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Dr. Ana Rita Lima Sousa (citation name: Rita Lima-Sousa) is a researcher specializing in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and cancer therapy. Dr Ana Rita Lima Sousa defended her PhD dissertation in Biochemistry (on February 8th, 2024), approved with distinction at the University of Beira Interior (UBI). She previously completed her BSc in Biochemistry (13 out of 20, 2016) and her MSc in Biomedical Sciences (18 out of 20, 2018) both from UBI as well. Her PhD dissertation (2018-2024) was focused on developing new strategies for the local and systemic delivery of graphene-based nanomaterials for application in cancer photothermal therapy, under the supervision of I. J. Correia, A. G. Mendonça and D. de Melo-Diogo (CICS-UBI). Her research path resulted in the publication of 27 articles in international peer-reviewed journals indexed to Scopus, 8 of which as first author, and 1 Book Chapter (first author), benefiting from the work with 20+ different researchers. This body of work has garnered 1015 citations as indexed by Scopus, or 1,142 citations according to Google Scholar, contributing to an h-index of 17. Among these publications, 7 were ranked within the TOP10 of their field, while an additional 17 were published in Q1 journals, reflecting a cumulative IF of 166.1, with an average IF of 6.15. Notably, Scopus reports that 88.9% of her articles rank within the top 25% of the most-cited documents in the world. Additionally, Dr. Ana Rita has participated as an ad hoc reviewer of 7 different Scientific Journals in the past 5 years and is a Member of the research team of the project "GRAPHY”, with the reference 2022.06320.PTDC (DOI 10.54499/2022.06320.PTDC), funded by FCT. Dr. Ana Rita Sousa has engaged in the organization of the III and IV International Congress in Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Trends in Aging and Cancer in 2019, and Challenges from Research to Clinics in 2022), as a member of CICS-UBI Doctoral Students Committee (CAD), among other minor scientific events. She has presented 2 oral communications by invitation of the Organizing Committee, participated in 16 scientific events, had her work presented in Panel Communications (posters) 21 times, and has received 2 awards (e.g., Individual PhD fellowship from FCT REF: SFRH/BD/144922/2019). She has also attended a Course on “Online Theoretical Course in Laboratory Animal Sciences” organized by SPCAL. In the last 5 years, she was co-supervisor of 3 MSc students, supervisor/co-supervisor of 6 BSc degree projects aggregated into Curricular Units and has participated in the jury of 3 BSc degree projects. Dr. Ana Rita Sousa also taught (as monitor) 4 distinct Curricular Units (Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Chemistry, and Cellular and Molecular Biology), resulting in a cumulative number of hours taught of 237 hours. Her main areas of interest are Medical and Health Sciences, Medical Biotechnology, and Biomaterials, with an emphasis on the development of injectable hydrogels for cancer local therapy; new polymeric materials for application in cancer therapy; production and modification of graphene oxide materials responsive to NIR radiation for application in cancer therapy; and characterization of the biological activity of nanomaterials in 2D and 3D cellular models. She is open to the idea of new adventures in science, and has developed a recent interest in extracellular vesicles, tumor-induced cachexia, microfluidics and organ-on-a-chip.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Ana Rita Lima Sousa
Date of birth
1994/02/10
Gender
Female

Citation names

  • Lima-Sousa, Rita

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
BD19-68AA-7099
ORCID iD
0000-0003-4764-1967
Google Scholar ID
47kHu48AAAAJ&hl
Scopus Author Id
57201215315

Email addresses

  • arita.sousa@i3bs.uminho.pt (Professional)
  • anaritalimasousa1994@gmail.com (Personal)

Telephones

Mobile phone
  • 969377026 (Personal)

Addresses

  • 3B´s Research Group . Avepark – Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017, Barco, Guimarães, Portugal (Professional)
  • AVENIDA RIO DE JANEIRO, Nº208 R/C DRT, MESÃO FRIO, 4810-009, GUIMARÃES, Viseu, Portugal (Personal)

Websites

Knowledge fields

  • Medical and Health Sciences - Medical Biotechnology - Biomaterials

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
English Upper intermediate (B2) Upper intermediate (B2) Intermediate (B1) Intermediate (B1)
Spanish; Castilian Beginner (A1) Elementary (A2) Beginner (A1) Elementary (A2)
Education
Degree Classification
2018 - 2024/02/08
Concluded
 Biochemistry (Doutoramento)
Universidade da Beira Interior Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
"Development of graphene-based systems for cancer treatment" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Excellent
2023/06 - 2023/07
Concluded
 Theoretical Online Course on Laboratory Animal Sciences designed according to the FELASA recommendations for Category B (Outros)
Sociedade Portuguesa de Ciências em Animais de Laboratório, Portugal
 15
2016/06 - 2018/07
Concluded
 Biomedical Sciences (Mestrado)
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
"Development of graphene oxide based nanomaterials for cancer therapy" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 18
2017/07/11 - 2017/07/14
Concluded
 Young researchers training (Outros)
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
 18
2012/09 - 2016/06
Concluded
 Biochemistry (Licenciatura)
Universidade da Beira Interior Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
"N/A" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 13
2009 - 2012
Concluded
 Curso de Científico-Humanístico de Ciências e Tecnologias (Ensino secundário)
Escola Secundária de Viriato, Portugal
 16
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2025/03/03 - Current Contracted Researcher (Research) Universidade do Minho Instituto de Investigação em Biomateriais Biodegradáveis e Biomiméticos, Portugal
Universidade do Minho Instituto de Investigação em Biomateriais Biodegradáveis e Biomiméticos, Portugal

Others

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2020/01 - 2024/02 Individual PhD fellowship (REF: SFRH/BD/144922/2019) Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2019/03 - 2019/12 PhD Incentive Grant UBI-Santander Totta Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2020/01 - 2024/02 Injectable in situ forming graphene-based hydrogels for double immune checkpoint inhibitor photothermal therapy
74744DFA
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Other

Designation Funders
2023/01 - 2025/01 Hidrogéis injetáveis com formação in situ por química tiol-eno incorporando grafeno: otimização dos parâmetros poliméricos para aplicação na terapia imunológica e fototérmica de cancro da mama metastático
175672PRJ
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2021/01 - 2024/01 WASTESILK: Silk Sericin as an industrial wastewater with valuable biomedical potential
PTDC/BTA-BTA/0696/2020
Other
2018/07 - 2022/07 InEye: Non-invasive ocular insert for drug delivery
POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031462
Other
2018/04 - 2022/04 ZAPGO: Zwitterionic-based amphiphile coated Graphene Oxide nanostructures for chemophotothermal therapy of breast cancer
CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-028989
Other
Concluded
2019/01 - 2019/12 Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde
154667UID
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. Rodrigues, Carolina F.; Alves, Cátia G.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Moreira, André F.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Inorganic-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy". In Advances and Avenues in the Development of Novel Carriers for Bioactives and Biological Agents, 283-316. Elsevier, 2020.
    10.1016/b978-0-12-819666-3.00010-9
Conference poster
  1. Costa, Francisco J. P.; Nave, Micaela; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; Melo, Bruna L.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Thiol-Maleimide hydrogels loaded with reduced graphene oxide nanostructures for breast cancer chemophotothermal therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2023, 2023.
  2. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Chitosan-based Injectable Hydrogels as Carriers of Graphene Derivatives and Resveratrol for Cancer ChemoPhotothermal Therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2023, 2023.
  3. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Cabral, Cátia S.D.; Sónia P. Miguel; António G. Mendonça; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Injectable in situ forming Hydrogels incorporating graphene-derivatives for Cancer Chemo-Photothermal Therapy". Paper presented in IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics, 2023.
  4. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Chemo-photothermal therapy using chitosanbased injectable in situ forming hydrogels containing graphene derivatives and resveratrol". Paper presented in IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics, 2022.
  5. Graça, Mariana F. P.; Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Ferreira, Paula; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.. "NIR-Responsive Asymmetric Wound Dressing for Wound Healing Applications". Paper presented in IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenges from Research to Clinics, 2022.
  6. Lima-Sousa, Rita; Cernadas, Teresa; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Environmentally-friendly reduction of graphene oxide for future application in cancer photothermal therapy". Paper presented in 2nd International Conference on Chemical Engineering and Catalysis (ICCEC-2021), 2021.
  7. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Cabral, Cátia S.D.; Miguel, Sónia P.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Injectable thermo-responsive hydrogel incorporating graphene-based nanomaterials and a dual drug combination for breast cancer chemo-photothermal therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2021, 2021.
  8. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "IR780 loaded and Sulfobetaine methacrylate-albumin-coated Graphene Oxide for improved breast cancer photothermal therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2021, 2021.
  9. Alves, Cátia G.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Correia, Ilídio J.. "IR780 loaded Sulfobetaine Methacrylate-Albumin Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Photothermal Therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2021, 2021.
  10. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Cabral, Cátia S.D.; Miguel, Sónia P.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Graphene-based injectable in situ forming hydrogels for cancer combinatorial therapy". Paper presented in XV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2020.
  11. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Sulfobetaine Methacrylate-Albumin Nanoparticles Loaded with IR780 for Breast Cancer Therapy". Paper presented in XV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2020.
  12. de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Costa, Elisabete C.; G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "POxylated Graphene Oxide for cancer phototherapy and combinatorial drug delivery". Paper presented in 5th Edition of the European Graphene Forum - EGF 2019, 2019.
  13. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Environmentally-friendly reduced graphene oxide functionalized with hyaluronic acid for targeted cancer photothermal therapy". Paper presented in 5th Edition of the European Graphene Forum - EGF 2019, 2019.
  14. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Costa, Elisabete C.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Hyaluronic Acid-based Micelles loaded with IR780 and DOX for Targeted Cancer Chemo-Photothermal Therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2019, 2019.
  15. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Hyaluronic acid functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials for targeted cancer photothermal therapy". Paper presented in Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal 2019, 2019.
  16. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Costa, Elisabete C.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Co-encapsulation of IR780 and DOX in Hyaluronic Acid Functionalized Micelles for Targeted Cancer Chemo-phototherapy". Paper presented in XIV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2019.
  17. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Breast Cancer Targeted Photothermal Therapy Mediated By Hyaluronic Acid Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide". Paper presented in XIV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2019.
  18. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Targeted cancer photothermal therapy using hyaluronic acid functionalized green reduced graphene oxide". Paper presented in 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering (ENBENG 2019), 2019.
  19. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Costa, Elisabete C.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "IR780 and DOX Loaded Hyaluronic Acid-based Micelles for Targeted Cancer Chemo-Phototherapy". Paper presented in 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering (ENBENG 2019), 2019.
  20. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Costa, Elisabete C.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Formulation of hyaluronic acid-based micelles loaded with IR780 for cancer therapy". Paper presented in XIII Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2018.
  21. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Environmentally-friendly reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide based nanomaterials for cancer therapy". Paper presented in XIII Annual CICS-UBI Symposium, 2018.
Journal article
  1. Lima-Sousa, Rita; Melo, Bruna L.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Hyaluronic acid-functionalized graphene-based nanohybrids for targeted breast cancer chemo-photothermal therapy". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 651 (2024): 123763. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123763.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123763
  2. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Sulfobetaine methacrylate-coated reduced graphene oxide-IR780 hybrid nanosystems for effective cancer photothermal-photodynamic therapy". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 647 (2023): 123552. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123552.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123552
  3. Granja, Andreia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Nunes, Cláudia; Sousa, Célia T.; Correia, Ilídio J.; Reis, Salette. "Multifunctional targeted solid lipid nanoparticles for combined photothermal therapy and chemotherapy of breast cancer". Biomaterials Advances 151 (2023): 213443. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213443.
    10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213443
  4. Nave, Micaela; Costa, Francisco J.P.; G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Melo, Bruna L.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Simple preparation of POxylated nanomaterials for cancer chemo-PDT/PTT". European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 184 (2023): 7-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.009.
    10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.009
  5. Costa, Francisco J.P.; Nave, Micaela; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; Melo, Bruna L.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. Corresponding author: de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Development of Thiol-Maleimide hydrogels incorporating graphene-based nanomaterials for cancer chemo-photothermal therapy". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 635 (2023): 122713. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122713.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122713
  6. Graça, Mariana F. P.; Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André F.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Reduced graphene oxide-enriched chitosan hydrogel/cellulose acetate-based nanofibers application in mild hyperthermia and skin regeneration". International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 229 (2023): 224-235. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.291.
    10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.291
  7. Lima-Sousa, Rita; Alves, Cátia G.; Melo, Bruna L.; Costa, Francisco J. P.; Nave, Micaela; Moreira, André F.; Mendonça, António G.; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Injectable hydrogels for the delivery of nanomaterials for cancer combinatorial photothermal therapy". Biomaterials Science 11 18 (2023): 6082-6108. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3bm00845b.
    10.1039/d3bm00845b
  8. Cátia G Alves; Rita Lima-Sousa; Bruna L Melo; Paula Ferreira; André F Moreira; Ilídio J Correia; Duarte de Melo-Diogo. "Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-IR780 conjugate nanoparticles for breast cancer phototherapy". Nanomedicine (2022): https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2022-0218.
    10.2217/nnm-2022-0218
  9. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Chitosan-based injectable in situ forming hydrogels containing dopamine-reduced graphene oxide and resveratrol for breast cancer chemo-photothermal therapy". Biochemical Engineering Journal 185 (2022): 108529-108529. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2022.108529.
    10.1016/j.bej.2022.108529
  10. G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Melo, Bruna L.; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Heptamethine Cyanine-Loaded Nanomaterials for Cancer Immuno-Photothermal/Photodynamic Therapy: A Review". Pharmaceutics 14 5 (2022): 1015-1015. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14051015.
    10.3390/pharmaceutics14051015
  11. Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Melo, Bruna L.; André F. Moreira; António G. Mendonça; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) functionalized reduced graphene oxide: Optimization of the reduction process using dopamine and application in cancer photothermal therapy". Materials Science and Engineering: C 130 (2021): 112468-112468. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2021.112468.
    10.1016/j.msec.2021.112468
  12. Granja, Andreia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Pinheiro, Marina; Sousa, Célia T.; Correia, Ilídio J.; Reis, Salette. "Mitoxantrone-loaded lipid nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy – Quality-by-design approach and efficacy assessment in 2D and 3D in vitro cancer models". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 607 (2021): 121044-121044. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121044.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121044
  13. Lima-Sousa, Rita; Melo, Bruna L.; G. Alves, Cátia; André F. Moreira; António G. Mendonça; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Combining Photothermal-Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Nanomaterials with Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Metastatic Cancer Treatment and Creation of Immune Memory". Advanced Functional Materials 31 29 (2021): 2010777-2010777. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202010777.
    10.1002/adfm.202010777
  14. Sabino, Ivo J.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Melo, Bruna L.; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Injectable in situ forming hydrogels incorporating dual-nanoparticles for chemo-photothermal therapy of breast cancer cells". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 600 (2021): 120510-120510. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120510.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120510
  15. Melo, Bruna L.; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Ferreira, Paula; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte. "Sulfobetaine methacrylate-albumin-coated graphene oxide incorporating IR780 for enhanced breast cancer phototherapy". Nanomedicine 16 6 (2021): 453-464. http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2020-0460.
    10.2217/nnm-2020-0460
  16. Mó, Inês; G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Assessing the Combinatorial Chemo-Photothermal Therapy Mediated by Sulfobetaine Methacrylate-Functionalized Nanoparticles in 2D and 3D In Vitro Cancer Models". Biotechnology Journal 15 12 (2020): 2000219-2000219. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/biot.202000219.
    10.1002/biot.202000219
  17. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Cabral, Cátia S.D.; Miguel, Sónia P.; António G. Mendonça; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Injectable in situ forming thermo-responsive graphene based hydrogels for cancer chemo-photothermal therapy and NIR light-enhanced antibacterial applications". Materials Science and Engineering: C 117 (2020): 111294-111294. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2020.111294.
    10.1016/j.msec.2020.111294
  18. Mó, Inês; Sabino, Ivo J.; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Correia, Ilídio J.. "The importance of spheroids in analyzing nanomedicine efficacy". Nanomedicine 15 15 (2020): 1513-1525. http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2020-0054.
    10.2217/nnm-2020-0054
  19. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Correia, Ilídio J.. "IR780 loaded sulfobetaine methacrylate-functionalized albumin nanoparticles aimed for enhanced breast cancer phototherapy". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 582 (2020): 119346-119346. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119346.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119346
  20. Miguel M. Leitão; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Prototypic Heptamethine Cyanine Incorporating Nanomaterials for Cancer Phototheragnostic". Advanced Healthcare Materials 9 6 (2020): 1901665-1901665. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.201901665.
    10.1002/adhm.201901665
  21. Miguel M. Leitão; G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; André F. Moreira; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Sulfobetaine methacrylate-functionalized graphene oxide-IR780 nanohybrids aimed at improving breast cancer phototherapy". RSC Advances 10 63 (2020): 38621-38630. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0ra07508f.
    10.1039/d0ra07508f
  22. G. Alves, Cátia; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Costa, Elisabete C.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Hyaluronic acid functionalized nanoparticles loaded with IR780 and DOX for cancer chemo-photothermal therapy". European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 137 (2019): 86-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.02.016.
    10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.02.016
  23. de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Graphene family nanomaterials for application in cancer combination photothermal therapy". Biomaterials Science 7 9 (2019): 3534-3551. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c9bm00577c.
    10.1039/c9bm00577c
  24. de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Lima-Sousa, Rita; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Functionalization of graphene family nanomaterials for application in cancer therapy". Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 171 (2018): 260-275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.030.
    10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.030
  25. Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; G. Alves, Cátia; Costa, Elisabete C.; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "Hyaluronic acid functionalized green reduced graphene oxide for targeted cancer photothermal therapy". Carbohydrate Polymers 200 (2018): 93-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.07.066.
    10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.07.066
  26. de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Costa, Elisabete C.; G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; Ferreira, Paula; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "POxylated graphene oxide nanomaterials for combination chemo-phototherapy of breast cancer cells". European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 131 (2018): 162-169. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.08.008.
    10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.08.008
  27. G. Alves, Cátia; Lima-Sousa, Rita; de Melo-Diogo, Duarte; Louro, Ricardo O.; Correia, Ilídio J.. "IR780 based nanomaterials for cancer imaging and photothermal, photodynamic and combinatorial therapies". International Journal of Pharmaceutics 542 1-2 (2018): 164-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.03.020.
    10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.03.020
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. "Development of graphene-based systems for cancer treatment". PhD, Universidade da Beira Interior, 2024. https://ubibliorum.ubi.pt/handle/10400.6/14274.
  2. "Development of graphene oxide based nanomaterials for cancer therapy". Master, Universidade da Beira Interior, 2018. https://ubibliorum.ubi.pt/handle/10400.6/9771.
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2023/02/15 "POxylation of Environmentally Friendly Reduced Graphene Oxide for Breast Cancer PTT" IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics
CICS-UBI Doctoral Students Committee (Covilhã, Portugal)
2021/09/30 "Graphene Oxide functionalized with Sulfobetaine methacrylate-albumin and loaded with IR780 for improved breast cancer photothermal therapy" XVI Annual CICS-UBI Symposium
Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (Covilhã, Portugal)
2020/11/20 "Graphene family nanomaterials in cancer therapy" Warm up Dia do Biomédico - A investigação Biomédica no CICS
Núcleo de Estudantes de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade da Beira Interior (BioMedUBI) (Covilhã, Portugal)
2020/02/20 "Hyaluronic acid functionalized green reduced graphene oxide for targeted cancer photothermal therapy" (invited) V Encontro Científico NEQ/AAC
Núcleo de estudantes de Química (Coimbra, Portugal)
2018/05 De Melo-Diogo, D., Pais-Silva, C., Costa, E.C., Alves, C. G., Lima-Sousa, R., Louro, R. O., Correia, I. J., "Application of near infrared light responsive nanostructures in cancer therapy" VI Jornadas de Bioengenharia
(Covilhã, Portugal)
2018/04/23 De Melo-Diogo, D., Pais-Silva, C., Costa, E. C., Alves, C. G., Lima-Sousa, R., Louro, R. O., Correia, I. J., "Near infrared light responsive nanomaterials for cancer therapy" XVI Portuguese Conference on Fracture
(Covilhã, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role 		Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2021/09 - 2022/12 Development of graphene oxide-based injectable hydrogels for cancer therapy
Co-supervisor
 Biotecnologia (Master)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/09 - 2020/10 Development of multifunctional graphene oxide based nanomaterials for cancer therapy
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Biomédicas (Master)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/09 - 2020/07 Development of multifunctional phototherapeutic nanoagents
Co-supervisor
 Ciências Biomédicas (Master)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/05 Otimização de métodos de redução do óxido de grafeno para aplicação na terapia do cancro
Supervisor
 Ciências Biomédicas (Degree)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/05 Nanomateriais à base de óxido de grafeno reduzido para a terapia multimodal do cancro da mama
Supervisor
 Biotecnologia (Degree)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/02 - 2019/06 Nanomateriais à base de óxido de grafeno para terapia multimodal do cancro
Co-supervisor
 Bioquímica (Degree)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/02 - 2019/06 Nanoestruturas à base de óxido de grafeno para terapia multimodal do cancro da mama
Co-supervisor
 Biotecnologia (Degree)
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role) 		Institution / Organization
2020 - 2023 Member of the Organizing Committee of The IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics (2023/02/13 - 2023/02/15)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 CICS-UBI Doctoral Students Committee, Portugal
2018/10/12 - 2019/11/16 Member of the Organizing Committee of The III International Congress in Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Trends in Aging and Cancer (2019/11/14 - 2019/11/16)
Congress (Member of the Organising Committee)
 CICS-UBI Doctoral Students Committee, Portugal
2017 - 2017 Member of the Organizing Committee of the "VI Simpósio de Emprego e Oportunidade em Ciências Biomédicas" held on 24 of May 2017, FCS-UBI, Covilhã, Portugal. (2017/05/24 - 2017/05/24)
Symposium

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event 		Event name
Institution / Organization
2023/02/13 - 2023/02/15 Participation in "IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics", 13-15 February 2023, UBi, Covilhã, Portugal
Conference
 IV International Congress on Health Sciences Research: Towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Challenges from Research to Clinics
CICS-UBI Doctoral Students Committee, Portugal
2022/11/02 - 2022/11/02 Participation in “Workshop: The basis of Electron Microscopy”, November 2nd 2022, CICS-UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Workshop
 Workshop: The basis of Electron Microscopy
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2022/10/12 - 2022/10/12 Participation in “Workshop: The basis of Fluorescence Microscopy”, October 12th 2022, CICS-UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Workshop
 Workshop: The basis of Fluorescence Microscopy
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2021/06/28 - 2021/06/30 Participation in Ciência 2021 - Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal, 28-30 of June of 2021, Centro de Congressos de Lisboa, Portugal
Congress
 Ciência 2021 - Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2020/10/01 - 2020/10/02 Participation in "XV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium", 1st and 2nd of October 2020, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Symposium
 XV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2019/10/23 - 2019/10/25 Participation in "5th Edition of the European Graphene Forum, EGF 2019", 23rd and 25th of october 2019, InterContinental Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal.
Conference
 5th Edition of the European Graphene Forum - EGF 2019
2019/10/10 - 2019/10/10 Participation in "Oficina de Propriedade Intelectual - Ciclo de Seminários INESPO III", held by Nuno Lourenço (CEO & Founder Today Patents)
Workshop
 Ciclo de Seminários INESPO III
Universidade da Beira Interior Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2019/07/08 - 2019/07/10 Participation in Ciência 2019 - Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal¿, 8-10 of July of 2019, Centro de Congressos de Lisboa, Portugal
Congress
 Ciência 2019 - Encontro com a Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal

Ciência Viva, Portugal
2019/07/04 - 2019/07/05 Participation in "XIV Annual CICS-UBI Symposium", 4th and 5th of July of 2019, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Symposium
 CICS Symposium
2019/02/22 - 2019/02/23 Participation in 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering (ENBENG 2019), 22th and 23th of February of 2019, ISEL, Lisbon, Portugal.
Conference
 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering
Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Portugal
2018/07/05 - 2018/07/06 Participation in XIII Annual CICS SYMPOSIUM, 5-6 of July of 2018, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Symposium
 CICS SYMPOSIUM
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2018/04/23 - 2018/04/24 Participation in XVI Portuguese Conference on Fracture, 23-24 of April of 2018, Hotel TRYP Dona Maria, Covilhã, Portugal.
Conference
 XVI Portuguese Conference on Fracture
2017/07/06 - 2017/07/07 Participation in XII Annual CICS SYMPOSIUM, 6-7 of July of 2017, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal.
Symposium
 CICS SYMPOSIUM
Universidade da Beira Interior Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Portugal
2016/11/16 - 2016/11/16 Participation in "II Ciclo de Conferências Biomédicas à tarde", 2016, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Conference
 II Ciclo de Conferências Biomédicas à tarde
2016/05/04 - 2016/05/05 Participation in "IV Jornadas de Química e Bioquímica", 2016, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Other
 IV Jornadas de Química e Bioquímica
2015/05/06 - 2015/05/07 Participation in "III Jornadas de Química e Bioquímica", 2015, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal
Other
 III Jornadas de Química e Bioquímica
2014/05/22 - 2014/05/22 Participation in "1º Emprego e Curriculum Vitae", 22 of May 2014, UBI, Covilhã, Portugal.
Workshop
 1º Emprego e Curriculum Vitae
2012/03/30 - 2012/03/30 Participation in "1ª Eliminatória das Olimpíadas Nacionais de Biologia", 30 of March 2012, Escola Secundária de Viriato, Viseu, Portugal.
Other
 Olimpíadas Nacionais de Biologia
2010/01/14 - 2010/01/14 Participation in "1ª Eliminatória das XV Olimpíadas do Ambiente", 14 of January 2010, Escola Secundária de Viriato, Viseu, Portugal.
Other
 XV Olimpíadas do Ambiente
2006/05/15 - 2006/05/15 Participation in "Canguru Matemático sem fronteiras", 15 of May 2006, E. B. 1, 2 João de Barros, Viseu, Portugal
Other
 Canguru Matemático sem fronteiras

Ad Hoc journal article review

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2024 - Current Pharmaceutics MDPI
2023 - Current International Journal of Nanomedicine Dove Medical Press
2023 - Current Molecules MDPI
2023 - Current Cells MDPI
2023 - Current International Journal of Molecular Sciences MDPI
2023 - Current Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine and Biotechnology Taylor & Francis
2022/02 - Current Reactive and Functional Polymers Elsevier

Association member

Society Organization name Role
2024 - Current Portuguese Chemical Society Member

Committee member

Activity description
Role 		Institution / Organization
2018 - 2023/04 Member of the Doctoral Student Commission of CICS-UBI (CAD-CICSUBI)
Member

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2023/02 - 2023/06 Chemistry II (8 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Tissue Engineering (2 practical hous) Bioquímica (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Tissue Engineering (2 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Tissue Engineering (2 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Tissue Engineering (2 practical hours) Bioengenharia (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Biomaterials (6 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Bioengenharia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2023/02 - 2023/06 Biomaterials (4 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Chemestry II (8 practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Chemestry II (8 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Tissue Engineering (2 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Tissue Engineering (2 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Tissue Engineering (2 theoretical-practical hours) Bioengenharia (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Tissue Engineering (2 theoretical-practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Biomaterials (4 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Biomaterials (2 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Biomaterials (2 theoretical-practical hours) Bioengenharia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2022/02 - 2022/06 Biomaterials (6 theoretical-practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/09 - 2022/02 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 practical hours) Ciências Farmacêuticas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/09 - 2022/02 Cellular and Molecular Biology (8 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/09 - 2022/02 Cellular and Molecular Biology (10 practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Chemestry II (20 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Biomaterials (4 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Biomaterials (4 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Biomaterials (4 theoretical-practical hours) Bioengenharia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Biomaterials (6 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2021/02 - 2021/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/01 Cellular and Molecular Biology (6 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/01 Cellular and Molecular Biology (10 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/01 Cellular and Molecular Biology (6 practical hours) Ciências Farmacêuticas (Mestrado integrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/01 Cellular and Molecular Biology (2 theoretical-practical hours) Química Industrial (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/01 Cellular and Molecular Biology (2 practical hours) Química Industrial (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Chemistry II (8 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Chemistry II (8 practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Bioquímica (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Bioengenharia (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Biotecnologia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Bioquímica (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/02 - 2020/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Bioengenharia (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/03 - 2019/06 Chemistry II (16 practical hours) Química Industrial (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/03 - 2019/06 Biomaterials (2 practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Licenciatura) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/03 - 2019/06 Tissue Engineering (4 theoretical-practical hours) Ciências Biomédicas (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/03 - 2019/06 Tissue Engineering (2 theoretical-practical hours) Biotecnologia (Mestrado) Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal

Other jury / evaluation

Activity description Institution / Organization
2020/06 - 2020/06 Member of the jury, as an examiner, of the Biotechnology BSc project entitled "Carne de peru in vitro" of the student Sara Marlene Moreira Pinto. Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2020/06 - 2020/06 Member of the jury, as an examiner, of the Biotechnology BSc project entitled “Sistemas de microagulhas para a terapia local do cancro” of the student Eduardo Jorge da Silva Padinha. Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
2019/06 - 2019/06 Member of the jury, as an examiner, of the Biotechnology BSc project entitled "Nanomateriais contendo IR780 para terapia multimodal do cancro da mama" of the student Micaela Guimarães da Nave. Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
Distinctions

Award

2019 PhD Individual Fellowship (SFRH/BD/144922/2019)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2019 PhD Incentive Grant UBI-Santander Totta/2018
Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal

Other distinction

2006 Certificado de Quadro de Excelência
Escola Básica dos 1.º e 2.º Ciclos João de Barros, Portugal