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- Advances on the Synthesis, Reactivity, and Biological Properties of 4H‐Thiochromen‐4‐(thio)one DerivativesPublication . Santos, Clementina M.M.; Silva, ArturThe aim of the present review is to provide a systematic survey on the recent advancements in the chemical synthesis of thiochromones, thiochromanones, the less explored thiochromene-4-thiones and some analogs. These compounds are used as versatile building blocks in the synthesis of other complex and polycyclic heterocyclic analogs. Highlights on biological and photophysical properties of these thio derivatives are also included and discussed. It covers the literature from 2014 to 2024, in more than 170 publications.
- Almond By-Products: Valorization for sustainability and competitiveness of the industryPublication . Barral Martínez, Marta; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Garcia-Perez, Pascual; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto, Miguel A.The search for waste minimization and the valorization of by-products are key practices for good management and improved sustainability in the food industry. The production of almonds generates a large amount of waste, most of which is not used. Until now, almonds have been used for their high nutritional value as food, especially almond meat. The other remaining parts (skin, shell, hulls, etc.) are still little explored, even though they have been used as fuel by burning or as livestock feed. However, interest in these by-products has been increasing as they possess beneficial properties (caused mainly by polyphenols and unsaturated fatty acids) and can be used as new ingredients for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, it is important to explore almond’s valorization of by-products for the development of new added-value products that would contribute to the reduction of environmental impact and an improvement in the sustainability and competitiveness of the almond industry.
- Analysis of the Phenolic Profile of Chelidonium majus L. and Its Combination with Sericin: Balancing Antimicrobial Activity and CytocompatibilityPublication . Borges, Ana Margarida; Ordóñez-Díaz, José Luis; Aquino, Yara; Moreno-Rojas, José M.; Calvo, María Luisa Martín; Vaz, Josiana A.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.The incorporation of bioactive natural compounds into biomedical applications offers a promising route to enhance therapeutic efficacy while supporting sustainability. In this study, we investigated the synergistic potential of Sericin, a silk-derived biopolymer, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant with a diverse phenolic profile, in relation to biological activities relevant for wound care and infection control. A combined experimental strategy was applied, integrating detailed chemical characterization of C. majus extracts with antimicrobial and cytocompatibility assays across different Sericin–plant extract ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 2:1). Phytochemical analysis identified and quantified 57 phenolic compounds, including high levels of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic and ferulic acid). Salicylic acid (123.6 µg/g), feruloyltyramine (111.8 µg/g), and pinocembrin (98.4 µg/g) were particularly abundant, compounds previously reported to disrupt microbial membranes and impair bacterial viability. These metabolites correlated with the strong antimicrobial activity of C. majus against Gram-positive strains (MIC = 5–10 mg/mL). In combination with Sericin, antimicrobial performance was ratio-dependent, with higher proportions of C. majus (2:1) retaining partial inhibitory effects. Cytocompatibility assays with HFF1 fibroblasts demonstrated low antiproliferative activity across most formulations (GI50 > 400 µg/mL), supporting their potential safety in topical applications. Collectively, the results indicate a concentration-dependent interaction between C. majus phenolics and the Sericin protein matrix, reinforcing their suitability as candidates for natural-based wound healing materials. Importantly, the valorization of Sericin, an underutilized byproduct of the silk industry, together with a widely accessible medicinal plant, underscores the ecological and economic sustainability of this approach. Overall, this work supports the exploration of the development of biomaterials with potential for advancing tissue repair and wound management.
- Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Extracts: The Problem of Mathematical Modeling †Publication . Silva, Aurora; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Carpena, Maria; García-Oliveira, Paula; Echave, Javier; Chamorro, Franklin; Barciela, Paula; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Barroso, Maria Fátima; Prieto, Miguel A.The antimicrobial activity of plants, algae, and derived extracts has been a subject of interest for the scientific community. Algae extracts have demonstrated their potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents. Because of their antibacterial capacity and low toxicity, algae extracts have been studied as natural preservatives in food and cosmetic formulations. The use of these extracts has the potential to minimize the use of synthetic preservatives, which may be harmful to both human health and the environment. Nonetheless, the use of end-point techniques to calculate the minimal inhibitory concentration instead of creating growth inhibition curves usually leads to an absence of mathematical modeling procedures on the bacterial inhibition behavior of natural extracts. The goal of mathematical modeling is to describe the relationship between the concentration of an inhibitory agent (such as a drug or a toxin) and the growth rate of a population. For this purpose, the data obtained during the growth of six different bacteria in the presence of different concentrations of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) extracts were recorded over 24 h. Later, the collected data were modeled based on different classical sigmoidal models, e.g., Weibull, logistic, and Gompertz, that were applied to define the critical growth phases and infer the kinetic parameters. The obtained parameters led to the conclusion that the inhibition mechanisms behind the antibacterial effects of the algae extracts are diverse towards different microorganisms. The presence of the extract led to a diminution of the specific growth velocity in some cases such as Staphylococcus epidermidis while in the replication of other bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, the extension of the lag phase was the predominant inhibition mechanism.
- Applications and properties of PDMS: From biomicrofluidics to transparent face masksPublication . Lima, Rui A.; Maia, Renata; Souza, Andrews; Barbosa, Filipe; Carvalho, Denise; Carvalho, Violeta; Neves, Lucas B.; Faria, Carlos; Miranda, Inês; Sousa, Paulo; Zille, Andrea; Teixeira, Senhorinha; Minas, Graça; Machado, Lúcio; Ribeiro, J.E.Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a versatile silicone elastomer widely used in biomedical engineering due to its exceptional properties, including flexibility, chemical stability, optical transparency, biocompatibility, and ease of manufacturing. This chapter explores the unique characteristics of PDMS and its applications in biomicrofluidics and sustainable product development. PDMS is a hyperelastic material with excellent optical transparency, thermal stability, and gas permeability, making it ideal for various applications such as microfluidics, biomodels, blood analogues, implants, and organs-on-chip platforms. Its biocompatibility minimizes adverse tissue reactions, making it suitable for medical implants and skin treatments. However, its hydrophobic nature can limit certain applications, particularly in bioflow transport phenomena. To address this, surface modification techniques, such as oxygen plasma treatment, have been developed to enhance its wettability and expand its usability. In biomicrofluidics, PDMS is extensively used to create microfluidic devices that study blood cell deformability, aiding in the diagnosis of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and malaria. These devices, featuring contractions and bifurcations, provide valuable insights into microscale blood rheology and flow phenomena, improving our understanding of blood flow behavior and validating numerical simulations. The chapter also highlights the innovative use of PDMS in the production of sustainable transparent face masks. By incorporating recycled PDMS and textile fabrics, these masks feature a transparent window that allows visibility of the user’s lips, making them ideal for individuals who rely on lip-reading. The masks meet European Directive EN 14683:2019 standards, achieving level 2 certification for general public use. They offer excellent breathability, bacterial filtration efficiency, and optical transparency, while also promoting sustainability by reusing PDMS at the end of its life cycle. In conclusion, PDMS is a highly adaptable material with significant potential in biomedical applications and sustainable product development. Despite its hydrophobic nature, advancements in surface modification techniques continue to enhance its functionality, making it a valuable resource for innovative solutions in healthcare and beyond.
- Artificial intelligence tools for project management: A knowledge-based perspectivePublication . Almeida, Pedro M.; Fernandes, Gabriela; Santos, José M.R.C.A.The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is pressing the need to understand how organisations can integrate it into namely project management to enhance performance and outcomes. Through a systematic literature review, this paper explores artificial intelligence's potential use in project management. The thematic analysis of relevant literature identified key project management knowledge areas, such as integration, scope, communication, risk and stakeholder management, were as domains where artificial intelligence holds significant potential. The study further investigates the relationship between these knowledge areas and the most suitable types of artificial intelligence tools, such as generative artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms for optimisation and automation, based on the dominant knowledge type each knowledge area requires, namely formal, data-driven, or tacit knowledge. Based on the main findings, the study proposes a conceptual framework for the integration of artificial intelligence tools in project management, offering valuable insights for scholars and practitioners. Moreover, guidelines for future research to accelerate the wide adoption of artificial intelligence in the field are proposed.
- Assessing the Impact of Deficit Irrigation and Kaolin Application on Almond Orchards: Statistical Relationships with Crop Yields and Spectral Vegetation IndicesPublication . Silveira, Carlos; Barreales, David; Castro, João Paulo; Miranda, Fabiani; Ribeiro, António C.Given the current climate change scenario, it is essential to find strategies to reduce environmental risks and obtain economically sustainable agricultural productions. This study investigated the impact of various agronomic treatments on an almond orchard in northeastern Portugal, focusing on their relationships with crop growth/vigour and yield. The experiment was conducted using a factorial design that combined three variables: almond cultivar (Constantí and Vairo), irrigation regime (full and regulated deficit irrigation), and kaolin application (with or without application). These combinations resulted in eight distinct treatments, each replicated across two experimental plots. To monitor the crop physiological status, two drone flights equipped with a multispectral camera were flown during the kernel-filling stage (3 and 30 August 2021). Vegetation indices (VI) derived from the multispectral images were used to assess the crop vigour. In relation to the production data, including kernel and in-shell almond weights, these were collected in 14 representative trees of each treatment. Lastly, parametric and nonparametric regression analyses were performed to better understand relationships between VI and crop yields and derive predictive models. The main results can be summarised as follows: (a) cv. Vairo was more vulnerable to the regulated deficit irrigation strategy with striking repercussions on almond production, translating into an average reduction per tree of 22% and 16% in almond kernel and in-shell almonds compared to full irrigation, respectively; (b) kaolin application did not reflect statistically significant differences in the mean crop yield, as Tukey’s pairwise comparisons involving kaolin as a differentiating factor (e.g., C100+k—C100, V100+K—V100) showed confidence intervals with central value close to zero; and (c) regression analysis using the nonparametric random forest model and individualised treatments demonstrated a better agreement with the observed data (R2 > 0.7). This research provided valuable insights into how cultivar selection, irrigation strategy, and kaolin application can influence the almond crop performance. When integrating multispectral aerial monitoring and advanced statistical modelling, it enables an effective assessment of both crop vigour and expected yield, supporting the development of more informed and adaptive management practices to face emerging environmental challenges.
- Associação do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e o estado de saúde dos residentes da região do BarrosoPublication . Carvalho, Beatriz; Braz, Carolina; Ribeiro, Anna Carolina Gomez; Ferro-Lebres, Vera; Alves, Maria José; Ribeiro, José Carlos; Fernandes, António; Meireles, ManuelaNas últimas décadas, o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados tem aumentado substancialmente, provocando mudanças nos padrões alimentares e nos estilos de vida. Este consumo tem sido associado a múltiplos efeitos adversos na saúde física e mental, podendo influenciar a perceção do estado de saúde e da qualidade de vida. Assim, torna-se relevante estudar esta associação em populações rurais, como a da região do Barroso, onde os hábitos alimentares apresentam características socioculturais particulares. Objetivos: Analisar a associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e o seu impacto no estado de saúde dos residentes da região do Barroso. Estudo de carácter transversal, observacional e quantitativo, integrado no estudo Valor Barroso, realizado numa amostra composta por 78 residentes da região do Barroso. A recolha de dados foi realizada através de um questionário constituído por dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, questionário SF-36 e de um diário alimentar de dois dias. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi classificado segundo o sistema NOVA em elevado (≥5) ou baixo (≤4). A análise estatística foi realizada no IBM SPSS, com recurso a estatística descritiva e inferencial, considerando um nível de significância de 5%.Verificou-se que a maioria dos inquiridos são do sexo feminino (66,7%), encontram-se empregados (69,2%), casados ou em união estável (43,6%) e apresentam um rendimento mensal entre 1001€ e 2000€ (51,3%). Observou-se uma correlação positiva fraca, mas estatisticamente significativa entre o consumo de AUPs e os domínios “aspetos físicos” (r = 0,3 e p = 0,022) e a “saúde mental” (p = 0,027) do SF-36. Foi demonstrado que o consumo de AUPs está significativamente associado a alguns domínios do estado de saúde, nomeadamente aos aspetos físicos e à saúde mental, indicando que o consumo destes alimentos poderá influenciar a perceção do estado de saúde.
- Azure A as a promising candidate for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of acne-related bacteriaPublication . Herculano, Leandro S.; Marcon, Caroline T.; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Canan, Cristiane; Fiorese, Mônica L.; Malacarne, Luis C.; Tessaro, André L.; Amaral, Joana S.; Barros, LillianAntimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDT) is an effective technique for treating acne vulgaris, due to its efficiency in inactivating multiresistant bacteria and the absence of systemic side effects. This study investigated the potential of the dye Azure A (AZA), belonging to the phenothiazine class, as a photosensitizer (PS) in aPDT to combat the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, both associated with inflammatory acne vulgaris. The efficiency of AZA was compared to Orthotoluidine Blue (OTB), evaluating the absorbance spectra, singlet oxygen generation rate, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at different optical fluence values and concentrations. The results demonstrated that AZA and OTB have similar spectroscopic characteristics and single oxygen generation rates, and they could inactivate both bacteria at an MBC of 0.78 for the smallest tested optical fluence. These findings indicate that AZA is an excellent candidate for topical aPDT applications in treating acne vulgaris and other associated infections by such bacteria.
- Banana Peels as Substrate for Lactic Acid Production: Upstream Fermentation BioprocessPublication . Pedrosa, Mariana C.; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Alvarez, Cristina; Susmozas, Ana; Ballesteros, Ignacio; Pintado, Manuela; Barros, Lillian; Carocho, MárcioBanana peels account for around 30–40% of the banana’s weight and represent an industrial waste. This biomass can be used as an eco-friendly solution for biotechnological bioprocesses. Still, due to the fibrous nature of banana peels, pretreatment becomes essential to enhance the effectiveness of enzymes on the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates. This study aims to determine the best pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions to produce a fermentation substrate suitable for producing lactic acid from the peels. Methods: A diluted H2SO4 (0.5% and 0.25%) was used in an autoclave for 10 min at 121 °C. The pretreated material was subjected to several enzymatic hydrolysis tests in which two variables were evaluated for their influence: solid load (10, 15 and 20%), and H2SO4 concentration (0.5 and 0.25% v/v). Commercial enzymes (cellulolytic enzyme mixtures and pectinase) were used. Results: All enzymatic hydrolysis yields of cellulose referring to glucose released in the hydrolysates surpassed 60% in all the conditions tested after pretreatment. After evaluating the pretreatment efficiency, the ideal parameters were defined as 0.25% H2SO4, and cellulolytic enzyme mixtures with 15 and 20% solid load. Subsequently, a screening was carried out in MRS + broth with the most suitable pH and temperature conditions for lactic acid production by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. Conclusions: The results showed the potential of BP medium for lactic acid production, with yields of 0.91 g/g sugar in sugar-containing media from enzymatic hydrolysis at 15% solid load and 0.82 g/g sugar in media from 20% solid load assays.