Cristina Balagna

Cristina Balagna is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Polytechnic University of Turin, where she also conducts research as a member of the Interdepartmental Center J-Tech@PoliTO and the GLANCE research group. She holds a PhD in Materials Science and Technology (2011) and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering (2007), both from the same institution.

Her research focuses on nanostructured antimicrobial and virucidal coatings, particularly using co-sputtering techniques to develop durable, eco-friendly composite coatings based on glass/glass-ceramic matrices and metal nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc). These coatings are applied to materials for aerospace, biomedical, civil, and filtration applications, demonstrating high thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance, with stability up to 450°C. Her work spans the development of bulk glasses, glass-ceramics, composites, porous materials, and thin films.

The most recent publications highlight innovations in antibacterial ceramic coatings for liquid filtration, antiviral air filters, functional textiles, and spacecraft surface protection. These studies reflect a strong trend toward public health, environmental safety, and industrial applications, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health), 9 (Industry and Innovation), and 4 (Quality Education).

• ECD Jubilee Global Diversity Award, The American Ceramic Society (2022)

She has served as Principal Investigator on major projects including the EU-funded BIO-KILLER (2019–2021) and the NANOBLOC platform (2023–2025), focusing on antipathogen coatings for reusable filters. She co-authored a patent on antiviral substrate coatings (WO2019/082001), which has generated licensed royalties. Cristina Balagna actively supervises PhD students and contributes to doctoral education in Materials Science and Technology. She is also a co-organizer of the Bioceramics Symposium at ICACC since 2021 and has participated in numerous European and international research initiatives.

Her research team, GLANCE, operates within DISAT and specializes in advanced materials for extreme environments, joining technologies, and sustainable materials engineering. The group offers industrial collaboration, problem-solving, and training in materials characterization and processing.