Under the supervision of CiQUS PI Prof. Massimo Lazzari, Dr. Daniela Reggio has recently defended her thesis entitled "Testing, validation and optimization of Surface-Enhanced Raman (SERS) sensors for the detection of small molecules in cultural heritage materials".
What is your research about?
My research focused on the development of new tools for the protection of cultural heritage materials. Historical and artistic objects surround us and their materials bring unique values to our society. Scientists can help to understand the behavior of such materials and to prevent their loss, as an asset for the future generations.
I adapted molecular sensors with the aim to advance non-destructive and in situ analytical procedures, transferring already available technologies to the heritage field. I was committed to transferring fundamental knowledge to the applied heritage field to increase the impact of science on society.
The project was built upon three main research lines: the fabrication of SERS nanostructures, the detection of degradation markers from the surface of contemporary artworks, and the validation of the sensors on a variety of materials.
As in medicine, heritage science relies on fundamental and clinical research phases: my project included both approaches, first optimizing the diagnostic tools for early detection and preventive conservation, and then testing their analytical response on real museum objects. Museums and cultural institutions will have new effective and efficient science-based solutions to manage their ‘patients’.
The knowledge at the interface between chemistry, physics and biology could include more explicit references to heritage materials that surround us and have a huge impact in shaping our society
What would you highlight from your experience at CiQUS these years?
I felt lucky to complete my PhD in Materials Science at CiQUS. The high-level training in chemistry, biotechnology and physics of the PIs, graduate students and fellows was a chance for me to consolidate my background in applied science and technology for cultural heritage. I felt honored to open the path for future graduate students and associates interested in pursuing heritage science research at CiQUS.