Currently at the CNR-IPCB (Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials) of Pozzuoli (NA) He supports the research activity in the field of bio-polymers deriving from renewable biomass, on their modifications mean by the use of additives with antibacterial and antifungal molecules, on biodegradability for studies in LCA, on the study of the structure-property correlation of polymeric films with and without reinforcing fibers (biocomposites) deriving from agricultural waste and / or by-products of the food industry for applications in agricultural activities and / or for food-packaging.

In the past, he was the institute’s technical contact for school-work alternation activities

for various institutes and high schools in the Campania area as well as for the creation of scientific communications content formats in various science-shows of national importance.

On behalf of the institute, he is currently responsible for the disposal of hazardous waste, initially also with the SISTRI delegation (Waste Traceability System – Platform no longer operational, L. 14 December 2018, n.135, on 01/01 / 2019), manager of cryogenic gas tapping systems, in charge of the chemical synthesis laboratory (safety officer), member of institute working groups regarding the management of spaces and laboratories, member of technical commissions and contracting stations of the CNR research area NA3 of which he was elected as the staff representative in the area committee with the appointment of 04/12/2020.

In 2012 she graduated in Materials Engineering and in 2017 she earned a PhD in Materials and Structural Engineering from the University of Napoli Federico II.

Her main areas of expertise are:

• Synthesis of smart micro and nanocapsules for the release of active compounds,
• Characterization of micro and nano delivery systems,
• Synthesis of photo-responsive materials
• Development of antimicrobial polymer coatings
• Study of natural additives for polymers

She is part of the organizing committee of Macrogiovani (a conference for researchers under 32 years of age) since 2019.

She takes part in the organization of dissemination events and orientation programs (PCTO) for high-school students.

Graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering at the University of Naples “Federico II” in 1994, she is now a permanent technologist at Institute of Polymers, Composite and Biomaterials – National Research Council. Since 2014, she coordinates a group providing the technical and financial management of complex research projects at regional, national and international level. She has developed a deep expertise in the design and management of national and international projects in the field of new polymeric materials. In particular, she supports the researchers in the dissemination and exploitation of research activities results, facilitating the translation of project results into products, through an ongoing interaction with both research and industrial partners. Dr Marzella has been responsible of the financial and technical management of several European R&D projects (FP6, FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe). She is currently involved in the following European projects: MEFISTO-GA814444, BIOMAT-GA953270, GREENART-GA101060941, BIOACTION-GA 101098972.

Research activity of Dr. Mercorillo is in the field of synthesis of polymeric materials with high conductivity, of porphyrin systems with polymer chains or covalently linked to cyclodextrins and also in the characterization of polymeric materials by means of MALDI TOF mass spectrometry, NMR , UV-Visible, DSC, TGA and GPC.
▪ G. Mercorillo, R. Puglisi, E. Spina, D. Vitalini “Synthesis and Characterization of New Porphyrin/β-Cyclodextrin Derivatives Covalently Connected by Aliphatic Chains of Different Length” J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines 2016, 20: 700-707

▪ M. Paolino, A. Reale, V. Razzano, G. Giuliani, A. Donati, C. Bonecchi,  G. Giorgi, G. Mercorillo, F. Samperi, W. Mróz, C. Botta, A. Cappelli “Spontaneous polymerization of benzofulvene monomers bearing a  4-Pyridylacetylene substituent in different positions of the  benzofulvene scaffold” European Polymer Journal, 2023,  189:  111957

Master degree in Industrial Chemistry, University of Catania, Italy in 1992. Research post degree at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers (ICTP) in Catania with Dott. D. Garozzo group. Permanent researcher scientist at the Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB) CNR section of Catania since 2012. Referee of several international scientific journals. Author of 14 publications, 3 book chapters. Research activity based on: characterization of natural and synthetic macromolecules; supramolecular chemistry; proteomics, protein identification, biomarker discovery. Current research: structural characterization of biomacromolecules through the development and set up of analytical methods based on MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) and ESI (Electrospray) mass spectrometry. Characterization of proteins, glycoproteins and glycans of biological matrices (lacrimal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, serum) to understand the functional role of these biomolecules in cellular biological mechanisms and to identify possible alterations, possibly linked to different pathological processes. Study of the N-glycans of the lacrimal fluid of healthy subjects and subjects suffering from particular pathologies such as VKC (Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis) and AKC (Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis), in order to identify possible diagnostic biomarkers. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study to compare the N-glycan profiles of subjects suffering from neurodegenerative diseases (AD Alzheimer’s disease, MCI Mild Cognitive Impairment, PD Parkinson’s Disease etc.) and control samples. Detailed characterization of the glycomic profile of the total serum and of the individual serum glycoproteins of subjects affected by Congenital Disorders of the Glycosylation (CDG).

Dr. Mario Montanino has been employed since 1989 at the Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials of the National Research Council (IPCB-CNR) of Naples. He graduated in Chemical Engineering at the University of Naples “Federico II” in 1983 and qualified as an Engineer in 1984.
In 1995 he was a “visiting scientist” at the University of Connecticut – Institute of Materials Science in the United States – Prof. A.T. Di Benedetto, President of the Scientific Council of the ITMC then IMCB now IPCB of the C.N.R. to study the research policies of international universities, through the testimonies of faculty members and “leaders” representatives of local industry, thus being able to evaluate the effects of programs for the enhancement and dissemination of research results within the US university system by comparing them with the Italian reality.

Dr. Montanino has also been, over the years, a collaborator on behalf of various companies (Polaroid, Hobas, Elcon, Regla-fiberglass, Atp, DSM, M&G Ricerche, Tepco s.r.l.) on technological issues related to innovation, the use of new materials and training. He has maintained constant relationships of collaboration with Public Bodies (Universities, Chambers of Commerce, Enea, Campec, IMAST, CRdC, Trade Associations and Offices of the CNR) at national and international level (International Affairs Division of the University of Connecticut, Office of Technology Transfer of the University of Washington) responsible for the strategic research and growth of the relationship between the Academy and the business world.

Today it carries out a research support activity which, as evidenced by its scientific production, has as its objective the acquisition of knowledge and technological scenarios, in the field of Advanced Innovative Materials, able to promote a horizontal action in the context of the IPCB’s research activities. This activity of enhancement of consolidated research through the study of the most sophisticated approach philosophies at the level national and international, aims to ensure an efficient and widespread dissemination and transfer of the results achieved at the Institute. In addition, through the responsibility of managing the activity of third parties, it has developed and consolidated through continuous updating, a technological knowledge in the field of “multi-purpose” materials, placing itself for the business world as a privileged referent of “information” with a high rate of innovation and filling this service with content of technologies that are only inspired by the result to the proposed test. A careful analysis of the regulatory and certification aspect, particularly important in the field of advanced materials, is an integral part of the enhancement program.

He enriches his training of skills through his research commitment, within the IPCB-CNR, through the scientific responsibility of a series of applied research activities that testify to his versatility towards different sectors of the academic world.

He is the author of several publications in national and international journals, books and patents.
Over the years and until today he has held numerous positions of responsibility conferred by the General Management of the CNR and by the Management of the IMCB first and then by the IPCB as well as by national and international institutional bodies.

He is currently Head of the Support Operating

Master’s degree in Biology, obtained in 24/11/2021 with grade of 104/110. Thesis title: ”Plant extracts for the control of lipid peroxidation in oil samples for food use”. From 01/12/21 I hold the position of research fellow at the IPCB-CNR of Pozzuoli working on the “ CARDIGAN” research programme.

EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Polymer Technology and Materials Engineering, University of Loughborough, England.
Laurea of Doctor in Physical Chemistry (full marks and honors), University “Federico II”, Naples, ITALY.

WORK HISTORY
01/04/1982 – 30/05/1983, Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA, with Prof. W.J. MacKnight.
01/06/1983 – 30/01/1984, Post Doctoral Fellow of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei at the Institute of Research and Technology of Plastic Materials, Arco Felice (NA), ITALY, with Prof. E. Martuscelli.
01/02/1984 – 01/09/1987, Researcher of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) at the Institute of Research and Technology of Plastic Materials.
05/09/1987 – 30/09/1989, Research Associate at the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (USA) with Prof. F.E. Karasz.
01/10/1989 – 30/11/2001, Researcher of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) at the Institute of Research and Technology of Plastic Materials.
01/12/2001 – 31/12/2005, Senior Scientist of the Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, CNR, Pozzuoli (NA), ITALY.
01/01/2006 – to-date, Director of Research of the Institute on Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Pozzuoli (NA), ITALY.

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS
Raman Spectroscopy, SERS spectroscopy, Confocal Raman imaging.
• Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, FT-NIR, IR microspectroscopy).
• Molecular Mechanics and quantum chemistry methods applied to vibrational spectroscopy.
• Nanofabrication and functionalization of SERS substrates.
• Polymer-polymer and polymer-solvent interactions.
• Transport properties and ageing behaviour of materials.
• Graphene based composites

FURTHER INFO
Dr Musto has published more than 180 papers in refereed media (source Scopus), two books, numerous book chapters and is co-author of one patent. He has presented numerous invited lectures at international Conferences and Schools and participated to the organization of several Congresses and workshops as Scientific Committee member. He is Editor in Chief of Frontiers in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry section, open access journal, Impact Factor 5.782. Peer-reviewer for the main international journals on materials science. Holds the National Scientific Habilitation of Full Professor in Industrial Chemistry and in Science and Technology of Materials.