Chemistry, Molecular and Materials Design as the Institute Core Identity
The mission of the Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF) of the National Research Council (CNR) is to develop scientific knowledge and promote technological innovation through:
- The design, synthesis, functionalization, and study of molecules and advanced organic materials characterized by predefined and tunable properties;
- The understanding and use of photochemistry and radiation chemistry as tools to induce, control, and investigate photoinduced chemical, physical, and biological processes;
- The chemical functionalization of materials, including complex ones (e.g., 2D, hybrid, and composite materials), as a strategy to impart and optimize specific properties depending on the application.
By integrating chemical synthesis, advanced characterization, and an understanding of fundamental mechanisms, ISOF develops molecular systems and functional materials and investigates their structural, optical, electronic, and biological properties, contributing to the understanding of the phenomena underlying their performance and to the identification of possible future applications.
Small and macro (bio)molecules Small Molecules
Design, synthesis, and semi-synthesis of bioactive molecules, including those derived from natural products (e.g., taxanes, camptothecins, cyclodextrins, phospholipids, fatty acids, and amino acids); photoactive molecules (e.g., organometallic complexes); and π-conjugated molecules and macromolecules (e.g., oligothiophenes, porphyrins) with photo- or electroactive properties. Main applications: development and formulation of antitumor drugs and prodrugs, nutraceuticals, and photosensitizing agents for light-mediated processes and environmental pollutant degradation; fluorescent molecules for sensing and biomarkers; materials for optoelectronic and photocatalytic devices; and molecular interfaces for biological and cellular systems.
Multifunctional Materials advanced materials
Synthesis and functionalization of two‑dimensional materials with (bio)molecules such as amino acids, amines, biopolymers, and polymers, and their integration into composite materials. Main applications: water treatment and purification, electrochemical biosensors, CO₂ capture and conversion, production and management of energy carriers such as hydrogen, membranes, and composite materials.
Photoreactivity Photoreactivity
Understanding and controlling the mechanisms of transfer, conversion, and utilization of light energy. In particular, ISOF is an international leader in the investigation of the fundamental aspects of photoinduced processes, which are studied on fast and ultrafast timescales (nanoseconds to femtoseconds). Main applications: artificial photosynthesis; hydrogen production and solar fuels from CO₂ reduction; organic solar cells; electroluminescent devices; photo‑ and photoelectro‑catalysis; sensing and photodegradation of pollutants; light‑driven molecular machines; photodynamic therapy and photobiology; photoinduced antibacterial activity; photoinduced drug release.