The Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production research area focuses on developing innovative biotechnological processes with a strong emphasis on sustainability, efficient resource use, and closing biogeochemical cycles. Research is particularly active in metabolic and protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, optimizing enzymes and microorganisms (such as yeasts, bacteria, and fungi) for the production of chemical compounds, biofuels, biomaterials, recombinant proteins, and nutraceuticals (biomanufacturing). These studies aim to create bio-based solutions applicable on an industrial scale.

Another key area of interest is bioprospecting, which explores microbial biodiversity to identify new microbial strains and enzymes with unique characteristics suitable for innovative biotechnological processes. Microbial communities are also studied through metagenomic approaches to understand their impact on the degradation of recalcitrant compounds and their role in promoting soil health.

The research area also focuses on developing integrated biorefineries to convert residual biomass into chemical platforms (e.g., monomers for biopolymers) and high-value-added products, such as heterologous proteins of pharmaceutical interest, bioactive secondary metabolites, and nutraceuticals. This approach reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy. Among the most cutting-edge aspects, research includes the use of C1 compounds, which can be derived from CO₂ fixation and converted into valuable organic compounds.

Research in Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production includes the study of enzyme structure-function relationships, genotype-phenotype correlations, microbial robustness, and adaptation. This allows researchers to understand how microorganisms resist and adapt to extreme conditions, such as those generated by specific environmental or industrial settings. Understanding these mechanisms improves production process efficiency and enables the quantitative characterization of physiological traits.

These research lines strengthen the role of biotechnology in industrial innovation and the transition toward low-environmental-impact production models that do not rely on the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, this research serves as the foundation for the educational programs offered and for internship and research opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

•    Enzymology and Biocatalysis - Marina Lotti
•    Fermentation Chemistry - Luca Brambilla
•    IndBiotech Lab - Paola Branduardi, Danilo Porro, Valeria Mapelli, Immacolata Serra
•    Industrial Microbiology - Gianni Frascotti

The research area in Biodiversity and Ecology is dedicated to studying biological diversity and ecological interactions, adopting an approach that encompasses both natural ecosystems and those altered by human activities. Research activities focus on analyzing animal, plant, and microbial biodiversity, investigating genetic variability and ecosystem functions of animals, plants, and microorganisms—particularly native species—to understand their relationships with the environment.

Urban ecology is another key research field, aiming to assess human impact on biodiversity and ecosystem well-being in cities and suburban areas, as well as to develop sustainable management strategies for the conservation of green spaces. On the evolutionary front, the research explores the processes that have shaped species diversity, employing molecular approaches to gain deeper insights into speciation and adaptation dynamics.

Particular attention is also given to biodiversity conservation through the development, validation, and application of methodologies for monitoring and protecting endangered species. This includes integrating conservation genetics techniques with detailed ecological assessments. Lastly, environmental biotechnology plays a role in developing solutions for restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

This comprehensive research effort aims to actively contribute to the conservation, restoration, monitoring, and enhancement of biodiversity in an increasingly interconnected world facing growing anthropogenic pressures.

•    FoodNutraLab - Luca Campone
•    Integrative Taxonomy and Ecosystem Interactions - Andrea Galimberti, Paolo Biella, Davide Maggioni
•    Microbiology Lab - Patrizia Di Gennaro, Jessica Zampolli
•    Plant diversity, Ecology and Evolution - Fabrizio Grassi
•    ZooPlantLab - Maurizio Casiraghi, Massimo Labra, Werther Guidi Nissim

The research area in Biomedicine focuses on studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various human diseases, with an approach aimed at understanding the biological dynamics of pathological conditions. Research lines include oncology, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, genetic, and inflammatory diseases, as well as dysbiosis, to investigate how molecular circuits and cellular signaling pathways are altered in pathological and preclinical conditions. The goal is to identify new diagnostic markers and pharmacological targets, as well as to develop preventive pharmacological or nutraceutical strategies to counteract disease development.

The area also includes advanced studies in nanomedicine, focusing on the development of nanoparticles and biomaterials for targeted applications in oncology and regenerative medicine. The systems biology approach enables an integrated analysis of cellular and molecular networks, providing a comprehensive view of molecular interactions in pathological conditions and potential therapeutic strategies.

With a strong emphasis on biotechnological innovation and interdisciplinarity, the Biomedicine research area of the Department aims to generate knowledge applicable to personalized and precision medicine and nutrition.

•    Advanced Cell Models for Biomedicine - Luisa Fiandra
•    Cardiac Cell Physiology - Antonio Zaza
•    Cardiovascular Cell Physiology - Marcella Rocchetti 
•    Cell Pathobiology and Molecular Therapy - Metello Innocenti
•    Cell Physiology and Neurophysiology - Andrea Becchetti
•    Cellular and Molecular Biology - Michela Ceriani
•    Cellular and Molecular Immunology - Francesca Granucci, Laura Marongiu
•    Cellular and Molecular Physiology - Francesco Lodola
•    Developmental Neurobiology - Sara Mercurio
•    Neuroimmunobiology of Human Development - Veronica Krenn
•    Food Microbiology and Probiotic Science (μbEat lab) - Simone Guglielmetti
•    Genetics of Neurodevelopment and its Pathology - Silvia K. Nicolis
•    Genome Damage - Michela Clerici
•    Genome Integrity and Stability - Maria Pia Longhese, Diego Bonetti
•    Laboratory of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini" - Anna Maria Colangelo
•    Molecular Genetics of Hematopoiesis - Antonella Ronchi
•    Mucosal Immunology - Federica Facciotti
•    NanoBioLab + NanoCosPha - Davide Prosperi, Miriam Colombo
•    Pharmacology & Drug discovery - Barbara Costa
•    Physiology of Neuronal Differentiation - Marzia Lecchi
•    RNA Biology - Silvia Barabino
•    Stem Cells and Disease Modeling in Neuroscience - Daniela Ferrari
•    Systems Biochemistry of Cancer Cell Metabolism and Proliferation - Marco Vanoni, Elena Sacco
•    Tumor Biochemistry - Ferdinando Chiaradonna

The Department's research is distinctly interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral, covering various aspects of both basic and applied research in the field of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. 

To simplify consultation, the different research areas are grouped into 5 main categories below.

The research area in Biodiversity and Ecology is dedicated to studying biological diversity and ecological interactions, adopting an approach that encompasses both natural ecosystems and those altered by human activities. Research activities focus on analyzing animal, plant, and microbial biodiversity, investigating genetic variability and ecosystem functions of animals, plants, and ...

The Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry and Systems Biology area deals with the analysis and interpretation of data and models inherent to biological and chemical systems through the development and use of advanced computational techniques and artificial intelligence ...

The research area in Biomedicine focuses on studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various human diseases, with an approach aimed at understanding the biological dynamics of pathological conditions. Research lines include oncology, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, genetic, and inflammatory diseases, as well as dysbiosis, to investigate how molecular circuits and ...

The Biomolecular Sciences research area focuses on the study of biomolecules and their interactions, their (bio)synthesis, and their applications, with the goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental biological processes. Research in this area includes the study of the structure and function of biomolecules, ranging from macromolecules—such as proteins ...

The Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production research area focuses on developing innovative biotechnological processes with a strong emphasis on sustainability, efficient resource use, and closing biogeochemical cycles. Research is particularly active in metabolic and protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, optimizing enzymes and microorganisms ...

In order to manage research activities, optimize the use of platforms and equipment, and foster collaboration with other research groups and institutions, dedicated committees and coordinators have been appointed:

Assicuratori di qualità ricerca
Prof. Silvia Barabino
Prof. Luca De Gioia
Prof. Giorgio Moro

Commissione Assegni di Ricerca:
Prof. Andrea Galimberti
Dr. Federica Arrigoni
Prof. Marco Vanoni

Giunta di dipartimento - Gestione degli spazi e delle strumentazioni
Prof. Francesca Granucci (Director)
Prof. Simone Guglielmetti (Deputy Director)
Prof. Maria Pia Longhese
Prof. Barbara Costa
Prof. Antonino Natalello
Prof. Paola Coccettti
Prof. Luisa Fiandra
Prof. Luca Campone
Dr. Federica Arrigoni
Dr. Reinaldo Alvarez
Dr. Roberto Comi

Commissione strumenti
Prof. Cristina Airoldi
Prof. Marcella Rocchetti
Prof. Luca Campone
Dr. Stefania Citterio
Prof. Antonino Natalello
Dr. Elena Sacco
Dr. Antonella Farinaccio
Dr. Maura Brioschi
Dr. Jacopo Vertemara

Commissione VQR
Prof. Massimo Labra
Prof.ssa Chiara Damiani
Prof. Pasquale Palumbo
Prof. Mattia Pelizzola
Prof. Paola Coccetti
Dr. Marco Mangiagalli