Research Teams
Research Teams
6 research teams grouped into 3 axes make up the Nice Institute of Chemistry
Simulations, Perfumes, Flavors, Cosmetics, Evolution (SPACE)
Synthesis, Properties, Industry, Catalysis, Environment
The “Synthesis, Properties, Industry, Catalysis, Environment (SPICE)” research teams focus on the development of new molecules constituting aromas and perfumes and on the description of the modes of action allowing their perception. Natural substances of plant origin inspire the design of new odorants. The team develops catalytic methodologies for the synthesis and biosynthesis of odorous molecules, extraction methods for natural products, analytical protocols and molecular modeling techniques towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of olfaction.
Bioactive Molecules
The “Bioactive Molecules” team is interested in the synthesis of molecules with antiviral, antibiotic or antitumor properties, as well as in chemobiology tools (chemical and fluorescence probes) necessary to answer the biological questions posed in a pathological context. The team also has long-standing expertise in the development of new immunological analysis methods as well as multifunctional platforms for vectorization.
Molecular Diversity, Metabolomics, Synthesis
The “Molecular Diversity, Metabolomics, Synthesis” team
Human and Environmental Radiochemistry
The "Human and Environmental Radiochemistry" team devotes its research to the fate and impact of stable and radioactive isotopes on the hydrosphere, the biotope and humans. The approach consists of combining analytical and molecular chemistry for a complete description of the transfer, accumulation and internalization processes of radioisotopes including human nuclear toxicology. Concerning the human compartment, the major objective is the characterization of the interaction between radioelements and biomolecules or models of biomolecules, combining analytical techniques such as radiometry and spectroscopic tools such as radiometry, IR-TF and XAS. The team is equipped with laboratories allowing work with Th, U in weighable quantities and transuranic elements in trace amounts.
Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers
The “Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers” team is part of an approach to sustainable development and the promotion of a biosourced economy. The activities under this theme concern the synthesis, development and characterization of biosourced and/or eco-compatible polymers, composites and nanocomposites. This involves finding alternatives to compounds from petrochemicals, developing sustainable processes for the production of such materials, valorizing certain compounds from plant biomass, valorizing by-products from industry and biorefineries, to find alternatives to the use of toxic and environmentally harmful compounds, and to improve the properties of these new materials using fillers or natural fibers. The compounds studied come from raw materials that do not compete with food. Materials based on bio-based polymers, derived from renewable resources, constitute an emerging field, most of which are at early stages of development. Plant biomass therefore represents an inexhaustible and diversified source of raw material.
Simulations, Perfumes, Flavors, Cosmetics, Evolution (SPACE)
Synthesis, Properties, Industry, Catalysis, Environment
The “Synthesis, Properties, Industry, Catalysis, Environment (SPICE)” research teams focus on the development of new molecules constituting aromas and perfumes and on the description of the modes of action allowing their perception. Natural substances of plant origin inspire the design of new odorants. The team develops catalytic methodologies for the synthesis and biosynthesis of odorous molecules, extraction methods for natural products, analytical protocols and molecular modeling techniques towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of olfaction.
Bioactive Molecules
The “Bioactive Molecules” team is interested in the synthesis of molecules with antiviral, antibiotic or antitumor properties, as well as in chemobiology tools (chemical and fluorescence probes) necessary to answer the biological questions posed in a pathological context. The team also has long-standing expertise in the development of new immunological analysis methods as well as multifunctional platforms for vectorization.
Molecular Diversity, Metabolomics, Synthesis
The “Molecular Diversity, Metabolomics, Synthesis” team
Human and Environmental Radiochemistry
The "Human and Environmental Radiochemistry" team devotes its research to the fate and impact of stable and radioactive isotopes on the hydrosphere, the biotope and humans. The approach consists of combining analytical and molecular chemistry for a complete description of the transfer, accumulation and internalization processes of radioisotopes including human nuclear toxicology. Concerning the human compartment, the major objective is the characterization of the interaction between radioelements and biomolecules or models of biomolecules, combining analytical techniques such as radiometry and spectroscopic tools such as radiometry, IR-TF and XAS. The team is equipped with laboratories allowing work with Th, U in weighable quantities and transuranic elements in trace amounts.
Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers
The “Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers” team is part of an approach to sustainable development and the promotion of a biosourced economy. The activities under this theme concern the synthesis, development and characterization of biosourced and/or eco-compatible polymers, composites and nanocomposites. This involves finding alternatives to compounds from petrochemicals, developing sustainable processes for the production of such materials, valorizing certain compounds from plant biomass, valorizing by-products from industry and biorefineries, to find alternatives to the use of toxic and environmentally harmful compounds, and to improve the properties of these new materials using fillers or natural fibers. The compounds studied come from raw materials that do not compete with food. Materials based on bio-based polymers, derived from renewable resources, constitute an emerging field, most of which are at early stages of development. Plant biomass therefore represents an inexhaustible and diversified source of raw material.