Innovative approaches for the characterization and activity assays of phytochemicals and their in vivo metabolites

"This multidisciplinary course aims to provide doctoral students with an in-depth view of the analytical
characterization, metabolism, and activity assays of bioactive compounds present in plant and food matrices
using innovative approaches. Through theoretical lectures and interactive discussions, students will acquire skills
regarding analytical techniques for identifying both known molecules and compounds not previously documented in the literature. The in vivo transformation processes operated by the gut microbiota and the various organs involved in the metabolism of these molecules, as well as the absorption and elimination of
bioactives and their metabolic products, will be covered. Some in vitro assays for evaluating the activity and
studying the mechanism of action of both the parent compounds and their metabolites will be presented. By the end of the course, the doctoral student will have a comprehensive overview of these aspects, as well as the potential associated criticalities."