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Carmen Tesoro

“Per aspera ad astra”

Contact: carmen.tesoro@unibas.it

L-dopa is a dopamine precursor, widely used as the most effective symptomatic pharmacological treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Due to the neurotoxic effect of synthetic L-dopa and its side effects, natural sources of this bioactive compound could be used as adjuvants to reduce the unpleasant effects. Some plants belonging to the Fabaceae family naturally contain significant amounts of L-Dopa which is, however, unstable in aqueous solutions and naturally degrades over time. The unambiguous determination and quantification of L-dopa in plant matrices requires, therefore, appropriate extraction and analytical methodologies. My research project is focused on the development of innovative analytical methods for the evaluation of L-dopa level in typical legumes of Basilicata (Vicia faba L. and Phaseolus Vulgaris L.). The optimization and validation of an LC-UV method was proposed, according to the EURACHEM guidelines regarding linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy and matrix effect. The extraction of the analyte, based on an ultrasound-assisted extraction protocol (UAE) was studied by evaluating its aqueous stability. The best conditions for determining L-Dopa e.g. sun-drying storage, acidic extraction and chromatographic separation was studied. A method based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem electrospray mass spectrometry (LC–ESI/MS/MS) was validated too in all its parameters according to the ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines. The LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap/MS2 approach allowed the identification of the major polyphenolic compounds and the ESI(±)-FT-ICR MS was used to construct 2D van Krevelen plots, a tool to obtain molecular formula maps. A comprehensive proteomic characterization, based on a nLC-MS/MS (nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry) analysis, performed in Data-Dependent Acquisition (DDA) mode using a shotgun proteomics approach was also applied. An innovative amperometric biosensor for the detection of L-Dopa, based on tyrosinase co-crosslinked on a graphene oxide layer produced by electrodeposition, has been optimized and validated for this purpose. Careful optimization of the enzymatic immobilization procedure ensured improved long-term stability, reducing and simplifying the biosensor fabrication.

How my position is funded

 Research grant funded by the Basilicata Region. Project entitled “INNOVATIVE ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR THE EVALUATION OF L-DOPA LEVEL IN TYPICAL LEGUMES OF BASILICATA TO ASCERTAIN THEIR POTENTIAL USE AS ADJUVANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE''

My motivations

 I decided to undertake the PhD course because, during my experimental master's degree experience, I had the opportunity to see the interest in research. I look at the PhD as a springboard into the world of scientific research and, in any case, as an opportunity for professionalization in addition to the simple master's degree. In the future I hope to continue doing research but in any case with the PhD title I hope to be able to make myself more competitive in the world of work in general.

A day in a PhD student’s life

My typical day as a PhD student involves experimenting in the lab, analyzing data on a PC and a lot of discussion with my professors on what to do.

My events

- Contribution in conference proceedings: C. Tesoro, M. A. Acquavia, G. Bianco, R. Ciriello, F. Lelario, A. Di Capua ''Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization with Multistage Mass Spectrometry for L-Dopa determination in food matrices’’ 7th MS FoodDay 2022, 5-7 October 2022, Florence, Italy. ORAL communication (7th MS FOODDAY Book of Abstracts, OR6, pp. 58-60.) ISBN 9788894952117;

  1. Contribution in conference proceedings: C. Tesoro, F. Lelario, F. Piscitelli, A. Di Capua, M. A. Acquavia, G. Bianco, P. Della Sala, P. Montoro, M. Dell’Agli, R. Ciriello ‘’ Aqueous extracts of Vicia faba L. pod valves: a promising source of bioactive compounds and their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease’’ 4th MS-NatMedDay, February 15-16, 2024, Salerno (Book of Abstracts, PO17, pp. 59.) ISBN 9788894952148;
  2. Contribution in conference proceedings: C. Tesoro, S. A. Bufo, Lee-Ann Modley, L. Scrano, R. Ciriello, F. Lelario, ‘’ AOP Removal of Benzodiazepines from Contaminated Water: the Case of Diazepam’’, 4th
  3. International Conference On Risk Assessment Of Pharmaceuticals In The Environment, Barcelona, 9-10 October 2023, (Book of Abstracts, PO25, pp. 68);
  4. Contribution in conference proceedings: A. R. Zizzamia, C. Tesoro, G. Bianco, S. A. Bufo, R. Ciriello, L. Scrano, M. Brienza, F. Lelario, ‘’ Comparison Of Advanced Oxidation Processes For The Degradation Of Sildenafil In Water’’4th International Conference On Risk Assessment Of Pharmaceuticals In The Environment, Barcelona, 9-10 October 2023, (Book of Abstracts, PO26, pp. 73);
  5. Contribution in conference proceedings: Natural acidic aqueous extracts of Vicia faba L. pod valves: an innovative source of bioactive compounds to use as adjuvant in the pharmacological treatment of Parkinson’s disease
  6. Tesoro, Carmen; Lelario, Filomena; Piscitelli, Fabiana; Di Capua, Angela; Bianco, Giuliana; Ciriello, Rosanna. SCI 2024, XXVIII National Congress of Societą Chimica Italiana, Chemistry Elements of Future, 26-30 agosto Milano 2024 (Book of Abstract, MAS-PO-013., pp 459);
  7. Contribution in conference proceedings: Efficient Photooxidation Processes for the Removal of Sildenafil from Aquatic Environments: A Comparative Study Zizzamia, Angelica Rebecca; Tesoro, Carmen; Bianco, Giuliana; Bufo, Sabino Aurelio; Ciriello, Rosanna; Brienza, Monica; Scrano,Laura; Lelario, Filomena, SCI 2024, XXVIII National Congress of Societą Chimica Italiana, Chemistry Elements of Future, 26-30 agosto Milano 2024 (Book of Abstract, MAS-PO-002., pp 483);
  8. Contribution in conference proceedings: Aqueous extracts of Vicia faba L. pod valves: a promising source of bioactive compounds and their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Carmen Tesoro, Filomena Lelario 1, Fabiana Piscitelli, Angela Di Capua, Maria Assunta Acquavia, Giuliana Bianco, Paolo Della Sala, Paola Montoro, Mario Dell'Agli, Rosanna Ciriello. The 4th MS-NatMedDay, Salerno 15-16 febbraio 2024 (Book of Abstract, PO17, pp 59)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

  1. Contribution in conference proceedings: G. Bianco, M.A. Acquavia, R. Pascale, A. Onzo, C. Tesoro, C. Gaeta, P. Iannece, R. Ciriello, F. Lelario “HRMS-based metabolomic characterization of new Italian wine varieties”. 4th wine MS day. 22-24 June 2022, Carlentini, Sicily. ORAL communication (4th MS WINE DAY Book of Abstract, OR8, pp. 29-30.);
  2. -Contribution in conference proceedings: M. A. Acquavia, R. Pascale, A. Onzo, C. Gaeta, P. Iannece, R. Ciriello, F. Lelario, C. Tesoro, R. Rubino, G. Bianco “Raw materials in food manufacturing: a complexity ascertained by high resolution mass spectrometry” Massa 2022, 20-22 June 2022, Carlentini, Sicily. ORAL communication (MASSA 2022 Book of Abstract, OR10, pp. 29-30.);
  3. -Contribution in conference proceedings: M A Acquavia, P Montoro, M A Crescenzi, J A Heredia-Guerrero,S Guzman-Puyol, C Tesoro, G Cardone, R Ciriello, F Lelario, G Martelli, G Bianco a “Metabolic characterization of food waste exploited as additive for biobased materials’ fabrication” Chimica sotto l’Albero 2022, 19-20 December 2022, Bari, Italy. ORAL communication (Chimica sotto l’albero 2022-II edizione Book of Abstract, OR22, pp. 26.) ISBN 9788894952346;
  4. -Contribution in conference proceedings: M A Acquavia, C Tesoro, A Onzo, T R I Cataldi, M Ligonzo, R Pascale,A R Zizzamia, F Lelario, R Ciriello, G Martelli, M Bondoni, G Bianco “Structural characterization of ‘’green’’ alkyl ether sulfates by direct-injection ESI(-)-LTQ-MS and MS/MS technique” Chimica sotto l’Albero 2022, 19-20 December 2022, Bari, Italy. POSTER communication (Chimica sotto l’albero 2022-II edizione Book of Abstract, P07, pp. 92.) ISBN 9788894952346.
  5. -Contribution in conference proceedings: C. Tesoro, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, A. Di Capua, M. Dell’Agli, P. Montoro, M. A. Crescenzi, E. Gregori, M. A. Acquavia, G. Bianco, ‘’ Comparison of two validated methods for determination of L-dopa in Vicia faba L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. beans’’, 11 MS J-Day, Bari 25-26 maggio 2023 (11 MS J-Day Book Abstract 22023,OR18, pp.33) ISBN: 9788890738876.

My publications

Efficient photooxidation processes for the removal of sildenafil from aqueous environments: A comparative study, A. R. Zizzamia, C. Tesoro, G. Bianco, S. A. Bufo, R. Ciriello, M. Brienza, L. Scrano, F. Lelario, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Volume 9, June 2024, 100708, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2024.100708_

This study investigated the efficacy of photooxidation processes for removing sildenafil and its potentially toxic derivatives from water.

A Critical Overview of Enzyme-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for L-Dopa Detection in Biological Samples, C. Tesoro, G. Cembalo, A. Guerrieri, G. Bianco, M. A. Acquavia, A. Di Capua, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, Chemosensors 2023, 11(10), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors11100523_

This review reports on research papers of the past 20 years (2003–2023) dealing with enzyme-based biosensors for the electrochemical detection of L-Dopa in biological samples.

A validated LC–MS/MS method for quantitative determination of L-dopa in Fagioli di Sarconi beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), C. Tesoro, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, G. Bianco, M. A. Acquavia, P. Montoro, M. A. Crescenzi, E. Gregori, M. Dell'Agli, S. Piazza, A. Guerrieri, A. Di Capua, J Mass Spectrom. 2023;9999:e4952. https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.4952_

 An analytical method based on ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI/MS/MS) was validated and applied for determining L-dopa in four ecotypes of Fagioli di Sarconi beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), marked with the European label PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).

An Amperometric Biosensor Based on a Bilayer of Electrodeposited Graphene Oxide and Co-Crosslinked Tyrosinase for L-Dopa Detection in Untreated Human Plasma, G. Cembalo, R. Ciriello, C. Tesoro, A. Guerrieri, G. Bianco, F. Lelario, M. A. Acquavia, A. Di Capua, Molecules 2023, 28, 5239. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135239_

A novel amperometric biosensor for L-Dopa detection is described, based on tyrosinase co-crosslinked onto a graphene oxide layer produced through electrodeposition. Careful optimization of the enzyme immobilization procedure permitted to improve the long-term stability while substantially shortening and simplifying the biosensor fabrication

Legal Cannabis sativa L. Dried Inflorescences: Cannabinoids Content and Cytotoxic Activity against Human HepG2 Cell Line, M. A. Acquavia, C. Tesoro, R. Pascale, A. Ostuni, I. Matera, G. Bianco, L. Scrano, S. A. Bufo, R. Ciriello, A. Di Capua, F. Lelario, Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 4960. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084960_

This study aims to investigate the total content of THC, CBD, and their ratio in 34 dried inflorescence legally sold in physical and online stores, by using a validated liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) method, after cannabinoids identification performed through MSn studies.

An Interplay between a Face-Centred Composite Experimental Design and Solid-Phase Microextraction for Wine Aroma GC/MS Analysis, C. Tesoro, M. A. Acquavia, B. Giussani, G. Bianco, R. Pascale, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, A. Capece, R. Pietrafesa, G. Siesto, A. Di Capua, Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 4609. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074609

Here, a HS-SPME/GC-MS based method was developed to investigate the volatile compounds of wine samples obtained by laboratory-scale fermentations.

Development and Validation of a Reversed-Phase HPLC Method with UV Detection for the Determination of L-Dopa in Vicia faba L. Broad Beans, C. Tesoro,  R. Ciriello, F. Lelario, A. Di Capua, R. Pascale, G. Bianco, M. Dell’Agli, S. Piazza, A. Guerrieri, L, Scrano, S. A. Bufo, M. A. Acquavia, Molecules 2022, 27, 7468. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217468

This work proposes an HPLC-UV method, validated according to EURACHEM guidelines as regards linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy, and matrix effect.

Untargeted metabolomic analysis by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry for the profiling of new Italian wine varieties, A. Onzo, M. A. Acquavia, R. Pascale, P. Iannece, C. Gaeta, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, C. Tesoro, G. Bianco, A. Di Capua, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (2022) 414:7805–7812, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-022-04314-x_

In this work, a mass spectrometry-based phytochemical screening was performed on seven new wine products from Villa D’Agri in the Basilicata region (Italy), i.e., Aglianico Bianco, Plavina, Guisana, Giosana, Malvasia ad acino piccolo, Colata Murro and Santa Sofia.

An Overview of Methods for L-Dopa Extraction and Analytical Determination in Plant Matrices, C. Tesoro, F. Lelario, R. Ciriello, G. Bianco, A. Di Capua, M. A. Acquavia, Separations 2022, 9, 224. https://doi.org/10.3390/separations9080224

This paper aims to give information on the latest developments in the chemical study of L-dopa, emphasizing the extraction, separation and characterization of this compound by chromatographic, electrochemical and spectral techniques.

Vicia faba L. pod valves: a by-product with high potential as adjuvant in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, C. Tesoro, F. Lelario, F. Piscitelli, A. Di Capua, P. Della Sala, P. Montoro, G. Bianco, M. A. Acquavia, M. Dell'Agli, S. Piazza, R. Ciriello, Molecules 2024, 29, 3943. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163943

In this study, aqueous extracts of Lucan broad bean pod valves (BPs) were characterized to evaluate their potential use as adjuvants in severe Parkinson’s disease.

 

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