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Supervisor

Maurizio Prato

Ikerbasque Research Professor, AXA Chair & Group Leader, Carbon Bionanotechnology Laboratory

CIC biomaGUNE

“The most exciting discoveries happen when fundamental chemistry meets real medical needs. In HEAL4WARD, we have the opportunity not only to develop innovative nanomaterials for wound healing, but also to train a new generation of scientists capable of translating chemistry into better healthcare.”

Background

Scientific background

Maurizio Prato is an Ikerbasque Research Professor and AXA Chair at CIC biomaGUNE, where he leads the Carbon Bionanotechnology Laboratory. He is internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of carbon nanoscience, with seminal contributions to the chemistry of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon dots. His current research focuses on regenerative nanomedicine, antimicrobial nanomaterials, carbon-dot chemistry and artificial photosynthesis, with a strong emphasis on translating fundamental discoveries into biomedical technologies.

Personal background

Maurizio Prato has always believed that chemistry is the discipline that allows us to create what Nature has not yet imagined. This conviction has guided his career, from the chemistry of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes to his current work on carbon dots and regenerative nanomedicine.One of the most rewarding aspects of Maurizio’s work is mentoring young researchers and helping them develop into independent scientists. Through HEAL-4WARD, he sees a unique opportunity to share this philosophy with a new generation of European researchers.

key publications

  • E. Sturabotti, V. Di Lisio, L. Cardo, A. Camilli, E.M. Alfonsin, D. Cangialosi, A.I. Ibarra, A. Arbe, M. Prato, Water Permeates and Plasticizes Amorphous Carbon Dots: Unraveling the Inner Accessibility of the Nanoparticles by Glass Transition Studies, Advanced Materials, (2025).

 

  • L. Dordevic, F. Arcudi, M. Cacioppo, M. Prato, A multifunctional chemical toolbox to engineer carbon dots for biomedical and energy applications, Nature Nanotechnology, 17 (2022) 112-130.

 

  • S. Usmani, M. Prato, et al., Functional rewiring across spinal injuries via biomimetic nanofiber scaffolds, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 117 (2020) 25212-25218.

 

  • M. Bonchio, M. Prato, et al. Hierarchical organization of perylene bisimides and polyoxometalates for photo-assisted water oxidation, Nature Chemistry, 11 (2019) 146-153.

 

  • S. Marchesan, L. Ballerini, M. Prato, Nanomaterials for stimulating nerve growth, Science, 356 (2017) 1010-1011.

Project Involvement and Roles

  • Beneficiary Principal Investigator.
  • Supervisor of Doctoral Candidate DC2.
  • Leader of the work devoted to the design, synthesis and characterisation of multifunctional carbon dots for antimicrobial therapy, bioimaging and wound monitoring.
  • Responsible for training in advanced organic synthesis, nanocarbon chemistry, spectroscopic characterisation and translational nanomedicine.
  • Host of international secondments and contributor to the interdisciplinary training programme.
  • Contributor to dissemination, exploitation and collaborative research activities across the consortium.

Current activities

Maurizio Prato leads the Carbon Bionanotechnology Laboratory at CIC biomaGUNE, where his research focuses on the molecular design, synthesis and characterisation of functional carbon nanomaterials for biomedicine, catalysis and energy conversion. His laboratory develops innovative carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon dots, with applications ranging from regenerative medicine and biosensing to artificial photosynthesis.

Within HEAL-4WARD, Maurizio and his team are developing multifunctional carbon dots with antimicrobial, imaging and sensing capabilities for advanced wound-care technologies. His research combines fundamental organic chemistry with translational nanomedicine, integrating synthesis, advanced characterisation, biological evaluation and clinically oriented applications.