Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti | Nanocarriers | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti | Nanocarriers | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti , Dirigente di Ricerca CNR, CNR Nanotec, Lecce, Italy

Stefano Leporatti is a pioneering figure in Italy’s Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) field, having been among the first users of Digital Instruments (now Veeco Instruments) SFM as early as April 1993, at a time when commercial SFM was still nascent in Italy. His groundbreaking work extends to the development of the polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of micro- and nanocapsules, a nanotechnology method that has since found widespread industrial applications in areas like drug delivery, sustained release, and cancer drug nanocarriers. Leporatti’s extensive contributions are reflected in his publication record, which includes over 270 publications, comprising 135+ peer-reviewed papers and 4 book chapters. He is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered over 40 invited talks, and is deeply engaged in the scientific community, having participated in more than 130 conferences and workshops. His influential work has garnered over 5,500 citations, with an impressive h-index of 36 (ISI Web of Science, update October 2023). In addition to his academic achievements, Leporatti has played key roles in coordinating significant bilateral and international research projects, collaborating with esteemed institutions such as Porto University in Portugal and the IDBELL in Madrid, Spain, on initiatives like the Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) “Strategy to Inhibit TGF-Ī²1 in liver disease (IT-Liver).”

šŸ“š Education:

Stefano Leporatti has an impressive academic journey, culminating in a Laurea (M.Sc. equivalent) in Physics from the University of Genova (Italy) at Genoa University. His thesis in Biophysics, titled “Polymeric Separated Phase in Monomolecular Films revealed by Scanning Force Microscopy,” supervised by Prof. Ranieri Rolandi and refereed by Prof. Martino Bolognesi, showcased his early research prowess. Following this, he ventured into tutoring and supervising various theses at the Dottorato and Laurea Specialistica levels, covering a diverse range of topics in Nanoscience, Physics, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology. His mentorship has been instrumental in numerous impactful research projects, including those focusing on IFNĪ± therapy in multiple sclerosis, functional micro/nano-materials for drug delivery, atomic force microscopy on living cells for studying human disease, and multifunctional bio-nano-engineered drug delivery systems for hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Moreover, Leporatti has contributed as a referee for the thesis of Mr. Jiaying Yu, which explored the functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for various applications.

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ”¬ Teaching Experience:

Dr. Khosla has a wealth of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, Nanoscience, and Nanomedicine to undergraduate and graduate students. His teaching career spans several prestigious institutions, including Genoa University, Leipzig University, Salento University, University of Bari, and Kuwait University. Dr. Khosla’s expertise extends to delivering lectures, seminars, and practical experiences in Italian, German, and English languages. He has conducted workshops and training sessions focusing on nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, and research methodologies. Dr. Khosla’s teaching methods cover a broad spectrum of topics, including nanocarriers, drug delivery systems, microscopy techniques, and ethical considerations in nanomedicine. He has also adapted to virtual teaching environments, utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams to deliver lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work Experience:

Dr. Khosla has a distinguished career in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine, spanning over two decades. His expertise encompasses a wide range of research areas and projects, focusing on the development and characterization of nanocarriers and bioengineered materials for biomedical applications. His work includes morphostructural studies using advanced microscopy techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy to analyze the structural and mechanical properties of living and fixed cells. Additionally, he has conducted research on engineering microenvironments using biocomposite films and investigating the elasticity of various cell types, including cancer cells, neurons, and stem cells. Dr. Khosla’s contributions also extend to the development of nanocapsules and nanoparticles for drug delivery, with a specific focus on applications in cancer therapy. His collaborative projects have involved international partnerships with institutions such as the Institute of Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University, the Department of Chemical Engineering at Porto University in Portugal, and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas. Throughout his career, Dr. Khosla has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the field of nanobiotechnology through his research, teaching, and collaborations with leading institutions worldwide.

šŸ“š Project:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti has been involved in a wide range of research projects and collaborations, focusing on nanocarriers for cancer therapy and related fields. His work has been recognized and supported by various organizations and institutions, including the Italian Ministero degli Esteri (MAE), the Regione Puglia, the Associazione Italiana Ricerca Cancro (AIRC), and more. His projects have covered diverse themes such as the development and characterization of nanocarriers for drug delivery, cytomechanics of cancer cells, fabrication of nano- and microcapsules for controlled drug delivery, and the targeting of specific pathways for personalized therapy in cancer. Dr. Leporatti has also collaborated with international partners, including the University of Porto in Portugal and the Institute of Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University in the USA. His research has contributed to advancements in the understanding and application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, with a focus on innovative approaches for drug delivery and therapy customization.

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ« Scientific Activity:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti’s research expertise spans a wide range of nanophysics and nanotechnology applications, particularly focusing on interfaces and thin films. His work includes the characterization and manipulation of materials at interfaces, such as the air/water and air/substrate interfaces, using techniques like Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett mono- and multilayers. He has also been involved in the deposition of amphiphilic molecules on solid substrates, polymerization of Langmuir monolayers, and the characterization of organic thin films using Scanning Force Microscopy. Additionally, his research extends to the study of gold deposition and characterization, including the preparation and characterization of gold surfaces using Scanning Probe Microscopy. Dr. Leporatti has also explored various techniques for investigating biological nanostructures, such as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Scanning Force Microscopy. His work extends to the development and characterization of nanocarriers, including layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte multilayers nanocapsules and their stability, elasticity, and morphology under different conditions. Furthermore, he has delved into the study of interaction forces between cellulose microspheres and ultrathin films, as well as the investigation of viscoelastic and mechanical properties of macrophages using Colloidal Probe Microscopy. Dr. Leporatti’s research has contributed significantly to the understanding and application of nanotechnology in various fields, including biomedical and materials science.

Award and Honor:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti has built a distinguished career in nanophysics and nanotechnology, marked by numerous accomplishments and awards. His research has delved into a wide array of topics, from the characterization of Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett mono- and multilayers to the investigation of polymer capsules and their properties. Notably, his work has been recognized by prestigious journals, such as Langmuir and the Journal of the American Chemical Society, with articles awarded for their significant contributions. Dr. Leporatti’s research has also extended to practical applications, including the development of nanocarriers for drug delivery and the study of various nanostructures’ interactions with biological systems. His commitment to advancing the field is evident through his participation in international conferences, where he has presented his work and received recognition for his contributions. Additionally, his dedication to scholarly peer review has been acknowledged through multiple certificates of recognition and awards, highlighting his impact in shaping the scientific discourse.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All ā€“ 7947.
  • Citations ā€“ 3025
  • h-index ā€“ 68.
  • Documents ā€“ 102.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!

Michael Arakas | Nanocomposites, Dendritic Polymers | Best Researcher Award

Dr Michael Arakas: Nanocomposites, Dendritic Polymers: Best Researcher Award

Dr Michael Arakas Institute of Nanoscience Nanotechnology, NCSR ā€œDemokritosā€Greece

Dr. Michael Arkas is a prominent figure at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, part of the National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos.” His work likely involves cutting-edge research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, potentially focusing on areas such as material science, electronics, or biomedical applications. Dr. Arkas’s expertise may contribute to advancements in fields like nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, or nanomedicine, potentially impacting various industries and scientific disciplines. His contributions likely enhance the understanding and application of nanotechnology, shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field. šŸŽ“šŸ”¬

Education:

Dr. Michael Arkas is an accomplished researcher in the field of Chemistry, with a Ph.D. from the University of Athens, specializing in Industrial Chemistry. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Ioannina University in 1992. Dr. Arkas’s academic journey began at the Filothei Public High School in Attica, where he laid the foundation for his future scientific pursuits. With a strong educational background and a focus on industrial applications of chemistry, Dr. Arkas has made significant contributions to the field through his research and professional endeavors.

Work Experience:

Dr. Michael Arkas has a rich and diverse professional background, marked by a strong focus on research and development. Since March 2017, he has been serving as a Researcher at the NCSR “Demokritos” Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, where he continues to contribute to advancements in the field. Prior to this, from March 2007 to March 2017, he held a position as Permanent Special Scientific Personnel at the NCSR “Demokritos” Institute of Physical Chemistry, showcasing his long-standing commitment to scientific inquiry. Dr. Arkas also gained valuable industry experience during his tenure at Pharmathen, a pharmaceutical company, where he worked in the patents department from May to July 2006. His earlier roles as a Research Collaborator at NCSR “Demokritos,” particularly in the fields of nanomaterials and environmental pollution control, demonstrate his wide-ranging expertise and dedication to scientific exploration. Dr. Arkas’s academic journey began with his graduate studies at the University of Athens, where he pursued his doctoral thesis on thermotropic liquid crystals. This research, conducted at the NCSR “Demokritos” Institute of Physical Chemistry, laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the field. Throughout his career, Dr. Arkas has consistently demonstrated a passion for scientific inquiry and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in his field.

Past Positions:

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ”¬ Principal Member, Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Ankara, Turkey (Since 2020). šŸ› Director and Management Board Member, Sakarya University, BIMAS RC, Turkey (2014-2020). šŸ‘Øā€šŸ”¬ Associate Member, Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Ankara, Turkey (2012-2020). šŸŒ Visiting Researcher, Connecticut University, USA (2012). šŸ‘Øā€šŸ« Various Academic Positions at Sakarya University (1998-2010).

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Michael Arkas’s academic journey has been enriched by several prestigious fellowships and collaborations. In April-June 1997, he was awarded the Empirikio Institution fellowship, a recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and potential. This was followed by a significant period from March 1993 to March 1997, during which Dr. Arkas received the NCSR “Demokritos” graduate student fellowship, an honor that supported his research endeavors and academic pursuits. Additionally, in April-June 1996, he participated in the Greco-French collaboration program “Plato” between the Institut de Physique et de Chimie de Materiaux in Strasbourg, France, and the Institute of Physical Chemistry at NCSR “Demokritos.” This international collaboration further expanded his academic horizons and allowed him to engage with diverse perspectives in his field. These experiences reflect Dr. Arkas’s commitment to excellence in research and his proactive engagement with the global scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All ā€“ 1306
  • Citations ā€“ 611.
  • h-index ā€“ 20.
  • Documents ā€“ 11.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!

Teaching and Training Activities:Ā 

Dr. Michael Arkas has been actively engaged in science education and outreach activities, demonstrating his commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and knowledge among diverse audiences. From organizing summer schools and interactive science activities for elementary and high school students to participating in events like the Science on Board and Researchers’ Night, Dr. Arkas has contributed significantly to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. His involvement in initiatives such as the BASF Kids’ Lab and the Athens Science Festival underscores his dedication to making science accessible and engaging for young minds. Dr. Arkas’s efforts extend beyond conventional educational settings, as seen in his participation in events like the Jobs Fair Athens, where he brings science to broader platforms. His contributions reflect a deep passion for science communication and education, making him a valuable asset in promoting scientific literacy and enthusiasm.