Through this course, participants will learn how various techniques emerging from different scientific fields including analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology can be utilised together in an applied R&D setting to advance nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product development.

Learners will, in particular, be able to:

Knowledge

• Explain the extraction process using plant material, including solvent selection, separation methods, and fractionation.
• Describe the theoretical principles behind advanced laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, GC MS, LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy) used for molecular identification and characterization.
• Demonstrate knowledge of in vitro cell culture techniques and their role in investigating biological effects of bioactive molecules. – Understand molecular biological techniques, including Western Blot, ELISA, and Immunofluorescent assays, and their application in R&D. – Outline the R&D cycle from raw material through laboratory investigation to a finished marketable product.
• Recognize the importance of plant phylogenesis in the discovery and development of new drugs.

Skills

• Perform solvent extractions from biological material (plant tissue) and apply fractionation techniques to obtain and isolate molecules.
• Operate and apply laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopy) to identify and characterise unknown compounds.
• Grow, maintain, and apply cell cultures for in vitro testing of biological effects of extracted compounds.
• Conduct molecular biology processes, including Western Blotting, ELISA, and Immunofluorescence, to assess cellular responses.
• Use relevant databases and computational tools to support identification and characterisation of chemical compounds in R&D projects.
• Compile and present data in the form of a Certificate of Analysis for a finished extract.
• Prepare professional laboratory reports, based on authentic experimental procedures and results, in line with industrial standards.

Competences

• Design and oversee extraction processes, including the evaluation of different solvents and conditions for optimal yield and purity.
• Make informed decisions on fractionation strategies and integrate chemical and biological testing to validate findings.
• Demonstrate competence in using state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation and applying outputs to solve real-world R&D problems.
• Plan, manage, and execute an R&D project, considering timelines, milestones, and quality control requirements.
• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research team, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities

• Identify and troubleshoot problems in extraction, analysis, and cell culture processes.
• Critically assess laboratory evidence, choosing the most reliable solvents, methods, or biological assays for a given research question.
• Evaluate and interpret complex experimental data, linking chemical characterization with biological response.
• Conceptualise and apply laboratory experiments within the broader framework of product development.
• Exercise professional judgment in preparing Certificates of Analysis and in determining the market potential of finished products.

Learning to Learn Skills

• Analyse and critically use databases, methods, and literature sources to support identification and characterisation of unknown compounds.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt and apply both biological and chemical methodologies to novel R&D contexts.
• Build capacity for continuous learning by reflecting on practical and theoretical outcomes in order to improve laboratory practice.
• Integrate knowledge from multiple scientific disciplines to address emerging challenges in drug discovery and nutraceutical research.