Ne.Fit.A

NEFITA was created with the aim of developing a new product with biological and/or antiviral activity, based on bioactive metabolites extracted from plant matrices. The project focuses in particular on natural raw materials such as chilli pepper, liquorice, hemp and mushrooms, used both in blends and in pure form to obtain phytoextracts intended for health-promoting and therapeutic applications. The project pathway included the development of high-yield extraction processes, with attention to solvent-free technologies and the possibility of transferring the process to an industrial scale. This activity led to the creation of a pilot plant for the production of bioactive extracts from plant matrices. NEFITA also worked on the formulation development of a nutraceutical based on natural phytoextracts, with the aim of producing a potentially marketable prototype. The project also included activities to assess consumer acceptance and tests useful for defining the product concept. A central part of the project was dedicated to verifying the biological and antiviral activity of the phytoextracts through in vitro assays. The analyses made it possible to study the behaviour of the bioactive molecules and their possible role in interacting with specific cellular receptors, contributing to the definition of scientifically supported claims. NEFITA thus integrates research, process innovation and product development, with the aim of enhancing natural plant matrices and creating new solutions in the pharma-food sector.