INTERCELLMED

People

Loretta L. del Mercato

Loretta L. del Mercato

CNR Staff
Research Director (Group Coordinator)

Dr. Loretta L. del Mercato is Senior Researcher (Primo Ricercatore CNR) at Institute of Nanotechnology of CNR (CNR NANOTEC) and coordinator of the «3DCellSensing» group, since December 2018.

Eliana D'Amone

Eliana D'Amone

CNR staff
Technician Laboratory Manager

Skilled in nano- and microfabrication techniques (soft- and nanolithography, nanopattering, electrospinning), microscopy (SEM and fluorescence), 2D and 3D cell cultures.

Helena Iuele

Helena Iuele

CNR Researcher
Chemist

I am a material specialist and analytical chemist with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Waikato (New Zealand), complemented by a postdoc at Universidad Nacional de Colombia and research visits to IMAST Scarl and STMicroelectronics (Italy). My expertise includes composite materials, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and fullerenes for drug delivery, catalysis, and sensing, as well as chromatographic techniques and biological assays. Currently, my research focuses on developing metabolomics platforms for the quantification and characterization of metabolites in complex biological systems.

Valentina Onesto

Valentina Onesto

CNR Researcher
Biomedical Engineer

I am a biomedical engineer with a PhD in in Biomedical, System, and Applied Nanotechnologies Engineering from the University of Magna Graecia (IT) complemented by research visiting stays at at the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa and King’s College London (UK). My expertise lies in micro- and nano- fabrication technologies, biomaterials, biomechanics, image segmentation and analysis, numerical simulations and mathematical modeling. Currently, my research focuses on development of stimuli-responsive biomaterials and computational analysis methods for applications in precision medicine, life sciences and healthcare.

Stefania Forciniti

Stefania Forciniti

CNR Researcher
Biologist

I am a biologist with a PhD in Biomolecular Medicine from the University of Verona (IT), complemented by a postdoc at HUMANITAS Research Hospital (IT) and research visiting stays at Queen Mary University of London (UK) and University of Minho (PG). My expertise spans cellular biology, molecular techniques, microscopy, flow cytometry, and hydrogel platforms for tumor microenvironment modeling. Currently, my research focuses on the biological validation of sensing systems and stimuli-responsive biomaterials for applications in precision medicine, life sciences and healthcare.

Giuliana Grasso

Giuliana Grasso

CNR Researcher
Pharmaceutical Chemist

I am a molecular pharmacist with a PhD in Drug Discovery and Development from the University of Salerno (IT), complemented by research visiting stays at the Research Centre for Biointerfaces at Malmö University (Sweden). My expertise encompasses the synthesis and validation of innovative micro-shaped materials and fluorescent nanosensors for the detection and separation of biomarkers, pharmaceuticals, and biocompounds. Currently, my research focuses on developing nano-patterned sensing platforms to quantify metabolic changes associated with drug resistance mechanisms.

Anna Chiara Siciliano

Anna Chiara Siciliano

CNR Research Fellow
Pharmaceutical Chemist

I obtained a Master degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Bari (IT) and a PhD in Nanotechnology at the University of Salento (Lecce, IT). With a background in synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, I specialized on the study of molecules for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. My current research focuses on applying advanced 3D sensing platforms for studying the cross-talk between the tumor microenvironment and cell metabolism.

Roberta Bove

Roberta Bove

PhD Student
Biotechnologist

I obtained a Master’s degree in Medical, Veterinary, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Parma in Italy. My academic focus was on cellular and molecular biology, with particular emphasis on the maintenance, isolation, and purification of human endothelial and epithelial cells. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong proficiency in key immunohistochemistry techniques and gained valuable experience analyzing heart and lung tissues from rat and mouse models.

Giulia Vanoni

Giulia Vanoni

UniSalento Senior Postdoctoral Researcher
Biologist

I am a molecular biologist with a PhD in Cancer Immunology from the University of Lausanne (CH), and postdoctoral experience at Institut Curie of Paris (FR). My expertise lies in the ex vivo and in vitro characterization of immune responses and mechanisms of resistance to cancer therapy, complemented by extensive expertise in transcriptomic profiling using next-generation sequencing. I am now focused on integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and imaging tools to investigate 2D and 3D tumor-immune cell dynamics, aiming to drive precision medicine approaches in cancer treatment.

Enrica Soprano

Enrica Soprano

Cnr Technologist
Biotechnologist

I am a biotechnologist with a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Santiago de Compostela, completed at the CIQUS Research Center. My doctoral research focused on the design and development of biomimetic nanoparticles and their interactions with 2D and 3D cell models, aiming to advance drug delivery systems for cancer research. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive expertise in advanced optical microscopy techniques which I currently apply to the investigation of 3D sensing systems and stimuli-responsive nano- and biomaterials, with applications in precision medicine, life sciences and healthcare.

Irene Cianciola

Irene Cianciola

PhD Student
Biomedical Engineer

I obtained my Master's Degree in Medical Systems Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bari (IT), gaining a strong foundation in image and medical data analysis and computational modeling. Later on, I acquired expertise in microfabrication and 3D printing techniques, expanding my skills towards prototyping and manufacturing microdevices. My current research focuses on the quantitative analysis of fluorescence microscopy images and the development of dedicated software solutions for advanced image processing.

Roberta Gabrieli

Roberta Gabrieli

Biomedical engineer

I am a biomedical engineer with a PhD in Materials Science and Technology from Politecnico di Torino (Italy), with international research experience in Switzerland and Austria, including collaboration with Lithoz GmbH in Wien. My expertise lies in additive manufacturing technologies, biomaterials, scaffold design, and advanced material characterization techniques such as SEM, Micro-CT, and XRD. I have developed strong skills in the design and fabrication of 3D-printed bioactive glass and bioceramic scaffolds, combining advanced manufacturing processes with mechanical, structural, and permeability assessments for applications in regenerative medicine.

Sofia Belfiore

Sofia Belfiore

Pharmaceutical Chemist and Technologist

I am a pharmaceutical chemist and technologist with a Master's degree from Sapienza University of Rome, with a thesis focused on the synthesis of molecular conjugates via click chemistry methodologies. My expertise lies in multistep organic synthesis, reaction optimization, purification techniques, and compound characterization through IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. My current research focus on synthesis and characterization of nano- and biomaterials for pancreatic cancer applications.

Alumni:

Federica Carnevali (research fellow from December 2022, PhD Student in Nanotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT from March 2023 to June 2026, co-mentored with Prof. G. Gigli). Thesis Title: “From Therapeutic Scaffolds to Biomimetic Models: Nanotechnology-Engineered 3D Platforms for Cancer Therapy and Modeling"). Since July 2026, postdoctoral junior at Humanitas Research Hospital, Macrophage Dynamics Lab, Milan (Italy).

Manuela Cedrùn Morales (AIRC-MFAG postdoctoral researcher from October 2024 to December 2025). Since January 2026, postdoctoral researcher at Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Institute of Physics, School of Basic Sciences of EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland).

Francesco Colella, (Cnr fellow from July 2020 to July 2021; PhD Student in Nanotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT, from December 2021 to July 2025, Cnr fellow from November 2024 to November 2025). Since October 2025, Tutor for Students at University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro (Italy), Chemistry and Introductory Biochemistry Course, Degree Program in Medicine and Surgery.

Antonella Chiego (ITS Academy Biotech For Life, Chemical-Biological Laboratory Technician, BSc in Industrial Engineering), stage from 24th February to 30 June 2025.

Francesca Evangelista (ITS Academy Biotech For Life, Chemical Laboratory Technician), stage from 24th March to 18 July 2025.

Ilaria Serra (AIRC-MFAG research fellow from July 2023 to July 2024).

Valeria Famà (AIRC-MFAG research fellow from October 2021 to September 2022). Since October 2022 PhD student at European School of Molecular Medicine (SEMM), University of Milan (IT).

Riccardo Rizzo (Cnr-NANOTEC Researcher hosted in the «3D Cell Sensing» group from July 2020 to July 2022). Topic: Use of optical sensors and 3D in vitro models for pancreatic cancer research.

Giovanni Buonfrate (internship in the INTERCELLMED-ERC laboratory from July 2021 to September 2021). MSc Student in Biomedical Engineering at “Politecnico di Torino” (academic tutor Diana Nada Caterina MASSAI, PoliTo). Thesis Title: “Computational and experimental methodologies for live imaging and biosensing in 3D tumor models”.

Francesco Alemanno (PhD Student in Nanotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. A. Barra from 2019 to 2022). Thesis Title: “Neural Networks and Learning Machines: from mathematical foundation to applications in biological complexity.". Since September 2022 Postdoc at University of Salento, Lecce, IT.

Alessandra Gabriele (internship in the INTERCELLMED-ERC laboratory from February 2020 to April 2021). MSs Student in Biology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT (academic tutors Prof. A. Ferramosca and Prof. A. Barra, UniSalento). Thesis Title: "Study and quantification of cell:cell interactions between tumor and stroma cells of pancreas, in the presence and absence of chemotherapy".

Anil Chandra (INTERCELLMED-ERC Postdoc from July 2018 to November 2020). January-August 2021 Postdoctoral Research at Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (India). Since September 2021 Senior Scientist at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bangalore (India). Since 2025 Assistant Professor (permanent position) in the Department of Biotechnology at Central University of Kashmir (India).

Saumya Prasad (INTERCELLMED-ERC Postdoc from September 2019 to September 2020). Since July 2022 Grants Management Intern at National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore (India).

Marta Maria Cavo (INTERCELLMED-ERC Postdoc from September 2018 to February 2020). Since March 2020: Scientific support within the Grant Office of Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Francesca Serio (PhD Student in Physics and Nanoscience, University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. D. Pisignano from 2018 to 2019). Thesis Title: “Novel electrospun fiber architectures for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications". Since March 2020 Healthcare Strategy trainee at Nutricia, Milan (IT).

Gianmarco Del Vecchio (MS Student in Medical Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. T. Verri).Thesis Title: "In vivo administration of fluorescent sensors for monitoring gastrointestinal function in the zebrafish animal model (Danio rerio)".

Giampiero Lazzari (MS Student in Medical Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi). Thesis Title: "Study of polymeric capsules based on reduced graphene oxide and biodegradable polyelectrolytes: synthesis, properties and potential applications".

Laura Gioia Passione (Postdoc of University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi).

Ruggero Miglietta (MS Student in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry, University of Salento, Lecce (IT) (co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi). Thesis Title: "Synthesis and characterization of polymeric capsules containing polyoxometallate complexes with catalytic activity".

Marzia M. Ferraro (MS Student in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry, University of Salento, Lecce, IT; co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi). Thesis title: "Synthesis and characterization of optical ratiometric sensors based on polyelectrolyte capsules for the mounting of pH changes in endocytic vesicles".

Agnese Ramirez (MS Student in Biotechnology, University di Bari, IT; co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi). Thesis title: "Synthesis and characterization of polymeric microcapsules".

Dr. Azhar Abbasi (PhD Student at Philipps University of Marburg, Dept. of Phyiscs, Marburg, DE; co-mentored with Prof. WJ Parak). Thesis Title: “Synthesis and applications of nanoparticles in polymer matrix”.

Dr. Markus Ochs (MS Student in Phyiscs at Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, DE; co-mentored with Prof. WJ Parak). Thesis Title: "Preparation of polyelectrolyte microcapsules for light controlled release and multiple ion-sensors based on double-shell polymer capsules".

Andrea Cassano (BS Student in Biotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce (IT). (co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi).

Angela Ciardo (BS Student in Biotechnology, University of Salento, Lecce (IT). (co-mentored with Prof. R. Rinaldi).

Visiting:

Anita Zhudenova, visiting PhD Student, Fundacion Biofisica Bizkaia (Instituto Biofisika), Spain.

Alan Miguel Brum da Silva, visiting PhD Student, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brasil.

Krishnadev Narayanankutty, visiting PhD Student, Fundacion Biofisica Bizkaia (Instituto Biofisika), Spain.

Prof. Dr. Carolina C. de Oliveira, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (UFPR), Brasil.

Prof. Dr. Fernanda Fogagnoli Simas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (UFPR), Brasil.

Anderson Fraga da Cruz, visiting PhD Student, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brasil.

Prof. Dr. Izabel Riegel Vidotti, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (UFPR), Brasil.

Sabrina Hochheim, visiting PhD Student, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brasil.

Prof. Dr. Gamze Tan, Department of Biology, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey.

Tayyaba Batool, National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad, Pakistan.