Dr. Rita Abi Rached, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Rita Joseph Abi Rached has built a remarkable career at the intersection of food chemistry, biochemistry, and sustainability. From her foundational academic journey to her current research in agri-food by-product valorization, she has continuously sought innovative solutions to environmental and health-related challenges. Her expertise spans industry collaborations, cutting-edge research, and impactful scientific contributions, making her a leading figure in sustainable food science.
Profile
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✨ Early Academic Pursuits – A Passion for Science ✨
From an early age, Rita Joseph Abi Rached demonstrated an innate curiosity for the sciences, particularly in the fields of biochemistry and food chemistry. She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 2017, where she cultivated a strong foundation in molecular sciences. Her passion for the chemical intricacies of food systems led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Food Chemistry in 2019, further refining her expertise in the biochemical properties of agro-food products. This academic dedication ultimately culminated in a Double Ph.D. in Life, Environmental, and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Cagliari and Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her scholarly endeavors.
🌱 Professional Endeavors – Bridging Academia and Industry 🌱
With an unwavering commitment to research, Rita transitioned from academia to professional scientific exploration. Her early training included hands-on experiences at Château Ksara, where she assessed grape phenolic maturity, and at Libby’s, where she gained insights into quality control and microbiological analyses. Further strengthening her industrial expertise, she worked as a lab researcher and research assistant at Saint Joseph University, refining her skills in polyphenol analysis and microbiological assessments. These experiences not only expanded her technical competencies but also paved the way for her role as a dedicated researcher at the University of Cagliari, where she currently investigates sustainable approaches to agri-food by-product valorization.
🤝 Contributions and Research Focus – Innovating for a Sustainable Future 🤝
Rita’s research is deeply rooted in sustainability and the innovative utilization of agricultural and industrial biomasses. Her current work revolves around the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, transforming waste into functional bioactive compounds for health and agriculture. She has actively contributed to groundbreaking projects such as BESTMEDGRAPE, which applied nanotechnological strategies to enhance Mediterranean grape derivatives, and MEDLENTISK, an Erasmus+ initiative that explored best practices for mastic tree fixed oil. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in TECNOCOVID, a project leveraging natural bioactives and nanotechnologies to combat COVID-19. Her most recent endeavor, NUTRINNOVA, focuses on utilizing nutriosomes derived from agro-industrial waste to mitigate dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and cognitive decline, further establishing her as a pioneer in sustainable food research.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition – A Scholar’s Journey 🏆
Throughout her career, Rita has garnered significant recognition for her impactful contributions to scientific research. Her work has been widely cited, with a citation index of 72 and an h-index of 4, reflecting her influence in the academic community. These achievements underscore the relevance of her studies in the fields of food science, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Her research outputs continue to inspire new approaches to the responsible and efficient use of natural resources, positioning her as a respected voice in her domain.
🔍 Impact and Influence – Shaping the Scientific Landscape 🔍
As an advocate for innovative and sustainable research, Rita’s work has transcended the boundaries of traditional food science, merging interdisciplinary methodologies to address global challenges. By focusing on agri-food waste valorization, she has provided meaningful insights into reducing environmental impact while enhancing the nutritional and therapeutic value of food by-products. Her collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions have reinforced her reputation as a key contributor to cutting-edge scientific advancements.
Publication
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Title: Entrapment of Citrus limon var. pompia Essential Oil or Pure Citral in Liposomes Tailored as Mouthwash for the Treatment of Oral Cavity Diseases
Author(s): L Palmas, M Aroffu, GL Petretto, E Escribano-Ferrer, O Díez-Sales, …
Year: 2020
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Title: Extraction, Characterization and Incorporation of Hypericum scruglii Extract in Ad Hoc Formulated Phospholipid Vesicles Designed for the Treatment of Skin
Author(s): M Allaw, M Manconi, M Aroffu, F Marongiu, M Porceddu, G Bacchetta, …
Year: 2020
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Title: Optimization of Polyphenols Extraction from Purple Corn Cobs Using ß-Cyclodextrin as a Green Solvent
Author(s): HN Rajha, S Khabbaz, R Abi Rached, E Debs, RG Maroun, N Louka
Year: 2020
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Title: From Grape By-Products to Enriched Yogurt Containing Pomace Extract Loaded in Nanotechnological Nutriosomes Tailored for Promoting Gastro-Intestinal Wellness
Author(s): I Castangia, F Fulgheri, FJ Leyva-Jimenez, ME Alañón, ML Cádiz-Gurrea, …
Year: 2023
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Title: From Field to Waste Valorization: A Preliminary Study Exploring the Impact of the Wine Supply Chain on the Phenolic Profile of Three Sardinian Pomace Extracts
Author(s): I Castangia, M Aroffu, F Fulgheri, R Abi Rached, F Corrias, G Sarais, …
Year: 2024
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Title: Innovation in Cannon Puffing Technology for the Homogenization of Bulk Treatment: Half‐Popped Purple Corn, a New Healthy Snack
Author(s): HN Rajha, E Debs, R Abi Rached, K El Khoury, M Al‐Kazzi, R Mrad, …
Year: 2021
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Title: Exploring the Efficacy and Industrial Potential of Polyphenol Products from Grapes and Their By-Products
Author(s): R Abi Rached, M Perra, ML Manca, HN Rajha, N Louka, RG Maroun, …
Year: 2024
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Title: A Preliminary Investigation on Hydrogel Disks Imbibed with Enriched Transfersomes as a Promising Tool to Promote the Cutaneous Deposition of Vaccine Antigens
Author(s): M Aroffu, R Abi Rached, I Castangia, P Italiani, L D’Apice, …
Year: 2024
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Title: Preliminary Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of a Novel Nanovesicle-Doped Nanoemulsion Co-Loading Artemisinin and Quercetin as a Promising Strategy to Improve …
Author(s): F Fulgheri, M Ramírez, L Román-Álamo, P Gasco, M Manconi, M Aroffu, …
Year: 2025
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Title: Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Grape Seed Extract-Loaded Hyalurosomes on Skin Wellness
Author(s): RA Rached, M Habre, Y Salem, J Khodeir, M Allaw, I Castangia, …
Year: 2025
🔗 Conclusion 🔗
With an unwavering passion for science and an unrelenting drive for discovery, Rita Joseph Abi Rached stands as a beacon of innovation, inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability, research, and the transformative power of science. Her legacy in food science and biochemistry will continue to shape the future of sustainable research, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and industry.