Filippo Villano profile picture
Filippo
Villano
Project Researcher, Molecular Plant Biology
M.Sc. Doctoral Researcher, Department of Life Technologies, Molecular Plant Biology
Photosynthetic Microbes Group

Areas of expertise

Photosynthesis
Cyanobacteria
Regulation of photosynthesis
Solar chemicals
Biotechnology

Biography

PhD Researcher, Photosynthetic Microbes Group

2024-present

Supervisor: Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne

Doctoral thesis: Boosting Cyanobacterial Photosynthesis for High-Efficiency Solar-Butanol Production 


MSc in Biology of Extreme Environments 
2021-2023
University of Naples “Federico II”, Biology Department, Italy
Thesis: Light quality modulates the antioxidant properties of tomato plants: a pilot study testing the radioprotective effect on human cells"


BSc in Biology
2018-2021
University of Naples “Federico II”, Biology Department, Italy
Research Project: Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Plants: Implications for Space Studies

Research

My research focuses on enhancing the photosynthetic activity of cyanobacteria for the production of renewable energy. These microorganisms efficiently convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into biomass and valuable compounds. By improving their photosynthetic efficiency, my goal is to optimize the production of butanol, a sustainable biofuel with high energy potential. This approach will support the shift toward renewable energy sources, helping to reduce dependence on traditional fossil-based energy.