On going research projects and scientific interests
1. I3-4-SEAWEED: Interregional innovation investments for the piloting, demonstration and scale-up of innovative seaweed/algae-based solutions and ecosystem building
As an untapped reservoir of potential, seaweed not only embodies the promise of sustainable innovation but also holds the power to reshape regional development, in coastal areas and maritime regions of the EU. Through the project's investment cases - spanning the food industry, biofertilizers, and cosmetics - seaweed demonstrates its vast versatility and potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, marking a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable future, from healthier diets to lower CO2 emissions.
To deliver on these investment cases, I3-4-SEAWEED will provide capacity-building, demonstrations, technical support, business matchmaking and support to the development of go-to-market market strategies tailored to the needs of each business case promoter. In parallel, the consortium will design and launch a cascade funding programme to support 30 innovative SMEs and startups, confronting market and technical barriers, while ensuring the boosting of the ecosystem across Europe. The consortium will establish the basis of a transnational “Seaweed Food Innovation Network Center”, envisioned as a permanent innovation and financial advisory hub for SMEs and regions engaged in interregional cooperation within the seaweed value chain. Ultimately, this project seeks to amplify interregional competitiveness by bridging the innovation gap across regions, committed to fully harness the potential of seaweed in Europe.
The Phytochemicals, Metabolism and Disease (Plants4Health) group is responsible, together with Algaplus and FCTUC, for developing a cosmetic line with selected seaweed.
2. BLOOM: synergistic strategies for cell tissue and hydroponic cultivation of glucosinolate- enriched Brassicas towards innovative pasta solutions
BLOOM’s aims at: i) establish plant tissue culture protocols for enhanced GSLs production in brassica plants; ii) develop novel approaches for hydroponic cultivation and elicitation experiments for brassica plants; iii) investigate the elicitation effects for GSLs obtainment in brassica cultivation systems; and iv) innovatively apply brassica-derived products and GSLs-rich extracts in pasta.
It also counts with companies specializing in in vitro plant production (Deifil Technology Lda.) and hydroponics (GroHo Hidroponia); and those supporting the agri-food sector (PortugalFoods); associations that link the Biotechnology and Life Sciences sector in Portugal (Associação Portuguesa de Bioindústria (P-BIO); and, finally, associations dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of science and technology in society (Centro de Ciência Viva).
3. EOs4Keratitis: From bedside to bench and back again: the role of essential oils as potential treatment of fungal keratitis
The main objective of this proposal is to identify effective essential oils (EOs) extracted from Côa Valley native medicinal plants against pathogens causing fungal keratitis (FK) in Portugal.
The project aims are: i) Collection of samples of ocular fungal infections from 3 University Hospitals in Portugal – Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, and Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central; ii) Identification and characterization of the fungal pathogens; iii) Evaluation of pathogens sensitivity to currently used antifungal drugs – clotrimazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B; iv) Evaluation of pathogens sensitivity to EOs extracted from Côa Valley native medicinal plants.
Overall, this project is expected to be an evolutionary shift in the treatment of fungal infections, as we set to discover a new therapeutic and more effective class, obtained from native Portuguese medicinal plants. This might lead to a sustainable marketable product and significantly improve quality of life of FK patients.
4. PAS GRAS - De-risking metabolic, environmental and behavioural determinants of obesity in children, adolescents and young adults
PAS GRAS has the following specific objectives: i) Identify metabolic, lifestyle, mental, environmental, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities associated with increased risk of obesity development and its complications, e.g., transgenerational and food insecurity risks within families; ii) Identify (epi)genetic and gender-specific parameters in early life predicting future risk for obesity development; iii) Identify and characterize novel biological pathways and circulating markers of obesity comorbidities. Assess the systemic communication between brain and peripheral organs to unravel its decisive role in obesity development across ages and stages of disease; iv) Design and validate pharmacological strategies based on naturally-occurring compounds that will guide interventions young adults with obesity and their children, reducing the intrafamiliar risks; v. Generate participatory, creative and engaging science-health literacy tools and physical activity programs and testing their efficacy from individual to community levels towards best practices and recommendations that incorporate social and gender equity, solidarity, inclusion, and human rights.
The Phytochemicals, Metabolism and Disease (Plants4Health) group is involved in the Phytochemicals Task Force, in the Nutrition Task Force and in the literacy activities.
5. AlBread: Plantas aromáticas do Alentejo, probióticos e farinha de bolota no desenvolvimento de pão funcional
The main objective is to develop an innovative functional bread, endowed with properties that aim to improve health and disease prevention, suitable for people with intolerances, while also contributing to the valorization of endogenous resources from the interior region of Alentejo. The different medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are rich in essential oils, whose chemical composition gives them important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as aiding digestive processes. Similarly, the inclusion of probiotic agents, with recognized health benefits, will enable the bread to revolutionary functional superfood. To increase the bioavailability of the essential oils, minimize their volatility and decomposition, they will be encapsulated in biopolymeric matrices. These matrices will also be optimized for probiotic agents to safeguard their viability. In this context, acorn flour fibers will be considered. In addition to their potential use in encapsulation, acorn flour is an excellent gluten-free ingredient that will also be used in bread production, increasing the spectrum of potential consumers (with gluten intolerance or sensitivity).
6. mitoSKIN 2.0 – Proof of efficacy of an Innovative Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant in Reducing Aging Markers
The overall objective of this proof of concept is to demonstrate the efficacy of AntiOXBEN2, an innovative antioxidant molecule with the ability to selectively accumulate in mitochondria, as an active ingredient for cosmetic applications aimed at preventing skin aging. This molecule, developed over a decade of scientific research at the University of Coimbra (UC), in partnership with the University of Porto and the company MitoTAG, acts directly on mitochondria, promoting their functionality and mitigating oxidative stress, one of the main factors underlying skin aging. The project also aims to further optimize the efficacy of AntiOXBEN2 through its encapsulation in advanced delivery systems, such as liposomes and nanoemulsions, ensuring higher stability, bioavailability, and targeted action. At the same time, this project will contribute to generate value for the start-up MitoTAG, paving the way for the development of a second line of innovative products, strengthening competitiveness in the cosmetics market and promoting the translation of science into practical applications.