Design, preparation and characterization of hybrid organic/inorganic nanostructures for biomedical, food and cosmetic applications

Hybrid functional materials, composed by inorganic and organic components, are considered versatile platforms whose applications in electronics, optics, mechanics, energy storage, informatics, catalysis, sensors, and medicine field represented a breakthrough for human well-being. Among hybrid materials, micro/nanostructured hybrid colloidal systems have been widely investigated due to the dramatic enhancement of activity provided by the large surface area exposed at the interfaces with respect to bulk counterpart. Recently a growing interest has been addressed toward the individuation of novel environmental-friendly and versatile procedures that allow the formulation of hybrid nanostructures through safety procedures and mild experimental conditions. The aim of the present Ph.D. research project was the development of hybrid micro/nano-based formulations exploiting different organic components from synthetic or natural origins and inorganic-based active agents. In particular, focus attention was addressed toward natural compounds obtained from renewable materials.