Catalysis
Design, preparation and development of new heterogeneous organometallic catalysts, based on the immobilization of the active species on easily available and low cost organic and inorganic matrices. In this area we have studied heterogeneous catalysts of metal-porphyrins and phtalocyanins, rhenium and titanium oxides (methyl rhenium trioxide and titanium dioxide), and iron and manganese complexes with organic ligands. The new catalysts are fully characterized by microscopy techniques including SEM, TEM and AFM, analyzed for their kinetic properties and applied in fine chemicals, pharmaceutical chemistry, cosmetics and nutraceuticals processes.
Biocatalysis
Design, development and application of biocatalysts based on the process of enzyme immobilization. The procedures employed in these studies include the use of adsorption methods (for example, on chitin and chitosan as natural or modified polymers), formation of chemical bonds (use of epoxy resins Eupergit C 250L and similar or functionalization of silica and alumina particles), physical entrapment (microencapsulation via Layer-by-Layer technique). Bio-catalysis in alternative reaction solvents (organic solvents and ionic liquids). The new catalysts are fully characterized for the morphology and topology of the particles, for the kinetic properties and for their reactivity and stability. In recent years, the research group has developed a high level of knowledge in the immobilization of oxidative enzymes (laccases, peroxidases, tyrosinases and ligninases), aldolases (for the C-C bond formation) and glycosidases (for the C-O and C-N bond formation) .
Design, preparation and development of new heterogeneous organometallic catalysts, based on the immobilization of the active species on easily available and low cost organic and inorganic matrices. In this area we have studied heterogeneous catalysts of metal-porphyrins and phtalocyanins, rhenium and titanium oxides (methyl rhenium trioxide and titanium dioxide), and iron and manganese complexes with organic ligands. The new catalysts are fully characterized by microscopy techniques including SEM, TEM and AFM, analyzed for their kinetic properties and applied in fine chemicals, pharmaceutical chemistry, cosmetics and nutraceuticals processes.
Biocatalysis
Design, development and application of biocatalysts based on the process of enzyme immobilization. The procedures employed in these studies include the use of adsorption methods (for example, on chitin and chitosan as natural or modified polymers), formation of chemical bonds (use of epoxy resins Eupergit C 250L and similar or functionalization of silica and alumina particles), physical entrapment (microencapsulation via Layer-by-Layer technique). Bio-catalysis in alternative reaction solvents (organic solvents and ionic liquids). The new catalysts are fully characterized for the morphology and topology of the particles, for the kinetic properties and for their reactivity and stability. In recent years, the research group has developed a high level of knowledge in the immobilization of oxidative enzymes (laccases, peroxidases, tyrosinases and ligninases), aldolases (for the C-C bond formation) and glycosidases (for the C-O and C-N bond formation) .
