Cristina Parisi
Tell us about yourself: what is your educational and academic background?
I graduated cum laude in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry from the University of Catania in 2017. In 2018, I joined the photochemistry group of Prof. Salvatore Sortino, where I worked on the development of nitric oxide photodonors and their conjugates with doxorubicin, supported by a scholarship funded by the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC).
In 2022 I obtained my PhD in Chemical Sciences at the University of Catania, carrying out a research project focused on the development of fluorescent nitric oxide photoreleasing constructs activatable with visible light. During the PhD, I spent six months as a visiting student in the group of Prof. Cameron Alexander at the University of Nottingham (UK), where I worked on polymer formulations for the delivery of drugs and photoactivatable guests.
I am currently an Assistant Professor (RTD-A, fixed-term position) in Chemistry (CHEM/03) at the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.
Can you briefly introduce your research?
Currently, I work on the development of light-responsive nanoconstructs for biomedical applications. These systems are designed to release unconventional cytotoxic species, such as nitric oxide (NO) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), under the exclusive control of light. My work involves the design and fabrication of molecular hybrids and supramolecular systems that can be activated with visible light and often exhibit fluorescent properties, enabling their use in bioimaging as well as in anticancer and antibacterial therapies. A key aspect of my research is the development of multifunctional platforms capable of generating multiple therapeutic agents simultaneously, with the goal of achieving enhanced or synergistic therapeutic effects.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
One of the most challenging aspects of my work is achieving precise photo-controlled activation of nanoconstructs, ensuring that the cytotoxic species are released exactly when and where they are needed. Designing multifunctional systems that combine light-responsiveness, therapeutic activity, and fluorescence, as well as developing platforms capable of generating multiple therapeutic agents while maintaining stability and achieving synergistic effects, is also complex. The greatest challenge, however, is translating these systems into biological applications, as it is far from straightforward to ensure that they perform reliably in cellular or preclinical models.
What are the most 'intriguous' and fulfilling aspects of your research?
What I find most intriguing and fulfilling about my research is exploring new scientific challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. It is extremely rewarding to contribute to innovative approaches with potential real-world impact, and to see complex projects come to fruition through persistence and creativity.
THAT'S ME in few words! What are your outside hobbies?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling to experience new cultures and learn about the history of the places I visit, trying local cuisines, watching movies, and walking in parks or by the sea. These activities help me relax, recharge and gain new perspectives.