Rational Design of NADES for Natural Compound Extraction
Zagreb, February 19-21, 2025
Workshop Overview
The University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology (SUZG PBF) hosted a three-day stationary research workshop dedicated to exploring the potential of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) in the extraction of natural compounds. This hybrid-format event brought together INBIOWAL researchers and students for an immersive experience blending lectures, lab work, and scientific exchange.
Day 1: Opening Lectures and Research Webinar
The workshop opened with a welcome by Prof. Ivana Radojčić Redovniković. The event began with a series of open lectures addressing fundamental concepts and practical applications of NADES. Participants had the opportunity to gain insights into the rational design of NADES-based extraction processes, their environmental and economic sustainability, and the characterization of products derived from plant materials.
The first day concluded with a research webinar led by Prof. Mohammad Taherzadeh from the Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery (SCRR), who delivered an engaging session on the effective writing of grant applications—a vital skill for all early-career researchers.
Day 2: Hands-On Lab Sessions
The second day was reserved exclusively for the INBIOWAL team and focused on experimental work. Participants engaged in hands-on training, starting with the use of computational methods for NADES formulation, followed by practical sessions on the extraction of herbal materials using NADES. The afternoon continued with interactive exercises on preparing successful grant applications, allowing attendees to apply what they had learned during the webinar in a collaborative setting.
Day 3: Internal Project Meeting and Wrap-Up
The final day featured a dedicated project management meeting. Each partner institution presented updates on their research progress within INBIOWAL, followed by an open wrap-up session to address emerging questions and coordinate future activities. The in-person and hybrid format enabled dynamic discussion and exchange across the consortium.
This workshop marked a significant step forward in INBIOWAL’s research agenda, providing both scientific insights and collaborative momentum. The strong engagement from participants—both in-person and online—highlighted the value of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary and international cooperation.
Scientific Networking and Community Building
Beyond the formal sessions, the workshop also featured evening networking events that fostered stronger connections among participants. Informal gatherings, including a welcome dinner and a cultural walk through Zagreb’s historic center, created space for interdisciplinary dialogue, experience sharing, and team building. These meetings helped strengthen the collaborative spirit of the INBIOWAL community and laid the groundwork for future research synergies.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Hybrid (Open to All Participants)
9:00 – Lecture: From Fundamentals of NADES to Process Design, Presenter: SUZG PBF
This session will introduce the basic principles of NADES, covering their unique properties and the process design for efficient extraction.
9:45 – Lecture: Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Processes Involving NADES, Presenter: SUZG PBF
A comprehensive discussion on the environmental impact and economic viability of using NADES for natural compound extraction.
10:30 – Coffee Break
11:15 – Lecture: Characterization of Products Obtained by Extraction Using NADES, Presenter: SUZG PBF
Learn about the analytical methods used to characterize bioactive compounds extracted with NADES, emphasizing quality and efficiency.
12:30 – Lunch Break
14:00 – Research Webinar: Effective Writing of Grant Applications
Presenter: Prof. Mohammad Taherzadeh, SCRR
Gain insights into successful grant writing, covering proposal structure, key evaluation criteria, and how to effectively present research objectives.
Day 2: In-Person (Exclusive to INBIOWAL Participants)
9:00 – Hands-On Lab Session: Rational Design of NADES Using Computational Methods, Facilitator: SUZG PBF
Participants will use computational tools to design NADES formulations optimized for specific natural compound extractions.
10:30 – Coffee Break
11:00 – Hands-On Lab Session: NADES-Assisted Extraction of Selected Herbal Material, Facilitator: SUZG PBF
Practical lab work focused on extracting bioactive compounds from herbal materials, demonstrating the effectiveness of NADES.
13:00 – Lunch Break
14:00 – Workshop: Effective Writing of Grant Applications (Hybrid), Facilitator: Prof. Mohammad Taherzadeh, SCRR
A detailed session on grant proposal writing techniques, featuring both hands-on practice and virtual participation.
Day 3: Hybrid (Exclusive to INBIOWAL Participants)
9:00 – Project Management Meeting:
Short presentations on project results and strategic planning for future research activities.
11:00 – Coffee Break
11:30 – Wrap-Up:
An open session for discussing any relevant topics or questions raised during the workshop.
13:00 – Lunch Break