Daniela Erminia Manno

Biography

Daniela Manno (1960) graduated in Physics (magna cum laude) in 1994. She attended courses specializing in electron microscopy both in Italy (roma and Bologna) and abroad (Leeds, Oxford, Bristol) from 1985 to 1988 and benefited from scholarships for CNR research in the morphological and structural characterization of bulk materials and thin films with transmission electron microscopy techniques (1988-1991). Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Lecce (26-06-1992).Associate Professor (science disciplinary Fis 01 - Experimental Physics) at the Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences of University of Salento (from 01-12-01).Develops research activity in the field of the Experimental Physics. His current research focuses on the development of nanotechnology. The main activities of his research is the synthesis, structural and morphological characterization and applications of nanostructured systems based both on metal and hybrid structures organic / inorganic (core / shell). His main occupation involves morphological and structural characterisation by suitable techniques of electron microscopy. This research activity, like documented from his scientific banns, allowed her to get the following remarkable results: 1) Development of sensors both resistive and optical. 2) Development of magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermic applications. 3) Development of nanostructured films having piezoelectric properties. 4) Functionalization of metal oxide nanoparticles to enhance their photocatalytic properties for water purification.She is also responsible of "Laboratory of physics applied to material science PAMS-Lab" of DiSTeBA - University of Salento.She is author of more than 130 publications in addition to several invited contributions (h-index 22, citations >1500). She is referee for prestigious editorial scientific publications (Elsevier, IOP, AIP) and scientific evaluation agencies (ANVUR).

Research Interest

His current research focuses on the development of nanobiotechnologies, nanotoxicity, and the synthesis of specific antimicrobial formulations. The main activity of its research is the synthesis, structural and morphological characterization and the applications of nanostructured systems of both metal based and inorganic / inorganic hybrid structures (core / shell).  The main objective is to understand the effects and interactions of nanomaterials on biological systems to support the development of new technologies for diagnosis and therapy, as well as for the environment, safety and human health. By studying the interaction of living nanoparticles with mammalian cells, it aims to achieve a better understanding of nano-bio interaction mechanisms, provide detailed analysis of its effects on biological systems and allow the development of theoretical models which provide a bio - response.  His main occupation involves morphological and structural characterization methods using appropriate techniques of electronic microscopy. This research activity, as documented by its scientific publications, has allowed considerable gains in the following fields:  1. Morphological and structural analysis at the atomic level of high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM) 2. Identification of crystallographic structure and characterization of extended defects in materials with nano-diffraction methods (electron diffraction selected area - SAED, convergent electron beam diffraction - CBED, small diffraction area - SAD)  3. Surface analysis and identification of elements by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersion microscopy (SEM-EDX), both in conventional mode and in residual atmosphere. 4. Probe scanning microscopy (atomic force microscopy - AFM and tunneling scan microscopy - STM) for topographic analysis of surface material, tunnel spectroscopy (STS) and the tunneling spectroscopy imaging current (CITS) to get direct information about electronic energy levels, especially those close to Fermi's level.  Among the materials that have so far been characterized, nanostructured materials have a strategic importance to the carbon base (Diamond-Like, carbon nanotubes ...), metal oxides (MOXs), thin films, and organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures