This research program is aimed at developing methods to achieve control over the preparation of hybrid nanostructures derived from renewable resources, whose optical properties can be controlled, and thus contribute to an in-depth understanding of their dependence on interactions at molecular level. More specifically, we shall develop strategies to produce the following:

• Functional chitosan based hybrid nanostructures;
• Systems based on chitosan IPN and halloysite for controlled drug release in ‘smart’ dressings;
• Colloidal assemblies including inverted structures for sensors (pH, humidity, temperature-sensing and bacteria detection)