RU2 Research team

Elisa Ovidi is an Associate Professor at the University of Tuscia in Viterbo, where she is head of the Laboratory of Plant Cytology and Biotechnology of Natural Substances in the Department of Innovation in Biological, Agri-Food, and Forestry Systems. An expert in plant cell biology, her research has focused on the biology of reproduction in higher plants and on the structural and molecular components of pollen tubes. Recently, Prof. Ovidi has been involved in the biological and chemical characterization of plant-derived substances with the aim of identifying potentially active molecules that can be used in the development of new drugs and principles for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. She has also participated in research projects aimed at studying bioactive compounds from agricultural waste, which allow for the reduction and reuse of plant processing by-products in an ecological and sustainable manner. In the Rap-BiG project, Prof. Ovidi will be Responsible for RU2. This RU will be entrusted with the role of leader of WP3 and WP4, which will define the biological effects and the type of signalling pathways triggered by treatments with the selected extracts. The nature of the proteins involved and, consequently, the type of cellular response (apoptosis, necrosis, phagocytosis, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity) will be determined using various methodological approaches and protocols for which RU2 has the necessary expertise.

With a degree in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Biological Evolution and Biochemistry, she is currently conducting postdoctoral research at the Laboratory of Plant Cytology and Biotechnology of Natural Substances, DIBAF (University of Tuscia).

Her scientific career, enriched by extensive professional experience, is characterized by numerous research projects and academic roles, which have contributed to her solid expertise in the field of plant biology and biotechnology. She has developed skills in various aspects of research on natural substances of plant origin, including biological and chemical investigations. Her research has led to several publications in indexed international journals, covering topics such as the biological effects of essential oils and plant extracts. Her contributions have been presented at various conferences and symposia.

In the Rap-Big project, as a research fellow, she is evaluating the biological effects of NADES extracts from red apple pomace. Her activities involve the use of 2D and 3D cell cultures to analyse potential cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects on in vitro models.