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SERENA RIELA

Full Professor of Organic chemistry [CHEM-05/A]
Contacts

Office: Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Corpo A, Primo Piano
Email: serena.riela@unict.it
Phone: 095 7385025

Keywords

Prof. Serena Riela’s scientific activity lies in the field of organic and supramolecular chemistry applied to nanomaterials, with a particular focus on the use of clay minerals as versatile platforms for innovative applications.

The main research areas include:

  • Synthesis and functionalization of hybrid nanomaterials

    • Covalent and supramolecular modification of nanotubes and other clay minerals.

    • Immobilization of organic molecules, biomolecules, macromolecules, and metal complexes.

    • Development of multicavity materials and supramolecular systems for advanced applications.

  • Nanocarriers for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications

    • Controlled release systems for drugs, including hydrophobic compounds.

    • Development of nanostructured hydrogels and injectable platforms.

    • Nanomaterials for diagnostics, targeted therapies, and optical sensing.

  • Green Chemistry and sustainable processes

    • Functionalized clay minerals as heterogeneous catalysts in eco-compatible processes.

    • Design of innovative processes based on unconventional media.

  • Nanostructured systems for sustainable agriculture

    • Development of clay mineral-based nanopesticides and nanofertilizers.

    • Applications for the controlled release of active ingredients in agriculture.

These research lines have led to the development of innovative multifunctional materials with a strong multidisciplinary character and potential applications in the biomedical, environmental, agricultural, and technological fields.

For the scientific pubblications see: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6603156095

 

Prof. Riela is also co-author of:

Book Chapters:

  • M. Massaro, R. Noto and S. Riela “Strategies for Derivatization and Functionalization of Halloysite Nanotubes and their Challenges”. Ed. Deepak Rawatani, Nitasha Khatri, Chaudhery Munstansar Hussain” Elsevier 2025, Chapter 4, 43-62. ( Part of the Smart Halloysite Nanotubes ISBN: 978-0-443-15912-1).
  • M. Massaro, C. Viseras-Iborra and S. Riela “Surface Modification of Clay with Organics” Ed. Meththika Vithanage, Giuseppe Lazzara Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Springer, 2023, 177-202. (Part of the Advances in Material Research and Technology book series (AMRT)).
  • M. Massaro, G. Cavallaro, G. Lazzara, S. Riela* “Covalently modified clay nanoclays: synthesis, properties and applications” in “Clay nanoparticles: Properties and Applications” Ed. G. Cavallaro, R. Fakhrullin, P. Pasbakhsh, Elsevier, 2020, Capitolo 13, 305-333.
  • G. Lazzara, M. Massaro, S. Riela “Current Status of Nanoclays Phytotoxicity” in “Phytotoxicity of Nanoparticles” Ed. M. Faisal, Dr. Q. Saquib, A. A. Alatar, Prof. A. A. Al-Khedhairy, Springer, 2018, Chapter 6, 151-174, ISBN 978-3-319-76708-6.
  • G. Cavallaro, G. Lazzara, F. Parisi, S. Riela, S. Milioto “Nanoclay for conservation” - Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials for Diagnostic, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Ed. G. Lazzara and R. Fakhrullin; Elsevier, 2018 Chapter 8, 149-170, ISBN: 978-0-12-813910-3.
  •  
  • G. Lazzara, M. Massaro, S. Milioto, S. Riela “Halloysite based nanocomposites” in “Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials, Volume 7, Nanocomposites: Science and Fundamentals” Ed. V. K. Thakur; Wiley, 2017, Chapter 18, 557-584, ISBN: 978-1-119-22381-8.

 

  • F. D’Anna, P. Lo Meo, R. Noto, S. Riela “Cyclodextrins: Heterocyclic molecules able to perform chiral recognition (Part II)” Target in Heterocyclic Systems 2006, 91-113. ISSN: 1724-9449
  • F. D’Anna, P. Lo Meo, R. Noto, S. Riela “Cyclodextrins: Heterocyclic molecules able to perform chiral recognition (Part I)” Target in Heterocyclic Systems 2005, 1-38. ISSN: 1724-944.

 

2) Patent:

Riela, S.; Lazzara, G.; Massaro, M.; Parisi, F.; Maniaci, G.; Di Blasi, F.; Spinelli, G.; Biddeci, G.; Baldizi, A. “Metodo per la preparazione di nanocompositi antibatterici” depositato N. 102019000008148.

 

VIEW COURSES FROM A.Y. 2022/2023 TO PRESENT

Prof. Serena Riela’s research activity focuses on the development of innovative nanomaterials based on clay minerals, with particular attention to their covalent and supramolecular functionalization to obtain multifunctional materials.

In recent years, her group has worked on the design of:

  • biocompatible nanocarriers for the controlled release of bioactive molecules and hydrophobic drugs,

  • nanostructured hydrogels and injectable platforms for biomedical applications,

  • optical and sensing systems based on fluorescent molecules immobilized in nanostructured matrices,

  • eco-sustainable heterogeneous catalysts derived from functionalized clay minerals,

  • nanostructured systems for sustainable agriculture, aimed at the targeted release of fertilizers and pesticides.

The adopted approach is strongly multidisciplinary, integrating organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, materials science, green chemistry, and applications in the biomedical, environmental, and agricultural fields.

Her research activity is documented by numerous publications in international peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, invited lectures, and national and international collaborations, highlighting the relevance and impact of her scientific work.