Valentina OLIVERI
Keywords
The main research topics fall within the fields of bioinorganic and supramolecular chemistry, with particular emphasis on the role of metal ions in biological systems, their homeostasis, and the design of molecules and nanomaterials capable of selectively modulating their availability and reactivity. These topics are highly relevant because alterations in the homeostasis of metals such as copper, zinc, and iron are involved in several pathological conditions, particularly cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cuproptosis. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying copper-dependent regulated cell death and development of strategies aimed at exploiting altered copper homeostasis in cancer cells. Cuproptosis currently represents an emerging topic at the interface of bioinorganic chemistry, cellular metabolism, and oncology.
- Copper and zinc ionophores with antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity. Design of molecules capable of transporting metal ions across biological membranes and modifying their intracellular distribution. These systems are of particular interest because they can selectively perturb redox, metabolic, and enzymatic processes, with potential anticancer and antimicrobial applications.
- Metal-based systems for cancer treatment. Development of transition-metal and lanthanide complexes as potential therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Metal chemistry provides access to redox properties, coordination geometries, and mechanisms of action that are not readily achievable with conventional organic drugs, supporting the development of selective and multifunctional metallodrugs.
- Chelating systems with antioxidant and anti-aggregation activity. Design of ligands capable of coordinating biologically relevant metal ions while simultaneously modulating oxidative stress and protein aggregation. This approach is particularly relevant in neurodegenerative diseases, where Cu, Fe, and Zn may contribute both to the formation of reactive oxygen species and to pathological aggregation processes.
- Nanocrystals for drug delivery in cancer therapy. Development and functionalization of nanocrystals, particularly cellulose nanocrystals, for the selective delivery of drugs and metal-based systems. Their high surface area, biocompatibility, and chemical functionalizability make these materials promising platforms for tumor targeting and controlled drug release.
- Amyloid aggregation inhibitors and protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Investigation of molecules capable of interfering with the misfolding and aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins, with particular attention to the role of metal ions. The relationship among metal speciation, oxidative stress, and protein aggregation represents an important point of convergence between bioinorganic chemistry and neurodegeneration.
- Cyclodextrin-based biomolecules and nanoparticles for biological applications. Design of functionalized cyclodextrins and supramolecular systems for drug delivery, sensing, and nanomedicine. Their host–guest recognition properties and high chemical versatility make cyclodextrins particularly suitable platforms for the construction of multifunctional systems.
Overall, these research lines share a strongly interdisciplinary approach in which coordination chemistry and the control of metal homeostasis are used to understand and modulate complex biological processes. Their current relevance lies primarily in the possibility of developing more selective and multifunctional therapeutic strategies for oncology, neurodegeneration, and nanomedicine.
Valentina Oliveri obtained her degree in Biomolecular Chemistry and her Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences with honors from the University of Catania. In 2017, she received the National Scientific Qualification as a full professor for the competitive sector 03/B1 (General and Inorganic Chemistry, Chem-03/A). She served as a fixed-term researcher RTDa (2018-2021) and RTDb (2021-2024) at the Department of Chemical Sciences. As of October 2024, she is an associate professor in the same department.
Valentina Oliveri is responsible, for the University of Catania, for the PRIN PNRR 3DVOCE projects and the PRIN 2022 NESTOR project, and is involved in other national and international projects as part of a research unit.
As a bio-inorganic and supramolecular chemist, she has explored the chemistry and exploited the properties of various metal centers, particularly Cu, Zn, and Fe, also in supramolecular networks.
Her research interests focus on designing and developing new systems for targeted oncotherapy and neurodegenerative disorders. Her work has been recognized with several fellowships and awards, including the Italfarmaco-De Santis Award for research in the field of glycoconjugates with biological activity.
25/08/2025
Academic Career and Education
Associate Professor (S.S.D. CHEM-03/A, since 2024), University of Catania;
Italian National Scientific Qualification (since 2026) as Full Professor, First Level, in sector 03/B1;
Visiting Scientist (2025), CSIC Madrid (Spain);
Visiting Scientist (2024), CY Cergy Paris Université (France);
University Researcher (RTDb) (S.S.D. CHIM-03, since 2021), University of Catania;
University Researcher (RTDa, 2018–2021) (S.S.D. CHIM-03), University of Catania;
Italian National Scientific Qualification (since 2017) as Associate Professor in sector 03/B1;
Italian National Scientific Qualification (since 2017) as Associate Professor in sector 03/B2;
Postdoctoral Researcher (2014–2018), Interuniversity Consortium for Research on the Chemistry of Metals in Biological Systems and University of Catania.
PhD in Chemical Sciences, with honors (2014);
Visiting PhD Student (2012), University of Sussex (UK);
Visiting PhD Student (2012), LEBSC, Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna;
Teaching Activities
Courses taught: “General and Inorganic Chemistry”, “General and Inorganic Chemistry with Elements of Organic Chemistry”, “General and Inorganic Chemistry M–Z”, “Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory II”, “General Chemistry”, “Other Activities, Professional Laboratories”, and “Design and Potential of Glycoconjugate-Based Drug Delivery Systems”, within degree programs in Biological Sciences, Geological Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, and the advanced training program “Development of Skills and Professional Expertise for Innovative Micro- and Nanotechnologies in Healthcare: Biosensors and Drug Delivery Systems” at the University of Catania.
Coordination and Supervision Activities
Supervisor of more than 15 undergraduate and Master’s theses in Chemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology.
03/2026–present – Scientific Supervisor of a Research Fellowship (ERMES Project), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania. Supervision of the synthesis and characterization of functionalized cellulose nanocrystals for targeted delivery and molecular communication applications in cancer therapy.
03/2025–03/2026 – Scientific Supervisor of a Research Fellowship (PRIN 2022 – NESTOR Project), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania. Supervision of the synthesis and characterization of new chelators for transition metals and lanthanides, aimed at developing potential anticancer agents.
03/2024–09/2025 – Scientific Supervisor of a Research Fellowship (3DVOCE Project), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania. Supervision of the development and characterization of cyclodextrin-based systems for VOC detection and indoor air quality monitoring.
09/2024–11/2024 – Academic Tutor of an incoming PhD student, within an internship at the Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, aimed at the preparation of a PhD thesis on the synthesis and characterization of functionalized cyclodextrins for 3D-printed systems.
04/2024–10/2024 – Scientific Supervisor of a Research Fellowship (PRIN 2022 – NESTOR Project), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania. Supervision of the synthesis and characterization of chelators for transition metals and lanthanides intended for the development of new anticancer agents.
Research Projects
PRIN 2022
Role: Unit Leader and Substitute Principal Investigator
Title: New mEtal-baSed agenTs against Orphan tumoRs (NESTOR)
Sector: PE5; Duration: 24 months.
Project objectives: NESTOR aims to investigate new metal-based agents (METs) for the treatment of patients affected by rare cancers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The project seeks to combine chemical and targeted antineoplastic strategies within a single pharmacological entity to eliminate cancer stem cells (CSCs), with the goal of providing preclinical proof of concept and paving the way for future drugs for the treatment of rare cancers through an interdisciplinary collaboration between inorganic chemists and biologists.
HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
Role: Communication and Dissemination Manager, responsible for project communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, ensuring visibility and stakeholder engagement.
Title: Information transfer between medical doctors and implanted medical devices via artificial molecular communication (ERMES) – HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01, Grant Agreement Project No. 101185661.
Funding Body/Institution: European Innovation Council; Duration: 36 months.
Project objectives: ERMES aims to develop an innovative artificial molecular communication system between medical doctors and implanted medical devices, enabling the controlled transfer of biological and therapeutic information within the body. The project integrates chemistry, nanotechnology, biomedicine, and engineering approaches to develop platforms capable of monitoring biological parameters and selectively modulating therapies, with particular emphasis on oncology and personalized medicine.
PO Trajectory 4
Role: Member of the Department of Chemical Sciences (DSC) Research Unit
Title: Drug Repurposing in Rare Pediatric Neurological Diseases of the Nervous System
Duration: 48 months.
Project objectives: The project aims to pursue a multi-strategy approach to the repurposing of already marketed drugs for a group of rare diseases that currently represent some of the most challenging conditions to diagnose and those with the fewest therapeutic options available: pediatric ataxias.
PRIN PNRR
Role: Unit Leader and Substitute Principal Investigator
Title: 3D Printed VOC Sensors Based on Cyclodextrins for Indoor Air Quality Evaluation (3DVOCE)
Sector: PE5; Duration: 24 months.
Project objectives: 3DVOCE aims to develop a highly sensitive, easy-to-read sensor with an optical response for indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment. The device will be based on a 3D-printed polymeric platform incorporating gas-sensitive and selective systems for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
University Research Plan 2020–2022 – Line 3 Starting Grant
Role: Project Coordinator (Principal Investigator)
Title: Selective Targeting of Cancer Cells by Copper Ionophores (SELECTION)
Duration: 24 months.
Project objectives: Conventional cancer therapies are limited by their lack of selectivity toward cancer cells, resulting in severe side effects. Moreover, some tumors develop resistance mechanisms that allow them to survive treatment. The development of new therapeutic agents therefore aims to increase tumor selectivity and overcome resistance mechanisms. Some copper ionophores have shown promising properties in this respect, although their selectivity remains only partial. Their selectivity may, however, be enhanced through appropriate functionalization. The aim of this research project is to synthesize and characterize systems (pro-ionophores) that can be preferentially activated in tumor tissues, inducing cancer cell death through a copper-ion-mediated mechanism. A selected pro-ionophore will be biologically evaluated in collaboration with the CNR.
Publications
Author of more than 55 publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals;
Author of 4 conference proceedings published in journals or volumes with ISSN or ISBN codes, 2 book chapters (Elsevier), and 48 contributions presented at national and international conferences.
Contributions to national and international conferences: 60+
Number of citations (Scopus): 1,700+
h-index (Scopus): 23
Most cited article (Scopus): 250+ citations
Awards and Honors
- 2022–2024 (ongoing): Included for three consecutive years in the international World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking, compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier based on Scopus data, identifying researchers with the highest scientific impact worldwide.
- “Gastone De Santis” Award, 2018 edition, for researchers under 35 working in the field of chemistry of biological systems.
- Best Poster Award sponsored by Dalton Transactions (ISSN 1477-9226, IF 4.174) at the “46th National Conference on Inorganic Chemistry” (2018).
- Outstanding Reviewer Award for Chemical Communications in 2018 (RSC Publishing), ISSN 1359-7345, IF 6.222.
- SBIC Travel Grant awarded by the Scientific Committee of the EuroBIC13 Conference (2016).
- Hot Paper and Highly Cited Paper. Source: Web of Science: “Oliveri, V. (2022). Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.841814”.
- 4 journal covers in international scientific journals (ChemMedChem, Chemistry – A European Journal, Dalton Transactions).
Editorial and Reviewing Activities (Publons – H-8601-2016)
- Associate Editor for the international journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (ISSN 2296-889X, IF: 6.113).
- Guest Editor of a Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067, IF: 5.924).
- Guest Editor of a Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049, IF: 4.411) entitled “Recent Advances in Understanding and Treating Amyloidosis”.
- Topic Editor for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067, IF: 5.924), section “Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics”.
- Guest Editor of a Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067, IF: 5.924) entitled “Glycoconjugates: Challenges and Opportunities”.
- Grant Reviewer for Parkinson’s UK, a UK charity and research organization dedicated to Parkinson’s disease.
- Grant Reviewer for the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) of the Chilean Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, within the “2024 Regular Fondecyt National Projects Competition”.
- Grant Reviewer for the National Science Centre of Poland (funding programs: Sonata-18 and Preludium-21), the national institution responsible for funding scientific research in Poland.
- Grant Reviewer for the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), the main organization supporting basic research in Austria.
- Reviewer for more than 40 international scientific journals (Dalton Transactions, Chemical Communications, Nature Communications, etc.).
- Verified reviews: 200+ since 2016.
Main Research Topics
- Cuproptosis;
- Copper and zinc ionophores with antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity;
- Metal-based systems for cancer treatment;
- Chelating systems with antioxidant and anti-aggregation activity;
- Nanocrystals for drug delivery in cancer therapy;
- Amyloid aggregation inhibitors;
- Protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases;
- Cyclodextrin-based biomolecules and nanoparticles for biological applications.
- ORCID: 0000-0001-7603-4790
- CINECA IRIS Institutional Research Information System: link
Research Topics
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Development of copper–ligand complexes to induce cuproptosis as a targeted strategy in cancer treatment
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Cellulose nanocrystal-based nanocarriers for oncological applications: functionalization with cuproptotic agents and investigation of interactions with proteins and metals
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Bioactive metal complexes and metal-chelating agents: multifunctional approaches for oncological, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective applications
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Cyclodextrin-based biomolecules and biomaterials for drug delivery and sensing
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Development of supramolecular cyclodextrin-based sensors for the monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments