Ricerc@Sapienza

Her primary research interest is centered on organic chemistry, with a particular focus on the fields of natural product chemistry. The research covered several challenging and multidisciplinary projects related to Natural Product (NP) drug discovery. In particular, she has expertise in developing chemical libraries of novel NPs and in designing and synthesizing small bioactive molecules. As an inventor, she contributed to discovering a natural compound as an inhibitor of the HH pathway, which has been patented and completed the preclinical phase. Several projects on NPs drug discovery have been developed in collaboration with scientists outside Italy under the framework of the COST collaborative network of the H2020 program (CM1407) and she is a Management Committee Member (IT) of the COST Action CA21145.

Her research is also focused on the synthesis of artificial receptors endowed with tailored chemical and physical properties, making them suitable for applications in molecular recognition and in the development of diagnostic devices. In particular, she has extensively worked on the design and synthesis of resorc[4]arene-based macrocyclic systems, employed as artificial receptors for the construction of biosensors.

More recently, her research has expanded toward the development of modular photosensitive systems for the controlled release of siRNA for therapeutic purposes. This project, for which Dr. Ghirga serves as Unit Leader, is funded under the National Research Program and Projects of Relevant National Interest (PRIN) 2022.

Main research topics:

Natural Product Chemistry: This involves the isolation, purification, and structural elucidation of biologically active compounds extracted from medicinal plants. Additionally, it includes the rational design, synthesis, and optimization of both natural and synthetic compounds and their derivatives, focusing on antitumor and antibacterial activities.

Macrocycles and Supramolecular Chemistry: The design and synthesis of resorc[4]arene-based systems serve as novel artificial linkers for the site-directed immobilization of antibodies, which plays a crucial role in the development of immunosensors and biosensors.

Fluorescent Probes: The rational design and synthesis of selective fluorescent probes target biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease) to aid in early diagnosis.

Bioconjugates: This area focuses on the rational design, synthesis, and structural characterization of linkers for the development of bioconjugates, which have applications in nanomedicine and diagnostics.