Plants and health:
Studies of biological activities of plants and their derivatives and identification of active principles from medicinal plants through canonical phytochemical methods and / or with an untergeted metabolomic approach, in particular through NMR-based metabolomics. In this area, ethnobotanical studies are also conducted in order to identify plants of interest, through the study of traditional medicines, with consequent upgrading of the knowledge in the field of medicinal plants.
Particular attention is given to the properties of plant extracts seen as complex chemical mixtures: synergies, additive effects between active ingredients in the mixture, influence on the solubility of individual metabolites (NADES theory).
Quality control of botanicals, spices and herbs:
This line of research is carried out with an untergeted approach, in particular through NMR-based metabolomics coupled with chemometrics analysis, in order to identify biomarkers of drug purity or the possible presence of contaminants or fraud. The multivariate data analysis models developed have the purpose of predict quality of plant samples on the basis of their phytochemical profile.
Plants-environment interactions:
Systems Biology studies aimed at understanding the complex relationships between plant and environment, and investigating the biological significance of the metabolites produced by plants. This type of studies has repercussions in the agronomic field (smart agriculture), and in the adaptation of the plant to the environment (plants ecotypes).
Circular economy:
Studies on waste and by-products plant matrices from industry or agriculture, in order to favour their valorization and use. This type of studies aim in the future to obtain a database containing phytochemical profiles and biological activities of plant waste matrices that can support local companies in the implementation of circular economy practices.
