CBQF - Documentos de Conferências / Conference Objects
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- Effectiveness of three disinfectants on the removal of Listeria monocytogenes biofilmsPublication . Carvalho, Marta; Ribeiro, Deise Helena Baggio; Teixeira, Paula
- Bioactive core–shell aerogel particles for adenosine delivery in chronic wound healingPublication . Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Sousa, Clara; Sellitto, Maria Rosaria; Iglesias-Mejuto, Ana; Gaudio, Pasquale del; Costa, Raquel; García-González, Carlos A.; Oliveira, Ana LeiteChronic wounds require biomaterials that combine structural integrity with controlled delivery of bioactive agents. This study aimed to develop and characterize core–shell aerogel particles composed of silk fibroin (SF), silk sericin (SS), and alginate (ALG) for sustained release of adenosine (ADO), a nucleoside with anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties.
- Active packaging approach: impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles shape and size in antimicrobial activityPublication . Mendes, Ana Rita; Leite, Andreia; Silva, Francisco A. G. Soares; Granadeiro, Carlos; Pereira, Eulália; Teixeira, Paula; Poças, FátimaNanotechnology has been used in food packaging to improve material properties such as barrier to gases, thermal and light stability, and mechanical strength, offering active and intelligent functionalities that assure protection and preservation, together with biobased materials due to requirements for using less plastic packaging. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has received a positive safety evaluation from European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for packaging applications as transparent UV absorbers based on absence of significant migration in particulate form. It is also considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. ZnO NPs are also known to have good antimicrobial properties and therefore are suitable to be applied as active compounds. Despite the abundant literature addressing the use of ZnO NPs as antimicrobial component in packaging materials, the effect of particles size and morphology on the activity against different microorganisms is still poorly studied. In this work the impact of different shapes (spherical, sheet and flower) and sizes of nanoparticles was studied in their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli at 4 and 22 °C. ZnO NPs characterization was performed to assess their structural and physicochemical properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption for specific surface area determination. A further preliminary study was performed to characterize the antimicrobial activity of in situ ZnO NPs in bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) against E. coli at 4 and 22 °C.
- Active packaging approach: impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles shape and size in antimicrobial activityPublication . Mendes, Ana Rita; Leite, Andreia; Granadeiro, Carlos; Silva, Francisco A. G. Soares; Pereira, Eulália; Teixeira, Paula; Poças, FátimaNanotechnology has been used in food packaging to improve material properties such as barrier to gases, thermal and light stability, and mechanical strength, offering active and intelligent functionalities that assure protection and preservation, in particular together with biobased materials due to requirements for using less plastic packaging. Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) has received a positive safety evaluation from EFSA for packaging applications as transparent UV absorbers based on absence of significant migration in particulate form. It is also considered GRAS by the FDA. ZnO NP are also known to have good antimicrobial properties and therefore are suitable to be applied as active compounds. Despite the abundant literature addressing the use of ZnO NP as antimicrobial component in packaging materials, the effect of particles size and morphology on the activity against different microorganisms is still poorly studied. In this project the impact of different shapes (spherical, sheet and flower) and sizes of nanoparticles was studied in their antimicrobial activity against E.coli and S.aureus. The effect of temperature (4, 10 and 22°C) in the antimicrobial activity was also studied. The performance of the nanoparticles on UV-VIS absorption, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and ROS generation (EPR) was also studied. The sheet shape nanoparticles showed the highest antimicrobial activity. The cell count reduction depends on shape, bacteria and temperature. The effect of temperature and time on the bacteria inhibition was simulated by the Weibull model (R2?0.970). The absorption at 375 nm was highest for the flower shape and the EPR data showed equivalent ROS generation for the different shapes. Nevertheless, the antioxidant activity was not confirmed. The incorporation of ZnO NP sheet shaped in packaging materials as antimicrobial can be a viable approach to increase the product shelf life.
- Interplay of bioactive peptides and the gut-skin axis: a novel perspective on psoriasis therapyPublication . Silva, Isa; Lambert, Jo L. W.; Pintado, Manuela; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune dysregulation, involving the activation of Th1/Th17 cells and elevated levels of cytokines such as TNF-?, IL- 17, and IL-23. Although current treatments range from topical corticosteroids to systemic biologics, recent studies highlight the importance of the gut–skin axis in psoriasis pathogenesis, where gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability contribute to systemic inflammation. This emerging link underscores the need for therapeutic strategies that address both gut and skin homeostasis. We developed a PhD project hypothesizing that bioactive peptides (BPeps) derived from natural dietary sources can modulate inflammation and epithelial barrier integrity in both the gut and skin, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for psoriasis based on host–microbe interactions and personalised nutraceuticals. Selected using bioinformatics and machine learning tools, 4 BPeps were synthesized and will be screened in intestinal cell models to evaluate their immunomodulatory effects in gut dysbiosis and psoriasis. This includes profiling cytokine expression and analyzing NF-?B and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Promising peptides will undergo simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and their colonic fractions will be tested in gut fermentation models to assess effects on microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid production, and barrier function. Absorbed peptide fractions and microbiota-derived metabolites will then be applied to in vitro and ex vivo 3D psoriatic skin models to assess their influence on inflammation, tissue regeneration, and skin barrier restoration. In parallel, intact BPeps will be directly tested on psoriatic skin to evaluate local activity. This approach enables a comparative evaluation of peptide effects in both gut and skin systems and the gut-skin axis. By bridging immunonutrition, microbiome science, and dermatology, this research advances novel peptide-based therapies and deepens our understanding of host–microbe symbioses in chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Carbon sequestration potential in constructed weatlands: a mini-reviewPublication . Ojediran, Adetunji; Pereira, Sofia; Rosa-Santos, Paulo; Calheiros, Cristina S. C.Background: Wetlands are “high-carbon ecosystems,” covering only 5–8% of the Earth’s land surface yet storing 20–30% of terrestrial carbon. Constructed wetlands (CWs), originally designed for wastewater treatment, also provide carbon sequestration alongside biodiversity support, flood regulation, and landscape enhancement. Studies show high carbon sequestration rates (CSR) during the first 0–15?years of CWs, followed by a plateau, with average carbon storage of 3.58 ± 2.21?kg?C?m?² (~0.12?kg?C?m?²?yr?¹), 92% of which is organic carbon, and mid-term rates are enhanced by macrophytes growth, among other factors. Figure?1 schematically illustrates plant-mediated carbon sequestration and the main carbon cycling processes in wetland ecosystems. With rising anthropogenic GHG emissions, advancing real-scale evaluations and long-term monitoring is essential to confirm CWs as a practical nature-based solution (NBS) for carbon neutrality strategies and climate change mitigation. Aim: The aim of this review is to synthesize current evidence (2021–2025) on how CWs contribute to carbon sequestration and to evaluate their potential as a NBS in climate neutrality strategies. Conclusions: CWs are a NBS that combine wastewater treatment with ecological services, notably carbon sequestration. The surge of research (77 papers, 2021– 2025) highlights their rising global importance and multifunctionality. Advancing real-scale evaluations and long-term studies will be essential to confirm their role as a practical NBS for carbon neutrality strategies.
- Microfluidic paper based analytical devices for point-of-care biochemical assays of chronic diseases biomarkersPublication . Mesquita, Raquel B. R.; Ferreira, Francisca T. S. M.; Rangel, António O. S. S.The recent interest in on-hand, easy-to-use analytical methods has grown exponentially, and if used correctly, they can be an effective aid in healthcare, such as point-of-care testing (POCT). To attain an immediate, on-hand response, the use of low-cost, easy-to-use devices like microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) is a powerful tool. However, if a faster analysis results in a faster decision on the course of action, then it is crucial to have an accurate and reliable tool. The downscaling of the analytical procedure raises sample handling challenges, namely the reduced sample volume and matrix complexity, particularly when using biological fluids. The use of µPADs as innovative diagnostic tools aims to combine microfluidic principles with paper substrates to offer simple, portable, and cost-effective solutions. The µPADs do not require external pumps or power sources, and the colorimetric reactions performed directly on paper enable immediate visual detection. For accurate quantification of the biochemical parameters, the image of the coloured product can be scanned, and the colour intensity converted into absorbance units to attain precise quantification. These measurements then correlate with the concentration of the individual biomarkers, like glucose and urea, enabling real-time, quantitative analysis without complex equipment. These features make µPADs ideal for point-of-care applications as easy-to-use and disposable devices, especially when developed targeting biological samples of non-invasive collection, namely saliva. The use of saliva as a biological sample for diagnosis and monitorization of health conditions is more convenient as it reduces patient discomfort compared to traditional blood sampling and it is also easier to handle in field settings, making it highly valuable for low-resource environments.
- Nannochloropsis sp. extract as a potential functional ingredient for food applicationsPublication . Martins, V. F. R.; Lopes, A. I.; Machado, M.; Pintado, M. E.; Morais, R. M. S. C.; Morais, A. M. M. B.Introduction & aim: Microalgae, particularly Nannochloropsis sp., have gained attention due to their rich composition in lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These molecules are associated with heath promoting effects including antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and prevention of coronary heart disease, making them promising candidates for nutraceutical and functional food applications. The extraction of bioactive compounds from Nannocloropsis sp. using green technologies allows a sustainable up-scale to use this extract as a functional food ingredient. Exploring Nannochloropsis sp. bioactive rich-extract can contribute not only to sustainable food innovation but also to the development of bioactive ingredients capable of supporting human health and disease prevention.
- Sugarcane bagasse as a sustainable source of bioactive Xylo-Oligosaccharides: a comparative study with commercial XOSPublication . Tresmondi, Marina de Lima; Anthero, Ana Gabriela S.; Costa, Eduardo Manuel; Pintado, Maria Manuela; Goldbeck, RosanaINTRODUCTION Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible, low-calorie carbohydrates obtained from xylan-rich materials, including agro-industrial residues such as rice husk, corn cob, and sugarcane bagasse. Although XOS are already produced commercially, extensive research continues to explore different chemical, physicochemical, and enzymatic hydrolysis routes to produce XOS with controlled purity and structure. These differences strongly affect their functional properties, including antioxidant activity and ?-glucosidase inhibition, as well as their potential use as sugar substitutes and functional food ingredients. OBJECTIVE To assess and compare the functional properties of commercial XOS (XC) and XOS hydrolyzed from sugarcane bagasse (XSCB) by quantifying their phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and ?-glucosidase inhibition.
- Nutritional and phytochemical profiling of grape by-products: toward high-value bioactive extractsPublication . Souza, Hiléia K. S.; Fernandes, Ana; Magalhães, Daniela; Vilas-Boas, Ana A.; Melo, Adma; Campos, Débora A.; Pintado, ManuelaGrape by-products, such as skins and seeds generated during winemaking, represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber. These residues are rich in phenolics—particularly anthocyanins—with recognized antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Their valorization aligns with circular economy principles, promoting waste reduction and the development of sustainable ingredients. The exploitation of these materials for food, nutraceutical, and packaging applications provides an opportunity to replace synthetic additives with natural alternatives. The main objective of this work was to characterize and valorize grape by-products as natural sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants for sustainable industrial applications. The NOVAPACK Project aims to integrate grape by-products into sustainable value chains through their physicochemical characterization and the extraction of bioactive compounds.