PhD Raquel Vico
About me
My academic background is in biochemistry and chemical sciences, with a doctoral specialization and a long-standing research trajectory in supramolecular chemistry, nanobiotechnology, and nanostructured drug delivery systems. My work focuses on the design, synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of nanoparticles and hybrid nanosystems, especially iron oxide nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, cyclodextrin-based systems, and other vesicular or interfacial assemblies for biomedical and biotechnological applications. I have extensive experience in studying nanoparticle–biomembrane interactions, colloidal stability, protein corona effects, magnetic field-responsive systems, and the toxicological and biological behavior of nanomaterials. My research integrates physicochemical methods such as Langmuir monolayers, circular dichroism, spectroscopy, and interfacial characterization with biological assays and translational applications. In parallel, I have a strong commitment to teaching, graduate training, scientific writing, and mentoring students and early-career researchers. Overall, my academic field combines physical chemistry, colloid and interface science, and nanobiotechnology with a clear orientation toward sustainable, biomedical, and innovative material design.
Raquel Viviana Vico is an Argentine chemist and biochemist whose career has been devoted to supramolecular chemistry, nanobiotechnology and the design of hybrid nanosystems for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Born in Córdoba in 1975, she obtained her degree in Biochemistry from the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) in 2000 and completed a PhD in Chemical Sciences at the same institution in 2007, graduating with the highest distinction for a thesis on the reactivity of phosphorous compounds with nucleophiles in the presence of cyclodextrins. Her doctoral and postdoctoral training included international research stays at the Consorzio Interuniversitario “La Chimica per l’Ambiente” in L’Aquila (Italy) and at the Organisch Chemischen Institut of the Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (Germany), where she worked on green chemistry, supramolecular systems and multivalent interactions of cyclodextrin vesicles with carbohydrate ligands and lectins.
At present, Raquel Vico is Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, UNC, and an Independent Researcher of CONICET at the Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC). Since her early career she has progressively held all academic ranks, combining undergraduate and postgraduate teaching with an active research program in supramolecular chemistry and nanostructured systems. She has played a central role in the creation and teaching of the Nanobiotechnology course in the Biotechnology degree, and has produced extensive educational material on nanomaterials, surface functionalization, nanoparticle–biointerface interactions and toxicological evaluation of nanostructures. Her teaching activities span core courses in organic chemistry, laboratory practice and the determination of reaction mechanisms, and she has contributed significantly to curriculum development and pedagogical innovation at UNC.
Scientifically, her work focuses on the design, synthesis, functionalization and interfacial characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanosystems, vesicular carriers such as liposomes and niosomes, and cyclodextrin based assemblies. She has systematically investigated how core composition, surface ligands (aromatic and aliphatic amines, oleic acid, polymers) and protein corona formation modulate nanoparticle interaction with model biomembranes, including Langmuir monolayers of phospholipids and stratum corneum mimics. Her research also explores magnetic field responsive liposome fusion, hybrid niosome–nanoparticle transporters, bioactive rhamnolipid nanoemulsions and amphiphilic ascorbic acid derivatives as drug delivery platforms and biofilm modulating agents. Methodologically, she integrates physicochemical tools such as Langmuir films, PM IRRAS, circular dichroism, UV visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, calorimetry and colloidal characterization with biological assays, toxicity studies and, more recently, ferroptosis induction in Caenorhabditis elegans using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
Her publication record includes more than thirty papers in indexed journals, spanning colloid and interface science, nanomedicine, supramolecular chemistry, environmental nano science and lipid biophysics. Notable contributions encompass studies on aryl functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles with and without protein corona, the role of capping agents in silver nanoparticle interactions with biomembranes, and the interfacial behavior of amphiphilic ascorbic acid derivatives and rhamnolipids. She is co author of several book chapters, including contributions to the Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self Assembly series on giant unilamellar vesicles and nanoparticle–lipid monolayer interactions, as well as a chapter on nano structures from an organic chemistry perspective in a volume on nanotechnology and society in Argentina. Her work has received editorial recognition, appearing on the cover of Langmuir and on the cover of Advances in Biomembranes and Lipid Self Assembly, and the article on liposome fusion mediated by hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles was highlighted in a virtual issue on interfacial science developments in Latin America.
Vico has demonstrated a sustained commitment to training the next generation of scientists. She has directed and co directed multiple doctoral theses on nanoparticle–biomembrane interactions, amphiphilic cyclodextrin systems, magnetic nanoparticle–carbohydrate conjugates and hybrid niosome–nanoparticle carriers for nanobiotechnology. She has supervised numerous undergraduate theses in biotechnology, pharmacy and chemistry, often centered on nanostructured drug delivery, magnetic nanoparticles and vesicular systems. In addition, she has directed postdoctoral projects on liposome fusion mediated by magnetic nanoparticles, nanobiotechnological applications of fusogenic systems, and the construction of self assembled structures integrating functionalized nanomaterials and biomolecules. Her mentorship extends to the supervision of student research fellowships and the guidance of young investigators entering the CONICET career or academic positions at UNC.
Beyond research and teaching, Vico has held important academic and institutional responsibilities. She serves on the governing council of INFIQC and has coordinated its seminar and conference committee, strategic planning initiatives, budget and equipment commissions. Within the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, she has been a member of departmental councils representing both assistant and regular professors, and has participated in committees for educational management, degree program design and articulation with secondary schools. She has evaluated research projects for national funding agencies in Argentina and Chile, acted as external specialist for promotion and entrance evaluations in the CONICET research career, and served on numerous thesis juries for doctoral and master’s degrees. Internationally, she has collaborated with groups in South Africa, Italy and other countries through bilateral projects, Marie Skłodowska Curie staff exchanges and joint research on cyclodextrin based materials, agrochemical inclusion complexes and responsive nanostructures.
Her profile is also characterized by strong engagement in scientific outreach, technology transfer and service to the wider community. As co responsible for the SURFTEC technology transfer laboratory at the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, she contributes to projects with industrial partners in agrochemicals, animal health and related sectors, focusing on surfactant based and nanostructured solutions. She has organized and participated in national science weeks, open door events, workshops for primary and secondary school teachers and students, and public lectures on topics such as click chemistry and green chemistry. Her outreach writing includes popular articles on niosomes as nanotechnological tools for the transport of bioactive compounds and on the stratum corneum as a barrier and challenge for drug delivery.
Degrees:
2. From Surface Design to Cellular Response: Insights into Aryl-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with and without Protein Corona. Solange M. Selzer, Laura V. Bonnet, María Belén Piccoli, Santiago D. Salas, Mauricio Galiano, Raquel V. Vico*, Nancy F. Ferreyra*. JCIS Open, 2025, 100143; DOI: 10.1016/j.jciso.2025.100143
3. Rhamnolipid-Stabilized Essential Oils Nanoemulsions: Sustainable Biopesticides and Biostimulants with Potential for Crop Protection. Lucille T. Kourdova, Milagro Mottola, Micaela Peppino Margutti, María Florencia Bogino, Paula Maritano, Raquel Viviana Vico, Francisca Blanco-Herrera, María Laura Fanani* and Georgina Fabro.* Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 824; DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15040824
4. One-Pot strategy for conjugation of amine-covered iron oxide nanoparticles with carbohydrates: A sustainable alternative. Solange M. Selzer, Juan P. Colomer, María Emilia Arriaga, Nancy F. Ferreyra*, Raquel V. Vico*. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2024, 12, 11928–11939. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c02072
5. A systematic study of the impact of aromatic/aliphatic amines and protein corona as coatings of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles on the interaction with DPPC Langmuir monolayers. Santiago D. Salas, Martín E. Villanueva, Solange M. Selzer, Nancy F. Ferreyra and Raquel V. Vico*. Surfaces and Interfaces, 2024, 51, 104771. DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2024.104771
6. Membrane-targeted mechanism for amphiphilic vitamin C compounds as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm eradicating agents. Jessica A. Valdivia Pérez, Natalia E. Nocelli, Jeremías Bustos, María Laura Antonio, Andrea Smania, Raquel V. Vico, María Laura Fanani*. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 2024, 264, 105423. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2024.105423
7. Nanoemulsions of synthetic rhamnolipids act as plant resistance inducers without damaging plant tissues or affecting soil microbiota. Georgina Fabro, Milagro Mottola, María C. Bertolino, Lucille T. Kourdova, Jessica A. Valdivia Pérez, María F. Bogino, Natalia E. Nocelli, Ludovic Chaveriat, Patrick Martin, Raquel V. Vico and María L. Fanani* Front. Plant Sci. Sec. Sustainable and Intelligent Phytoprotection, 2023, 14, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1195718
8. Surface characterization and interfacial activity of chitinase chi18-5 against chitosan in Langmuir monolayers. M.E. Villanueva, S.R. Salinas, R.V. Vico, I.D. Bianco*. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2023, 227, 113337. DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113337
9. Immobilization of Concanavalin A on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. Effect of Bovine Serum Albumin in the recognition interactions of the lectin. Solange M. Selzer, Raquel V. Vico*, Nancy F. Ferreyra*. Surfaces and Interfaces, 2022, 30, article Nº 101908. DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2022.101908
10. Liposome Fusion Mediated by Hydrophobic Magnetic Nanoparticles Stabilized with Oleic Acid and Modulated by an External Magnetic Field. Martín E. Villanueva, Francesca Giudice, Ernesto Ambroggio, and Raquel V. Vico*. Langmuir 2021, 37 (5), 1861-1873. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03291
11. Self-assembled nanostructures of L-ascorbic acid alkyl esters support monomeric amphotericin B. Natalia E. Nocelli, Yenisleidy de las Mercedes Zulueta Díaz, Marine Millot, María Luz Colazo, Raquel V. Vico, Maria Laura Fanani*. Heliyon 2021, 7 (1), article N° E06056. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06056
12. Hydrophobic silver nanoparticles interacting with phospholipids and stratum corneum mimic membranes in Langmuir monolayers. Martín E. Villanueva, Anabel E. Lanterna, Raquel V. Vico*. J. Colloids Interf. Sci. 2019, 543, 247-255. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.02.069
13. Complex systems that incorporate cyclodextrins to get materials for some specific applications. Mariana A. Fernández, O. Fernando Silva, Raquel V. Vico, Rita H. de Rossi. Carbohydrate Research, 2019, 480, 12-34. DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2019.05.006
14. Cavity Orientation Regulated by Mixture Composition and Clustering of Amphiphilic Cyclodextrins in Phospholipid Monolayers. John J. Pinzon Barrantes, Bruno Maggio, Rita H. de Rossi, Raquel V. Vico*. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2017, 121, 4482-4491. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b01247
15. Phytotoxic phenylpropanoids isolated from Ophryosporus charua (Griseb.) Hieron. Margarita M. del M. Bravetti, Raquel V. Vico, Maria C. Carpinella, Carlos C. Ferrayoli, Sara M. Palacios. Phytochemistry, 2017, 138, 145-151. DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.02.025
16. Role of the capping agent in the interaction of hydrophilic Ag nanoparticles with DMPC as model biomembrane. Julie V.Maya Girón, Raquel V. Vico*, Bruno Maggio, Eugenia Zelaya, Aldo Rubert, Guillermo Benítez, Pilar Carro, Roberto C. Salvarezza and María E. Vela*. Environmental Science: Nano 2016, 3, 462-472. DOI: 10.1039/C6EN00016A
17. The rheological properties of lipid monolayers modulate the incorporation of L-ascorbic acid alkyl esters. Yenisleidy de las Mercedes Zulueta Diaz, Milagro Mottola, Raquel V. Vico, Natalia Wilke, and Maria Laura Fanani*. Langmuir, 2016, 32, 587-595. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b04175
18. Alkyl esters of L-ascorbic acid: stability, surface behaviour and interaction with phospholipid monolayers. Milagro Mottola, Raquel V. Vico*, Martín Villanueva, María Laura Fanani*. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2015, 457, 232-242. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.014
19. Distinctive Interactions of Oleic Acid Covered Magnetic Nanoparticles with Saturated and Unsaturated Phospholipids in Langmuir Monolayers. Thabo J. Matshaya, Anabel E. Lanterna, Alejandro M. Granados, Rui W. M. Krause, Bruno Maggio, Raquel V. Vico*. Langmuir, 2014, 30, 5888-5896. DOI: 10.1021/la500903m
20. Stabilization of the pesticide Fenitrothion toward O and N nucleophiles in the presence of Cyclodextrins. Natalia Rougier, Raquel Vico, Rita Hoyos de Rossi, Elba Buján*. J.Phys. Org. Chem., 2014, 27, 935-943. DOI: 10.1002/poc.3373
21. Inclusion of the insecticide fenitrothion in dimethylated--cyclodextrin: unusual guest disorder in the solid state and efficient retardation of the hydrolysis rate of the complexed guest in alkaline solution. Dyanne L. Cruickshank, Natalia M. Rougier, Raquel V. Vico, Susan A. Bourne, Elba I. Buján, * Mino R. Caira* and Rita H. de Rossi*. Belstein Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2013, 9, 106-117. DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.9.14
22. Multivalent Interaction of Cyclodextrin Vesicles, Carbohydrate Guests, and Lectins: A Kinetic Investigation. Raquel V. Vico, Jens Voskuhl, and Bart Jan Ravoo*. Langmuir, 2011, 27, 1391-1397. DOI: 10.1021/la1038975
23. Effect of cyclodextrins on the reactivity of Fenitrothion. Natalia M. Rougier, Dyanne L. Cruickshank, Raquel V. Vico, Susan A. Bourne, Mino R. Caira, Elba I. Buján*, Rita H. de Rossi. Carbohydrate Research, 2011, 346, 322-327. DOI: 10.1016/j.carres. 2010.06.016
24. PM-IRRAS Assessment of the Compression-Mediated Orientation of the Nanocavity of a Monoacylated β-Cyclodextrin in Monolayers at the Air−Water Interface. Raquel V. Vico*, Rita H. de Rossi and Bruno Maggio. Langmuir, 2010, 26, 8407-8413. DOI: 10.1021/la904852j
25. Reactivity of the insecticide Fenitrothion towards O and N Nucleophiles. Natalia M. Rougier, Raquel V. Vico, Rita H. de Rossi and Elba I. Buján*. J. Org. Chem., 2010, 75, 3427-3436. DOI: 10.1021/jo100541y
26. Solid-state structures and thermal properties of inclusion complexes of the organophosphate insecticide Fenitrothion with permethylated cyclodextrins. Dyanne Cruickshank, Natalia M. Rougier, Raquel V. Vico, Rita H. de Rossi, Elba I. Buján, Susan A. Bourne and Mino R. Caira*. Carbohydrate Research, 2010, 345, 141–147. DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2009.10.023
27. Reactivity of the insecticide Chlorpyrifos-Methyl towards hydroxyl and perhydroxyl ion. Effect of cyclodextrins. Raquel V. Vico, Rita H. de Rossi and Elba I. Buján*. J. Phys. Org. Chem., 2009, 22 (7), 691-702. DOI: 10.1002/poc.1502.
28. Comparative analysis of complexation of pesticides (fenitrothion, methylparathion, parathion) and their carboxylic ester-analogues by -cyclodextrin. Theoretical semiempirical calculations. Ethel N. Coscarello, Dora A. Barbiric, Eduardo A. Castro*, Raquel V. Vico, Elba I. Buján and Rita H. de Rossi. J. Struct. Chem., 2009, 50 (4), 705-713. UDC 539.19;541.572
29. Molecular organization and recognition properties of amphiphilic cyclodextrins. Rita H. de Rossi*, O. Fernando Silva, Raquel V. Vico and Carlos J. Gonzalez. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2009, 81 (4), 755-765. DOI: 10.1351/PAC-CON-08-08-13
30. Molecular organization, structural orientation and surface topography of monoacylated -cyclodextrins at the air-aqueous interface. Raquel V. Vico, O. Fernando Silva, Rita H. de Rossi and Bruno Maggio*. Langmuir, 2008, 24, 7867-7874. DOI: 10.1021/la800115q
31. Pd/C-Catalyzed transfer reduction of aryl chlorides with sodium formate in water. Antonio Arcadi*, Giorgio Cerichelli, Marco Chiarini, Raquel Vico and Daniel Zorzan. Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2004, 3404-3407. DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.200400258
32. Effect of cyclodextrin on the hydrolysis of fenitrothion [O,O-dimethyl O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate]. Raquel V. Vico, Elba I. Buján and Rita Hoyos de Rossi*. J. Phys. Org. Chem. 2002, 15 (12), 858-862. DOI: 10.1002/poc.560
7-3 Proceedings
33. Laccase-based electrochemical biosensor as an alternative for polyphenols determination in quince extracts. Alejandra B. Bustamante Brizuela, María Belén Piccoli, María V. Baroni, Raquel V. Vico, Nancy F. Ferreyra, II Southern Science Conference, 2024, 2024, 676-680. DOI: 10.48141/SSCON_42_2024.pdf
34. Electrochemical characterization of glassy carbon electrodes modified with SWCNT functionalized with diazonium salt. PICCOLI, María Belén, VICO, Raquel Viviana, FERREYRA, Nancy Fabiana*. Southern Brazilian Journal of Chemistry. ISSN 2674-6891. 2022, pp 1-4. DOI: 10.48141/SBJCHEM.
35. Interaction of Amphotericin B with a synthetic glycolipid in Langmuir monolayers. John Pinzón Barrantes, Genaro Angeloni, Raquel Vico*. MEDICINA (Buenos Aires) – Revista bimestral – ISSN 1669-9106 (En línea). Publicado en 2017.
36. Fusion process of liposomes mediated by magnetic nanoparticles and regulated by external magnetic field. Martín Villanueva, Francesca Giudice, Raquel Vico*. MEDICINA (Buenos Aires) – Revista bimestral – ISSN 1669-9106 (En línea). Publicado en 2017.