Department of Chemistry University of Naples “Federico II” | Italy
Dr. Paola Cicatiello is a dedicated researcher in biotechnology and chemical sciences, recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and biosensing innovation. She completed her academic training, including a PhD at the University of Naples “Federico II,” where she specialized in surface-active proteins and enhanced her proteomic and analytical skills during a research period at Sheffield Hallam University. Her professional experience spans enzyme characterization, enzyme and antibody immobilization, nanomaterial-integrated biosensor platforms, and the development of functional protein biosurfactants with applications in bioremediation, biomedical detection, and drug delivery. She has contributed significantly to projects such as PON_INNOVATION_2021, focusing on self-assembling proteins for advanced biosensing, and has worked with CeRICT srl optimizing polymer- and fiber-based sensing interfaces. Dr. Cicatiello is actively involved in academic service, including research dissemination initiatives and participation in national scientific societies. Her research interests include biotechnology, surface-active and functional amyloid proteins, biocatalysis, and nano-enabled biosensing systems. She has also supported academic growth by supervising students and teaching in biotechnology and chemical sciences programs. Through her scientific contributions, collaborative work, and commitment to innovative biosensing technologies, she continues to advance the frontiers of biochemical research and applied biotechnology.
Featured Publications
Cicatiello, P., Della Ventura, B., Fichera, G., Velotta, R., Giardina, P., & Piscitelli, A. (2025). Gold Nanoparticles Coated With Hydrophobin-ProteinA Fusion Protein: Development of a Versatile Immunosensing Platform. Biotechnology and Bioengineering.
Pitocchi, R., Cicatiello, P., Illiano, A., Fontanarosa, C., Spina, F., Varese, G.C., Amoresano, A., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2024). The essential role of aggregation for the emulsifying ability of a fungal CYS-rich protein. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Cusano, A.M., Quero, G., Vaiano, P., Cicatiello, P., Principe, M., Micco, A., Ruvo, M., Consales, M., & Cusano, A. (2023). Metasurface-assisted Lab-on-fiber optrode for highly sensitive detection of vitamin D. Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
Pitocchi, R., Stanzione, I., Illiano, A., Amoresano, A., Tarallo, O., Cicatiello, P., Piscitelli, A., & Giardina, P. (2023). Evidence of Small Fungal Cysteine-Rich Proteins Acting as Biosurfactants and Self-Assembling into Large Fibers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.