A primeira edição da Noite Europeia dos Investigadores em Armamar representou uma iniciativa-piloto de descentralização e democratização da ciência em contexto rural. Integrado no consórcio internacional SCIEVER, o evento envolveu 207 participantes, 29 investigadores e 69 voluntários, através de uma abordagem de cocriação interinstitucional com parceiros locais e nacionais. A iniciativa teve como principais obj...
A primeira edição da Noite Europeia dos Investigadores em Ambientes Rurais – Armamar (NEI-Armamar 2023) marcou um passo importante na promoção da cultura científica neste território rural. Este evento integrou o consórcio internacional SCIEVER – “Ciência para todos: sustentabilidade e inclusão” e demonstrou como a ciência pode ser uma ferramenta poderosa para democratizar o conhecimento, fortalecer o desenvolvi...
The commercialization of fresh dates results in a significant amount of waste, with approximately 30 % of dates being discarded due to low-grade classification. To combat food waste, value-added products, such as previously dried and milled date powder and date juice, have been obtained from date co-products using environmentally friendly processes. Fresh dates contain a number of valuable nutritional component...
Objective: To enhance the nutritional profile of a traditional Portuguese dish, esparregado, this project explored the incorporation of algae and microalgae as sustainable and health- promoting ingredients. Methods: A conventional esparregado recipe made with spinach was reformulated by incorporating algae-based ingredients. Three prototypes were developed: (1) with 10% (w/w) Ulva rigida; (2) with 10% (w/w) Chl...
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a high content of polyphenols has attracted attention due to its proved beneficial effects in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, modulating cholesterol levels (HDL and LDL), modulating inflammatory markers, and decreasing the levels of haemoglobin1Ac, suggesting that EVOO can have an impact in glycemia regulation. This study assessed the impact of the consumption o...
Objective: Akkermansia muciniphila is a next-generation probiotic recognized for improving gut barrier function and metabolic health. However, ensuring its viability during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit remains a challenge. This study investigated calcium-alginate encapsulation as a strategy for enhancing the stability of A. muciniphila during refrigerated aerobic storage and gastrointestina...
O Dia Internacional do Microrganismo (IMD) nasceu em 2017 como uma iniciativa inovadora para destacar o papel essencial dos microrganismos. Criado pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia, o evento rapidamente ultrapassou fronteiras, conquistando cidades em Portugal e no mundo. Na Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ESB-UCP), no Porto, o IMD foi celebrado pela primeira vez em...
Objective: This study aimed to develop and assess microalgae- enriched smoothies as stable, nutrient-rich, and sustainable functional beverages. The focus was on enhancing nutritional value and bioactive properties using two sustainably cultivated species: Chlorella vulgaris and Limnospira platensis (Spirulina). Methods: Two smoothie formulations were developed: SCv (with Chlorella vulgaris) and SSp (with Spiru...
Introduction: Consumers are increasingly open to incorporating new foods in their diet, especially if they are considered healthy and sustainable. The global demand for algae-based foods has been rising, and algae are being increasingly consumed for both their nutritional and health benefits as well as their technological advantages. In recent years, substantial evidence has been gathered to support the health ...
Introdução: Os consumidores estão cada vez mais recetivos à incorporação de novos alimentos na sua dieta, especialmente se forem considerados saudáveis e sustentáveis. A procura global por alimentos à base de algas tem vindo a aumentar, sendo as algas cada vez mais consumidas, tanto pelos seus benefícios nutricionais e para a saúde, como pelas suas vantagens tecnológicas. Nos últimos anos, verifica-se o aumento...