Microbiology and Molecular Biology Team
Advancing microbiological solutions that address critical aspects of food safety and quality, as well as the development of therapeutic solutions and strategies to tackle environmental challenges.
Research Focus
The Microbiology for Sustainability team employs an interdisciplinary approach to study microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, fungi, and microalgae.
We explore their presence across various matrices, evaluating not only their pathogenic potential but also their biotechnological capabilities. Furthermore, we assess their impact on both the environment and human health.
We characterize biological compounds and extracts envisioning different applications like their use as antimicrobials, as phytoprotective/phytostimulant formulations or as nutraceuticals.
To achieve this, we leverage a diverse range of techniques, including conventional microbiology, molecular biology, novel omics approaches, and genetic engineering.
Areas of Activity
Bacteriophage hunting for food/beverages biopreservation
Finding bacteriophages to be used as biopreservatives, allowing the reduction of Alicyclobacillus spp. along the production chain from harvesting to food/beverages production and packaging.
Molecular methods for gene deletion in recalcitrant bacterial hosts
Development and implementation of molecular techniques to improve the production of mutants in bacteria recalcitrant to gene deletions.
Microalgae microbiome and microalgae bioprocesses and monitoring
Understand microalgae/bacteria interactions to maximize microalgae production for food/high-value biomolecules. Development of microalgae bioprocesses and monitorization using spectroscopy and machine learning models.
Teresa Crespo
Head of Microbiology for Sustainability Area
My research areas are microbiology and molecular biology, in particular microbial characterization and ecology of microbial populations, with focus on antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity/virulence mechanisms of bacteria.
Team Members
Maria Constança Bertrand
PhD Student
Rodrigo Martins
PhD Student
Pedro Brandão
PhD student
Francisco Nunes
PhD student
Inês Leonardo
PhD student
Filipa Silva
Research Technician
Margarida Pimenta
Research Technician
Helena Ferreira
MSc student