During her scientific mission at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dr. Natalija Čutović collaborated with host Prof. Dr. Chris Wallis to evaluate non-chemical weed management approaches. The experimental work involved indoor hydroponic cultivation of Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' (sweet basil) and assessed the impact of pre-harvest ultraviolet (UV) photostimulation on essential oil yields and phytochemical profiles.
In parallel, Dr. Čutović investigated the sustainable recovery of basil seed mucilage using two green extraction methodologies: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Heat-Assisted Extraction (HAE). The extracted biopolymers were rehydrated across concentration gradients to develop hydrogel networks for essential oil encapsulation. Chemical, rheological, and morphological characteristics were evaluated using FTIR/ATR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and optical microscopy.
This mission strengthens research collaboration between the Institute for Medicinal Plants Research "Dr Josif Pančić" and Cardiff Metropolitan University. Both research groups are working together on a joint scientific publication to share these standardized protocols across the WeedingMAPs network.
Further Information
Contact
- Dr. Natalija Čutović, Institute for Medicinal Plants Research "Dr. Josif Pančić"
- Prof. Dr. Chris Wallis, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Link:
- weedingmaps.eu: Grants
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