Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy

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Organizational Unit

Publications

Novel approach for a controlled delivery of essential Oils during long-term maize storage: clove bud and pennyroyal oils efficacy to control sitophilus zeamais, reducing grain damage and post-harvest losses

Publication . Sousa, Pedro A. S.; Neto, Joana; Barbosa, Joana V.; Peres, Joana; Magro, Ana; Barros, Graça; Sousa, José M.; Magalhães, Fernão D.; Mexia, António; Aguiar, Ana A. R. M.; Bastos, Margarida M. S. M.

Maize grains represent a significant contribution for assuring food safety all over the globe. Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), also known as the maize weevil, is one of the most destructive pests in stored maize, causing qualitative and quantitative losses. To control S. zeamais populations in maize storage sites, synthetical chemical insecticides are applied. However, these are often used wastefully, have environmental implications, and can induce the development of resistant populations. In this work, the insecticidal and grain protecting efficacy of an innovative macro-capsule delivery device, loaded with essential oils from Clove bud and Pennyroyal, as well as their combined solutions, was tested against naturally S. zeamais-infested maize grains. The blend of both compounds incorporated in a controlled release device reduced losses by more than 45% over a long storage period of twenty weeks, diminishing the survivability of maize weevils by over 90%. The usage of the blend at a concentration of 370 L L􀀀1 air with an antioxidant showed the best results, however, by halving the concentration 185 L L􀀀1 air , a significant control of S. zeamais populations was still achieved.

2023-04Journal article

Open access

In vivo bio-distribution and toxicity evaluation of polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles : a potential approach for chronic diseases treatment

Publication . Fonseca-Gomes, João; Loureiro, Joana A; Tanqueiro, Sara; Mouro, Francisco; Ruivo, Pedro; Carvalho, Tânia; Sebastião, Ana M; Diógenes, Maria José; Pereira, Maria Carmo

Nanoparticles (NPs), as drug delivery systems, appear to be a promising tool for prolonged therapeutic strategies as they allow a controlled drug release over time. However, most of the studies found in the literature simply contemplate the use of a single or low number of dosages with low NPs concentrations. In the context of chronic diseases, like Alzheimer's disease, cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), where the therapeutic scheme is also chronic, studies with numerous repeated dosages are often neglected.

2020Journal article

Open access

Antimicrobial Ceramic Filters for Water Bio-Decontamination

Publication . Ferreira, Olga; Rijo, Patricia; Gomes, João; Santos, Ricardo; Monteiro, Sílvia; Guedes, Rita; Serralheiro, Maria Luísa; Gomes, Marisa; Gomes, Luciana C.; Mergulhão, Filipe J.; Silva, Elisabete R.

Bio-contamination of water through biofouling, which involves the natural colonization of submerged surfaces by waterborne organisms, is a global socio-economic concern, allied to premature materials bio-corrosion and high human health risks. Most effective strategies release toxic and persistent disinfectant compounds into the aquatic medium, causing environmental problems and leading to more stringent legislation regarding their use. To minimize these side effects, a newly non-biocide-release coating strategy suitable for several polymeric matrices, namely polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane (PU)-based coatings, was used to generate antimicrobial ceramic filters for water bio-decontamination. The best results, in terms of antimicrobial activity and biocide release, showed an expressed delay and a decrease of up to 66% in the population of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on ceramic filters coated with polyurethane (PU)-based coatings containing grafted Econea biocide, and no evidence of biocide release after being submerged for 45 days in water. Biocidal PU-based surfaces were also less prone to Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation under flow conditions with an average reduction of 60% after 48 h compared to a pristine PU-based surface. Biocidal coated filters show to be a potential eco-friendly alternative for minimizing the environmental risks associated with biofouling formation in water-based industrial systems.

2021-03-11Journal article

Open access