Biotechnology to build a brighter future
May 10th 9AM (GMT+1) Online
Food, Health and Environmental Applications
Speakers
Get to Know Them
João Rainha
Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho
João Rainha is graduated in Biochemistry and has a Master degree in Biotechnology from the University of Minho. Currently, he is a Chemical and Biological Engineering PhD student at the Centre of Biological Engineering and is a team member of FoSynBio project.
He works in the synthetic biology field and has experience in several molecular biology techniques including CRISPR-Cas9. His work aims to develop genetically modified microorganisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with relevant phenotypes to produce high-value industrial compounds from lignocellulosic residues or industry by-products.
Márcia Couto
Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho
Márcia Couto is a PhD student of Bioengineering under the MIT Portugal Program at Centre of Biological Engineering. She has a degree in Biochemistry and a masters in Bioengineering, both by University of Minho. Marcia has been working on synthetic biology approaches to produce value-added compounds. Her current work is focused on the production of glycosaminoglycans, essentially chondroitin, using engineered microbes, to replace animal-based supplements.
André Ribeiro
CVR - Centre for Waste Valorisation
André Ribeiro, graduated in Biotechnology and PhD student in Waste Management and Treatment by the School of Engineering of the University of Minho, since 2019. For the past 10 years, he is performing activities as a senior researcher in several national and international projects related to Water and Soils decontamination, Waste-to-energy technologies, Production of biofuels and fuels derived from wastes, Valorisation of agroindustrial wastes, Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) studies, Integrated waste management systems and Recovery of metals and metal salts from waste and effluents in CVR - Centre for Waste Valorisation, University of Minho, Portugal. As a senior researcher of this research centre, André Ribeiro responsibilities are focused in the writing and management of proposals and projects, both at national and an international level. Over these years, André Ribeiro also presented the results of these projects in several international conferences and I have 20 scientific publications in journals with international arbitration. He also collaborated in the organisation of 5 international conferences.
Beatriz Cardoso
Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho
Beatriz Cardoso graduated in Biochemistry in 2014 and completed a master’s degree in Bioengineering in 2016 at University of Minho. Currently, she is a PhD candidate working at Centre of Biological Engineering. The work that she has been developing is focused on the development of novel yeast biocatalysts for the production of prebiotics. The assessment of the prebiotic effect of oligosaccharides is also one of the lines of her research.
Cintia Ramos
Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys
Cintia Ramos is a biologist, Master and PhD in Agricultural Microbiology from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) in Brazil. Cintia developed part of her PhD in the Faculty of Life Science at University of Copenhagen, researching the use of lactobacilli as probiotics. The main lines of research are: study of microbial diversity and evaluation of starter and probiotic cultures of fermentative processes / products; study and development of functional products; and evaluation of bioactive compounds produced by microorganisms. She is currently a professor in the graduate programs of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition Sciences at the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM) in Brazil.
Carla Silva
CITEVE
Carla Silva holds a degree in Biological Engineering (UM 1996), a Master in Industrial Biotechnology (USP-Brazil 1999) and a PhD in Textile Chemistry (UM 2005). She is currently leading the Chemical and Biotechnological Department at CITEVE and worked previously as Chief Technology Officer at CeNTI. Her research interests cover various topics, ranging from surface engineering, advanced polymers and fibres, biotechnology, nanocoatings, processes optimization, processes sustainability and development of innovative nanomaterials, fibres and polymers.
With more than 20 years of experience in applied and industry-oriented research, 10 granted patents and more than 40 published papers in peer-reviewed journals, she is/was supervisor of 3 PhD, 20 MSc and 6 BSc, being responsible for the management and coordination of several national and international R&D projects.
Daniel Gomes
Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho
Daniel Gomes is a Post-Doc researcher at CEB-UM working in the development of more efficient technologies for the valorization of lignocellulosic residues. He holds a MSc in Biological Engineering (2009) and a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2018) in the field of cellulases recycling.
José Salgado
University of Vigo
José Salgado is Distinguished Researcher in University of Vigo. He has been focused on discovering and understanding new uses for agro-food wastes and macroalgae. Particularly, he has developed several studies to generate low-cost biotechnological processes for the production of value-added compounds. Recently, he is focused on the application of solid-state fermentation to increase the nutritional value of agro-industrial wastes to be applied in aquafeed.
Ruth Betsabe Cuvas Limón
University Autonomous of Coahuila
Ruth Limón is graduated in Food Engineering (2012) and has a Master (2015) in Food Science and Technology. Currently, she is a PhD student at the University Autonomous of Coahuila, developing the project “Chemical characterization of bioactive compounds of fermented Aloe vera juice as a functional beverage evaluating its biological activity”.
Alcina Pereira
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho
Alcina Pereira is an Assistant Professor at UMinho since 2013. She received her degree in Biological Engineering in 1995, M.Sc. in Biological Engineering in 1999 and Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering in 2003, from UMinho. Since 2008 integrates the BRIDGE group at CEB/UMinho where her main research interests include microbiology and biotechnology of waste/by-products processing for value-added products and resource recovery.
Andreia Salvador
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho
Andreia Salvador is a researcher at the Centre of Biological Engineering of University of Minho. She studies the microbiology of waste/wastewater treatment, particularly anaerobic processes, by using culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, including meta-omics approaches.
Andréia Santos
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho
Andréia O. Santos completed her PhD degree in Agricultural Microbiology in the field of Applied Fermentative Processes and Agroindustry in 2016 at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Brazil. Currently, she is a Faculty Researcher at Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB) at University of Minho under the scope of the project Lignozymes that is focused in the application of metagenomics approaches to unravel the potential of lignocellulosic residues towards the discovery of novel enzymes. Her academic background and research interest are in the Research and Development area, mainly involving the biotechnological application of microorganisms in fermentative and agro-industrial processes besides the application of metagenomics methodologies to explore novel biocatalysts.
Marcelo Henrique Otenio
Embrapa Dairy Cattle
Marcelo Otenio has a degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the State University of Londrina - PR, UEL, specialization in Didactics and Teaching Methodology, master and doctor in Biological Sciences from UNESP - Rio Claro.
He works in the area of Environmental Management, Quality of Natural Waters (Water Resources), Rural Sanitation and Effluents in Dairy production. Researcher at Embrapa Dairy Cattle. Coordinates research projects in the area of water quality and water resources monitoring, bio-prospecting of cellulolytic microorganisms from dairy cattle effluents, management of biological waste from laboratories and production of electric energy from biogas produced by bovine manure and also works with co-digestion of agro-industrial residues with bovine manure, such as bioprocess. Professor and advisor in the master's course in milk science and technology, UFJF / Embrapa Dairy Cattle, and in the master's and doctoral course in biodiversity at UFJF.
Gabrielle Gautério
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Gabrielle Gautério is graduated in Food Engineering (2013) and has a Master (2016) and a Ph.D. (2020) in Food Engineering and Science from the Federal University of Rio Grande. Currently, she is a post-doctoral researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She has expertise in the areas of bioprocess engineering and fermentation technology, with emphasis on the production of microbial xylanase using agricultural wastes, enzyme purification, as well as in the production of xylooligosaccharides by enzymatic hydrolysis.
Diana Z. Sousa
Wageningen University & Research
Diana Z. Sousa is professor at Wageningen University & Research where she heads the Microbial Physiology group within the Laboratory of Microbiology. Her research interests are in the study of the metabolic pathways, microbes and microbial networks that anaerobically convert one-carbon molecules such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and methanol, and their application in circular economy approaches.
An example is her research on the design and development of synthetic co-cultures for the conversion of syngas (produced from wastes or lignocellulosic materials) to medium-chain fatty acids, alcohols and other low solubility added-value products.
Fátima Duarte
CEBAL
Maria F. Duarte holds a PhD in Health Sciences from University of Minho in collaboration with Maine Medical Center Research Institute, United States (May 2006). Currently, coordinates the Bioactive Research Group at CEBAL, and is an integrated member at MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development research unit. Her technical scientific area of interest is the development of separation and extraction processes environmentally more sustainable, and further exploitation of bioactivities to potentiate extracts bio-based applications within two major areas: i) human health (breast cancer and inflammation); ii) plants protection (biocide formulations for new bioherbicides) under the concept of circular bioeconomy. Responsible for several R&D projects within different agro- and forestry-based-industry raw materials and residues, has particular interest in Eucalyptus spp bark, Cynara cardunculus, table-olives, olive oil, olive pomace residue, as source of valuable bioingredients for new biotech applications.
Cláudia Amorim
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho
Cláudia Amorim, PhD in Bioengineering, is currently an invited Professor at University of Minho (UM, Portugal), a junior researcher at Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB-UM) under the scope of the CEEC-FCT program, a collaborator at the Portugal’s Biotech. Industry Organization, and team member of the B3iS and LIGNOZYMES projects. She was also a Postdoc at CEB-UM from FCT under the scope of the FOSYNBIO project (2019-21). Her research is focused on from-waste-to-market ideas, particularly in exploring agro-residues to create value-added products and incorporate them in commercial food products.
Duarte Torres
Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto
Duarte Torres has a PhD degree in Chemical and Biological Sciences and Engineering, Master degree in Bioprocess Engineering and graduation in Nutritional Sciences. He is assistant professor at the Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences of the University of Porto, teaching Food Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Food and Meals Composition, and Innovation. He is Director of the undergraduate study program in Nutritional Sciences and Vice-Chairman of the Scientific Board of the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition of the University of Porto. His current research interests are related to the risk assessment related to the exposure to foods, nutrients and non-nutrient food compounds, to provide robust science-based answers to questions with impact on public health. During his academic and research activity, he seeks to contribute to the collaborative development of solutions to the urgent needs of a healthier and sustainable agro-food system, regarding logistics, production, transformation and cooking of safe, nutritive and enjoyable foods.
Lene Lange
LL-BioEconomy, Research and Advisory
Lene Lange´s Professional Career includes experience from leading R&D positions in both private sector and academia. After PhD and Post doc Positions at University of Copenhagen, Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DANIDA, Seed Pathology Institute (1978-86). Major part of her career, 1987-2007, holding R&D positions in private industry, Novo, Novo Nordisk, and Novozymes A/S, finishing in top research career position (Director of Research, in Molecular Biotechnology). From 01.02.07, recruited back to academia, first as Head of Institute of Biology, University of Copenhagen, and from 01.09.08 as Dean of Research (and Professor in Biotechnology) at Aalborg University, Denmark; Campus Director for Aalborg University, AAU Cph, 2009-2013; Director of Research for Aalborg University 2012-2015. Professor, Technical University of Denmark 2015-2018. From 2018, Founder & Owner of startup company, BioEconomy, Research & Advisory.
Paula Pinto
The Navigator Company
Technological R&D Coordinator since 2016 at Institute RAIZ, part of The Navigator Company, Paula Pinto has been working in a wide scope of research areas related with lignocellulosic materials, including extractives, lignin and cellulosic products. Previously, she was Researcher at FEUP (2009 until 2016) and at University of Aveiro and RAIZ (2005-2009), working on biorefinery processes, after completing the PhD in 2005 in the topic of kraft pulping, bleaching and advanced characterization of wood components.
Susana Lopes
Lipor - Intermunicipal Waste Management of Greater Porto
Susana Lopes is a Senior Technician at Lipor - Intermunicipal Waste Management of Greater Porto, since 1999. Previously, she worked as an environment technician in the automotive sector (1996 to 1999). In the context of her activities at Lipor, stands out the coordination of the New Projects Department (1999 to 2010) and the Directorate of the Production and Logistics Department (2010 to 2016). Currently, she is part of the International Business Unit, ensuring the relationship and the promotion of cooperation of Lipor with several national and international relevance environmental organizations. Participation in scientific/technical committees, working groups and R&D projects (national and international). Trainer at the LIPOR Academy. Representation of LIPOR at national and international events, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, seminars. Board member at European Compost Network. Degree in Environmental Engineering, University of Aveiro, Portugal. Master in Environmental Engineering, School of Biotechnology of Portuguese Catholic University, Portugal.
Héctor Ruiz
Autonomous University of Coahuila
Héctor A. Ruiz obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Centre of Biological Engineering at the University of Minho, Portugal in 2011. He is currently Full Professor, founder of Biorefinery Group and principal coordinator of the biorefinery pilot in the Faculty of Chemistry Sciences at the Autonomous University of Coahuila, and leader of the biomass pretreatment stage in the Cluster of Bioalcoholes in the Mexican Centre for Innovation in Bioenergy in Mexico. Ruiz is Editor-in-Chief of BioEnergy Research Journal (Springer Publishing), and the book “Hydrothermal Processing in Biorefineries” by Springer Publishing. He has authored or co-authored of 85 publications including papers and chapters, with > 2800 citations and H-index of 31. Dr. Ruiz works to advance lignocellulose and algal (micro-macro) biomass biorefining science and technology.
Ateequr Rehman
DSM
Ateequr Rehman is presently working for DSM nutritional sciences as a principal scientist. The research focus of Ateequr Rehman is to investigate the functional interplay of intestinal microbiota in the context of diet, disease, genotype, and environmental perturbations. The ultimate goal is to identify microbial communities that influence host health and disease status and translate it into a clinical application.
Mariana Doria
A4F - Algae For Future
Mariana Doria has solid experience on Innovation management, regulatory affairs, and industrial sustainability. She has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a PhD in Economics and Management from the University of Trento, Italy. She has twenty years of experience working on industrial development, aligning competitive intelligence tools such as technology roadmapping and market studies to identify sustainable business opportunities focusing on the bioeconomy. Today, she works at A4F – Algae for Future – as a R&D project coordinator responsible for MULTI-STR3AM.
Gonçalo Lourinho
BIOREF – Collaborative Laboratory for Biorefineries
Gonçalo Lourinho (Ph.D.) is a researcher at BIOREF – Alentejo Hub, Portalegre. He received his MSC degree in Environmental Protection Technologies and Energy Production in 2012, and recently finished his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico with a project that integrated biological and electrochemical processes for the treatment of swine wastewater. His main research interests currently include solid and liquid biomass conversion into energy and value-added products via the integration of several technologies.
Adelaide Braga
Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho
Adelaide Correia Braga holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of Minho (UM) in 2014, under the scope of biotechnological production of flavors. Participated in the FP7 EU-BachBerry project (2015-2016) and part of her activity is dedicated to the development of a production process for polyphenols production and its subsequently upscale to pilot plant with integration of downstream processing for product purification. Currently, she is Junior Researcher at CEB under the scope of the FoSynbio project, that aims to use synthetic biology approaches to genetically modify Z. mobilis to produce prebiotics from agro-industrial by-products and further optimize the bioprocess.
