Sara Nunes da Costa e Silva
@ucp.pt
Centro de Biotecnologia e Quimica Fina
Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Sara Silva is, presently, a Researcher at Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF), with analysis of her CV showing that her research efforts followed three main topics: i) Valorisation of agro-food byproducts in a circular economy context through the exploitation of the biological potential of their constituents; ii) characterization of extracted compounds¿ biological potential targeting desirable properties such cellular metabolism, immune and gut microbiota modulation; iii) designing of delivery and formulation solutions for the usage and delivery of bioactive compounds. Author of 65 international peer-reviewed papers (63% Q1; 35% Q2) and 7 book chapters. According to Scopus (May 2023) she has been cited 1844 times by 1599 papers which resulted in an h-index of 24. Her main publication areas are Agricultural and Biological Sciences followed by Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular biology.
EDUCATION
I hold a B.Sc. in Biosciences (15 out of 20), a M.Sc. in Microbiology (18 out of 20) and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Summa Cum Laude) all from Escola Superior de Biotecnologia of Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Biotechnology, Immunology and Microbiology, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Food Science
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Manuela Machado, Eduardo Costa, Sara Silva, Luís Castro, Ana Cação, Helga Augusto, and Manuela Pintado
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Rafaela Geraldo, Manuela Machado, Sara Silva, Simão Pinho, Alexandra Gouveia, Delminda Neves, Elisabete Pinto, Manuela Pintado, and Marta W. Vasconcelos
Elsevier BV
Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela Machado, Manuela Pintado, and Sara Silva
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sara Silva, Manuela Machado, Manuela Pintado, and Eduardo M. Costa
MDPI AG
Aromatic plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds with recognized therapeutic potential. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from four aromatic species—Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena), and Tanacetum balsamita L. (costmary)—using HeLa human cancer cells as a model. LC–MS analysis identified 28–44 metabolites per species, with phenolic compounds and terpenoids comprising 58–67% of total metabolites. Biological assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of HeLa cell metabolism down to 150 µg/mL, with rosemary displaying the strongest effects. LDH assays confirmed membrane disruption, most notably for lemon verbena (ca. 80% of release), and cellular proliferation was significantly disrupted by all extracts, most notably for thyme (70% reduction). Under oxidative conditions, costmary, thyme, and lemon verbena reduced intracellular ROS by up to 35% and all extracts suppressed IL-6 secretion, with rosemary showing the strongest anti-inflammatory response, lowering IL-6 levels to near or below the assay’s detection limit. Out of all the extracts, rosemary exhibited the most pronounced effects across cytotoxic, antioxidant, and cytokine assays, suggesting synergistic activity of its phenolic and terpenoid constituents. Multivariate analyses (correlation and PCA) linked specific metabolite classes to bioactivity patterns, providing insight into the mechanistic diversity underlying plant-specific effects. Overall, the results support the potential of these aromatic plants as sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Adriana K. Molina, Maria G. Leichtweis, Manuela Machado, Sara Silva, Manuela Pintado, João C.M. Barreira, Maria Inês Dias, Miguel Á. Prieto, Lillian Barros, and Carla Pereira
Elsevier BV
Sara Silva, Israel Bautista-Hérnandez, Ricardo Gomez-García, Eduardo M. Costa, and Manuela Machado
MDPI AG
Precision fermentation, a highly controlled process of microbial fermentation, is emerging as a transformative tool to produce cosmetic ingredients. This technology leverages engineered micro-organisms to produce high-value compounds with applications in skincare, hair care, and other cosmetic formulations. Unlike traditional methods of ingredient sourcing, which often rely on extraction from plants or animals, precision fermentation offers a sustainable and scalable alternative, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the consistency of ingredient supply. This paper explores the potential of precision fermentation to revolutionize the cosmetic industry by enabling the production of complex molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, which are essential for cosmetic efficacy. Using synthetic biology, micro-organisms such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi are programmed to biosynthesize specific cosmetic ingredients, which can include antioxidants, emulsifiers, and moisturizers. This technique not only ensures high purity and ingredients safety but also allows for the production of novel compounds that may be difficult or impossible to obtain through traditional methods. Furthermore, precision fermentation can be employed to address growing consumer demand for cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly products, as it eliminates the need for animal-derived ingredients and reduces resource consumption associated with conventional farming and extraction processes. This review highlights key advancements in the field, discussing the challenges faced by industry, such as regulatory framework, and presents potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles. The paper concludes by examining the prospects of precision fermentation in cosmetics, forecasting how continued innovation in this area could further drive sustainability, ethical production practices, and the development of highly functional, scientifically advanced cosmetic products.
Manuela Machado, Israel Bautista-Hérnandez, Ricardo Gómez-García, Sara Silva, and Eduardo M. Costa
MDPI AG
Bioactive food proteins play multifunctional roles in human health and functional food development. Beyond their nutritional value, these proteins contain peptide sequences capable of exerting physiological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review summarises the processing and functional technologies applied to bioactive proteins; the increasing use of alternative protein sources including plants, microorganisms, and insects; and how these proteins exert their activity. Advances in high-tech production methods—such as fermentation and cultured meat—are also discussed, alongside current challenges related to safety, regulation, and consumer acceptance. Bibliometric and patent analyses further demonstrate sustained innovation and interest in this field, highlighting the potential of bioactive proteins to contribute to sustainable, health-promoting food systems.
Manuela Machado, Eduardo Manuel Aguiar da Costa, and Sara Silva
MDPI AG
Soft gels, such as hydrogels, organogels, aerogels, and bigels, represent versatile materials that are increasingly utilized within food systems to modify texture, regulate nutrient delivery, serve as fat substitutes, and enhance product shelf life. Their structural diversity and tunable properties enable targeted solutions for healthier, more sustainable, and consumer-centric products. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in soft gel science, emphasizing industrial feasibility, regulatory compliance, and strategies to overcome commercialization barriers such as cost, scalability, and consumer acceptance. For each gel type, we compare functional performance with conventional structuring and encapsulation systems, highlighting cases where soft gels offer superior stability, bioactive protection, or caloric reduction. We also examine emerging applications, including gel-based frying media, 3D printing, and nano-enabled formulations, alongside potential risks related to long-term exposure and bioaccumulation. Regulatory frameworks across major jurisdictions are summarized, and sustainability considerations, from sourcing to life cycle impact, are discussed. By integrating technological innovation with safety, regulatory, and market perspectives, this review identifies key research priorities and practical pathways for translating soft gel technologies from laboratory concepts into commercially viable, health-driven food solutions.
Ibtissam Ameur, Souad Baali, Ait Merzeg Farid, Bachari Khaldoun, Manuela E. Pintado, Sara Silva, Leila Benatallah, Murat Kaya, and Halima Boughellout
Elsevier BV
Ana I. Lopes, Adma Melo, Tiago B. Afonso, Sara Silva, Lillian Barros, Freni K. Tavaria, and Manuela Pintado
MDPI AG
Essential oils (EOs) are natural substances rich in phenolic compounds with notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, they present some limitations, such as low stability and bioavailability. Incorporating EOs into polymeric films offers a novel approach to overcome these challenges while enhancing their efficacy. In this study, we produced and thoroughly characterized alginate-based edible films incorporated with five different EOs—rosemary, eucalyptus, oregano, sage, and thyme. This is the first comprehensive investigation to include this diverse range of EOs in alginate films. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that alginate films containing EOs exhibited significant bioactive properties. Notably, the film incorporated with oregano EO completely inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria and fungi and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, alginate films containing EOs present promising bioactive potential and could serve as biodegradable alternatives to conventional packaging materials, reducing environmental impact. However, further studies are necessary to assess their safety profile and confirm their viability as replacements for traditional food packaging. Future research should focus on evaluating cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and the practical application of these films in food matrices.
Manuela Machado, Sara Silva, Manuela Pintado, and Eduardo M. Costa
MDPI AG
Sweet potato leaves (SPL), an agricultural byproduct, hold significant potential in dermatological applications due to their bioactive compounds. This study evaluates the phenolic profile of SPL extracts and investigates their biological activities relevant to skin health. Extract fingerprinting, through uHPLC-DAD and LC–MS, identified phenolic acids and flavonoids, with cynarin, neochlorogenic acid, and spiraeoside being predominant. The presence of hyperoside was detected. From a biological standpoint, SPL demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, with MICs ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL against various bacterial strains, such as MRSA and P. aeruginosa, and effective antibiofilm activity, as it reduced biofilm formation by over 80% for most tested strains. When evaluating its effect upon keratinocytes, the cytotoxicity assessment revealed safe usage concentrations at 111 µg/mL and immunomodulatory capacities, as it increased IL-6 production in unchallenged cells but had no synergistic effects under inflammatory stimuli. While preliminary, and with more assays being necessary, these findings highlight SPL’s potential as a natural agent for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory applications in skin-related applications and open a new avenue for a possible added value application of SPL.
Manuela Machado, Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Ana Maria Gomes, and Manuela Pintado
Elsevier BV
Manuela Machado, Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Ana Maria Gomes, and Manuela Pintado
MDPI AG
This study investigated the fatty acid profile, permeability, and metabolic effects of a functional yogurt enriched with pomegranate oil, focusing on its impact on lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. The yogurt’s fatty acid composition was primarily composed of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (54.37%), followed by saturated (29.34%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (16.36%). During in vitro digestion, a shift in fatty acid profile was observed, with a decrease in polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids and a slight increase in monounsaturated fatty acids due to hydrolysis. This study further analyzed fatty acid permeability across Caco-2/HT29-MTX monolayers and 3T3-L1 cell uptake, revealing higher permeability for saturated fatty acids than unsaturated ones. In 3T3-L1 cells, permeated fatty acids induced higher lipolysis and increased adiponectin secretion without affecting leptin levels. Cytokine analysis indicated a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers, such as MCP-1, and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, suggesting potential benefits in reducing obesity-related inflammation. These results underscore the role of functional yogurts enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids as promising agents for modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses.
Manuela Machado, Sara Silva, and Eduardo M. Costa
MDPI AG
The cosmetic industry has been driven to implement sustainable practices that can help it overcome its high carbon footprint and intensive raw material extraction needs. The adoption of circular economy and bioeconomy concepts within the industry has been regarded as a solution for this problem, and within these concepts, byproducts’ incorporation in the cosmetics production chain, either as bioactive or as a structural component, is only a logical step. With this in mind, this review aims to provide an overarching view of the application of byproducts in cosmetics with emphasis not only on their potential biological properties but also on all the regulations and societal and economic impacts associated with byproducts’ incorporation into cosmetics and how they can help this industry.
Manuela Machado, Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Sérgio C. Sousa, Ana Maria Gomes, and Manuela Pintado
MDPI AG
This study presents the development and characterization of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)-loaded bigels, using coconut oil as the MCFA source. The bigels exhibited high oil binding capacity, ranging from 87% to 98%, effectively retaining MCFAs within the matrix, with lauric acid (C12) being the main component detected within the bigels at 178.32 ± 0.10 mg/g. Physicochemical analysis, including FTIR and scanning electron microscopy, confirmed stable fatty acid incorporation and a cohesive, smooth structure. The FTIR spectra displayed O-H and C=O stretching vibrations, indicating hydrogen bonding within the matrix, while the SEM images showed uniform lipid droplet distribution with stable phase separation. Thermal stability tests showed that the bigels were stable for 5 days at 50 °C, with oil retention and structural integrity unchanged. Rheological testing indicated a solid-like behavior, with a high elastic modulus (G′) that consistently exceeded the viscous modulus (G″), which is indicative of a strong internal structure. In simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the bigels achieved significantly higher MCFA retention than the pure oil, particularly in the gastric phase, with recovery percentages of 38.1% for the bigels and 1.7% for the oil (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced bioavailability. Cell-based cytotoxicity assays showed low cytotoxicity, and permeability testing in a co-culture Caco-2/HT29-MTX model revealed a controlled, gradual MCFA release, with approximately 10% reaching the basolateral side over 6 h. These findings highlight MCFA-loaded bigels as a promising platform for nutraceutical applications; they provided stability, safety, and controlled MCFA release, with significant potential for functional foods aimed at enhancing fatty acid bioavailability.
Manuela Machado, Sara Silva, and Eduardo Costa
Elsevier
Ana Sofia Oliveira, Carlos M.H. Ferreira, Joana Odila Pereira, Sara Silva, Eduardo M. Costa, Ana Margarida Pereira, Margarida Faustino, Joana Durão, Manuela E. Pintado, and Ana P. Carvalho
Elsevier BV
M. Machado, Sara Silva and E. Costa
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is the result of various environmental, bacterial and genetic stimuli, which culminate in the disruption of the skin’s barrier function. Characterized by highly pruritic skin lesions, xerosis and an array of comorbidities among which skin infections are the most common, this condition results in both a significant loss of quality of life and in the need for life-long treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies and regular antibiotic intake), all of which may have harmful secondary effects. This, in conjunction with AD’s rising prevalence, made the development of alternative treatment strategies the focus of both the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry. Given their potential to both manage the skin microbiome, fight infections and even modulate the local immune response, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from more diverse origins has become one of the most promising alternative solutions for AD management, with some being already used with some success towards this end. However, their production and use also exhibit some limitations. The current work seeks to compile the available information and provide a better understanding of the state of the art in the understanding of AMPs’ true potential in addressing AD.
Ana I. Lopes, Adma Melo, Cristina Caleja, Eliana Pereira, Tiane C. Finimundy, Tiago B. Afonso, Sara Silva, Marija Ivanov, Marina Soković, Freni K. Tavaria,et al.
MDPI AG
Plant extracts (PEs) are natural substances that perform interesting bioactivities. However, they have some limitations. In this work, PEs from licorice, eucalyptus, sage, and thyme were produced and characterized. These extracts showed good bioactive properties. Alginate-based edible coatings and films incorporated with the extracts were produced and their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were determined. The results showed that the coatings completely inhibited or reduced the growth of all bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus), except the coating with sage extract. However, only the films incorporated with licorice and eucalyptus could inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and none of the films were able to inhibit Gram-negative bacteria. The film incorporated with sage extract was the one with the best antifungal property. All films possess a good antioxidant property (ABTS: 942.52–5654.62; DPPH: 1040.67–5162.93 Trolox equivalents (µM)/mg film). Based on the results, it is possible to conclude that alginate coatings and films with PEs present good bioactive properties and can potentially be used as new, biodegradable packages. However, further experiments need to be performed to assess their safety profile, and to prove that they can be a real alternative to traditional food packaging.
Manuela Machado, Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Luís M. Rodriguez-Alcalá, Ana Maria Gomes, and Manuela Pintado
MDPI AG
Nowadays, with consumers’ requirements shifting towards more natural solutions and the advent of nutraceutical-based approaches, new alternatives for obesity management are being developed. This work aimed to show, for the first time, the potential of avocado oil-fortified cheese as a viable foodstuff for obesity management through complex in vitro cellular models. The results showed that oleic and palmitic acids’ permeability through the Caco-2/HT29-MTX membrane peaked at the 2h mark, with the highest apparent permeability being registered for oleic acid (0.14 cm/s). Additionally, the permeated compounds were capable of modulating the metabolism of adipocytes present in the basal compartment, significantly reducing adipokine (leptin) and cytokine (MPC-1, IL-10, and TNF-α) production. The permeates (containing 3.30 µg/mL of palmitic acid and 2.16 µg/mL of oleic acid) also presented an overall anti-inflammatory activity upon Raw 264.7 macrophages, reducing IL-6 and TNF-α secretion. Despite in vivo assays being required, the data showed the potential of a functional dairy product as a valid food matrix to aid in obesity management.
Margarida Faustino, Sara Silva, Eduardo M. Costa, Ana Margarida Pereira, Joana Odila Pereira, Ana Sofia Oliveira, Carlos M. H. Ferreira, Carla F. Pereira, Joana Durão, Manuela E. Pintado,et al.
MDPI AG
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common public health problem, mainly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Patients with chronic UTIs are usually treated with long-acting prophylactic antibiotics, which promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant UPEC strains and may complicate their long-term management. D-mannose and extracts rich in D-mannose such as mannan oligosaccharides (MOS; D-mannose oligomers) are promising alternatives to antibiotic prophylaxis due to their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to urothelial cells and, therefore, infection. This highlights the therapeutic potential and commercial value of using them as health supplements. Studies on the effect of MOS in UTIs are, however, scarce. Aiming to evaluate the potential benefits of using MOS extracts in UTIs prophylaxis, their ability to inhibit the adhesion of UPEC to urothelial cells and its mechanism of action were assessed. Additionally, the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory marker interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also evaluated. After characterizing their cytotoxic profiles, the preliminary results indicated that MOS extracts have potential to be used for the handling of UTIs and demonstrated that the mechanism through which they inhibit bacterial adhesion is through the competitive inhibition of FimH adhesins through the action of mannose, validated by a bacterial growth impact assessment.
Sara Silva, Manuela Machado, Marta Coelho, Eduardo M. Costa, and Manuela Pintado
MDPI AG
Acorns, frequently left uncollected in the fields, have been a part of the traditional medicine of different cultures. Among the different properties associated with them, their antimicrobial potential is of particular importance. However, this characterization has long been superficial and has not ventured into other topics such as biofilm inhibition. Thus, the current work aimed to characterize the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of an array of phenolic rich extracts attained from acorns, two different acorn varieties Q. ilex and Q. suber, considering the fruit and shell separately, fresh and after heat-treating the acorns to aid in the shelling process. To accomplish this, the extracts’ capacity to inhibit an array of different microorganisms was evaluated, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined, time-death curves were drawn whenever an MBC was found and the antibiofilm potential of the most effective extracts was drawn. The overall results showed that Gram-positive microorganisms were the most susceptible out of all the microorganisms tested, with the shell extracts being the most effective overall, exhibiting bactericidal effect against S. aureus, B. cereus and L. monocytogenes as well as being capable of inhibiting biofilm formation via the two S. aureus strains. The attained results demonstrated that acorn extracts, particularly shell extracts, pose an interesting antimicrobial activity which could be exploited in an array of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Marta C. Coelho, Célia Costa, Dalila Roupar, Sara Silva, A. Sebastião Rodrigues, José A. Teixeira, and Manuela E. Pintado
MDPI AG
Several studies have supported the positive functional health effects of both prebiotics and probiotics on gut microbiota. Among these, the selective growth of beneficial bacteria due to the use of prebiotics and bioactive compounds as an energy and carbon source is critical to promote the development of healthy microbiota within the human gut. The present work aimed to assess the fermentability of tomato flour obtained after ohmic (SFOH) and conventional (SFCONV) extraction of phenolic compounds and carotenoids as well as their potential impact upon specific microbiota groups. To accomplish this, the attained bagasse flour was submitted to an in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion before its potential fermentability and impact upon gut microbiota (using an in vitro fecal fermentation model). Different impacts on the probiotic strains studied were observed for SFCONV promoting the B. animalis growth, while SFOH promoted the B. longum, probably based on the different carbohydrate profiles of the flours. Overall, the flours used were capable of functioning as a direct substrate to support potential prebiotic growth for Bifidus longum. The fecal fermentation model results showed the highest Bacteroidetes growth with SFOH and the highest values of Bacteroides with SFCONV. A correlation between microorganisms’ growth and short-chain fatty acids was also found. This by-product seems to promote beneficial effects on microbiota flora and could be a potential prebiotic ingredient, although more extensive in vivo trials would be necessary to confirm this.
Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Carla F. Pereira, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Francisca Casanova, Ricardo Freixo, Manuela Pintado, and Óscar L. Ramos
MDPI AG
Carboxymethyl cellulose use in industry is ubiquitous. Though it is recognized as safe by the EFSA and FDA, newer works have raised concerns related to its safety, as in vivo studies showed evidence of gut dysbiosis associated with CMC’s presence. Herein lies the question, is CMC a gut pro-inflammatory compound? As no work addressed this question, we sought to understand whether CMC was pro-inflammatory through the immunomodulation of GI tract epithelial cells. The results showed that while CMC was not cytotoxic up to 25 mg/mL towards Caco-2, HT29-MTX and Hep G2 cells, it had an overall pro-inflammatory behavior. In a Caco-2 monolayer, CMC by itself increased IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α secretion, with the latter increasing by 1924%, and with these increases being 9.7 times superior to the one obtained for the IL-1β pro-inflammation control. In co-culture models, an increase in secretion in the apical side, particularly for IL-6 (692% increase), was observed, and when RAW 264.7 was added, data showed a more complex scenario as stimulation of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IFN-β) cytokines in the basal side was observed. Considering these results, CMC may exert a pro-inflammatory effect in the intestinal lumen, and despite more studies being required, the incorporation of CMC in foodstuffs must be carefully considered in the future to minimize potential GI tract dysbiosis.
Ana L. S. Oliveira, Marta Seara, Maria João Carvalho, Nelson Mota de Carvalho, Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Marco Duarte, Manuela Pintado, Carla Oliveira, and Ana Raquel Madureira
MDPI AG
The production of postbiotics for food applications has been growing in recent years owing to their biological potential and superior technological performance over probiotics. Their production involves the use of synthetic culture media, and in this work, we propose using sugarcane straw as a source of sugar and biological components and a sustainable alternative. Thus, this by-product was used as a substrate to produce a postbiotic extract using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a fermentative microorganism. Sugarcane straw underwent a precedent saccharification step to release the fermentable sugars. The final extracts were characterized for their total content of sugars, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and their respective chromatographic profiles. Seventeen different polyphenols were identified with the predominance of three classes, the hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids, where ferulic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid were most prevalent. The current work evaluated the potential use of this postbiotic extract for food applications, its antioxidant activity, gut microbiota modulatory effect, and intestinal anti-inflammatory potential. The resultant extracts showed considerable antioxidant activity and the ability to lower the pro-inflammatory mediators (i.e., interleukin 6, 8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in Caco-2 cells. During the fecal fermentability assay, no modulatory effect was observed on the main beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Nevertheless, a significant increase in short-chain fatty acids, namely, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate was observed. Moreover, the extract also demonstrated capacity to inhibit the proliferation of putrefactive bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae. Finally, sustainable postbiotic extracts produced by S. cerevisiae fermentation using sugarcane straw as a substrate exhibited relevant biological properties with potential use as food and nutraceutical ingredients.
Publications
Among the various other publications I produced throughout my career, I must acknowledge the 8 book chapters I authored and the 24 oral (8 by invitation) and 49 poster communications I presented in various international conferences.
GRANT DETAILS
From Fundação para a Ciência and Tecnologia, I have been awarded a Travel Grant and a Ph.D. scholarship.
From the company Frulact S.A. I have been awarded a M.Sc. thesis grant.
From Centro de Biotecnologia and Química Fina, I have been awarded in 2020, 2021 and 2022 the CBQF annual incentive for extraordinary outputs.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)
Manuela Pintado, Eduardo Costa, Sara Silva, Mariana Veiga, Freni Tavaria, Jorge Faria. Nanodyes, methods of obtention and uses thereof – PPP 115083
Manuela Pintado, Sara Silva,Eduardo M Costa, Mariana Veiga, Bruno Horta, Rui Morais. New extract, methods and use of thereof - PPP 109901.
CONSULTANCY
February 2017 until June 2017: Case study development on the cultivation of blueberries in Portugal: Identification of opportunities and possible additional exploitation venues.
Since 2018 Cosmeceutical and Biomedical consultant in the development of novel natural compound-based cosmetic formulations for the Bio4Life4You (Portugal) company.
Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration
I have participated in 7 industry-academia R&D projects centred upon the development of agro-food by-products based sustainable solutions, culminating in over 17 novel solutions in food, cosmetics and nutraceutical industries.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
From March 2019 to October 2022, I was employed my Amyris USA in their joint venture with CBQF (Alchemy Project). This was the largest ever publicly funded R&D project in Portugal.
STARTUP
In 2012 I was part of a natural product based functional beverage start-up (Pranamix).
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, or ACADEMIC BENEFITS
I was a founding member of a Sustainability Team aimed at minimizing chemical extraction processes’ environmental impact.
I participated in scientific outreach activities as an organizing committee member of the 1st & 2nd Iberian Acorn Conference (speaker in the 1st) and as a speaker in the 1st National Marathon of Circular Economy Projects and in the European Researcher'Night as a speaker.