MICROPOLI

The MICRO-POLI project is aimed at developing innovative nutraceuticals based on polyphenols extracted from by-products of the extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) supply chain, through advanced micro- and nano-encapsulation technologies.
The initiative fits within the context of valorising agri-food waste with a high content of bioactive molecules, with the aim of transforming it into formulations with high health-promoting potential. The research activities involved the development of eco-sustainable extraction processes for the isolation of high-purity polyphenols from matrices such as vegetation water, pomace and EVOO filtration residues, reducing the use of organic solvents and the environmental impact.
The micro- and nanostructured systems developed make it possible to improve the stability, bioavailability, palatability and systemic absorption of the bioactive compounds, fostering applications in the prevention of chronic metabolic diseases and in cellular ageing processes. The project integrates nanotechnology, biotechnology and circular-economy principles into an advanced model of sustainable innovation.

The objectives of the MICRO-POLI project concern the development and industrial validation of innovative micro- and nanodevices for the controlled release of polyphenols extracted from olive-supply-chain by-products.
The project activities include the design of high-efficiency, eco-sustainable extraction processes, the chemical and physical characterisation of the bioactive molecules and the optimisation of advanced delivery systems capable of increasing the bioavailability and stability of the nutraceutical compounds.
Further objectives include improving consumer compliance by optimising the palatability of the formulations and assessing tolerability, safety and the absence of toxicity through studies on subjects with chronic metabolic diseases The project also promotes the valorisation of agri-food waste in accordance with the principles of circular economy, green economy and environmental sustainability, fostering technology transfer towards the nutraceutical and biomedical sectors.
The MICRO-POLI project enabled the development and validation of innovative nutraceutical formulations based on polyphenols extracted from by-products of the extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) supply chain, delivered through high-bioavailability micro- and nanodevices.
Eco-sustainable extraction methods were optimised for the isolation and purification of bioactive molecules, with a reduction in the use of organic solvents and an improvement in process efficiency.
In parallel, technological platforms were created for the controlled release of the active ingredients, aimed at improving the chemical stability and biological yield of the compounds.
The formulations developed showed an increase in systemic bioavailability and better palatability than conventional nutraceuticals, with favourable tolerability and safety profiles.
The project also contributed to the valorisation of agri-food waste, promoting development models based on circular economy and environmental sustainability, with potential repercussions in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors.