| #1 | |
| Acronym | Brain Sense |
| Coordinator | Inês Mendes Pinto |
| Abstract | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and potentially debilitating autoimmune neurodegenerative with an EU incidence rate of 83/100 000; which translates to a large economic burden. MS diagnosis and treatment is challenging as presentation and effective treatment can vary greatly among patients and subtypes. Currently, diagnosis relies on neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral spinal fluid analysis and clinical differential diagnosis to exclude other MS mimicking disorders. BrainSense is a first in class miniaturized biosensor technology for personalized minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of MS. Achieved through the multiplexed detection of a panel of MS relevant molecular biomarkers, from a finger prick blood draw or saliva, and subsequent analysis through an AI driven risk algorithm. BrainSense aims to shift the paradigm of MS diagnosis by reaching a faster MS diagnosis, reducing patient suffering and reducing MS costs to health system and society. |
| Video link | https://youtu.be/LcLnITSGK-M |
| #2 | |
| Acronym | deepMycoDiv |
| Coordinator | Zach Hensel |
| Abstract | Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and identifying novel antibiotic therapy to target Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an urgent global health priority. The deepMycoDiv project will address this priority by developing and disseminating methods for characterizing protein-protein interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins that are essential for virulence. Recent advances in protein structure prediction, such as AlphaFold2 in 2021, have made it possible to rapidly predict the structures of protein-protein interactions. The deepMycoDiv project combines a synthetic biology approach with fluorescence microscopy to quantify predicted protein-protein interactions and ultimately their inhibition by novel antibiotics. |
| Video link | https://youtu.be/ZpQtLQXceOs |
| #3 | |
| Acronym | TheGrowingFridge |
| Coordinator | Renato Pereira |
| Abstract | Intensification of agriculture results in consumptions of about 70% of the available freshwater resources worldwide. Main challenges are to modernize agriculture and reduce the amount of water used in crop production. Prices are increasing as it becomes more difficult to grow crops, due to more extreme weather events. There is a need for sustainable urban food. A new method that could potentially meet these demands is vertical farming. TheGrowingFridge provides you a with complete, autonomous and familiar way to grow your edible plants and vegetables inside your own house. You don't have to worry with the lack of windows, watering neglect, nutrition, ... TheGrowingFridge does all of that for you. You only have to worry about collecting and enjoy your own food. Save time, money and our planet! TheGrowingFridge can be installed fashionably in every person's home and can also be used for supermarkets to grow their own products. |
| Video link | https://vimeo.com/767500807 |
| #4 | |
| Acronym | EARLY |
| Coordinator | Ivone Marisa Pereira Martins |
| Abstract | Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder causing degeneration of brain cells, resulting in dementia, a condition that causes a decline in thinking, behavior and social skills, with a social-economic burden. In our brains, a small amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide can aggregate into soluble oligomers and fibrils, to finally deposit in insoluble plaques. Even though the increased deposition of plaques is a main hallmark of AD, it is the still-soluble oligomers that impair synaptic function. There are no effective agents for AD prevention or treatment and, we lack the tools to detect AD at the earliest stages of the disease, before symptoms onset. EARLY is a diagnostic tool able to detect the early and toxic oligomeric species of Aβ and also showed to inhibit this protein aggregation what may halt or avoid disease progression. EARLY will promote healthy aging by reducing mortality and morbidity associated with AD, with positive impact on healthcare systems, society and economy. |
| Video link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKwzedNq32Q |
| #5 | |
| Acronym | MBP BioTech |
| Coordinator | Sara Cunha |
| Abstract | MBP BioTech is a business idea that aims to valorize marine waste and undervalued species by transforming them into extracts with unique characteristics, that can be marketed as multifunctional ingredients for food, cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries. The developed technology is food grade and does not lead to the production of new waste, since all the generated products have bioactive and functional properties useful for food and cosmetic industries. Each marine source used will result in ingredients with different properties, which will be directed to the most appropriate final application, according to the multifunctionality presented. MBP BioTech produces multifunctional and totally sustainable bioactive extracts through green processes (low environmental impact) and reusing marine waste. The produced ingredients respond to the demand of food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries for new markets, mainly due to their exclusive, natural and sustainable origin. |
| Video link | https://youtu.be/qEkJYWkVnHc |
| #6 | |
| Acronym | HydroPLUS |
| Coordinator | Helena Moreira |
| Abstract | The agricultural sector is currently facing several challenges resulting from improper soil management and climate change. An approach to steer sustainable fertility management and soil water conservation is the use of microbial-enriched hydrogels as biofertilizers. We propose a new superabsorbent biodegradable hydrogel - HydroPLUS – made from a potato peel, a relevant waste from the food industry, enclosing beneficial microorganisms, namely plant-growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The microbial consortia were designed to help replenishing soil nutrients and increasing crop productivity, while improving plants' resistance to drought. The potatopeel- based polymer will serve as an effective and protective carrier for microorganisms, extending the product's shelf-life and favoring their slow release to the soil. HydroPLUS tackle the needs of the new regenerative agriculture paradigm, which intends to strengthen soil’s health while improving crop growth. It also fills a commercial gap in the biofertilizers market. |
| Video link | https://youtu.be/3Yjm1iJ23AM |