technologies can better detect, identify and mitigate chemical threats in real-world settings.

Among the distinguished speakers was Prof. Fabiana Arduini, a key RELIANCE partner and professor at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, who was invited as a Plenary Speaker. Her lecture, titled “Paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors as smart, sustainable, and robust advanced detection and identification systems”, captured both the scientific innovation and the pressing need for practical, eco-friendly sensing solutions.

Paper-Based Sensors: A Fusion of Simplicity and Sophistication

In her talk, Prof. Arduini’s highlighted the potential of paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors as smart, sustainable and robust analytical tools for the detection and identification of chemical and biological warfare agents, viruses and essential oils.  

Drawing on insights from her influential review article “Electrochemical paper-based devices: When the simple replacement of the support to print ecodesigned electrodes radically improves the features of the electrochemical devices” (Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, SI: Emerging Opinions, 2022) [Arduini, F. Curr. Opin. Electrochem. 2022, 101090], Prof. Arduini highlighted how paper’s unique properties like porosity, flexibility, and biodegradability transform the design of the paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors, which have emerged as highly attractive analytical devices due to their sustainable features. Unlike conventional polyester-based electrodes, paper-based devices can be safely incinerated after use, significantly minimizing waste and contamination risks.

Moreover, these devices have demonstrated remarkable versatility, including their simple integration with vertical microfluidics and their ability to act as multifunctional reservoirs that can:
i) contain reagents,
ii) preconcentrate target analytes, and
iii) synthesize nanomaterials within the paper network.

Prof. Arduini also demonstrated how these devices can overcome the limitations of conventional printed sensors by enabling direct detection of chemical and biological agents, viruses, and volatile compounds in aerosol or solid samples, without requiring additional sampling systems. This feature is especially crucial in time-sensitive or resource-limited environments, where fast and reliable identification can save lives.

From Laboratory Innovation to Defense Applications

In the final part of her plenary lecture, Prof. Arduini showcased recent achievements of her research group in developing paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors for defense applications, such as:

• Origami paper-based biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection on surfaces, designed to provide rapid, on-site monitoring of viral contamination.
• Paper-based electrochemical sensors for essential oil detection, developed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of functionalized materials, including coatings and surfaces, such as those explored within the RELIANCE project.

These examples demonstrate how paper-based sensing technology is not limited to laboratory use but can serve as a practical tool in various sectors — from health and environmental monitoring to defense and materials science.

Connecting RELIANCE Innovation with Global Efforts

The workshop in Split, organized by the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb and supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, created a unique setting for cross-disciplinary exchange between academia, industry and defense stakeholders. It underscored how collaborative European research projects like RELIANCE contribute to a broader ecosystem of innovation aimed at ensuring safety, sustainability and resilience.

The emphasis on sustainability, miniaturization and field applicability aligns with RELIANCE’s mission to create next-generation solutions for safer, cleaner and more responsive materials and systems.

Three EU-funded projects RELIANCE, NOVA and NANOBLOC, successfully hosted the Next-Gen Nanocoatings: Accelerating Antimicrobial Innovation with Modeling & AI workshop during the Smart Materials and Surfaces (SMS) Conference in Rome. The event was held on 30 October and brought together leading researchers, industry experts and materials science stakeholders to explore the future of antimicrobial surface technologies.

Held at the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park, the workshop featured a dynamic agenda focused on scientific excellence, industrial relevance and real-world impact. The Communication and Dissemination lead of RELIANCE Ana Hristova, Europroject – Tinexta Innovation Hub, opened the day with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative nanocoating solutions to address global health and sustainability challenges.

Spotlight on Innovation

The morning session highlighted the three flagship projects:

• RELIANCE showcased its smart-response bio-based nanocoatings for healthier environments.
• NOVA introduced novel approaches to antimicrobial surface design.
• NANOBLOC presented real-world applications of protective nanocoatings.

These presentations underscored the diversity of approaches being pursued across Europe to combat microbial threats through advanced materials design.

Computational Modeling, AI and Data Management

The afternoon sessions explored how predictive modeling and machine learning accelerate the discovery and optimization of nanomaterials. Talks by Georgios Leonis, UPATRAS and Thibaut Soubrié, PRESTE demonstrated how AI is reshaping material science. A session on Research Data Management (RDM) emphasized the importance of robust data practices for scaling innovation, in alignment with the FAIR prinicples.

Safety, Sustainability & Industry Perspectives Speakers Elisa Feyles from the University of Turin and Guillermo Ormazabal from Tekniker addressed the environmental and toxicological dimensions of nanocoatings, reinforcing the need for responsible innovation. The final session featured industrial case studies from Arcelik and Molecular Plasma Group, offering insights into commercialization pathways and real-world deployment.

We are pleased to invite you to the Next-Gen Nanocoatings: Accelerating Antimicrobial Innovation with Modeling & AI workshop, taking place during Smart Materials and Surfaces 2025 in Rome on 30 October 2025!

The full-day event, organized by three leading Horizon Europe projects – RELIANCE, NOVA and NANOBLOC – will explore cutting-edge advancements in antimicrobial nanocoatings. Through a unique blend of digital modeling, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, the event will highlight the synergistic power of digital tools and advanced materials science to reshape innovation, from fundamental research to real-world industrial deployment.

This workshop is an exceptional networking opportunity, designed to bring together scientists, industry leaders and policymakers in our collective mission to strengthen antimicrobial resilience. The day is tailored to a diverse interdisciplinary audience of researchers, innovators, regulators and industry practitioners!

Learn more about the workshop’s mission, sessions and main topics here

All workshop participants are entitled to a conference fee discount.

Register at Setcor – Home by creating an account first. To receive the discount code, email Ms. Alexia Nardin at alexia.nardin@setcor.org with the subject RELIANCE-NOVA-NANOBLOC joint workshop.

Download the infographic

Every project exists within its environment, and its success is, to some extent, influenced by external factors – this is especially important for innovative projects that cannot rely on the example of existing ones. This makes PESTLE an important tool in support of innovative projects, such as RELIANCE.

WHAT IS PESTLE?
PESTLE is a strategic management tool that contains a simple structure that enables a systematic assessment of external factors that can potentially impact the project’s success.

As its name suggests, PESTLE is about assessing the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors connected to the project’s objectives. It helps in understanding the project’s macro-environment, identifying potential threats and opportunities for innovation, and supporting marketing and communication strategies.

• Political factors refer to elements such as political stability in the region, the regulatory environment, funding policies, and R&D incentives. These are particularly important for research projects relying on public funding. These aspects will also impact the investment levels, which in turn affect the market uptake of the innovative products.
• Economic factors include aspects such as economic growth/slowdown, business investment, interest and inflation rates, public spending, spending habits, labour costs, raw material costs, and exchange rates. These elements will impact the market uptake of innovations.
• Social factors involve population growth, age, lifestyle, attitudes, and opinions. Their characteristics are determinant for the success of an innovation in the market.
• Technological factors include factors such as the level of innovation in the area, the technological maturity of the market concerned, technological awareness, and new ways of communicating.
• Legal factors include consumer rights and laws, as well as product labelling and product safety standards. They are particularly important for innovative products.
• Environmental factors relate to environmental changes that can affect business practices, as well as to the environment-related policies.

WHEN TO START WITH PESTLE?
PESTLE can be highly valuable from the very conception of the research project. From early stages, it helps identify the opportunities that the environment offers and the threats that can challenge the project and its results.

PESTLE should be conducted at important milestones of a research project to reassess the project’s feasibility in a constantly evolving world.

Contributor: Dr. Arbesa Shehu Gremaud, HES-SO, Switzerland

RELIANCE partners came together on July 9^th in the vibrant city of Ghent for a highly productive two-day meeting to report on significant work progress and achieved results. The dynamic sessions were rich in exciting technical updates that underscored the project’s forward momentum in the development of advanced antimicrobial materials aimed at creating safer spaces. The meeting served as a beneficial platform for partners to update on various work packages and discuss future strategies, demonstrating the project’s continued evolution towards its ambitious goals. Key highlights from the technical sessions included remarkable progress in textile validation and the development of two novel families of antimicrobial additives.

Partners reported excellent results in the creation of protective clothing for the medical and pharmaceutical applications. This involved the careful selection of fabrics suitable for these demanding environments, which underwent advanced treatments and were rigorously tested and validated for properties such as antimicrobial effectiveness and water repellency. The consortium was happy with the outcome, confirming promising prototypes that demonstrate strong potential for real-world use in safeguarding health.

Meanwhile, work package 2 has successfully advanced the synthesis of two new additive families: smart-released Cu-SMIN encapsulating essential oils for targeted, sustained antimicrobial action and Cu-SMIN, which harnesses antimicrobial peptides for potent contact-killing performance. Early testing delivered impressive antimicrobial activity with the AMP-based formulation showing more than 80% inhibition against the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and above 70% inhibition against E. coli. The team is now working towards scaling up production of each additive, for broader application.

Upon technical discussions’ conclusion, our hospitable host Centexbel gave us an interesting tour of their cutting-edge textile research, testing and validation facilities and processes. The day concluded with the consortium partners also enjoying Ghent’s rich culture, with a guided tour of the city center and refreshing stops at popular drink and dine locals, offering delicious food and delightful social time. We were introduced to some of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Gravensteen Castle, the historic Ghent Belfry – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval bell tower symbolizing the city’s independence – and the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the legendary Ghent Altarpiece. This masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is renowned as one of the most influential works of early Northern Renaissance art, celebrated for its intricate detail and groundbreaking use of oil paint.

Adding to the charm of the experience was Ghent’s unique dusk setting at the confluence of the Lys and Scheldt rivers, which weave through the city and lend a serene and romantic atmosphere to its lively streets and historic architecture.

As RELIANCE continues to push the boundaries of smart, sustainable surface technology, meetings like these are vital touchpoints for sharing knowledge and reinforcing the strong partnerships and spirit of collaboration driving the project forward.