substratti

Substratti is the plural form of substrato in Italian and is used in scientific contexts to refer to base layers or surfaces that support other materials, organisms, or reactions. In English-language texts, the term substrate is more common, but substratti can appear in Italian or translated works. A substrate is the underlying material or surface with which another substance interacts, deposits on, or grows upon.

In biology and chemistry, a substrate is the molecule that an enzyme or catalyst acts upon. Enzymes bind substrates at active sites and transform them into products through chemical reactions. Substrate properties such as shape, functional groups, and charge influence binding affinity, specificity, and reaction rates. In catalysis, the interaction between substrate and catalyst determines efficiency and selectivity.

In materials science and electronics, the substrate serves as the base material for preparing films, coatings, or circuits. Common substrates include silicon wafers, glass, sapphire, and various ceramics. The choice of substrate affects adhesion, thermal expansion, electrical insulation, and overall device performance. Substrates are often engineered to match processing temperatures and mechanical properties of deposited layers.

In geology and ecology, the substrate refers to the underlying surface or material that supports growth or deposition, such as soil, rock, or a leaf surface. Substrate properties like texture, porosity, and chemistry influence colonization by organisms, soil formation, and mineral deposition.

See also: Substrate (chemistry), Substrate (biology), Substrate (electronics).