???global.info.a_carregar???
Rita Susana Rosa Branco. Completed the Doutoramento in Bioquímica in 2009/07/24 by Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Mestrado in Biologia Celular in 2003 by Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia and Licenciatura in Bioquímica in 1999 by Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia. Is Contracted Researcher in Universidade de Coimbra. Published 29 articles in journals. Has 1 section(s) of books. Organized 6 event(s). Participated in 8 event(s). Co-supervised 2 PhD thesis(es). Supervised 1 MSc dissertation(s) e co-supervised 5. Supervised 1 work(s) of course completion of LSc/BSc e co-supervised 1. Has received 5 awards and/or honors. Participates and/or participated as PhD Student Fellow in 1 project(s), Post-doc Fellow in 2 project(s), Principal investigator in 1 project(s), Researcher in 16 project(s) and Supervisor in 1 project(s). Works in the area(s) of Natural sciences with emphasis on Earth and Environmental Sciences with emphasis on Environmental Sciences, Natural sciences with emphasis on Biological Sciences with emphasis on Microbiology, Engineering and Technology with emphasis on Environmental Biotechnology with emphasis on Environmental Biotechnology, Engineering and Technology with emphasis on Environmental Biotechnology with emphasis on Bioremediation, Natural sciences with emphasis on Biological Sciences with emphasis on Biochemistry, Natural sciences with emphasis on Biological Sciences with emphasis on Microbiology, Agrarian Sciences with emphasis on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with emphasis on Agriculture, Natural sciences with emphasis on Biological Sciences with emphasis on Molecular Biology and Engineering and Technology with emphasis on Materials Engineering with emphasis on Materials Engineering.
Read full resume ↓
Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Rita Susana Rosa Branco

Citation names

  • Branco, Rita

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
BD11-2418-AE1D
ORCID iD
0000-0003-0291-8029

Knowledge fields

  • Natural sciences - Earth and Environmental Sciences - Environmental Sciences
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Microbiology
  • Engineering and Technology - Environmental Biotechnology - Environmental Biotechnology
  • Engineering and Technology - Environmental Biotechnology - Bioremediation
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Microbiology
  • Agrarian Sciences - Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - Agriculture
  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Molecular Biology
  • Engineering and Technology - Materials Engineering - Materials Engineering

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
English Intermediate (B1) Intermediate (B1) Intermediate (B1) Intermediate (B1)
French Beginner (A1) Beginner (A1) Beginner (A1) Beginner (A1)
Education
Degree Classification
2009/07/24
Concluded
 Bioquímica (Doutoramento)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Heavy metal resistance mechanisms in species Ochrobactrum tritici: the case of arsenic and chromium" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Excellent
2003
Concluded
 Biologia Celular (Mestrado)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Estudo da capacidade de resistência a Cr(VI) da estirpe Ochrobactrum tritici" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Very Good
1999
Concluded
 Bioquímica (Licenciatura)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Estudo de uma comunidade microbiana resistente a Cr(VI)" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Good
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2019/01/02 - Current Contracted Researcher (Research) Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
(...)
2010/01/01 - 2018/12/31 Postdoc (Research) Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal

Teaching in Higher Education

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2019/09 - 2020/08 Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, Portugal
Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, Portugal
2015/09/01 - 2019/08/31 Invited Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
2008/12/01 - 2013/06/30 Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal
Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal

Others

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2013/01/01 - 2013/03/01 Special Foreign Researcher EMBRAPA Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Agrobiologia, Brazil
EMBRAPA Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Agrobiologia, Brazil
2007/01/15 - 2007/09/15 Graduated Researcher Brown University, United States
Brown University Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, United States
2003/01/01 - 2006/12/31 PhD student Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
1999/09/01 - 2002/12/31 Master Student Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2000/01/01 - 2001/12/31 Lab Technician IAV- Instituto Ambiente e Vida, Portugal
1998/09/01 - 1999/07/31 Undergraduated Training Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2020/01/01 - Current Unravelling Biological Interactions of Yttrium for Developing Recovery Strategies Contributing to a Circular Economy Concept
SFRH/BD/147292/2019
Supervisor
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2015/07/01 - 2018/12/31 Biotechnological environmentally friendly strategies for recovery of critical elements
SFRH/BPD/110807/2015
Post-doc Fellow
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2010/01/01 - 2015/06/30 ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: FROM METAL PREDICTION TO BIOREMEDIATION
FRH/BPD/48330/2008
Post-doc Fellow
Instituto do Mar, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2003/01/01 - 2006/12/31 Mechanisms of resistance to heavy metals in species Ochrobactrum tritici: the case of arsenic and chromate
SFRH/BD/10737/2002
PhD Student Fellow
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Contract

Designation Funders
2020 - 2023 R&D Unit Funding - CEMMPRE
UID/EMS/00285/2020
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2019 - 2023 Biorecover – Development of an innovative sustainable strategy for selective biorecover of critical raw materials from Primary and Secondary sources
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/821096/EU
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
Ongoing
2018/07/26 - 2022/07/25 MicroMineR-Microbiological technologies in mining and recycling of high-tech critical metals
PTDC/CTA-AMB/31820/2017
Principal investigator
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2020/07 - 2021/06 Avaliação da Eficácia de Descontaminação e Segurança de Reutilização de Aparelhos de Proteção Respiratória (APR)
RESEARCH 4 COVID-19-FCT395
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Concluded
2016 - 2020/01/31 SafeSurf-Light activated permanent antimicrobial surfaces
PTDC/CTMPOL/6138/2014
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2016/06/01 - 2019/05/31 BIOCriticalMetals - Recognition of microbial functional communities and assessment of the mineralizing potential (bioleaching) for high-tech critical metals
ERAMIN/0002/2015
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
Concluded
2016 - 2019 PTW-Biotools for a sustainable supply of tungsten - from biodetection to bioleaching and biorecovery.
PTDC/AAG-REC/3839/2014
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2017 - 2018 Geomicrobiological tools for the recovery of resources from industrial residual fluxes (Ferramentas geomicrobiológicas para recuperação de recursos a partir de fluxos de resíduos industriais)
A-02/17
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Concluded
2015 - 2017 Financiamento da Unidade I&D Centro de Engenharia Mecânica (UID/SEM/00285/2013). Programa de Financiamento Plurianual de Unidades de I&D (FCT)
UID/SEM/00285/2013
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2012 - 2014 FitoSensor – Plantas sensoras de contaminação ambiental por cromo
400756/2012-9
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal
 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Concluded
2010 - 2013 HotMetal- Exploiting marine hydrothermal spots for diversity of metal resistance-strategies together with antibiotic resistance dissemination
FCT-PTDC/MAR/109057/2008
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2010 - 2013 ArsTool - Construction of a bioaccumulator for bioremediation of arsenic
PTDC/BIA-MIC/114958/2009
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2010 - 2013 BxTOXIC-Identification of genetic determinants from endophytic bacteria involved in nematodes infectivity in PWD
PTDC/AGR-CFL/115373/2009
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2006 - 2008 ASensor-small and robust tool for arsenic environmental monitoring
FCT-POCTI/AMB/60909/2004
Researcher
Instituto do Ambiente e Vida, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2003 - 2006 Caracterização de bactérias adaptadas a ambientes poluídos:perspectiva de novas ferramentas de monitorização e bioremediação
POCTI/BSE/42414/2001
Researcher
IAV- Instituto Ambiente e Vida, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
1999 - 2002 Bacteria adapted to chromium-polluted biotopes
FCT-POCTI/13166/1998
Researcher
IAV- Instituto Ambiente e Vida, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Other

Designation Funders
2023 - Current MSSHBioCem – Mortar Surface Self-Healing via high-performance Biocemen (Auto-Reparação de Superfícies de Argamassa usando um Biocimento de Elevado Desempenho)
2022.03631.PTDC
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2022 - Current AM2R - Mobilizing Agenda for business innovation in the Two Wheels sector
Project No. 7253
Researcher
Ongoing
2022 - Current Agenda for Microeletronics
Project n.º8000
Researcher
Ongoing
2021 - Current ARISE Al - Produção Avançada e Sistemas Inteligentes - Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems.
LA/P/0112/2020
Researcher
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2020/11 - Current REVIVING - revisiting mine tailings to innovate metals biorecovery
ERA-MIN2 ID:62
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2022 - 2023 SUSTe - Development of SUStainable and integrative bioprocess for the recovery of Tellurium-based nanoparticles from photovoltaic wastes
SUSTE
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Concluded
2015 - 2017 COMMITMENT EIP-Raw Material BioAlMinore-Innovative bio-mining and bio-mineralization technologies applied to extraction of low-grade ores deposits, mine by-products and recycling of man-made products
BioAlMinore
Researcher
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. P. Piedade, Ana; Romeu, Francisco; Branco, Rita; V. Morais, Paula. "Thin Films for Medical and Environmental Applications". In Thin Film Synthesis and Application for Medical and Biological Use [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2018.
    Published • 10.5772/intechopen.80021
Conference abstract
  1. E. Laroche,; L. Spadini; L. Oxarango; P. Morais; Branco, Rita; A. Crouzet; J. Martins. "Microbial leaching of metals: a nature based solution for recovering critical metals from mine waste.". Gothenburg, 2024.
  2. Coimbra Carina; Branco, Rita; Morais P.V. "Whole-genome transcriptional analysis of yttrium stress in strain Mesorhizobium quingshengii J19". Hamburg, 2023.
  3. Branco, Rita; Morais PV. "Bacterial strategies to interact with metals: from mechanisms to applications". Paper presented in 3rd International Meeting on New Strategies in Bioremediation / Restoration Processes, 2023.
  4. Morais PV; Caldeira, Joana B.; Branco, Rita; Correia AA. "Biopolymer stabilization of bioleached mine residue to produce technosol". Paper presented in Biomining’23, 2023.
  5. Coimbra, Carina; Branco, Rita; Morais, PV. "Interaction of Mesorhizobium quingshengii J19 with high concentrations of yttrium". 2021.
  6. Joana B. Caldeira; Ana Paula Chung; Paula V. Morais; Rita Branco. "Impact of a DedA family protein in Indium Bioaccumulation by a Rhodanobacter sp. B2A1Ga4 strain". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, online, 2021.
  7. Carina Coimbra; Rita Branco; Paula V. Morais. "Interaction of Mesorhizobium quingshengii J19 with high concentrations of yttrium". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, online, 2021.
  8. Caldeira, Joana B.; Chung, A. P.; Morais, PV; Branco, Rita. "Impact of a DedA family protein in Indium Bioaccumulation by a Rhodanobacter sp. B2A1Ga4 strain.". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, 2021.
  9. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula. V.. "Importance of metal resistant genes in bacterial surviving in contaminated environments with toxic metal pollutants". Paper presented in IMPSG2020 (INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF THE PORTUGUESE SOCIETY OF GENETICS), Faro, 2020.
    Published
  10. Branco, Rita. "Critical metals accumulation by strain Serratia fonticola A3_242: unveling mechanisms of bacterium-metal interactions". Paper presented in Microbiotec19, Coimbra, 2019.
    Published
  11. Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Schwab, Stefan; Baldani, Ivo; Morais, Paula V.. "A host-carried Cr(VI) Whole-Cell Biosensor for detection of environmental contamination transfer to the food chain". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, Coimbra, 2019.
    Published
  12. Chung, A.P.; Coimbra, C.; Francisco, Romeu; Farias, Pedro; Branco, Rita; Simão, F.V.; Gomes, E.; et al. "Tailings microbial community profile and prediction of its functionality in basins of tungsten mine". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, Coimbra, 2019.
    Published
  13. Dias, Diana; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Piedade, A.P.. "Carbon nanocoatings: the new antibiotics?". Paper presented in Nanosmat 2016, 11th International Conference on Surfaces Coatings and Nanostructured Materials, Aveiro, 2016.
    Published
  14. Morais, Paula V.; Farias, Pedro; Santos, C.E; Branco, Rita; Francisco, Romeu. "Natural hotspots for multiple resistances gain: arsenic resistance in heterothrophic aerobic bacteria from marine hydrothermal vents". Paper presented in Microbiotec'13, Aveiro, 2013.
    Published
  15. Morais, Paula V.; Branco, Rita. "ChrB is the transcriptional regulator of chr determinant of TnOtChr from Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1". Paper presented in 8th Biometals, Brussels, 2012.
    Published
  16. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Whole-Cell Biosensors for the Detection of Chromate in Environmental Samples". Paper presented in MicroBiotec'11, Braga, 2011.
    Published
  17. Morais, Paula V.; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita. "Chromium resistance and reducing mechanisms in Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1: dissimilar effects of Cr(VI) species". Paper presented in 7th Biometals, Tucson, 2010.
    Published
  18. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Identification of a locus involved in arsenite oxidation in strain Ochrobactrum tritici.". Paper presented in 10th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, Corsica, 2008.
    Published
  19. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Identification of genes involved in chromium resistance in Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1 by transposon mutagenesis.". Paper presented in 9th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, Lisbon, 2006.
    Published
  20. de Jesus, Bruno; Branco, Rita; Natal-da-Luz, T.; Sousa, P.J.; Morais, Paula V. "Effect of activate sludge addition on the microbial activity of soil". Paper presented in 9th International Symposium on Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine, Lisbon, 2006.
    Published
  21. Branco, Rita; Francisco, Romeu; Morais, Paula V.; Alpoim, M.C.. "Diversidade Microbiológica de ambientes contaminados com crómio: fonte de enzimas para biorremediação (Microbiological diversity of contaminated environments with chromium: source of enzymes for biorremediation)". Paper presented in 9º National Encontro de Ecologia, organizado pela Sociedade Portuguesa de Ecologia (SPECO), Coimbra, 2004.
    Published
  22. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Veríssimo, A.; Morais, Paula V.. "Diversidade microbiológica ao longo de um curso de água contaminado com crómio". Paper presented in Encontro Anual da Sociedade Portuguesa da Ciência do Solo, Coimbra, 2003.
    Published
  23. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M.C.; Morais, Paula V.. "Redução de crómio hexavalente por uma estirpe bacteriana resistente a diversos metais pesados". Paper presented in Conferência Ibérica Sobre Protecção Ambiental – Interacção entre Química e Biologia, Viseu, 2001.
    Published
  24. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M.C.; Morais, P.V.. "New bacterium resistant to several metal ions and able to reduce hexavalent chromium". Paper presented in 6th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, San Juan, 2000.
    Published
Conference paper
  1. Paula V. Morais; Caldeira, Joana B.; Branco, Rita; António A. Correia. "Biopolymer stabilization of bioleached mine residue to produce technosol". 2023.
    Published
  2. Morais, Paula V; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita. "A biorremediação na recuperação de solos.". Paper presented in Workshop Economia Circular em Geotecnia Ambiental., Coimbra, 2017.
    Submitted
  3. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V. "Identification of genes involved in oxyanions resistance in Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1 by transposon mutagenesis". Paper presented in Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine, Lisbon, 2006.
    Published
  4. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula V. "Identification of different loci involved in arsenic resistance in one strain of Ochrobactrum tritici". Paper presented in 12th European Congress on Biotechnology, 2005.
    Published
  5. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Veríssimo, A.; Morais, Paula V.. "Bacteria diversity and function of a river impacted by chromium contaminated wastewaters". Paper presented in 8th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, 2004.
    Published
  6. Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Alpoim, M.C.. "Chromate reductase activity of Ochrobactrum tritici strain 5bvl1". Paper presented in 8th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, 2004.
    Published
Conference poster
  1. Carina Coimbra; Paula V Morais; Branco, Rita. Corresponding author: Branco, Rita. "Heterologous expression of a LanM homologous protein, from Mesorhizobium qingshengii, involved in yttrium immobilization". 2024.
  2. Pedro E. C. Nunes; Branco, Rita; Patrícia Pereira; Arménio C. Serra; Jorge F.J. Coelho; Paula V. Morais; Ana C. Fonseca. "Antimicrobial electropsun wound dressings based on poly(ester amides)s.". 2024.
  3. Branco, Rita; Margato, Diogo; Caldeira, Joana B.; Correia, AA; Morais, PV. "LEACHING TESTS AS PREDICTION MODELS IN MINE RESIDUE VALORISATION". Paper presented in MicroBiotec23, 2023.
  4. Coimbra, Carina; Branco, Rita; Morais , PV. "HETEROLOGOUS EXPRESSION OF A LANM HOMOLOGOUS, FROM STRAIN MESORHIZOBIUM QINGSHENGII J19, INVOLVED IN YTTRIUM IMMOBILIZATION". Paper presented in MicroBiotec23, 2023.
  5. Caldeira, Joana; Branco, Rita; Morais, PV. "BACTERIAL INTERACTIONS WITH VANADIUM: INSIGHTS OF TOLERANCE AND RESISTANCE MECHANISMS". Paper presented in MicroBiotec23, 2023.
  6. Branco, Rita; Morais PV; Ana Paula Chung. "Differential Production of Pigments by Rhodanobacter strains Under Metal Exposure". 2023.
  7. Caldeira, Joana B.; Correia AA; Branco, Rita; Morais PV. "Effect of biopolymer stabilization in mine residue previously biotreated". 2023.
  8. Morais PV; Caldeira, Joana B.; Chung AP; Francisco Romeu; Rito Beatriz; Branco, Rita. "Microbiome of mine residues and its role in heterotrophic bioleaching and recovery of critical metals". Paper presented in FEMS2023, 2023.
  9. Rito Beatriz; Francisco Romeu; Coimbra, Carina; Branco, Rita; Morais PV. "Effect of growth conditions on Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1 strain Rare Earth Elements immobilization capacity". Paper presented in FEMS2023, 2023.
  10. Costa Inês; Farias, Pedro; Ribeiro H; Morais, PV; Branco, Rita; Pereira, Jorge. "Extraction and purification of tellurium nanoparticles from bacterial biomass using biosolvents". 2022.
  11. Caldeira, Joana B.; Morais, PV; Branco, Rita. "A new role of DedA family protein in Indium Extrusion by a Rhodanobacter sp. strain". 2022.
  12. Branco, Rita; Morais, PV. "Enhanced Gallium and Indium Tolerance and Accumulation by Engineered Escherichia coli Cells Expressing Metallothioneins". 2022.
  13. Chung, A. P.; Francisco, Romeu; Morais, PV; Branco, Rita. "Genome mining to unravel potential metabolic pathways linked to gallium bioleaching ability of bacterial mine isolates". Paper presented in FEMS Conference on Microbiology, 2022.
  14. Roberta Lordelo; Marco Seabra Reis; Rita Branco; Paula V. Morais. Corresponding author: Rita Branco. "Assessing the microbiological efficacy of three scalable decontamination methods as a strategy to address the need for respiratory protective devices during a pandemic". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, 2021.
  15. Rita Branco; Paula V. Morais. "Overexpression of bacterial metallothioneins increases the Gallium and Indium recovery". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, 2021.
  16. Ana Paula Chung; Rita Branco; Paula V. Morais. "Comparative genomics of bacterial mine isolates to unravel metabolic features linked to gallium bioleaching ability". Paper presented in MicroBiotec21, 2021.
  17. Carina Coimbra; Branco, Rita; Paula V. Morais. "Yttrium removal by alpha-proteobacteria". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal, 2021.
  18. Roberta Lordelo; Marco S. Reis; Branco, Rita; Paula V. Morais. "Evaluation of the Decontamination Effectiveness of Three Decontamination Process in Respiratory Protective Devices". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal, 2021.
  19. Ana Paula Chung; Paula V. Morais; Rita Branco. "Gallium Mobilization by Autochthonous Bacteria from Different Portuguese Mines". Paper presented in World Microbe Forum, 2021.
  20. Coimbra, C.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Organization of tupBCA gene cluster of Sulfitobacter species: adapting to the environment". Paper presented in IMPSG2020 (INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF THE PORTUGUESE SOCIETY OF GENETICS), 2020.
  21. Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula V; Branco, Rita. "Bioleaching of Gallium by bacteria isolated from two different Portuguese mines". Paper presented in Microbiotec19, 2019.
  22. Coimbra, C.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Expressing of TupBCA from Sulfitobacter dubius for a better W accumulation in Escherichia coli cells". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, 2019.
  23. Caldeira, Joana B.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Unravelling mechanisms involved in critical metal resistance by the strain Rhodanobacter thiooxydans B2A1Ga4". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, 2019.
  24. Almeida, Mariana Cruz; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Response to vanadate toxicity in Ochrobactrum tritici strains". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, 2019.
  25. Lordelo, Roberta; Farias, Pedro; Branco, Rita; Gama, Fernando; Morais, Paula V.. "Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae traits may determine the presence of these species in the hospital microbiome". Paper presented in MicroBiotec19, 2019.
  26. Branco, Rita; Coimbra, C.; Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula V.. "Bioleaching potential of non-acidophilic bacteria from Panasqueira mine in Fundao – Portugal". Paper presented in MicroBiotec17, 2017.
  27. Moens, M.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "A contribution to reducing arsenic concentrations in crops. Inoculation of hyperaccumulating Ochrobactrum tritici strain in rice plants reduce arsenic uptake". Paper presented in MicroBiotec17, 2017.
  28. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula V.. "Two new species of Rhodobacter isolated from water of a former uranium mine". Paper presented in MicroBiotec17, 2017.
  29. Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Schawb, S.; Baldani, I.; Morais, Paula V.. "Impact of bacteria Cr(VI)-biosensor on plant growth and functionality of plant-bacteria systems under contamination". Paper presented in MicroBiotec17, 2017.
  30. Branco, Rita; Sousa, T.; Piedade, A.P.; Morais, Paula V.. "Bioengineered Ochrobactrum tritici As5 immobilization in PTFE thin films for arsenite bioremediation". Paper presented in MicroBiotec15, 2015.
  31. Coimbra, C.; Farias, Pedro; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Characterization of tungsten uptake in marine bacteria from hydrothermal vents". Paper presented in MicroBiotec15, 2015.
  32. Branco, Rita; Coelho, Catarina; Natal-da-Luz, T.; Sousa, J.P.; Morais, Paula V.. "Evaluation of two biosensors to measure chromate concentration and to assess ecotoxicity of soils". Paper presented in 16th European Congress on Biotecnology, 2014.
  33. Sousa, T.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Hyperaccumulation of arsenic in mutants of Ochrobactrum tritici silenced for arsenite efflux pumps (ArsB and ACR3)". Paper presented in MicroBiotec13, 2013.
  34. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Molecular characterization of the transcriptional regulator ChrB from Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1". Paper presented in MicroBiotec13, 2013.
  35. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Characterization of bacterial bioreporters and its application in environmental analyses". Paper presented in 5th International Symposium on Biosorption and Bioremediation, 2012.
  36. Branco, Rita; Gurel, V.; Zhitkovich, A.; Morais, Paula. V.. "Characterization of a chrBACF determinant of transposon TnOtChr from Ochrobactrum tritici strain 5bvl1". Paper presented in 6th Biometals, 2008.
  37. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula V.. "Sequencing and expression of two arsenic resistance operons identified in strain Ochrobactrum tritici SCII24T". Paper presented in 2nd FEMS Congress of European Microbiologists, 2006.
  38. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Morais, Paula. V.. "Identification of different loci involved in arsenic resistance in one strain of Ochrobactrum tritici". Paper presented in 12th European Congress on Biotechnology, 2005.
  39. Branco, Rita; Chung, A.P.; Veríssimo, A.; Morais, Paula V.. "Bacteria diversity and function of a river impacted by chromium contaminated wastewaters". Paper presented in 8th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, 2004.
  40. Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Veríssimo, P.; Morais, Paula V.; Alpoim, M.C.. "Chromate reductase activity of Ochrobactrum tritici strain 5bvl1". Paper presented in 8th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine, 2004.
  41. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M.C.; Madeira, V.M.C; Morais, Paula. V.. "Physiologic studies in Cr(VI)-resistant and Cr(VI)-reducing Ochrobactrum sp. 5bvl1". Paper presented in 1st FEMS Congress of European Microbiologists, 2003.
  42. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M.C.; Madeira, V.M.C; Morais, Paula V.. "Physiologic studies in Cr(VI)-resistant and Cr(VI)-reducing Ochrobactrum sp. 5bvl1". Paper presented in 7th International Symposium on Metal in Biology and Medicine. San Pitersburg. Russia, 2002.
  43. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M.C.; Morais, Paula V.. "An Ochrobactrum like strain resistant to several metal ions and able to reduce hexavalent chromium". Paper presented in Micro’99. Congresso Nacional de Microbiologia. Luso. Portugal, 1999.
Journal article
  1. Coimbra, Carina; Velizarov, Svetlozar; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Crespo, João G.. Corresponding author: Branco, Rita. "Donnan dialytic transport and biological removal of yttrium from multi-element solutions". Separation and Purification Technology 354 (2025): 129460. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129460.
    Published • 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129460
  2. Fernandes, Mónica C. S.; Branco, Rita; Pereira, Patrícia; Coelho, Jorge F. J.; Morais, Paula V.; Serra, Arménio C.. "Antimicrobial Activity of Copolymer Structures from Bio-Based Monomers". Biomacromolecules (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01203.
    10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01203
  3. Caldeira, Joana B.; Correia, António A.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "The effect of biopolymer stabilisation on biostimulated or bioaugmented mine residue for potential technosol production". Scientific Reports 14 1 (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75840-0.
    Published • 10.1038/s41598-024-75840-0
  4. Coimbra, Carina; Morais, Paula V.; Branco, Rita. "Iron homeostasis as a cell detoxification mechanism in Mesorhizobium qingshengii J19 under yttrium exposure". Frontiers in Microbiology 15 (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467386.
    Published • 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467386
  5. Coimbra, Carina; Branco, Rita; da Silva, Pedro S P; Paixão, José A; Martins, Jean M F; Spadini, Lorenzo; Morais, Paula V. "Yttrium immobilization through biomineralization with phosphate by the resistant strain Mesorhizobium qingshengii J19". Journal of Applied Microbiology 135 7 (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxae156.
    Published • 10.1093/jambio/lxae156
  6. Lordelo, Roberta; Branco, Rita; Gama, Fernando; Morais, Paula V.. Corresponding author: Branco, Rita. "Assessment of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and surface modification potential in hospital strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae". Heliyon 10 9 (2024): e30464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30464.
    10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30464
  7. Vaz, Luís M.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Guiomar, António Jorge. "Sterilized Polyhexanide-Releasing Chitosan Membranes with Potential for Use in Antimicrobial Wound Dressings". Membranes 13 11 (2023): 877. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/membranes13110877.
    Published • 10.3390/membranes13110877
  8. Pereira, Vanessa A.; Mendonça, Patrícia V.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Coelho, Jorge F.J.; Serra, Arménio C.. "Bioactive surfaces with well-defined amphiphilic copolymers containing a natural terpene-based monomer". Progress in Organic Coatings 183 (2023): 107791. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2023.107791.
    Published • 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2023.107791
  9. Correia, António A. S.; Caldeira, Joana B.; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Enhancing the Strength of Mine Residue Soil by Bioremediation Combined with Biopolymers". Applied Sciences 13 18 (2023): 10550. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app131810550.
    Published • 10.3390/app131810550
  10. Rito, Beatriz; Almeida, Diogo; Coimbra, Carina; Vicente, Diogo; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Weigand, Harald; Morais, Paula Vasconcelos. "Post-measurement compressed calibration for ICP-MS-based metal quantification in mine residues bioleaching". Scientific Reports 12 1 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19620-8.
    Published • 10.1038/s41598-022-19620-8
  11. Chung, Ana Paula; Francisco, Romeu; Morais, Paula V.; Branco, Rita. "Genome mining to unravel potential metabolic pathways linked to gallium bioleaching ability of bacterial mine isolates". Frontiers in Microbiology 13 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.970147.
    Published • 10.3389/fmicb.2022.970147
  12. Paula, Carlos T.B.; Madeira, Ana B.; Pereira, Patrícia; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.; Coelho, Jorge F.J.; Fonseca, Ana C.; Serra, Arménio C.. "ROS-degradable PEG-based wound dressing films with drug release and antibacterial properties". European Polymer Journal 177 (2022): 111447. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111447.
    10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111447
  13. Caldeira, Joana B.; Chung, Ana Paula; Piedade, Ana Paula; Morais, Paula V.; Branco, Rita. Corresponding author: Branco, Rita. "A DedA Family Membrane Protein in Indium Extrusion in Rhodanobacter sp. B2A1Ga4". Frontiers in Microbiology 12 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.772127.
    Open access • Published • 10.3389/fmicb.2021.772127
  14. Joana B. Caldeira; Ana Paula Chung; Paula V. Morais; Rita Branco. "Relevance of FeoAB system in Rhodanobacter sp. B2A1Ga4 resistance to heavy metals, aluminium, gallium, and indium". Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 105 8 (2021): 3301-3314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-021-11254-6.
    10.1007/s00253-021-11254-6
  15. Santos, Madson R. E.; Mendonça, Patrícia V.; Branco, Rita; Sousa, Ruben; Dias, Carla; Serra, Arménio C.; Fernandes, José R.; et al. "Light-Activated Antimicrobial Surfaces Using Industrial Varnish Formulations to Mitigate the Incidence of Nosocomial Infections". ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c18930.
    Published • 10.1021/acsami.0c18930
  16. Caldeira, Joana B.; Paula V. Morais; Branco, Rita. "Exploiting the biological response of two Serratia fonticola strains to the critical metals, gallium and indium". Scientific reports 10 (2020): 20348.
    Open access • Published
  17. Piedade, A.P.; Pinho, A.C.; Branco, R.; Morais, P.V.. "Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of ZnO based nanocomposites for the coating of non-critical equipment in medical-care facilities". Applied Surface Science 513 (2020): 145818. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.145818.
    Published • 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.145818
  18. Piedade, A.P.; Dias, D.; Branco, R.; Morais, P.V.. "Unsaturated carbon linear chains created during bacteria incubation with amorphous carbon thin films produced by a clean technology". Journal of Cleaner Production 249 (2020): 119363. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119363.
    Published • 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119363
  19. Almeida, Mariana Cruz; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Response to vanadate exposure in Ochrobactrum tritici strains". PLOS ONE 15 2 (2020): e0229359. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229359.
    Open access • Published • 10.1371/journal.pone.0229359
  20. Moens, Merijn; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Arsenic accumulation by a rhizosphere bacterial strain Ochrobactrum tritici reduces rice plant arsenic levels". World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 36 2 (2020): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11274-020-2800-0.
    10.1007/s11274-020-2800-0
  21. Chung, Ana Paula; Coimbra, Carina; Farias, Pedro; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Simão, Francisco V.; Gomes, Elsa; et al. "Tailings microbial community profile and prediction of its functionality in basins of tungsten mine". Scientific Reports 9 1 (2019): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55706-6.
    Published • 10.1038/s41598-019-55706-6
  22. Coimbra, C.; Branco, R.; Morais, P.V.. "Efficient bioaccumulation of tungsten by Escherichia coli cells expressing the Sulfitobacter dubius TupBCA system". Systematic and Applied Microbiology 42 5 (2019): 126001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2019.126001.
    Published • 10.1016/j.syapm.2019.126001
  23. Francisco, R.; Branco, R.; Schwab, S.; Baldani, I.; Morais, P.V.. "Two plant-hosted whole-cell bacterial biosensors for detection of bioavailable Cr(VI)". World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 35 8 (2019): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85070061197&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s11274-019-2703-0
  24. Santos, Madson R. E.; Mendonça, Patrícia V.; Almeida, Mariana C.; Branco, Rita; Serra, Arménio C.; Morais, Paula V.; Coelho, Jorge F. J.. "Increasing the Antimicrobial Activity of Amphiphilic Cationic Copolymers by the Facile Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Stars by Supplemental Activator and Reducing Agent Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization". Biomacromolecules 20 3 (2019): 1146-1156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00685.
    Published • 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00685
  25. Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Schwab, Stefan; Baldani, José Ivo; Morais, Paula V.. "Impact of plant-associated bacteria biosensors on plant growth in the presence of hexavalent chromium". World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 34 1 (2017): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11274-017-2389-0.
    Published • 10.1007/s11274-017-2389-0
  26. Coimbra, Carina; Farias, Pedro; Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Tungsten accumulation by highly tolerant marine hydrothermal Sulfitobacter dubius strains carrying a tupBCA cluster". Systematic and Applied Microbiology 40 6 (2017): 388-395. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2017.06.005.
    Published • 10.1016/j.syapm.2017.06.005
  27. Santos, Madson; Fonseca, Ana; Mendonça, Patrícia; Branco, Rita; Serra, Arménio; Morais, Paula; Coelho, Jorge. "Recent Developments in Antimicrobial Polymers: A Review". Materials 9 7 (2016): 599. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma9070599.
    Published • 10.3390/ma9070599
  28. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Two superoxide dismutases from TnOtchr are involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species induced by chromate". BMC Microbiology 16 1 (2016): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12866-016-0648-0.
    Published • 10.1186/s12866-016-0648-0
  29. Branco, R.; Sousa, T.; Piedade, A.P.; Morais, P.V.. "Immobilization of Ochrobactrum tritici As5 on PTFE thin films for arsenite biofiltration". Chemosphere 146 (2016): 330-337. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84959191716&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    Published • 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.12.025
  30. Sousa, Tânia; Branco, Rita; Piedade, Ana Paula; Morais, Paula V.. "Hyper Accumulation of Arsenic in Mutants of Ochrobactrum tritici Silenced for Arsenite Efflux Pumps". PLOS ONE 10 7 (2015): e0131317. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0131317.
    Published • 10.1371/journal.pone.0131317
  31. Farias, Pedro; Espírito Santo, Christophe; Branco, Rita; Francisco, Romeu; Santos, Susana; Hansen, Lars; Sorensen, Soren; Morais, Paula V.. "Natural Hot Spots for Gain of Multiple Resistances: Arsenic and Antibiotic Resistances in Heterotrophic, Aerobic Bacteria from Marine Hydrothermal Vent Fields". Applied and Environmental Microbiology 81 7 (2015): 2534-2543. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.03240-14.
    Published • 10.1128/aem.03240-14
  32. Coelho, C.; Branco, R.; Natal-da-Luz, T.; Sousa, J.P.; Morais, P.V.. "Evaluation of bacterial biosensors to determine chromate bioavailability and to assess ecotoxicity of soils". Chemosphere 128 (2015): 62-69. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84925262820&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    Published • 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.026
  33. Farias, P.; Santo, C.E.; Branco, R.; Francisco, R.; Santos, S.; Hansen, L.; Sorensen, S.; Morais, P.V.. "Natural hot spots for gain of multiple resistances: Arsenic and antibiotic resistances in heterotrophic, aerobic bacteria from marine hydrothermal vent fields". Applied and Environmental Microbiology 81 7 (2015): 2534-2543. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84925357485&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1128/AEM.03240-14
  34. Branco, Rita; Morais, Paula V.. "Identification and Characterization of the Transcriptional Regulator ChrB in the Chromate Resistance Determinant of Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1". PLoS ONE 8 11 (2013): e77987. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0077987.
    Published • 10.1371/journal.pone.0077987
  35. Branco, Rita; Cristóvão, Armando; Morais, Paula V.. "Highly Sensitive, Highly Specific Whole-Cell Bioreporters for the Detection of Chromate in Environmental Samples". PLoS ONE 8 1 (2013): e54005. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054005.
    Published • 10.1371/journal.pone.0054005
  36. Morais, Paula Vasconcelos; Branco, Rita; Francisco, Romeu. "Chromium resistance strategies and toxicity: what makes Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1 a strain highly resistant". BioMetals 24 3 (2011): 401-410. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10534-011-9446-1.
    Published • 10.1007/s10534-011-9446-1
  37. Branco, R.; Francisco, R.; Chung, A. P.; Morais, P. V.. "Identification of an aox System That Requires Cytochrome c in the Highly Arsenic-Resistant Bacterium Ochrobactrum tritici SCII24". Applied and Environmental Microbiology 75 15 (2009): 5141-5147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.02798-08.
    Published • 10.1128/aem.02798-08
  38. Branco, R.; Francisco, R.; Chung, A.P.; Morais, P.V.. "Identification of an aox system that requires cytochrome c in the highly arsenic-resistant bacterium Ochrobactrum tritici SCII24". Applied and Environmental Microbiology 75 15 (2009): 5141-5147. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-67651247606&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1128/AEM.02798-08
  39. Branco, R.; Chung, A. P.; Johnston, T.; Gurel, V.; Morais, P.; Zhitkovich, A.. "The Chromate-Inducible chrBACF Operon from the Transposable Element TnOtChr Confers Resistance to Chromium(VI) and Superoxide". Journal of Bacteriology 190 21 (2008): 6996-7003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jb.00289-08.
    Published • 10.1128/jb.00289-08
  40. Branco, Rita; Chung, Ana-Paula; Morais, Paula V. "Sequencing and expression of two arsenic resistance operons with different functions in the highly arsenic-resistant strain Ochrobactrum tritici SCII24T". BMC Microbiology 8 1 (2008): 95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2180-8-95.
    Published • 10.1186/1471-2180-8-95
  41. Morais, Paula V.; Paulo, Cristiana; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Paula Chung, Ana; da Costa, Milton S.. "Leucobacter luti sp. nov., and Leucobacter alluvii sp. nov., two new species of the genus Leucobacter isolated under chromium stress". Systematic and Applied Microbiology 29 5 (2006): 414-421. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2005.10.005.
    Published • 10.1016/j.syapm.2005.10.005
  42. Branco, Rita; Chung, Ana-Paula; Veríssimo, António; Morais, Paula V.. "Impact of chromium-contaminated wastewaters on the microbial community of a river". FEMS Microbiology Ecology 54 1 (2005): 35-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.femsec.2005.02.014.
    Published • 10.1016/j.femsec.2005.02.014
  43. Morais, Paula V.; Francisco, Romeu; Branco, Rita; Chung, Ana Paula; da Costa, Milton S.. "Leucobacter chromiireducens sp. nov, and Leucobacter aridicollis sp. nov., Two New Species Isolated From a Chromium Contaminated Environment". Systematic and Applied Microbiology 27 6 (2004): 646-652. http://dx.doi.org/10.1078/0723202042369983.
    Published • 10.1078/0723202042369983
  44. Branco, Rita; Alpoim, M Carmen; Morais, Paula V. "Ochrobactrum tritici strain 5bvl1 — characterization of a Cr(VI)-resistant and Cr(VI)-reducing strain". Canadian Journal of Microbiology 50 9 (2004): 697-703. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/w04-048.
    Published • 10.1139/w04-048
  45. Sadlik, J.K.. "7th Internal Symposium on Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine: Saint Petersburg (Russia), 5-9 May, 2002 | 7 Mi¿dzynarodowe Sympozjum "Jony Metali w Biologii i Medycynie": Sankt Petersburg (Rosja), 5-9 Maja 2002 roku". Z Zagadnien Nauk Sadowych 51 (2002): 175-177. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0038674527&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
  46. Piekoszewski, W.. "6th International Symposium on Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine, San Juan (Puerto Rico), 7-10 May, 2000 | 6 Mi¿dzynarodowe sympozjum "jony metali w biologii i medycynie", San Juan (Portoryko), 7-10 maja 2000 roku". Z Zagadnien Nauk Sadowych 44 (2000): 196-197. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0034455613&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. Branco, Rita. "Mechanisms of resistance to heavy metals in species Ochrobactrum tritici: the case of arsenic and chromate". PhD, Universidade de Coimbra, 2008.
  2. Branco, Rita. "Caracterização e estudo da capacidade de resistência e redução de Cr(VI) pela estirpe Ochrobactrum tritici 5bvl1". Master, Universidade de Coimbra, 2003.
  3. Branco, Rita. "Caracterização de um grupo de bactérias redutoras de crómio". Degree, Universidade de Coimbra, 1999.

Other

Invention
  1. Registo provisório de patente nº 108988 Título: Bioengineered Ochrobactrum tritici As5 immobilization in modified ptfe surfaces for arsenite bioremediation Aplicante Universidade de Coimbra Inventores: Ana Paula da Fonseca Piedade, Paula Maria de Melim e Vasconcelos de Vitorino Morais and Rita Susana Rosa Branco. 2016. Branco, Rita.
  2. Registo provisório de patente nº 41614 Título: Whole-cell biosensors for the detection of chromate in environmental samples Aplicante: Universidade de Coimbra Inventores: Paula Maria de Melim e Vasconcelos de Vitorino Morais and Rita Susana Rosa Branco. 2013. Branco, Rita.
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2021/01/25 Bacterial strategies to cope with critical metals - their biotechnological potential Workshop - Raw Materials, a key factor on the support of European Green Deal
Universidade de Coimbra (Online)
2018/07/02 New biotools for going from bioremediation to resources, a further step towards a circular economy Ciência 2018 - Encontro de Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal
Centro de congressos de Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal)
2014/10/11 Microrganismos: seu potencial na resolução de problemas ambientais V Aniversário do DCV
Departamento Ciências da Vida. Universidade de Coimbra (Coimbra, Portugal)
2007 Microbiology of heavy-metal impacted environments: from the community to the individual response I Workshop sobre Validação de Métodos de Ensaios Biológicos
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role 		Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2024/11 - Current Mutagénese da estirpe Rhodanobacter sp. Ga4 no estudo genético da produção de pigmentos
Supervisor
 Projecto de Mestrado (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2024/09 - Current Evaluation of the potential of different bacterial pigments
Supervisor
 Master in Microbiolgia e Biotecnologia microbiana (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2023 - Current Bacterial Mechanisms Underlying Vanadium-Bacteria Interactions: from Resistance to Reduction
Co-supervisor
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2020/01/01 - Current Unravelling Biological Interactions of Yttrium for Developing Recovery Strategies Contributing to a Circular Economy Concept
Co-supervisor of Carina Gomes Coimbra
 Biociências (PhD)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2023/09 - 2024/09 Development of degradable antimicrobial coatings for medical implants
Co-supervisor
 Master in Engenharia Biomédica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2019 - 2024/07/31 Hospital Microbiology: Structure and Function of Environmental Microbial Communities Surfaces
Co-supervisor
 Biociências (PhD)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2024/02 - 2024/06 Clonagem e expressão do gene Oxaloacetate hydrolase (oahA) do fungo Aspergillus brasiliensis em Escherichia coli
Supervisor
 Projecto em Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2023 - 2023/09 Influência da distribuição de peso molecular de polímeros catiónicos na sua atividade antimicrobiana
Co-supervisor
 Master in Chemical Engineering
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/07 Estudo de bactérias do género Burkholderia, potenciais produtoras de ácido oxálico, que possam ser promissoras na biolixiviação
Supervisor
 Biochemistry Project (Degree)
2021/02 - 2021/06 Efeito de metais em biofilmes e atividade antimicrobiana de polímeros
Supervisor
 Projecto em Biologia Aplicada II - Licenciatura em Biologia (Other)
Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Estudo da produção de biofilme, resistência a antibióticos e capacidade de degradação de polímeros de diferentes estirpes de Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Supervisor
 Projecto em Bioquimica - Licenciatura em Bioquímica (Other)
Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
2019 - 2019 Conjugação e mobilização de plasmídeos. Caracterização de mutantes de Ochrobactrum tritici.
Supervisor
 Biologia (Degree)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2018 - 2019 Biological mechanisms for the control of oxidative stress induced by critical metals in bacteria
Supervisor
 Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2017 - 2018 Development and optimization of Tungsten-accumulator bacteria as bio-tools for raw materials recovery
Co-supervisor
 Ecologia (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2016 - 2017 Ochrobactrum tritici immobilized in Oryza sativa, sodium polyacrylate gel and alginate as a novel arsenic bioremediation tool
Co-supervisor
 Ecologia Aplicada (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2016 - 2016 Avaliação da actividade antimicrobiana de polímeros e fotosensibilizadores
Co-supervisor
 Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2014 - 2015 Demonstration of Functionality of a W Uptake Bacterial System
Co-supervisor
 Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2014 - 2015 A interação de filmes finos de “grafeno” com bactérias
Co-supervisor
 Engenharia de Materiais (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2012 - 2013 Evaluation of Derbac biosensor in to determine chromate bioavailability and to assess ecotoxicity of soils
Co-supervisor
 Bioquímica (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role) 		Institution / Organization
2023/01/30 - 2023/01/30 Workshop "New Solutions for Recovering Critical Raw Materials" ” organized by project REVIVING – revisiting mine tailings to innovate metals biorecovery, (2023/01/30 - 2023/01/30)
Workshop (Co-organisor)
2021/01/25 - 2021/01/25 Team member of organization of the workshop - Raw Materials, a key factor on the support of European Green Deal, Online, 25th January 2021 (2021/01/25 - 2021/01/25)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2019/12/05 - 2019/12/07 Team member of organization of MicroBiotec 19 - Congress in Microbiology and Biotecnology 2019. Coimbra, 5-7 December 2019. (2019/12/05 - 2019/12/07)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2019/09/17 - 2019/09/17 Day of the microorganism, integrated in the Brew festival, Coimbra - Observatório Ciência Viva (2019/09/17 - 2019/09/17)
Exhibition (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2018/05/04 - 2018/05/04 Team member of organization of Workshop "Environmentally sustainable processes in critical metals recovery: bio (micro) technologies to support a circular economy of raw materials”. Funded by projects PT-W (PTDC/AAG-REC/3839/2014) and BioCriticalMetals (ERAMIN/0002/2015). May 4, Polo II, Department of Civil Engineering, FCTUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra. (2018/05/04 - 2018/05/04)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2016/06/06 - 2016/06/06 Team member of organization of workshop: “Environmentally sustainable processes in critical metals recovery”, associado ao projecto ERA-MIN “BioCriticalMetals- Recognition of microbial functional communities and assessment of the mineralizing potential (bioleaching) for high-tech critical metals”. Coimbra, 6 de Junho de 2016. (2016/06/06 - 2016/06/06)
Workshop (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2005/05/21 - 2005/05/24 Team member of organization of 9th International Symposium on Metal Ions in Biology and Medicine. Lisbon, 21-24 May 2005. (2005/05/21 - 2005/05/24)
Congress (Other)
 Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event 		Event name
Institution / Organization
2023/02/01 - 2023/02/01 BIO'n'TEQ: Mostra Tecnológica de Biotecnologia, Cantanhede, Portugal. 1 February 2023 with the interactive expo “Development of SUSTainable and integrative bioprocess for the recovery of Tellurim-based nanoparticles from photovoltaic wastes.”
Exhibition
2022/10/10 - 2022/10/16 FIC.A – Festival internacional de Ciência 2022, 10-16 October 2022, Oeiras, Portugal with the interactive expo “Recuperação de Telúrio a partir de Painéis Fotovoltaicos para produção de Nanopartículas”
Exhibition
2022/09/16 - 2022/09/29 Exposition organized by CEMMPRE, at CoimbraShopping, entitled "O que se investiga na UC?" (what is being researched at UC?), from 16 to 29 September, Coimbra
Exhibition
 O que se investiga na UC?" (what is being researched at UC?)
2021/09/16 - 2021/09/16 Poster presentation at CEMMPRE Meeting 2021. "Gallium mobilization by Autochthonous Bacteria from Different Portuguese Mines". Ana Paula Chung, Romeu Francisco, Paula V. Morais, Rita Branco.
Meeting
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2021/09/16 - 2021/09/16 Poster presentation at CEMMPRE Meeting 2021. "Yttrium removal by alpha-proteobacteria". Carina Coimbra, Rita Branco, Paula V. Morais.
Meeting
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2021/09 - 2021/09 Exposição digital Microrganismos de Estimação _ Day of the microorganism, Coimbra - Exploratório Ciência Viva
Exhibition
 International Day of the microorganism
2021/07/16 - 2021/07/16 Poster presentation at CEMMPRE Meeting 2021. "Enhanced Indium Bioaccumulation in a Rhodanobacter sp. B2A1Ga4 mutant strain". Joana B. Caldeira, Ana Paula Chung, Paula V. Morais, Rita Branco.
Meeting
 CEMMPRE Meeting 2021
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2020/09/17 - 2020/10/05 Day of the microorganism, Coimbra - Exploratório Ciência Viva Exposição: Microrganismos de Estimação
Exhibition
 Day of the Microorganism - 4th edition
Centro Ciência Viva de Coimbra, Portugal
2018/09/17 - 2018/09/17 Dia do Microorganismo (Day of the microorganism)
Exhibition
 Dia do Microorganismo (Day of the microorganism)
Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal
2017/03/04 - 2017/03/04 1st Meeting in Lab (meet.Lab). Workshop “Concentração Mínima Inibitória (CMI) – Sua interpretação e utilidade”. Núcleo de Estudantes de Biologia da Universidade de Coimbra. 4th March 2017
Workshop
 1st Meeting in Lab (meet.Lab)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2016/12/05 - 2016/12/05 Instructor in the scientific exposition associated to the World day of the soil: “Soil, the support of life” (“Solo, o suporte da vida”). Organization: DCV-FCTUC, CEMUC, CEF, CNC. 5 December 2016, Colégio de S. Bento, University of Coimbra.
Exhibition
 World day of the soil
2016/07/07 - 2016/07/07 Presentation of “workpackage” 3 of project ERA-MIN “BioCriticalMetals- Recognition of microbial functional communities and assessment of the mineralizing potential (bioleaching) for high-tech critical metals”. 1st meeting. Coimbra, 7 July 2016.
Meeting
 Project Meeting
Universidade de Coimbra Centro de Engenharia Mecânica Materiais e Processos, Portugal
2015/12/05 - 2015/12/05 Instructor in the scientific exposition associated to the World day of the soil: “Soil, the support of life” (“Solo, o suporte da vida”). Organization: DCV-FCTUC, CEMUC, CEF, CNC. 5 December 2015, Colégio de S. Bento, University of Coimbra.
Exhibition
 World day of the soil
2015/04/10 - 2015/04/11 Instructor in “Festival Nacional de Biotecnologia do projecto World Biotech Tour”, 10-11 April 2015. "Microrganismos, bioferramentas do futuro" Pavilhão do Conhecimento. Lisboa.
Exhibition
 Festival Nacional de Biotecnologia do projecto World Biotech Tour
2015/03/17 - 2015/03/18 ERA-MIN STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE. Network on the Industrial Handling of Raw Materials for European Industries. Berlin, 17-18 de Março de 2015. In representation of University of Coimbra.
Symposium
 ERA-MIN STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE. Network on the Industrial Handling of Raw Materials for European Industries.
European Commission, Belgium

Jury of academic degree

Topic
Role 		Candidate name (Type of degree)
Institution / Organization
2024/09 Bacterial Mechanisms Underlying Vanadium-Bacteria Interactions
Supervisor
 Joana B. Caldeira (PhD)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2024/07 Influência do processo de esterilização nas propriedades de protetores bucais produzidos por fabrico aditivo
President of the jury
 Leonor Castro Bispo (Master)
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
2024/07 Análise de microrganismos na garantia da qualidade e segurança de produtos farmacêuticos e nutracêuticos
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Ana Lúcia Fernandes Clemêncio (Other)
2021/12/03 Development of a novel generation of biomimetic wound dressings based on cationic poly(ester amide)s
(Thesis) Arguer
 Pedro Emanuel Cardoso Nunes (PhD)
Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Engenharia Quimica, Portugal

Committee member

Activity description
Role 		Institution / Organization
2008 - 2013 Coordination of interships in "Prática Veterinária Integrada II" of the course of Medicina Veterinária of Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama.
Coordinator
 Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2021/09 - Current Laboratory in Microbiology Biochemistry (Licenciatura) Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/07 Microbiology II Saúde Ambiental (Licenciatura) Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, Portugal
2019/09 - 2020 Microbiology I Saúde Ambiental (Licenciatura) Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, Portugal
2015 - 2019 Laboratórios de Microbiologia Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2015 - 2019 Infecção e Imunidade Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2015 - 2019 Infecção e Imunidade Biologia (Licenciatura) Universidade de Coimbra Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Portugal
2009 - 2013 Microbiologia II Medicina Veterinária (Licenciatura) Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal
2008 - 2013 Microbiologia I Medicina Veterinária (Licenciatura) Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Portugal

Evaluation committee

Activity description
Role 		Institution / Organization Funding entity
2018 - Current Evaluator of COST Actions as External Expert
Evaluator

Interview (tv / radio show)

Program Topic
2022/09/17 - 2022/09/17 Radio microbio Radio blogspots “radio microbio”, in commemoration of “Dia do Microorganismo” (Day of the microorganism), Radio Universidade de Coimbra
2016/05 - 2016/05 TV Program "Bioesfere" Presentation of work related to development of biotools to biorremediation

Journal scientific committee

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2021 - Current mSphere
2020 - Current Folia Microbiologica Springer
2020 - Current Current Microbiology Springer
2016 - Current Environmental Pollution (0269-7491) Elsevier
2015 - Current PLoS ONE (1932-6203) Public Library of Science

Mentoring / Tutoring

Topic Student name
2023/04 - Current Instruction under the project Reviving Diogo Margato
2023/07 - 2023/09 Summer course Raquel Severes Lopes
2023/07 - 2023/09 Summer course Bruno Alexandre Nunes Almeida
2022/07 - 2022/09 Summer course Sofia Nezamoutdinova de Jesus Almeida
2020/01 - 2021/04 Mechanisms involved in bacterial interaction with critical metals. Fellow of project PTDC/CTA-AMB/31820/2017: MicroMineR Joana Bonito Caldeira
2019/04 - 2019/12 Evaluation of bacterial resistance to critical metals. Fellow of project PTDC/CTA-AMB/31820/2017: MicroMineR Carina Coimbra
2017 - 2018 Construction of tungsten bioaccumulators. Carina Gomes Coimbra
2017 - 2018 Antimicrobial activity of synthetic polymers. Carla Dias
2017 - 2018 Preparation of biofilters as modified surfaces and hydrogels to removal metals. Merijn Moens
2016 - 2016 Introdução a técnicas de Microbiologia: PCR, RAPD, cultivo em placa de Petri, metodologias de caracterização polifásica de bactérias. Joana Caldeira
2016 - 2016 Introdução a técnicas de Microbiologia: PCR, RAPD, cultivo em placa de Petri, metodologias de caracterização polifásica de bactérias. Luís Oliveira
2016 - 2016 Introdução a técnicas de Microbiologia: PCR, RAPD, cultivo em placa de Petri, metodologias de caracterização polifásica de bactérias. Susana Costa
2012 - 2014 Construction of a bioacumulator for bioremediation of arsenic Tânia Sousa

Other jury / evaluation

Activity description Institution / Organization
2016 - 2017 Evaluation of "Seminários de Ecologia I"; "Seminários de Ecologia II" and "Dissertação/Projecto em Ecologia Aplicada" Universidade de Coimbra Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Portugal
Distinctions

Award

2011 Arrisca C - 2011. Concurso de ideias e planos de negócio
Coimbra iParque, Portugal

Other distinction

2015 Post-Doc Grant (SFRH/BPD/110807/2015)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2009 Post-Doc grant (SFRH/BPD/48330/2008)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2005 Support Grant for Scientific Divulgation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian). 12th European Congress on Biotechnology. Copenhagen. Denmark
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Portugal
2002 PhD grant (SFRH/BD/10737/2002)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal