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Compositional and Structural Analysis of GAGs in Cell-Derived ECM

Compositional and Structural Analysis of GAGs in Cell-Derived ECM | iBB | Scoop.it

Cell-derived ECM have emerged as promising materials for regenerative medicine due to their ability to recapitulate the native tissue microenvironment. However, little is known about the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of these cell-derived ECM. In a recent study published in Glycoconjugate Journal, researchers from SCERG-iBB, working in collaboration with colleagues from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, characterized three different cell-derived ECM in terms of their GAG content, composition and sulfation patterns using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS technique. Distinct GAG compositions and disaccharide sulfation patterns were verified for the different cell-derived ECM. Additionally, the effect of decellularization method on the GAG and disaccharide relative composition was also assessed. The method offers a novel approach to determine the GAG composition of cell-derived ECM, which we believe is critical for a better understanding of ECM role in directing cellular responses and has the potential for generating important knowledge for the development of new ECM-like biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.

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Mechanochemical inverse vulcanization

Mechanochemical inverse vulcanization | iBB | Scoop.it

Vasco Bonifácio (DBE, iBB) developed a iron-free mechanochemical inverse vulcanization. This solvent-free reaction, in addition to its importance in a circular economy approach, uses industrial waste to produce chiral oligosulfides, a class of compounds that have therapeutic potential for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The reaction mechanism is proposed, and the formation of the products may follow a homolytic opening of the sulfur ring (S8), triggered by mechanical stress. The formation of thiiranes, sulfur-containing three-membered rings, using mechanosynthesis is reported for the first time. The work was published in RSC Mechanoschemistry, a new journal from the Royal Society of Chemistry, fully dedicated to the field of mechanochemistry. DOI: 

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Celebrating a Milestone in mRNA manufacturing!

Celebrating a Milestone in mRNA manufacturing! | iBB | Scoop.it

We are delighted to announce that our paper "Maximizing MRNA Vaccine Production with Bayesian Optimization" has been recognised by Wiley as one of the most downloaded papers in Biotechnology and Bioengineering!
The paper steams from a collaboration between researchers from IBB (Sara Rosa, Miguel Prazeres and Ana Azevedo), UCL (Marco Marques) and FCUL/LASIGE (David Nunes and Luis Antunes), and explores the innovative use of machine learning, specifically Bayesian optimisation, to advance the field of mRNA production.
This award is testament to the dedication and hard work of the team, as we continue to drive innovation and make significant contributions to the field of biotechnology.

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Call for Submissions: Special Issue on "Novel Micro/Nanomaterials Based Drug Delivery Systems"

Call for Submissions: Special Issue on "Novel Micro/Nanomaterials Based Drug Delivery Systems" | iBB | Scoop.it

We are excited to announce the call for submissions for the upcoming Special Issue of Pharmaceutics, titled "Novel Micro/Nanomaterial Based Drug Delivery Systems for Theranostic Applications". As guest editors, Pedro Fonte, Pedro Brandão, and Sofia Duarte, we eagerly invite your contributions to this innovative and rapidly evolving field. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements in micro- and nanomaterials, particularly in their application to drug delivery systems for theranostic purposes. The intersection of nanotechnology and medicine is paving the way for breakthroughs in healthcare, allowing for the creation of more effective drug delivery mechanisms that can diagnose and treat diseases simultaneously. Our focus is on how these advanced materials can improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce side effects, and transform disease management. For more information, please visit the Special Issue page.

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The submission deadline is 30 November 2024. All submissions will undergo the peer-review process of Pharmaceutics, and authors will enjoy benefits such as open access and high visibility, rapid turn-around time averaging 16.6 days from submission to first decision, and a free English editing service after acceptance.

We kindly request a short tentative abstract (100–150 words) describing your contribution's topic within the next month if you are interested in participating. For any questions or to submit your abstract, please contact us.

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Electrical stimulation towards improved osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells

Electrical stimulation towards improved osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells | iBB | Scoop.it

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been tested clinically for over 40 years to promote bone healing, mainly as an adjunct to standard fracture treatments. However, the biological mechanisms by which ES promotes bone healing and the osteogenic commitment of bone progenitors cells remain poorly described.

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, iBB researchers (João C. Silva, Fábio Garrudo and Frederico Ferreira) in collaboration with Sofia Fernandes (IBEB-Faculdade de Ciências-Universidade de Lisboa) and João Meneses, Nuno Alves and Paula Pascoal-Faria (CDRSP-Politécnico de Leiria), study the effect of five different ES protocols on the viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hBM-MSCs). A numerical finite element method (FEM) model of the culture platform was employed to characterize the system and predict the magnitude/distribution of the electric fields generated by the different ES protocols. In vitro cell culture studies showed that all the ES protocols did not impair cell viability and morphology and supported the osteogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs. Our results evidenced relevant differences when considering the applied protocol operation mode (potential versus current controlled), including the choice of stimulus duration and period. They also suggest an improved performance of the applied current-controlled protocol (STIM3 OM) in promoting hBM-MSCs osteogenic differentiation as shown by a more efficient in vitro mineralization and higher expression of the late osteogenic marker genes. Overall, this work emphasizes the critical role of numerical modelling in selecting and optimizing ES parameters to improve MSC-based osteogenesis in vitro, a step forward towards the development of novel therapeutic strategies for bone regeneration.

This study was developed under the scope of the FCT funded projects “InSilico4OCReg” (PTDC/EME-SIS/0838/2021) and “OptiBioScafold” (PTDC/EME-SIS/4446/2020).

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Synergy between 3D electroconductive scaffolds and electrical stimulation to improve bone tissue engineering strategies

Synergy between 3D electroconductive scaffolds and electrical stimulation to improve bone tissue engineering strategies | iBB | Scoop.it

In a recent article published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry B, iBB researchers working in collaboration with colleagues from Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), CDRSP-Politécnico de Leiria and CERENA, demonstrated a synergistic effect between 3D printed porous electroconductive scaffolds and electrical stimulation (EStim) in the enhancement of the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hBMSCs), envisaging improved bone tissue engineering (BTE) strategies. The 3D scaffolds were fabricated in polycaprolactone (PCL) and coated with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) following previously optimized strategies. Results show that the PEDOT:PSS coatings are electroconductive (11.3–20.1 S cm−1), stable (up to 21 days in saline solution), allow the immobilization of gelatin (Gel) to further improve bioactivity, and enhance the in vitro mineralization of the scaffolds. Finite element modelling allowed the prediction of the magnitude and distribution of the electrical fields within the conductive scaffolds structure when submitted to EStim. The osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs was performed with and without EStim and the abovementioned synergy between conductive materials and EStim in the improvement of BTE strategies was clearly shown by the increased cell-secreted calcium deposition (tissue mineralization) and by the upregulation of bone-specific marker genes. This study was coordinated by Dr. João C. Silva (iBB) and Dr. Fabio Garrudo (iBB and IT) and performed under the scope of the FCT projects BioMaterARISES (EXPL/CTM-CTM/0995/2021) and InSilico4OCReg (PTDC/EME-SIS/0838/2021).

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Shared and more specific genetic determinants and pathways underlying yeast tolerance to acetic, butyric, and octanoic acids

Shared and more specific genetic determinants and pathways underlying yeast tolerance to acetic, butyric, and octanoic acids | iBB | Scoop.it

A new study from iBB, Instituto Superior Técnico, carried out within the scope of the FCT project “Mechanistic insights into adaptation and increased robustness to acetic acid and other weak acids toxicity in yeasts”, was published today in the journal Microbial Cell Factories. This study provides new biological knowledge of interest to gain further mechanistic insights into toxicity and tolerance to linear-chain monocarboxylic acids of increasing liposolubility and reports the first lists of tolerance genes, at the genome scale, for butyric and octanoic acids. These genes and biological functions are potential targets for synthetic biology approaches applied to promising yeast cell factories, towards more robust superior strains. This is a highly desirable phenotype to increase the economic viability of bioprocesses based on mixtures of volatiles/medium-chain fatty acids derived from low-cost biodegradable substrates or lignocellulose hydrolysates. The work was led by Prof. Isabel Sá-Correia and the two first co-authors are the PhD student of the Doctoral Programme in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Marta Mota, and the researcher with a MSc degree, Madalena Matos.

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iBB and DBE researchers identify novel bacterial species from marine sponges in Portugal

iBB and DBE researchers identify novel bacterial species from marine sponges in Portugal | iBB | Scoop.it

The marine bacterial genus Aquimarina (Flavobacteriaceae, Bacteroidota) receives increased attention due to its versatile natural product biosynthesis capacity and antimicrobial activities. iBB and DBE researchers Joana Couceiro,Matilde Marques, Sandra Silva, Tina Keller-Costa and Rodrigo Costa identified two novel Aquimarina species, Aquimarina aquimarini Aq135T and Aquimarina spinulae Aq349T, isolated from marine sponges in Portugal, and describe them in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Aq135T is known for its production of a unique set of peptide antibiotics, aquimarins, while Aq349T is known to produce the trans-AT polyketide cuniculene. In their polyphasic approach, the researchers used phylogenetic, phylogenomic, phenotypic, and biochemical analyses to determine the novel species statuses of both strains. The bacteria are available in BSRG-iBB’s culture collection associated with the ‘Portuguese Blue Biobank’ of the Blue Bioeconomy Pact and can be purchased at three internationally recognized culture collections - DSMZ, ATCC, and UCCCB.

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Ana Melo received a Visiting Researcher Award from FAPESP

Ana Melo received a Visiting Researcher Award from FAPESP | iBB | Scoop.it

Ana Melo obtained a Visiting Researcher Award from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Brazil. This funding allowed her to stay in Brazil during October 2023 for: i) Visiting the Laboratory of Professor Rosangela Itri at Physics Institute, University of São Paulo (IFUSP); ii) Performing measurements at the Brazilian Synchrotron Sirius -4th Generation (Campinas, São Paulo State); Iii) Participating in the 47th Annual Meeting of Brazilian Biophysical Society (SBBf, Unicamp Convention Center from 19 to 22 October 2023).

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Miguel Cacho Teixeira received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 edition of the ULisboa/CGD Scientific Awards

Miguel Cacho Teixeira received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 edition of the ULisboa/CGD Scientific Awards | iBB | Scoop.it

Miguel Cacho Teixeira’s research impact was acknowledged in this year’s edition of the ULisboa/CGD scientific awards. Miguel received an honorable mention for his work in the category "Biology, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry and Biotechnology". His work is focused on understanding, in a Systems Biology perspective, the mechanisms underlying yeast evolution and stress adaptation, with particular focus on pathogenesis and drug resistance displayed by Candida species. The award ceremony took place on the 23rd of November 2023.

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Congratulation Miguel!!

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The Hrk1 kinase is a determinant of acetic acid tolerance in yeast by modulating H+ and K+ homeostasis

The Hrk1 kinase is a determinant of acetic acid tolerance in yeast by modulating H+ and K+ homeostasis | iBB | Scoop.it
A new study from iBB,  Instituto Superior Técnico, has unveiled molecular mechanisms underlying yeast tolerance to acetic acid stress. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for enhancing yeast performance in industrial applications for a circular bio-based economy.  Notably, the Hrk1 kinase has emerged as a novel key player in acetic acid stress response and tolerance. Hrk1 was shown to play a role in the activation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase, thereby maintaining pH homeostasis, and in the modulation of plasma membrane potential under acetic acid-stressed cultivation. Potassium (K+) supplementation of the growth medium led to a notable improvement in acetic acid stress tolerance of the hrk1∆ strain. Moreover, abrogation of this kinase's expression was shown to confer a physiological advantage to growth under K+ limitation in the absence of acetic acid stress. The work was led by Prof. Isabel Sá-Correia and the first author is the PhD student in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Miguel Antunes. The contribution of Dr Hana Sychrová's laboratory, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences in the context of Yeast4Bio COST Action CA18229 funded by STSM grant, is acknowledged.

 

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Catarina Jones presents at the 7th annual conference of RedeSAÚDE and wins best University of Lisbon master thesis award

Catarina Jones presents at the 7th annual conference of RedeSAÚDE and wins best University of Lisbon master thesis award | iBB | Scoop.it

The work developed by the master’s student Catarina Jones, supervised by Teresa Esteves and Paola Sanjuan-Alberte, entitled “Novel wireless Nanobioelectronic Systems to Rewire Cancer Bioelectricity” was selected among several works developed at the University of Lisbon (UL) and presented at the 7th annual conference of RedeSAÚDE on the 14th of November. This research, which developed an effective, targeted, and non-invasive therapy for breast cancer by exploiting cancer's unique bioelectrical properties, was awarded as the Best Master Thesis in the Oncology and Precision Medicine field at UL.  This project emphasized the critical role of interdisciplinary teamwork in pioneering and achieving breakthroughs in healthcare innovation.

A heartfelt appreciation is given to RedeSAÚDE's organizers for bringing together experts from various healthcare fields, fostering an environment of innovative thinking and providing substantial incentives for biotech research and innovation.

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An evolved strain of the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides exhibits an altered cell envelope

An evolved strain of the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides exhibits an altered cell envelope | iBB | Scoop.it

A new study from iBB, carried out within the scope of the Mobilizer Project Move2LowC, was published in the Journal of Fungi. The work describes the development, by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE), of an evolved strain of the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides more tolerant to the four major inhibitors present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates (LCH) (acetic acid, formic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, and furfural). This outcome represents an advantage for the exploitation of promising lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks in bioprocesses envisaging the transition to a sustainable bio-based economy. In fact, the presence of toxic compounds in LCH is among the main barriers affecting the efficiency of lignocellulose-based fermentation processes, in particular hindering the production of intracellular lipids by oleaginous yeasts. These microbial oils are promising sustainable alternatives to vegetable oils for biodiesel production. The more protective role of the evolved strain cellular envelope (cell wall and plasma membrane) was demonstrated and the improved performance of this multi-tolerant strain for lipid production from a synthetic lignocellulosic hydrolysate medium, supplemented with those inhibitors, was confirmed. The work was led by Isabel Sá-Correia and the two first co-authors are the MSc student in Microbiology Mónica A. Fernandes, and the PhD student in Biotechnology and Biosciences Marta N. Mota. Dr. Nuno T. Faria has contributed with the lipid profile characterization.

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Widespread occurrence of chitinase genes in an iconic animal-dwelling bacterial family

Widespread occurrence of chitinase genes in an iconic animal-dwelling bacterial family | iBB | Scoop.it

Chitin is the most abundant natural polymer in the oceans, where it is primarily recycled by chitin-degrading microorganisms. Bacteria of the family Endozoicomonadaceae are prominent symbionts of sessile marine animals, particularly corals, contributing to nutrient cycling in their hosts. A new comparative genomics study, published in ISME Communications, found a widespread occurrence of chitinases, and other genes involved in chitin degradation in cultured and uncultured Endozoicomonadaceae lineages associated with diverse marine animals. The presence of multiple, distinct chitinases on the genomes of several Endozoicomonadaceae species hints at functional variation to secure effective chitin processing in diverse micro-habitats and changing environmental conditions. This study concludes that Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts likely play important roles in chitin turnover in filter- and suspension-feeding animals and in benthic, marine ecosystems at large. The work was developed by MSc students Daniela Silva and Filipa Pedrosa in the framework of the ChiCoBionts project led by iBB/DBE researcher Tina Keller-Costa with valuable contributions from professors Ângela Taipa and Rodrigo Costa.

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iBB researchers win international mechanochemistry award

iBB researchers win international mechanochemistry award | iBB | Scoop.it

IBB researchers Vasco Bonifácio (PI), Sandra Pinto, and Hélio Barros together with Jacinta Serpa (NOVA Medical School) won the Enabling Progress with Ball Mills prize, a scientific challenge promoted by the German company RETSCH GmbH. The project was ranked second in the competition, having the team received a check of 1000 euros. The award-winning project targets the mechanosynthesis of new drugs using industrial waste. The competition had the participation of 23 countries with a total of 90 candidate projects.

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Congratulations!

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Participation in the World Ocean Summit & Expo

Participation in the World Ocean Summit & Expo | iBB | Scoop.it

Carla CCR de Carvalho participated in the 11th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo, following an invitation from the organizers. The summit, organized by the Economist Impact, joined over 1500 attendees, from more than 80 countries, to discuss ocean health, industry strategies for a sustainable ocean economy, and ocean-climate solutions. The agenda included sessions such as Blue Food, Ocean health, and Shipping and ports, as well as innovation showcases, “How to” sessions, and networking.

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For more info on the Summit click here.

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Celebrating a Milestone in Coffee Science!

Celebrating a Milestone in Coffee Science! | iBB | Scoop.it

We're excited to share that Pedro Fonte and his team have received the Top Downloaded Paper Award from in JSFA Reports, Wiley. Their paper "Optimization of the Brewing Parameters on Coffee Extraction Using a Central Composite Rotatable Design"  is a notable contribution to coffee research.

The paper, authored by Lívia Alves Barroso, Ana S. Macedo, Iara Lopes Lemos, Nathália de Andrade Neves, Marcio Schmiele, João Vinícios Wirbitzki da Silveira, Tatiana Nunes Amaral, and Pedro Fonte, explores the science behind coffee brewing. This study reveals the high efficiency of cold brew extraction and its potential at the industrial scale, decreasing costs.

This award is a testament to the team's innovative research and its impact on both the scientific community and coffee lovers globally!

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Read the award-winning research here: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsf2.33

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Invitation to Contribute to the Special Issue "Liposomes Applied in Drug Delivery Systems" published in Pharmaceutics

Invitation to Contribute to the Special Issue "Liposomes Applied in Drug Delivery Systems" published in Pharmaceutics | iBB | Scoop.it

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue titled "Liposomes Applied in Drug Delivery Systems" published in Pharmaceutics. This issue, edited by Dr. Pedro Fonte, Dr. Teresa Esteves and Dr. Sofia de Oliveira Dias Duarte, focuses on the recent advancements and applications of liposomes in drug delivery, emphasizing their pivotal role in targeted therapy and diagnostics. Since the emergence of liposomes in pharmaceutical research, there has been a significant drive to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and market application. We aim to cover a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to the design and synthesis of liposomes, advancements in targeted drug delivery using liposomes, the role of liposomes in gene therapy, innovations in liposomal formulations for enhanced drug stability, and their application in specific health problems like cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. For more information, please visit the Special Issue page.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions to this exciting Special Issue.

iBB's insight:

 

The submission deadline is 30 September 2024. All submissions will undergo the peer-review process of Pharmaceutics, and authors will enjoy benefits such as open access and high visibility, rapid turn-around time averaging 16.6 days from submission to first decision, and a free English editing service after acceptance.

We kindly request a short tentative abstract (100–150 words) describing your contribution's topic within the next month if you are interested in participating. For any questions or to submit your abstract, please contact us.

 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pharmaceutics/special_issues/QPW7W5613K

 

 

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Heparinized Acellular Hydrogels for Magnetically Induced Wound Healing Applications

Heparinized Acellular Hydrogels for Magnetically Induced Wound Healing Applications | iBB | Scoop.it

The regulation of angiogenesis could be very helpful in the development of therapeutic approaches for wound healing and anticancer therapy. Recently, Dra. Filipa Pires from Instituto de Telecomunicações in collaboration with IBB (Dr. João C Silva and Dr. Frederico C. Ferreira) and FCT-UNL (Dr. Carla Portugal) researchers, designed magnetic heparinized hydrogels to modulate the anti-inflammatory and angiogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), aiming to accelerate tissue healing. The results evidenced that the application of a static magnetic field guides MSC alignment and affects the angiogenic and anti-inflammatory character of the MSCs secretome. Particularly, the outcomes showed that the hydrogels containing less heparin and magnetic nanoparticles (0.25%) display a low pro-inflammatory character, ensuring an MSCs secretome with enhanced pro-angiogenic properties, which showed to be able to enhance wound contraction and cell migration rate compared to non-heparinized hydrogels.

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This work was recently published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal and was financially supported by the FCT project “BeLive” (PTDC/EDM/30828/2017).

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Research stay at Norce

Research stay at Norce | iBB | Scoop.it

Carla C.C.R. de Carvalho and Sebastião Tavares did a one-week research stay at Norce, in Bergen, Norway. During the research stay, they worked with the Norwegian team of the project Yum Algae. In this project, both teams work to use enzymes to improve the organoleptic and sensory properties of microalgae for food products. During the stay, Carla and Sebastião had the opportunity to test several techniques, from enzyme purification to harvesting microalgae produced in large photobioreactors.

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Book chapter on Redox enzymes in detergent formulations

Book chapter on Redox enzymes in detergent formulations | iBB | Scoop.it

Environmental concerns have driven the incorporation of enzymes in detergents. Redox enzymes, such as oxidases and peroxidases, stand out as green bleaching agents, offering sustainability by reducing reliance on harsh chemicals and enhancing energy efficiency. In a chapter published in “Microbial Oxidative Enzymes”, Pedro Fernandes presents the current state of the art and foreseen developments regarding the crucial role of redox enzymes in fostering a sustainable, eco-conscious approach in the field of detergent formulations.

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Natural product biosynthetic potential reflects macroevolutionary diversification in Flavobacteria

Natural product biosynthetic potential reflects macroevolutionary diversification in Flavobacteria | iBB | Scoop.it

A new article, published in mSystems, delved into the secondary metabolite biosynthesis potential of Flavobacteriaceae to find highly intertwined phylogenetic-secondary metabolism relationships within this family. The authors examined 2,680 genomes to suggest that the carbohydrate, peptide, and secondary metabolism triad synergistically shaped the evolution of this keystone and widely distributed bacterial taxon. These features likely underpin the broad host range and opportunistic-to-pathogenic behaviour encompassed by species in this family. This study breaks new ground for future research on select Flavobacteriaceae spp. as reservoirs of novel drug leads. Particularly, it highlights a versatile secondary metabolism among species belonging to the genera Aquimarina and Kordia, which should be explored in future natural product research endeavours. The study was first-authored by former iBB/DBE PhD student Sandra Silva and coordinated by professor Rodrigo Costa, counting on expert contributions from iBB/DBE scientist Tina Keller-Costa, and Ulisses Nunes da Rocha and Masun Homsi from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.

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Diogo Couceiro was awarded a Best Poster Prize at MicroBiotec 2023

Diogo Couceiro was awarded a Best Poster Prize at MicroBiotec 2023 | iBB | Scoop.it

Diogo Couceiro, a PhD student in Biotechnology and Biosciences of Instituto Superior Técnico, under de supervision of Pedro Monteiro (DEI/INESC-ID) and Miguel Cacho Teixeira (DBE/iBB) was awarded a Best Poster Prize at the MicroBiotec 2023 congress. Diogo presented his work intitled “Aiming at the Automation of Genome-wide Regulatory Network Inference in Saccharomyces cerevisiae”. His work aims the construction of mixed regulatory-metabolic models to guide the optimization of yeast cell factories.

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Congratulations Diogo!

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Characterization of a strain from a shallow water hydrothermal vent

Characterization of a strain from a shallow water hydrothermal vent | iBB | Scoop.it

Microbial life present in the marine environment has to be able to adapt to rapidly changing and often extreme conditions. In a recently published paper, Ricardo F.S. Pereira and Carla C.C.R. de Carvalho form iBB and colleagues from CQE and ISEL, used genomic, lipidomic and biochemical approaches to characterise a Serratia rubidaea, isolated from a sample taken at a shallow water hydrothermal vent, and its red product. Several state-of-the-art techniques, such as DSC, FTIR, NMR, and Ultra-High Resolution Qq-Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry, were used to characterize the structure of the red pigment which was found to be prodigiosin.

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iBB present at IST-Taguspark Open Day 2023

iBB present at IST-Taguspark Open Day 2023 | iBB | Scoop.it

On November 11th, the Taguspark campus was filled with activities led by our researchers, teachers and students, and a vibrant atmosphere that permeated every corner of our facilitiess.

iBB was involved with visits to our SGERG laboratories and it was a pleasure to receive our guests.

We would like to thank everyone who was involved in these activities and important day to our IST-Taguspark community.

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Metabolic modeling and drug target identification in the emerging fungal threat Candida auris

Metabolic modeling and drug target identification in the emerging fungal threat Candida auris | iBB | Scoop.it

Candida auris is an emerging human pathogen, considered a serious health threat by the CDC, being associated with antifungal drug resistance and hospital candidiasis outbreaks. Aiming an increased understanding of the unique features of this new fungal pathogen, both in terms of drug resistance and metabolic potential, the construction and validation of a global stoichiometric model describing the whole metabolic network in this human pathogen, as well as its exploitation in drug target discovery, stemming from a collaboration between researchers from iBB (Romeu Viana, Tiago Carreiro, Diogo Couceiro, Miguel Cacho Teixeira), ITQB-NOVA (Isabel Rocha) and CEB-UMinho (Óscar Dias), was just published in FEMS Yeast Research.

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