Ivan Donati

Ivan Donati is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry (BIO/10) at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, where he has been working since 2018. He serves in multiple administrative roles including Director of the Department, Member of the Academic Senate, and Director of the Management Office. His research focuses on biomaterials science, particularly the development and characterization of polysaccharide-based materials for biomedical applications.

Donati received his education in Chemistry and earned his PhD in Biological Chemistry from the University of Trieste, followed by postdoctoral research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His research group specializes in the chemical, physico-chemical and biological characterization of natural polysaccharides, development of polysaccharide derivatives for biomedical applications, and creation of hydrogels for tissue engineering purposes.

His publication record includes over 100 scientific articles in international journals, nine book chapters, and eight international patents. His recent work shows a strong focus on chitosan-based biomaterials, with particular emphasis on responsive hydrogels, nanoparticle systems, and their applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. His research demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach combining chemistry, engineering, and biotechnology principles.

• Young Researcher 2008 award from CIB (Interuniversity Consortium of Biotechnology)

Donati has coordinated European and cross-border projects (INTERREG) and serves as scientific director for multiple research initiatives. He is also co-founder of the university spin-off Biopolife SrL. His research group includes several researchers, PhD students, and collaborators working on various aspects of biomaterials science and tissue engineering.