Preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases: a new bioproduct with neuroprotective potential is about to emerge
The research project B4Brain, which aims to develop a new bioproduct with neuroprotective potential, was one of two projects selected in the 2nd edition of the competition for interdisciplinary research projects of the Porto Regional Centre.
The project, called "Bioproduct with preventive and therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases" (B4Brain) is coordinated by the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory (HNL) of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, aims to develop a new bioproduct (composed of bioactive molecules, obtained from algae) with neuroprotective potential, coupled with an innovative technology of delivery and release (encapsulation microtechnology) for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
As an interdisciplinary project involving different areas of knowledge, the Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the School of Biotechnology, the Institute of Bioethics (IB) and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CISS) of the Institute of Health Sciences are also part of the team.
The interdisciplinarity of the project lies in the pertinent connection between Psychology, Neurosciences and Biotechnology: according to Patrícia Batista, HNL researcher, "an interdisciplinary area in strong expansion."
"The use of natural products with preventive and therapeutic impact is a challenge we set ourselves, in order to impact physical and mental health, and committing ourselves to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the UN," she explains.
Patrícia Batista also states that this distinction proves that the Universidade Católica "supports, believes and recognises the value of this line of research and the commitment to innovate" and that it will allow "the start-up of the project and the creation of an initial foundation that will later allow the submission of calls with more competitive funding that will enable the full implementation of all phases of the project".
The next phases of the research are related, in the short term, to the selection and extraction of bioactive molecules from algae and, then, experimental designs will be carried out for the incorporation of these biomolecules in innovative technology of delivery and release (microencapsulation technology). At the same time, algae companies will be contacted so that effective partnerships can be developed to carry out the project.
The competition, promoted by the Porto Regional Centre, aims to provide funding for interdisciplinary research projects at the Universidade Católica, which, in this context, is defined as any project whose objective could not be achieved without the involvement of different areas of knowledge. The 2nd edition distinguished, in addition to the HNL project, a project from the Centre for Studies in Management and Economics, focused on the theme of green public policies.