Stilbene and chalcone derivatives with biological activity against influenza A virus have been synthesized by self-, cross-, and ring-closing metathesis procedures. The reactions were performed under environmentally friendly conditions using the second generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst Aquamet SiPr after immobilization on Santa Barbara Amorphous mesoporous silicate SBA-15. Irrespective from the experimental conditions, the heterogeneous catalyst showed activity and selectivity comparable than the homogeneous counterpart for at least six successive runs without appreciable leaching of the active species. An appreciable antiviral activity against influenza A virus for some of the novel derivatives were observed, mainly involving the early stage of the virus-replication life-cycle.

We report here the synthesis of novel thymine biomimetic photo-adducts bearing an alkane spacer between nucleobases and characterized by antimelanoma activity against two mutated cancer cell lines overexpressing human Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1), namely SKMEL28 and RPMI7951. Among them, Dewar Valence photo-adducts showed a selectivity index higher than the corresponding pyrimidine-(6-4)-pyrimidone and cyclobutane counterpart and were characterized by the highest affinity towards TOP1/DNA complex as evaluated by molecular docking analysis. The antimelanoma activity of novel photo-adducts was retained after loading into UV photo-protective lignin nanoparticles as stabilizing agent and efficient drug delivery system. Overall, these results support a combined antimelanoma and UV sunscreen strategy involving the use of photo-protective lignin nanoparticles for the controlled release of thymine dimers on the skin followed by their sacrificial transformation into photo-adducts and successive inhibition of melanoma and alert of cellular UV machinery repair pathways.

Belladine N-oxides active against influenza A virus have been synthetized by a novel laccase-catalyzed 1,4-dioxane-mediated oxidation of aromatic and side-chain modified belladine derivatives. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis confirmed the role of 1,4-dioxane as a co-oxidant. The reaction was chemo-selective, showing a high functional-group compatibility. The novel belladine N-oxides were active against influenza A virus, involving the early stage of the virus replication life cycle.

Dendrimers are highly branched structures with a defined shape, dimension, and molecular weight. They consist of three major components: the central core, branches, and terminal groups. In recent years, dendrimers have received great attention in medicinal chemistry, diagnostic field, science of materials, electrochemistry, and catalysis. In addition, they are largely applied for the functionalization of biocompatible semiconductors, in gene transfection processes, as well as in the preparation of nano-devices, including heterogeneous catalysts. Here, we describe recent advances in the design and application of dendrimers in catalytic organic and inorganic processes, sustainable and low environmental impact, photosensitive materials, nano-delivery systems, and antiviral agents’ dendrimers.