Women in Bioorganic Chemistry

We are very happy to present this Special Issue, for which we acted as guest editors, and which includes scientific contributions from laboratories headed by women active in the field of bioorganic chemistry [...].

Molecules 2022, 27, 4290 2 of 8 some preliminary in vivo experiments on mice [3]. Mazzon and co-workers, from Messina, Italy, reported on the numerous studies supporting the great properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a terpenophenol natural compound, for the management of neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, Alzheimer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson), due to is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and antipsychotic properties. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CBD show that a multi-target mechanism of action takes place [4]. Nesterkina and co-workers from Odessa, Ukraina studied, with the aid of different techniques (FT-IR, laser diffraction, fluorescent measurements), the impact of terpenoids-based hydrazones on the molecular organization of lipid matrices using model liposomes based on lecithin or cardiolipin phospholipids, as well as lipids isolated from rat strata cornea [5].
Triterpenes are biosynthetic precursors of steroids, which are an important class of both natural and synthetic products. Volkova and co-workers from Moscow, Russia, described the synthesis of D-annulated pentacyclic steroids based on a regioselective interrupted Nazarov cyclization with trapping chloride ion, and evaluated the antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds against two breast cancer cell lines [6].
The interest in the design and synthesis of novel anticancer therapeutics is also present in the manuscript by Beloglazina and co-workers from Moscow, Russia, who reported the synthesis of a series of S-, O-and Se-containing dispirooxoindoles through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides, assayed their cytotoxicity against different tumor cell lines and performed an in silico study to rationalize the results [7]. The group of Simone and co-workers from Callaghan, Australia, reported the synthesis, glycosidase inhibition and anticancer properties of highly chlorinated benzamide analogues bearing a boronpinacolate ester group, with the perspective to use them in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) [8].
Sattin and co-workers from Milano, Italy, described, through virtual screening accompanied by STD-NMR studies, a structure-based approach to find new chemotypes able to target (p)ppGpp (guanosine tetra-or penta-phosphate) signaling, in view of overcoming antimicrobial resistance [9]. The issue of antimicrobial resistance was also addressed by the group of Grosdemange-Billiard and co-workers from Strasbourg, France, who synthesized fluorinated analogues of the natural compound fosmidomycin and tested them as E. coli 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) inhibitors as well as antimicrobial agents against E. coli on Petri dishes [10]. Pathogenic E. coli infection and food/water contamination by this pathogen was also the object of the article by Wu and co-workers from Nanchang, China, who designed and synthesized a β-galactosidase-activatable fluorescent probe (BOD-Gal) for the detection of this pathogen [11].
The process of microbial attack on dental enamel and the potential approaches for dental remineralization were described by Brimble and co-workers from Auckland, New Zealand, who highlighted the importance of the amelogenin protein and the efforts made by the researchers in the identification of the key structural motifs of this protein that enable dental remineralization, as well as the rational design of synthetic polypeptides for this aim [12].
Integrin α 4 β 1 belongs to the leukocyte integrin family and represents a target of relevant therapeutic interest due its role in mediating inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and cancer-related diseases. With the aim of discovering new compounds potentially able to recognize integrin α 4 β 1 , Battistini and co-workers from Parma, Italy synthesized, through solid phase procedures followed by in-solution cyclization steps, seven new cyclic peptidomimetics bearing a 4-aminoproline core scaffold, and evaluated them in cell adhesion assays on Jurvat cells [13].
In the field of bionanomaterials, the Special Issue shows an example by Bodlenner from Strasbourg, France, and Matassini from Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, who reported the synthesis and biological evaluation as Jack Bean α-mannosidase inhibitors of hybrid multivalent glyco gold nanoparticles decorated with deoxynojirimycin inhitopes, among the best known glycomimetics in the field of glycosidases inhibition. The authors found a strong enhancement of the inhibitory activity consequent to the multivalent presentation of the inhitope [14].
Lastly, chirality is one of the most crucial aspects of nature and is of paramount importance in the area of bioorganic chemistry, and axial chirality represents an intriguing aspect of chirality itself. Viglianisi and co-workers from Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, developed an efficient chemical resolution of racemic aza [4]helicenes, interesting building blocks for the production of materials with chiroptical properties, using enantiopure camphanic acids as resolving agents [15].
We want to finish this Editorial by thanking again all of the authors who come from three different continents, namely Europe, Asia and Oceania, for having illustrated so well the importance of bioorganic chemistry in their contributions to this Special Issue.
A list of short biographical sketches of the authors, together with the description of the obstacles/challenges encountered during their career, or suggestions to a young woman keen to become a successful scientist in the field of bioorganic chemistry, follows in the Reference section.  What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?

Short Biography of Authors Who Contributed to the Special Issue
One of the most challenging issues for a bioorganic chemist (not just for a female scientist) working in a field that lies at the interface between different disciplines (chemistry, biology, medicine, etc.) is to create the best empathic and collaborative atmosphere in the working group, and fully recognize and value the originality and creativity within each contribution. I believe that women leading research groups owing to their empathy and sensitivity have a step ahead to contrast stereotypes, unconscious biases, and prejudices that sometimes spoil the teamwork.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Do not be afraid to take on something completely new for your and do not give up in case of possible failures. Patience and interest in what you are doing sooner or later will yield results. It will not always be the same as you expected when starting your research, but that's the charm of our work. What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
As a woman researcher in chemistry, an important challenge was to find my own balance between research, teachings and personal life, as I wish to spend as much quality time with my son as possible.
What is the secret of being a successful female bioorganic chemist?
I found that being well-organized, defining clear objectives at work, and being in harmony with my priorities works well for me. My tasks being essentially intellectual, sport and nature also help me to find my physical and intellectual balance, which is necessary to raise enough energy to tackle all challenges. I am also very lucky to have a supportive partner who is actively involved in the daily running of things.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry)?
The

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry)?
I strongly believe that to become a successful scientist, but more generally, to reach your professional goals, you need to apply three critical rules: perseverance in work and study, to be multitasking, and favor teamwork.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Trust yourself and your passion for biomolecules and organic chemistry. Never give up but persevere the work you believe in and face obstacles with the right tools and by joining forces with scientist of What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry)?
I didn't realize that to be a scientist you have to be able to multi-task exceptionally well. There are so many things that need to be written-grants, reports, papers, patents, marketing material, references, reviews, outreach material, teaching material etc. These tasks are endless and I wish I could write quicker. I did organic chemistry since I liked doing things in the lab and not writing! The best thing to succeed is to remember you can't do it alone and you are only as successful as the people who work alongside you in your team. Take each day in your stride and seek out like-minded people as your team members and collaborators. Remember you only learn from setbacks and making mistakes and rise above the intimidating bravado that many of your colleagues are good at displaying. A lot of it is hype! Doing good science always takes time and a lot of hard work.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry)?
The

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Trust yourself and your passion for biomolecules and organic chemistry. Never give up but persevere the work you believe in and face obstacles with the right tools and by joining forces with scientist of

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry)?
The greatest challenge I had to face up during my career has been how to conciliate my passion in bioorganic chemistry with my private life. I love being a scientist and I also love being a mother. The secret? Not being too individualist! In my personal experience, the secret for being a quite good scientist and a quite good mother (as I hope to be) has been to create a good team, instead of just running alone.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Trust yourself and your passion for biomolecules and organic chemistry. Never give up but persevere the work you believe in and face obstacles with the right tools and by joining forces with scientist of I strongly believe that to become a successful scientist, but more generally, to reach your professional goals, you need to apply three critical rules: perseverance in work and study, to be multitasking, and favor teamwork. Remember always that your colleagues and your family are your best allies! Then, try to be always open to new experiences, since just in this way you can improve your knowledge and transfer it to the work.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Trust yourself and your passion for biomolecules and organic chemistry. Never give up but persevere the work you believe in and face obstacles with the right tools and by joining forces with scientist of

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Trust yourself and your passion for biomolecules and organic chemistry. Never give up but persevere the work you believe in and face obstacles with the right tools and by joining forces with scientist of other disciplines. Turn negative experiences into positives one. Share your knowledge and pass on your passion to the young scientists for keeping you inspired.

As usually in science, success consists of 99% hard work and 1% luck. Bioorganic chemistry is no exception in this regard -you can spend several months in the laboratory synthesizing novel compounds that in the end were revealed as biologically inactive. Then a new path begins, new ideas and hypotheses are put forward needed to be experimentally confirmed. However, we understand the ultimate goal of our scientific research and its significance both for fundamental and applied investigations. Enthusiasm and inspiration for new discoveries and their potential importance to human society are the main incentives for success in bioorganic chemistry.
Cristina Prandi (Department of Chemistry), University of Turin, via P. Giuria

What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
I think the most important challenge I faced has been networking with peers and senior academic members of both organic chemistry and neighbouring fields. For instance, when I was already assistant or associate professor I often found myself in situations (e.g., conferences) where colleagues just assumed I was a student or a postdoc at most, rarely including me in relevant scientific or decision-

What is the secret of being a successful female bioorganic chemist?
As usually in science, success consists of 99% hard work and 1% luck. Bioorganic chemistry is no exception in this regard-you can spend several months in the laboratory synthesizing novel compounds that in the end were revealed as biologically inactive. Then a new path begins, new ideas and hypotheses are put forward needed to be experimentally confirmed. However, we understand the ultimate goal of our scientific research and its significance both for fundamental and applied investigations. Enthusiasm and inspiration for new discoveries and their potential importance to human society are the main incentives for success in bioorganic chemistry.

What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
I think the most important challenge I faced has been networking with peers and senior academic members of both organic chemistry and neighbouring fields. For instance, when I was already assistant or associate professor I often found myself in situations (e.g., conferences) where colleagues just assumed I was a student or a postdoc at most, rarely including me in relevant scientific or decision-

Have you ever felt disadvantaged in being a woman in your research field?
I have always felt that I would have to work much harder than my male colleagues to get the same recognition from the academic and scientific community, especially after the birth of my daughters. But, in the end, this turned out to be an advantage. I learned the value of time, to be more efficient and to combine family life with my role as a scientist.

What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
I think the most important challenge I faced has been networking with peers and senior academic members of both organic chemistry and neighbouring fields. For instance, when I was already assistant or associate professor I often found myself in situations (e.g., conferences) where colleagues just assumed I was a student or a postdoc at most, rarely including me in relevant scientific or decision-making conversations. Women scientists should be more proactive in creating collaborative networks and advocating for female colleagues at all career levels.

What is the most important challenge for a woman working in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
According to my opinion and personal experience, the most important challenge I found, and I still find, has been combining the professional life and commitments with the family ones. In other words, finding the right time to spend with my daughter and my partner. In the years I have learned to optimize time and to handle only fundamental commitments, while delegating the other ones. Also, I have found very smart collaborators, who help me in handling the research and teaching activities. Time is always short, when you are enjoying, but now I can get the best of it! What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
To young women willing to become scientists I would recommend to never give up! Even when things seem to be going wrong, there is always an opportunity around the corner. The important is to be ready to catch any occasion and not be scared to get in the game! making conversations. Women scientists should be more proactive in creating collaborative networks and advocating for female colleagues at all career levels.

What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
To young women willing to become scientists I would recommend to never give up! Even when things seem to be going wrong, there is always an opportunity around the corner. The important is to be ready to catch any occasion and not be scared to get in the game! Caterina Viglianisi (Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy). Research interests include redox chemistry with design and synthesis molecular, macromolecular and nano-supported antioxidants and the study of their potential applications in the medical field and new materials. A further research area is the synthesis and evaluation of the optoelectronic properties of condensed heterocyclic systems. Molecules 2022, 27, 1160; doi.org/10.3390/mole-cules27041160.

What is the secret of being a successful female bioorganic chemist? What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
Caterina Viglianisi (Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff" (DICUS), Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy). Research interests include redox chemistry with design and synthesis molecular, macromolecular and nano-supported antioxidants and the study of their potential applications in the medical field and new materials. A further research area is the synthesis and evaluation of the optoelectronic properties of condensed heterocyclic systems.
What is the secret of being a successful female bioorganic chemist? What are your suggestions for a young woman keen to become a successful scientist (in the field of bioorganic chemistry?
A young chemist must always remember that becoming a successful scientist requires countless hours of work, although we are in the exciting world of discovery, so work hard and enjoy your job!