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Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Metabolite profiling of post-biotics obtained from fish by-products
Publication . Silva, Sara; Costa, Eduardo M.; Machado, Manuela
The FERDINAND project aims to valorize fish by-products as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for applications in cardiometabolic health, focusing on the development and characterization of innovative post-biotic fractions. Post-biotic metabolite analysis provides critical insight into the biochemical transformations occurring during microbial fermentation and supports the valorization of fish by-products into high-value functional ingredients. In this study, fish-derived biomass is fermented using selected microbial strains, generating a complex mixture of post-biotics formed during the breakdown of proteins, lipids, and residual organic matter. A comprehensive analytical framework combining chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based techniques is applied to characterize the resulting metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, organic acids, and peptide fragments. Targeted quantification is performed using GC-FID and HPLC-RI, while LC-MS/MS and untargeted metabolomics enable in-depth profiling of low-molecular-weight compounds. Integrating targeted and untargeted data provides a holistic understanding of post-biotic composition, facilitating the identification of safe, stable, and bioactive fractions derived from fish by-products with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and biomedical sectors.
Bioactive phenolics from aromatic plants: chemical signatures and anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal cells
Publication . Machado, Manuela; Silva, Sara; Costa, Eduardo M.
Aromatic plants constitute a rich and largely underexplored reservoir of bioactive phenolic compounds — flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and polyphenolic derivatives — whose structural diversity underlies a broad spectrum of bbiological activities. Their distinct chemical signatures, shaped by hydroxylation patterns, glycosylation states, and conjugation with organic acids, are key determinants of their bioavailability and therapeutic potency. These secondary metabolites have been shown to modulate critical inflammatory pathways in intestinal epithelial and immune cells, notably through inhibition of NF-?B signaling, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL- 1?, TNF-?), and suppression of COX-2 and iNOS activity. Beyond direct anti-inflammatory action, phenolic compounds can reinforce epithelial barrier integrity and positively modulate gut microbiota composition, adding further relevance to their role in intestinal health. Inflammatory bowel conditions, characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation and significant impact on quality of life, remain a major therapeutic challenge — making the search for effective and safe natural alternatives increasingly urgent.
Comparative proximate and phenolic characterization of winemaking sediments
Publication . Costa, Eduardo M.; Vieira, Sofia; Machado, Manuela; Castro, Luís M.; Barros, Ana N.; Silva, Sara
The wine industry generates a wide range of solid residues throughout vinification, many of which remain underexploited despite their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. While byproducts such as pomace and conventional lees have been widely studied, less attention has been given to specific sediment fractions collected at defined stages of the process.In particular, sediments recovered after fermentation and prior to bottling represent a distinct and poorly characterised matrix. Unlike primary lees or pomace, these materials result from prolonged settling and transformation processes, potentially leading to unique compositional profiles shaped by fermentation dynamics, microbial activity, and chemical ageing.These sediments are expected to concentrate structural nutrients (e.g. proteins, fibres, minerals) alongside a diverse range of polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and stilbenes, compounds associated with antioxidant and health-promoting properties. However, their nutritional composition and phenolic signature remain largely unexplored, limiting their integration into valorisation strategies.
Flow-based systems as convenient tools for sample processing in environmental monitoring
Publication . Rangel, António O. S. S.
In environmental monitoring, sample collection and processing before quantification involve multiple steps that influence the quality of results and the overall time and sustainability of the procedure. While considerable effort has been devoted to improving detection - often emphasizing miniaturization, enhanced sensitivity, and better selectivity, typically through high-profile instrumentation - other essential aspects have received comparatively less attention. These include sampling strategies, analyte collection, and sample preparation, all of which play a crucial role in the final analytical outcome.Flow-based techniques, implemented in various modes and often coupled with separation methods, offer an opportunity to accelerate analytical workflows, enrich target analytes, remove interferents, and reduce the consumption of samples and reagents.In this talk, several recent approaches for monitoring environmental samples, particularly water and soil, will be presented. In addition, the application of sorbent materials for the in situ collection of analytes will also be discussed.
Development of a structured family reception procedure in adult intensive care
Publication . Silva, Ana; Alves, José; Martins, Sónia; Osório, José; Pereira, Maria Aurora
Introduction: Family reception in adult intensive care units is a critical yet inconsistently structured practice, despite recommendations for family-centered care. Objective: To develop a structured procedure for family reception in adult intensive care and achieve expert consensus on its content. Methods: A two-phase methodological study was conducted. Phase 1 comprised a focus group with nine experienced intensive care professionals to explore current reception practices and key procedural components. Phase 2 used a two-round e-Delphi technique with ten expert critical care nurses to evaluate item relevance and clarity. Predefined consensus criteria were applied. Results: Focus group analysis identified four thematic areas that informed the draft procedure. e-Delphi consensus was achieved for 42 items, organized into three components: a pre-visit reception moment, a post-visit communication moment, and provision of standardized written information. Conclusion: This study produced a structured, expert-agreed family reception procedure for adult intensive care. Further studies should examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and family perspectives in clinical settings.