1) Analysis of the regulation and of the expression of genes
involved in the biosynthesis of polyphenols (stilbenes,
flavonoids, catechins, etc) in tissues and in cell cultures of
Vitis vinifera treated with different biotic and abiotic
elicitors. This research involves the use of modern proteomic,metabolomic ans trascriptomic techniques and the
collaboration with several research groups at local, national and
international level.
2) The regulation of polyamine metabolism in different in vitro
and in vivo plant systems, and in plant-derived foodstuffs.
3) Circular economy and bio-based products starting from agro-industrial and food by-products and waste. Extraction and analysis of bioactive molecules with high added value (proteins / peptides, polyphenols, sugars, fibers, etc.) and determination by in vitro tests of the bioactivity of molecules of plant origin in view of their possible biotechnological application (cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food, feed, innovative materials, bioplastics).
4) Use of plants in the phytoremediation of metals from soils, water and other polluted substrates.
5) Alimurgic plants, wild plants with food and medicinal use. Analysis of secondary metabolites and biological activities.