CDCO2026 & IASOC2026
September 13th-17th and 17th-21th, 2026
The group demonstrated strong leadership and scientific excellence at the National Congress of Organic Chemistry (#CDCO2026), contributing significantly to key sessions:
- Organic Dyes / Biocatalysis Session: Prof. Carmine Gaeta co-chaired an exciting session of the event alongside Prof. Lorenzo Di Bari, guiding high-level scientific discussions on cutting-edge topics.
- Catalysis and Molecular Recognition Session: Prof. Carmen Talotta successfully served as Chair alongside Prof. Cristiano Zonta. During the same session, our team member Rocco Del Regno delivered an oral communication, sharing the group’s latest research results with the scientific community.
Following these intense days, our PhD student Claudia Argenio actively participated in the 21st edition of the Ischia Advanced School of Organic Chemistry (IASOC2026), held in the beautiful setting of Ischia from September 17–21. During the event, Claudia proudly presented a poster communication.
New Publication!!!
September 8th, 2026
Our new paper, “Enhancing leather tanning efficiency and sustainability with polyphenolic macrocycles: a biomimetic approach”, is now available in Open Access on Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio).
In this study, we developed a biomimetic approach to make the leather tanning process both highly efficient and more sustainable. Our phenol-catechol-footed macrocycles achieved impressive tanning performance, reaching a collagen denaturation temperature of 85 °C, matching or even outperforming traditional vegetable tannins.
Eco-friendly synthesis: Drastically minimized solvent waste using microwave technology.
High performance: Exceptional collagen stabilization thanks to a dense network of hydrogen bonds.
Read the full open-access article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-70111-6
JUST PUBLISHED
August 4th, 2026
A new collaborative study between our group and researchers at the University of Florence reports the development of highly efficient multivalent inhibitors of glucocerebrosidase (GCase) based on the prism[5]arene scaffold. By decorating the macrocycle with iminosugar units, the resulting derivatives showed enhanced inhibitory activity, highlighting the key role of the macrocyclic scaffold in strengthening enzyme recognition through multivalent effect.
The compounds were further investigated as pharmacological chaperones in cell lines from Gaucher disease patients, revealing a mutation-dependent rescue of GCase activity. This paper highlight the potential of prismarene-based architectures for the development of next-generation pharmacological chaperones.
Read the full article here → https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6c00273
MASSA2026
June 25th, 2026
We are proud to announce that Dr. Paolo Della Sala delivered a Keynote Lecture at the MASSA 2026 in Chieti.
The event, hosted by the Mass Spectrometry Division of the Italian Chemical Society at the University “G. d’Annunzio”, gathered top experts to discuss the latest analytical breakthroughs.
Dr. Della Sala’s talk, titled “High-resolution mass spectrometry in supramolecular chemistry: an essential tool for characterizing host@guest complexes and self-assembled architectures”, showcased our group’s latest research workflows.
The lecture highlighted the fundamental role of high-resolution MS developed at the University of Salerno to successfully characterize complex molecular cages and non-covalent assemblies.
The congress was a fantastic opportunity for scientific exchange and high-level networking.
New Publication Alert!
June, 24th 2026
We are excited to share that the Editorial for our thematic issue “Novel macrocycles: from synthesis to supramolecular function” has just been published in the Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry!
Co-authored by Pablo Ballester, Konrad Tiefenbacher, and our team members Carmine Gaeta, Carmen Talotta, Margherita De Rosa, and Paolo Della Sala, this introductory piece highlights the rapid evolution and diverse applications of contemporary macrocyclic chemistry—from environmental remediation to drug delivery and separation science.
We want to express our gratitude to all the authors who contributed their outstanding work to this special collection, as well as the referees and the BJOC editorial team for their support.
? Read the full open-access Editorial here: https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjoc/articles/22/76
JUST PUBLISHED
June 23th, 2026
Exploring Calixarene-Based Pseudorotaxane Architectures: Threading Ammonium Axles With an Exo-Rim π-Functionalized Calix[6]Arene Macrocycle
We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest research article in Chemistry – A European Journal, which reports the synthesis and investigation of a novel π-functionalized calix[6]arene featuring an extended and deep aromatic cavity.
Our study demonstrates how exo-rim aromatic functionalization can significantly influence molecular recognition processes, pseudorotaxane formation, and orientational selectivity toward a series of ammonium axles. Notably, the enlarged aromatic cavity promotes additional noncovalent interactions, leading to a substantial enhancement in the stability of selected host–guest complexes. Combining synthetic chemistry, NMR spectroscopy, and DFT/NCI calculations, this work provides new insights into the design of supramolecular hosts with extended aromatic cavities and improved recognition properties.
Curious about the science behind these findings? Explore the full study below: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/chem.71289
Supramol2026
June, 22th-25th 2026
The SupraChem@Unisa team has just wrapped up an amazing experience at the Supramol2026 conference! It was fantastic to share our research and connect with so many brilliant minds in supramolecular chemistry.We have just finished presenting our work, which included three scientific posters that sparked excellent discussions during the sessions, as well as a keynote lecture that allowed us to share our core research insights with a great audience.
JUST PUBLISHED
June 17th, 2026
New Water-Soluble Prism[6]arene for Pollutant Recognition in Water
In collaboration with the groups of Prof. Carmelo Sgarlata (University of Catania) and Prof. Claudia Caltagirone (University of Cagliari), we have reported the synthesis of a new sulfated prism[6]arene featuring excellent water solubility and remarkable affinity toward organic dye pollutants. Using a combination of spectroscopic, calorimetric, and computational techniques, we demonstrated the ability of this macrocycle to recognize and encapsulate rhodamine B and methylene blue in water. Notably, rhodamine B promotes the formation of an unusual supramolecular capsule composed of two prism[6]arene units surrounding a single guest molecule. These findings highlight the potential of water-soluble prismarenes as promising supramolecular receptors for future applications in pollutant detection and environmental remediation. https://www.nature.com/articles/s42004-026-02090-8
ISCSummerSchool2026
May 24th – 29th, 2026
Our team member, Donato De Simone, recently attended the 3rd International School of Supramolecular Chemistry. This high-level training event served as an invaluable milestone for professional growth and academic advancement. During the event, Donato also had the opportunity to present the first results of his PhD research project.This experience represents a key step forward for Donato’s doctoral journey.
Organic Firbush 2026 Conference
Our team member, Anna Palmieri, recently attended the prestigious Organic Firbush 2026 conference at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland.
She presented a poster entitled “Understanding interactions of prismarenes with planar bilayer membranes and nanopores.”
This research was developed in collaboration with Prof. Scott Cockroft at The University of Edinburgh, who hosted and mentored her. The event provided an excellent opportunity to share research findings and connect with the global chemistry community.
Our Group Co-Edits the New BJOC Thematic Issue on Macrocycles
We are proud to announce the publication of the Thematic Issue in the Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry. The volume is titled “Novel macrocycles: from synthesis to supramolecular function”. Members of our SupraChemUniSa team, alongside international colleagues, served as Guest Editors for this special collection.
Main topics covered in this issue:
- Innovative synthetic methodologies
- Supramolecular catalysis
- Molecular and biomolecular recognition
- Chiral sensing
- Self-assembly of materials
Discover the full collection and read our group’s contributions here!
Visit of Prof. Tong, Prof. Chen & Prof. Wang
May 14th – 15th, 2026
SupraChem@Unisa Hosts Professors Shuo Tong, Chuan-Feng Chen, and Qi-Qiang Wang for High-Level Scientific Exchange
The SupraChem research group at the Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli” (University of Salerno) recently had the honor of welcoming an elite scientific delegation from Beijing. The visiting professors included Prof. Shuo Tong (Tsinghua University), along with Prof. Chuan-Feng Chen and Prof. Qi-Qiang Wang (Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences).
This international visit marked a significant milestone for cross-border academic cooperation. Throughout the meetings, the professors engaged in highly productive discussions.
We are profoundly grateful to the Professors for the depth of this scientific exchange. This visit significantly reinforces our group’s international academic network and paves the way for high-impact collaborative research projects in the near future.
PhD Graduation: Hamidreza Moradi
May 4th, 2026
We are thrilled to share that Hamidreza Moradi, a member of our SupraChem research group, has officially completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Salerno.
His doctoral research, carried out under the framework of the prestigious NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES (AGRITECH) project, focused on:“Agricultural wastes valorization to obtain new compounds and chemical building blocks.”
The entire SupraChem team extends its warmest congratulations to Hamidreza and wishes him a brilliant and successful career ahead! ?✨
Period Abroad / PhD Student
February 26th, 2026
Exciting news from Scotland! ????????
Our PhD student Anna Palmieri has officially started her research period abroad at The University of Edinburgh. We are proud to support international experiences that foster scientific innovation and global knowledge exchange.
Wishing Anna a brilliant and productive stay in Edinburgh! ?✨
Period Abroad / PhD Student
February 1st, 2026
We are excited to share that our PhD student, Giuseppa Campanile, is heading to Germany for a research stay at the University of Duisburg-Essen!
Wishing you a productive and inspiring experience in Germany, Giuseppa! Safe travels! ⚗️✨
Period Abroad / PhD Student
February 1st, 2026
“Exciting news! Our PhD student Claudia Argenio has officially started her research period abroad at Masaryk University in Brno. She will be joining the Sindelar Group to further her studies in supramolecular chemistry. We are proud to support international collaborations that push the boundaries of science. Wishing Claudia a brilliant stay! ??
JUST PUBLISHED
The Suprachem@UNISA research group has published a new study highlighting the role of resorcinarene hexameric capsule as a supramolecular catalyst in the Brønsted acid-catalyzed dimerization of styrenes to indanes. The results show that the confined space inside the capsule plays a decisive role in directing the reaction, while the co-encapsulation of acid counter-anions is essential to stabilize key carbocation intermediates. Overall, this work demonstrates how controlling the molecular environment and the nature of the counter-anions can be used to fine-tune catalytic activity, offering new insights into the design of efficient supramolecular catalytic systems.
If you would like to read the full article, you can find it here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S100184172501438X
5th HR-MS School
December 1st-2nd, 2025
The Suprachem Group, part of the Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli” (DCB) at the University of Salerno, successfully hosted the 5th edition of the High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) School.
The event was promoted by the University of Salerno — through the DCB and the Department of Pharmacy (Difarma) — in collaboration with the University of Basilicata.
New PhD Students
November 1st, 2025
We are pleased to announce that two new PhD students officially joined the Suprachem Group:
They will be involved in our ongoing research projects focusing on supramolecular chemistry and molecular recognition. We are excited to have them on board and we wish them a very productive and successful journey during their doctoral studies.
Welcome to the team!
Event
The SupraChem@UniSa warmly and joyfully welcomes the news of the Primo Levi Award being conferred upon Professor Jean-Marie Lehn.
It is for us a great honor and a true pleasure to celebrate this prestigious recognition, which rightly acknowledges an extraordinary scientist.
Professor Lehn has profoundly transformed the very vision of chemistry: from the chemistry of molecules to the chemistry beyond molecules, opening new and revolutionary perspectives.
With gratitude and admiration, we join in recognizing his immense contribution to science and to humanity.
Conference CDCO2025
September, 21th-25th 2025
The SupraChem@Unisa team proudly took part in the exciting CDCO2025 congress! We had an amazing experience sharing our research and connecting with brilliant minds in organic chemistry.
SupraChem Days 2025
June 11th-13th, 2025
The young researchers and PhD students of the SupraChem@Unisa Group are pleased to announce that the Supramolecular Chemistry Days for Young Researchers 2025 (SupraChemDays2025) will be held at the University of Salerno, Fisciano Campus
This is a great chance for postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and early career researchers to present and discuss about their scientific results in a welcoming environment using poster, short oral, and oral presentation modes. One of the main objectives of the conference is to offer an opportunity for the sharing of ideas and practical expertise, allowing supramolecular chemistry researchers to actively contribute to the community.
The conference is organized under the patronage of the University of Salerno (https://www.unisa.it/) and the Department of Chemistry and Biology (https://www.dcb.unisa.it/ ) of the University of Salerno.
