BBRG
Research Group
BBRG - Bioprocess and Bionanotechnology
Leading Scientist
The increasing demands of a rising population contributes to the escalation of industrial sectors. However, these industrial activities often generate hazardous wastes, posing serious threats to the environment and biodiversity.
For the past decade, the Bioprocesses and Bionanotechnology Research Group (BBRG) has been deeply committed to leveraging biotechnology, nanotechnology, and computational chemistry. Their primary goal has been to minimize industries' environmental impact, by promoting sustainable practices, extending their ground-breaking work into healthcare.
The team's research has contributed to the development of biocompatible nanomaterials, which hold immense potential in revolutionizing drug delivery systems and innovating cosmeceuticals. Notably, their efforts led to the establishment of Solfarcos, a spin-off company from UMinho, dedicated to biotechnology-driven solutions for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
A significant part of their research revolves around exploring the applications of native or engineered proteins and peptides in several industries like cosmetics, leading to the creation of high-value products. For instance, their research on the laccase enzyme focuses on improving the properties of phenolic compounds, by enhancing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, through polymerization.
Another pivotal area of BBRG’s research involves the development of functional materials and formulations for delivering pharmacological compounds or bioactive ingredients. The group has developed expertise in producing nano and microparticles from lipids, peptides, and polymers. Noteworthy advancements include functionalized liposomes currently undergoing human clinical trials for targeted methotrexate delivery to treat rheumatoid arthritis, while various cosmetic formulations facilitate the topical delivery of bioactive molecules.
A current major research focus is innovating hair care cosmetics that repair hair damage, and control hair shape and colour by targeting either the hair fibre or its root. This work relies on protein/peptide engineering and hair follicle biology, assisted by molecular and cell biology for the development of the best in vitro methods, eliminating the need for animal testing.
Molecular modelling (MM) techniques, including molecular dynamics, docking, quantum calculations, and AI tools play a pivotal role in understanding enzymatic activity, protein/peptide engineering, exploring nanoformulations, and skin/hair research. MM customizes peptides/proteins for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, creating new formulations and drug delivery systems. These computational approaches complement experimental procedures, unveiling intricate molecular processes at the nanoscale level.
Highlights
Filipa Gonçalves @ RUM: intelligent textiles
- November 07, 2019
- RUM
Podcast do programa UM I&D na Rádio Universitária do Minho
Hair Cosmetic Technology created at CEB help to raise venture capital support
- August 20, 2020
- San Francisco, CA, USA
K18Peptide is powered by a patented biomimetic keratin peptide technology clinically proven to repair, strengthen and improve the elasticity of hair in four minutes.
Infarmed aproves clinical trials phase 1 in humans with liposomes containing methotextrate
- April 23, 2021
First liposomal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis passes phase I in Portuguese clinical trial
- October 13, 2021
- Braga
The first clinical trial in healthy volunteers that aimed at the evaluation of safety and tolerability of a liposomal formulation with targeted delivery of methotrexate ended successfully in mid-September.
SUSTAINABILITY AND NATURE in the creation of value-added cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients
- November 01, 2022
- Revista do Agricultor
The greater awareness of consumers about the environmental impact is reflected in the cosmetic industry and is decisive when choosing
Scientist from Paços de Ferreira “plays” with cells and manages to change the hair shape and color without using chemicals
- February 06, 2023
- https://www.verdadeiroolhar.pt/
"Everyone thought Teresa Matamá was going to be a doctor, but she always dreamed of finding answers to something that has no solution. And she did. She graduated in Biochemistry and is part of a team that led a project that could contribute to reducing cases of cancer in Portugal and in the world"
Technology created by the University of Minho lands at the hands of Unilever Beauty Prestige Group
- December 23, 2023
- Braga
Unilever acquired the K18 Hair Care brand. K18 is the rebrand name of Khairpep which was a spin-off of CEB.
CEB launches its first call for research projects intramural funding
- March 01, 2024
- CEB
The Center of Biological Engineering introduces intramural funding to support research projects aimed at securing external funding later. These projects, selected after international panels evaluation, offer opportunities for young PhD researchers to lead and develop their careers.
Recent Projects
SmartCAP
Implementation of hair bulb in vitro and ex vivo models to test potential antichemically induced alopecia preventive strategies
HairFolD
Formulations aimed at modulating hair color and shape from the root
KeraPep
New peptides to repair hair properties
ProLip-E2
Liposome production method for high encapsulation efficiencies
CEB is supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding UIDB/04469/2020.
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