63rd WEBINAR

29-06-2023 | 12:00

Phase separation involving proteins

Fernando Rocha

ALiCE-LEPABE/SA

Fernando Rocha’s main interests are in mass and heat transfer processes, as crystallization, namely protein crystallization, and microencapsulation. In the area of crystallization, he is interested in the modelling of crystallization from solutions, in particular crystallization of biologically relevant molecules, with applications to health issues. In the area of microencapsulation, he is interested on the microencapsulation of active and natural compounds for pharmaceutical, food, and medical applications.

Talk summary

Phase separation is the creation of two distinct phases from a single homogeneous mixture. In this talk phase separation processes involving proteins will be analysed, namely liquid-solid (LSPS) and liquid-liquid phase (LLPS) separation processes. LSPS processes are involved in protein crystallization, 3D protein structure and amyloid fibril formation, for example. LLPS of proteins has an important role in the spatiotemporal regulation of cell functioning and disease development.

Webinar Platform: Zoom

62nd WEBINAR

15-05-2023 | 12:00

Engineering for Sustainability

João Pedro Matos Fernandes

Invited Full Professor at FEUP

João Pedro Matos Fernandes holds a Civil Engineering degree and a Master´s degree in transport and worked since 1990 both in private and public organizations in physical planning, infrastructures and urban strategy. Since 2005 he was a manager and president of port infrastructures in Portugal (Leixões and Viana do Castelo) and Mozambique (Nacala) and was president of a municipal water company (Porto) in 2013 and 2014. From 2015 to 2022 he was minister or environment of the Portuguese government, with responsibilities in water, sewage, urban transport, housing, energy, forests, water resources, planning and climate action.

Talk summary

This talk aims to promote the discussion related to sustainable development and how engineering plays a relevant role in its achievement. For that, considers an overview of: The implications of climate change on social and economic models; The circular economy model and sustainable development; The value creation of the energy transition, and; The ESG commitments in the reduction of business risk of companies.

Webinar Platform: Zoom

61st WEBINAR

09-03-2023 | 12:00

Biofilms and Beers

Darla Goeres

Center for Biofilm Engineering

Darla Goeres leads the Standardized Biofilm Methods Laboratory in the Center for Biofilm Engineering. Her laboratory develops and validates protocols to grow, treat, sample, and analyze biofilm bacteria and her team is responsible for the first validated ASTM biofilm standard test methods. Dr. Goeres has investigated biofilm in hot tubs, oil fields, manufacturing lines, heating/cooling systems, the built environment, beverage dispense lines (beer), and indwelling medical devices. Biofilm research has enabled her to collaborate with scientists and engineers from around the world and this opportunity constantly reminds her that microbes do not see international boundaries, and that the really challenging problems require diversity of thought and innovation.

Talk summary

In the US, there has been a resurgence of craft brewing. Beer quality becomes compromised when draught lines become contaminated with undesired bacteria or yeast that produce off-flavors, aromas, and haze. If there is an unfortunate contamination event that enables biofilm to form, the challenge is that the bacteria and yeast within it become more tolerant to disinfection. The extracellular matrix, which can consist of beer stones, proteins, or lipids, may contain some of the compounds contributing to the off flavors. Additionally, the physical properties of the biofilm matrix often make it difficult to remove from the system once established. In this presentation, Dr. Goeres will describe the results of a study to understand the impact repeated exposure to cleaning chemistries has on biofilm growth, kill/removal, and subsequent regrowth in beer draught lines.

Webinar Platform: Zoom