25 years of Science and Innovation
LEPABE is a research unit operating in the fields of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of Porto (FEUP). With a large majority of young researchers, LEPABE is focused on generating scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary research, and on establishing successful university–industry collaborations for effective technology transfer. [...]
Ana Esteves awarded Best PhD Thesis Award 2024 by Applied Sciences
Posted on July 31st, 2025
Ana F. Esteves, a researcher at LEPABE, has been honored with the Best PhD Thesis Award 2024 by the scientific journal Applied Sciences. Her thesis, entitled "Shaping Microalgal Biomass Composition for Targeted Product Accumulation: Impact of Operational Parameters", was developed within the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP).
The research was carried out in collaboration with LEPABE and LSRE-LCM research units, under the supervision of Dr. José Carlos Pires (LEPABE), Dr. Vítor Vilar (LSRE-LCM) and Dr. Ana Luísa Gonçalves (LEPABE). The work focuses on the valorization of microalgal biomass, investigating how varying operational parameters can influence its biochemical composition. The goal was to enhance the accumulation of specific, high-value compounds, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of microalgal production processes.
This award recognizes the scientific relevance and innovative approach of her work within the field of environmental biotechnology and bioresource engineering.
Congratulations!
Know more about this award here.
Work by LEPABE team is highlighted as front cover paper
Posted on July 28th, 2025
We are proud to announce that the article "Amphiphilic dendrimer-assisted delivery of antisense nucleic acid mimics against E. coli" has been selected as the front cover of the latest issue of the Journal of Controlled Release (Volume 384), a prestigious publication by Elsevier.
This groundbreaking work was carried out in the Biotechnology group of LEPABE, by Prof. Nuno Azevedo and his team. The study presents a novel strategy to combat Escherichia coli by using amphiphilic dendrimers to facilitate the delivery of antisense nucleic acid mimics—highlighting a promising direction in the field of targeted antimicrobial therapies.
Access to the cover paper here.
Ana C. Afonso awarded the Water 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award
Posted on July 25th, 2025
LEPABE’s junior researcher, Ana Cristina Afonso, has been honored with the Water 2024 Best PhD Thesis Award, granted by the scientific journal Water.
Her doctoral thesis, titled “The Role of Aggregating Bacterial Strains in Drinking Water Safety – A Contribution to Understand Cell-Cell Interactions” , supervised by Prof. Manuel Simões, was developed within the PhD program in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). The award recognizes the high academic quality and impactful contribution of her research to the field of drinking water safety and the understanding of bacterial biofilm formation and cell-cell interactions.
This distinction reflects the scientific rigor and excellence that define the research conducted at LEPABE.
Congratulations!
Know more about this award here.
Advanced Cyclone Systems acquired by Sunds Fibertech
Posted on July 17th, 2025
On May 27th, 2025, Swedish industrial machinery specialist Sunds Fibertech acquired Advanced Cyclone Systems (ACS), a Portuguese company headquartered in Porto. ACS is renowned for designing high-efficiency cyclone systems for emissions control and particle separation.
Founded in 2008 as a spin-off from LEPABE by Romualdo Salcedo and Pedro Araújo, ACS will continue to operate as a dedicated business unit within Sunds Fibertech. The company will retain its existing team, leadership, and brand identity.
This acquisition strengthens Sunds Fibertech’s Environmental Systems Division, particularly in the panel-board and other process industries, by integrating ACS’s patented cyclone technologies into its portfolio.
Know more here.
PhD Thesis by Eva Sousa on advanced electrocatalysts and coating processes
July 25th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Eva Sousa for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Advanced electrocatalysts and coating processes to tackle insufficient durability of automotive PEMFCs” supervised by Prof. Adélio Mendes, defended on July 25th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Luís Alves on low temperature methane decomposition
July 24th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Luís Alves for his PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Development of cyclic regeneration catalytic systems for low temperature methane decomposition” supervised by Prof. Adélio Mendes, defended on July 24th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Ana Rosa Silva on biofilm colonization by Legionella
July 16th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Ana Rosa Silva for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Engineering, entitled “Biofilm Colonization by Legionella: Different Biofilm Architecture and Risk of Detachment” supervised by Dr. Ana Alexandra Pereira, defended on July 16th, 2025 FEUP.
PhD Thesis by Juliana Sá on Low-cost sensors to reduce air pollutions
July 14th 2025
LEPABE would like to congratulate Dr. Juliana Sá for her PhD thesis of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Engineering, entitled “Low-cost sensors as a tool to reduce air pollution on nursery and primary schools - impact on childhood asthma”, supervised by Dr. Sofia Sousa, defended on July 14th, 2025 FEUP.
- LEPABE meeting 2023
- LEPABE was granted new Ph.D scholarships in FCT 2024 call
- LEPABE was granted new projects in FCT 2023 call
- LEPABE member is co-editor-in-chief of Biofouling
- LEPABE work highlighted by Biosfera program (RTP2)
- LEPABE work highlighted by RDP podcast “Isto faz-se por cá”
- LEPABE hired 2 researchers under FCT - TENURE call
- Habilitation title was granted to Prof. Filipe Mergulhão
- Francisco X. Malcata distinguished with the 2025 Biotechnology Achievement Award
- LEPABE work on Legionella highlighted by CNN Inovação program
- Program “Cientificamente Provável”
- Emeritus Professor title attributed to Arminda Alves
- UP Scientific Research Excellence Award 2025
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