Between 8 and 12 December 2025, researchers from 2C2T, Professor Andrea Zille and Doctor Jorge Padrão, carried out an experimental campaign at ENEA – Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, hosted at the ABC high-power laser facility in Frascati (Rome, Italy).

The study focused on testing bacterial nanocellulose foams under ultra-intense laser irradiation, investigating plasma generation and laser–matter interactions in bio-based porous nanostructures. Using advanced diagnostics, the team assessed absorption efficiency, plasma dynamics, and material performance under extreme-energy conditions.

“This work demonstrates that materials traditionally developed for biotechnology and advanced textiles can play a serious role in laser-plasma physics,” said Professor Andrea Zille. “The sustainability advantage is clear, but the key question is performance, and that is exactly what we are quantifying here.”

Dr. Jorge Padrão added that “nanocellulose offers a unique combination of porosity and structural homogeneity that is extremely difficult to achieve with synthetic foams, and the plasma response is proving scientifically very promising.”

This campaign represents one of the first systematic studies led by 2C2T exploring the use of sustainable nanomaterials in high-power laser physics. Conducted in close collaboration with ENEA-ABC researchers, including Mattia Cipriani and Fabrizio Consoli, the work strengthens international research links and opens new pathways for applications in fusion research, particle acceleration, and circular-economy-driven experimental infrastructures.