Research Lab

Molecular Biophysics

29671

Lab Members

Research Interests

The Molecular Biophysics Lab uses a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods to study enzyme mechanisms and characterize active centers and reaction intermediates.

Enzymes studied include iron storage and detoxification enzymes of the ferritin family as well as other carboxylate-bridged di-iron containing proteins and cage proteins. Additionally, the biologic effect of ionizing radiation in macromolecules, particularly metalloenzymes, has been under study. Recently, collaborative efforts with industrial partners resulted in new applied research in Moringa oleifera plant system. The effect of biological molecules in consolidation and formulation of construction materials has also been investigated.

Research Highlights

Looking at architecture, dynamics & interactions of life’s molecules via biophysical properties

Dps proteins are designed to protect cells from oxidative stress conditions. Being almost ubiquitous to Bacteria and Archaea, Dps proteins were characterized from over 60 microorganisms and several thousands of homologous genes annotated in current genomic databases. With a cage-like structure built by twelve identical monomers, it can perform fast oxidation of ferrous ions using different co-substrate and subsequent iron mineralization. Additionaly, Dps possesses a DNA binding and protection funcion. The 12-mer cage can be used to develop new supramolecular assembly complexes that retain secondary structure while enhancing iron uptake function.

Representative Projects

“MOR2020 - Valorization of the protein fraction from Moringa oleifera”, FCT-MCTES, Total funding: €239,421, Unit funding: €116,591, Pedro Tavares (PI).

Selected Publications

Correia, A; Costa, CP; Silva, V; Silva, R; Lobo, JMS; Silva, AC. 2020. Pessaries containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for prolonged vaginal delivery of progesterone. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 153, DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105475

Pereira, A; Silva, L; Laranjeiro, C; Lino, C; Pena, A. 2020. Selected Pharmaceuticals in Different Aquatic Compartments: Part I-Source, Fate and Occurrence. MOLECULES, 25, DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051026

Pacheco, MR; Jacinto, JP; Penas, D; Calmeiro, T; Almeida, AV; Colaco, M; Fortunato, E; Jones, NC; Hoffmann, SV; Pereira, MMA; Tavares, P; Pereira, AS. 2020. Supramolecular protein polymers using mini-ferritin Dps as the building block. ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY, 18, DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01702g

Pereira, A; Silva, L; Laranjeiro, C; Lino, C; Pena, A. 2020. Selected Pharmaceuticals in Different Aquatic Compartments: Part II-Toxicity and Environmental Risk Assessment. MOLECULES, 25, DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081796

García-González, Julia; Pereira, Alice S; Lemos, Paulo C; Almeida, Nídia; Silva, Vítor; Candeias, Antonio; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Faria, Paulina. 2020. Effect of surface biotreatments on construction materials. CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 241, DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118019