11th WEBINAR

24-09-2020 | 12:00

Environmental applications of microalgae:

From bioremediation to biomass valorisation

Ana Luísa Gonçalves

Junior Researcher at LEPABE/ENV

Ana Luísa Gonçalves graduated in Bioengineering (Biological Engineering Branch) in 2012 and concluded her PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering in 2017, both at FEUP. After concluding her PhD she has worked in a microalgal biomass production company and, since 2019, she is Junior Researcher at LEPABE, working in the PIV4Algae Project. Her main research topics include: (i) microalgal cultivation; (ii) biomass harvesting; (iii) wastewater treatment; (iv) CO2 capture; and (v) biomass valorisation.

Talk summary

Microalgae are known for their ubiquitous presence in nature, diversity, and broad-spectrum applications. Among these, nutrients removal from wastewaters is an important environmental application and a powerful strategy for the reduction of biomass production costs and associated environmental impact. Moreover, the wealth composition of microalgae makes them a valuable resource for different applications, thus improving the economic viability and sustainability of the remediation process. This talk will focus on a recent project that aims at the use of microalgal cultures for the remediation of industrial wastewaters and further valorisation of the produced biomass, towards its integration in the value chain of the envisaged industries.

Webinar Platform: Zoom

10th WEBINAR

17-09-2020 | 12:00

The world of biosensors towards early detection of  neurodegenerative diseases

Pedro Carneiro

PhD Student at LEPABE/SA

Pedro Carneiro is a PhD student in the Chemical and Biological Engineering doctoral program at LEPABE, FEUP and REQUIMTE-LAQV, ISEP under the supervision of Professor M. Carmo Pereira and Professor Simone Morais. His research interests include the field of biosensors, nanomaterials and neurodegenerative diseases. Received his MSc at the University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering and BSc at the Catholic University of Portugal, Faculty of Biotechnology.

Talk summary

In diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, a based-biomarker diagnosis may improve the possibility of an early diagnosis which can contribute to faster and more informed decisions concerning the course of treatment. Biosensors, particularly electrochemical and optical, usually integrated with nanomaterials have been the focus of a large number of studies, due to their potential to develop platforms capable of performing multiplexed, sensitive, real-time, simple and non-invasive measurements of biomarkers in biological fluids.

Webinar Platform: Zoom

9th WEBINAR

10-09-2020 | 12:00

The “social” life and “secret language” of bacteria:

New ways to fight antibiotic resistance

Anabela Borges

Junior Researcher at LEPABE/BIO

Anabela Borges graduated in Biology and has a Master degree in Clinical Laboratory Biology, from UTAD. She obtained a PhD in Chemical and Biological Sciences (2013) at the same University, in collaboration with the Biofilm Engineering Laboratory (BEL) of LEPABE. She started a Post-Doctoral position at LEPABE in 2014 and, since January 2019, she is Junior Researcher, working in the Biotechnology Research Group. Her main research interests focus on the development of new strategies to control bacterial resistance, using phytochemicals/quorum-quenching molecules.

Talk summary

Antibiotic resistance reached now a large scale, threatening the effective prevention/treatment of an ever-increasing range of infectious diseases. The occurrence of sessile bacterial communities (biofilms) is one of the leading reasons and therapeutic options are still limited. It is undoubtable that the development of alternatives becomes crucial. In this way, new perspectives emerged by the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis and intercellular communication. This LEPABE talk will present a “green and sustainable” approach based on bacterial communication interruption.

Webinar Platform: Zoom