Erika Baldini is a researcher at the Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of Ferrara, Italy. Her research focuses on the valorization of natural molecules, including polyphenols, polysaccharides and peptides, with potential nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications, derived from extraction processes, food industry by-products and biotechnological productions. She earned her PhD in Chemical Sciences (Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences curriculum) from the University of Ferrara, graduating with honors in 2023. She also holds a master’s degree in Pharmacy and previously completed a bachelor’s degree in Science and Technology of Herbal, Dietary and Cosmetic Products. Her scientific interests focus mainly on natural products, with particular attention to their extraction, characterization and innovative applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic fields. Her expertise also extends to microplastic pollution in marine environments and its impact on ecosystems and human health.