Mario D’Acunto

Research Interest and expertise in the field of nutraceuticals and functional food
We combine nutraceuticals with nanotechnology, in special way, biodegradable nanoparticles, because nanostructured frameworks may have the ability of enhancing the effectiveness of plant extracted product, reduce required quantity, reduce the adverse effects, as well as increase biological action. Nanoliposomes, nano-emulsions, lipid nanocarriers, micelles, and polylactide co-glycolide nanoparticles are some of the most common biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles. In the framework of drug-delivery, our group is able to synthesize and to chracterize biodegradable nanoparticles charged with active components of neutracetics, by using different biodegradable polymers and nanoliposomes. In turn, the biodegradabile nanoparticles can be functionalized with suitable biomoleclues able to recognize specific targets, by using nanoparticle as nanovectors and nanocargo.