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Research Project
Health Sciences Research Centre
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Publications
The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line
Publication . Gonçalves, Joana; Cascalheira, José; Valentão, Patrícia; Luís, Ângelo; Gallardo, Eugenia; Duarte, Ana Paula
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,Ndimethyltryptamine.
When combined with β-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine
oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein
diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS Ucells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.
Lignin-enriched tricalcium phosphate/sodium alginate 3D scaffolds for application in bone tissue regeneration
Publication . Barroso, A.S. Silva; Cabral, Cátia S. D.; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André F.; Correia, I.J.
The bone is a connective, vascularized, and mineralized tissue that confers protection to organs, and participates in the support and locomotion of the human body, maintenance of homeostasis, as well as in hematopoiesis. However, throughout the lifetime, bone defects may arise due to traumas (mechanical fractures), diseases, and/or aging, which when too extensive compromise the ability of the bone to self-regenerate. To surpass such clinical situation, different therapeutic approaches have been pursued. Rapid prototyping techniques using composite materials (consisting of ceramics and polymers) have been used to produce customized 3D structures with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. In order to reinforce the mechanical and osteogenic properties of these 3D structures, herein, a new 3D scaffold was produced through the layer-by-layer deposition of a tricalcium phosphate (TCP), sodium alginate (SA), and lignin (LG) mixture using the Fab@Home 3D-Plotter. Three different TCP/LG/SA formulations, LG/SA ratio 1:3, 1:2, or 1:1, were produced and subsequently evaluated to determine their suitability for bone regeneration. The physicochemical assays demonstrated that the LG inclusion improved the mechanical resistance of the scaffolds, particularly in the 1:2 ratio, since a 15 % increase in the mechanical strength was observed. Moreover, all TCP/LG/SA formulations showed an enhanced wettability and maintained their capacity to promote the osteoblasts' adhesion and proliferation as well as their bioactivity (formation of hydroxyapatite crystals). Such results support the LG inclusion and application in the development of 3D scaffolds aimed for bone regeneration.
Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)–IR780 conjugate nanoparticles for breast cancer phototherapy
Publication . Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Melo, Bruna L.; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André; Correia, I.J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte
Conventional anticancer approaches are often associated with severe side
effects. Herein, the authors assembled a novel nanoparticle whose therapeutic effect is triggered by laser
light. In in vitro assays, the produced nanomaterial was able to, after interacting with laser light, reduce
the viability of classic and advanced cancer models. In these conditions, but in the absence of laser light,
no cytotoxicity was observed. In this way, the on-demand effect (triggered by laser light) may contribute
to reduced side effects. Moreover, the produced nanoparticle revealed good stability, which is important
for its future translation.
The Effect of Food Processing on the Antioxidant Properties of Ipomoea batatas
Publication . Alves, Tiago; Luís, Ângelo; Duarte, Ana Paula
It is known that heat treatment can lead to physical and chemical changes that can decrease or alter the properties of food. This work evaluated the influence on the antioxidant activity of boiling, pressure, and microwave cooking processes on three selected sweet potato varieties (purple, orange, and yellow). The samples were analyzed for total phenols and anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. The cooking water of the boiling and pressure processing were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the purple sweet potato had better phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity profiles than the other varieties studied. On the other hand, the yellow sweet potato was the variety that showed the lowest antioxidant activity after applying the different culinary processes. Microwave processing, particularly when applied to purple sweet potato samples, seemed to be the most suitable cooking process to extract the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. Related to the cooking water, there were discrepancies between the behavior of different sweet potato varieties, since not all the samples followed similar profiles. In conclusion, it is necessary to study sweet potatoes processed through various cooking methods for antioxidant properties and other characteristics, such as texture, flavor, and nutritional value.
Optimization of Whey Protein-Based Films Incorporating Foeniculum vulgare Mill: Essential Oil
Publication . Pedro, Salomé; Pereira, L.; Domingues, F.C.; Ramos, Ana; Luís, Ângelo
Petroleum-based plastics used in food packaging are not biodegradable. They accumulate in the environment in large amounts, causing a decrease in soil fertility, jeopardizing marine habitats, and causing serious problems to human health. Whey protein has been studied for applications in food packaging, either because of its abundant availability or because it confers transparency, flexibility, and good barrier properties to packaging materials. Taking advantage of whey protein to produce new food packaging materials is a clear example of the so-called circular economy. The present work focuses on optimizing the formulation of whey protein concentrate-based films to enhance their general mechanical properties applying the Box–Behnken experimental design. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) essential oil (EO) was incorporated into the optimized films, which were then further characterized. The incorporation of fennel EO in the films leads to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in peak elongation (from 14.03 to 31.61%) and tensile index (from 0.40 to 0.50 N.m/g). The optimized whey protein films were yellowish and very transparent (>90%). The results of the bioactive activities of the optimized films showed their ability to be applied as active materials for food packaging to improve the shelf-life of food products and also to prevent foodborne diseases associated with the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
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Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UIDB/00709/2020