Patricia Alexandra Batista Branco (F314-7279-6F0F)

Curriculum Vitae

Patricia Alexandra Batista Branco

Patricia Branco obtained a European Doctorate in Food Engineering in 2018 from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, in collaboration with Denmark. She holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the Egas Moniz Higher School of Health (2011) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, Universidade Lusófona (2008). Patricia Branco has made significant contributions to the fields of molecular biology, food science, foodborne pathogens, and the development of eco-friendly biocides. Her research focuses on the antimicrobial properties of peptides produced by microorganisms, including their biochemical and molecular characterization, and their applications in food preservation and fermentation processes. She has published 19 articles in Scopus-indexed journals, presented her work at numerous conferences, organized four scientific events, and supervised 11 diploma theses for biotechnology and biology students. She has also served on the thesis committee for seven biotechnology degree theses, edited four e-books, and received a scientific award for the best research paper from the International Union of Microbiological Societies. Additionally, she has participated as a postdoctoral researcher in three projects and coordinated the ART-BIOCIDES- Artworks Revolutionary Treatments: BIOcides for Cultural heritage objects invaders, Innovative Development of Eco-friendly Solutions at the HERCULES laboratory, Évora University and the BIO-PHYTOFABs scientific project at the Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture, and Food (LEAF), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon. Currently, Patricia Branco is an assistant professor at the University of Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal, the coordinator of the Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group (BioRG) and the Co-director of the master degree in Food and Molecular Biotechnology t the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lusófona . She is also a researcher at LEAF, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon. Since 2022, she has served as an invited editor for the journal Antibiotics, MDPI. Patricia Branco’s expertise lies at the intersection of biotechnology and microbiology, with a special focus on developing sustainable biopreservatives and biocontrol methods. Her research enhances food safety, quality, and sustainability, positioning her as a prominent figure in biotechnology and food engineering. Throughout her professional career, she has co-authored scientific papers with 51 national and international scientists across various fields.

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Identification

Personal identification

Full name: Patricia Alexandra Batista Branco

Citation names

Branco, Patricia

Author identifiers

Ciência ID: F314-7279-6F0F
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1760-6899
Google Scholar ID: https://scholar.google.pt/citations?user=dk1p_pEAAAAJ&hl=en
Researcher Id: ResearcherID: O-4822-2015
Scopus Author Id: Scopus Author ID: 55313970500

Email addresses

patricia.branco@ulusofona.pt (Professional)

Knowledge fields

Natural sciences - Earth and Environmental Sciences - Environmental Sciences
Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Microbiology
Agrarian Sciences - Agrarian and Food Biotechnology
Engineering and Technology - Industrial Biotechnology - Fermentation
Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Molecular Biology

Education

	Degree	Classification
2013/04/01 - 2018/01/18 Concluded	Food Engineer (Doutoramento) Major in wine yeasts, yeast-yeast interaction during alcoholic fermentations, antimicrobial peptides produced by yeasts, antimicrobial peptides mode of action Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal "Purification and biochemical/molecular characterisation of antimicrobial peptides produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and evaluation of their mode of action" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)	Approved with the highest honour

Affiliation

Science

	Category Host institution	Employer
2024/09 - Current	Coordinating Researcher (Research)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
	Bioengineering & Sustainability Research Group, Portugal
2023/01/02 - Current	Auxiliary Researcher (Research)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2021/03 - Current	Auxiliary Researcher (Research)	Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Portugal
	Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2019/07/01 - 2022/06/30	Contracted Researcher (Research)	Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal
	Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal
2018/03/01 - 2019/06/30	Postdoc (Research)	Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal

2017/05/01 - 2018/02/28	Research Assistant (Research)	Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal

2011/08/01 - 2013/03/31	Research Assistant (Research)	Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal

2011/05/01 - 2011/07/31	Research Trainee (Research)	Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal

2009/04/02 - 2010/05/31	Research Trainee (Research)	Centro de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal., Portugal

2009/01/05 - 2009/03/31	Research Trainee (Research)	Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Portugal

2007/10/01 - 2008/10/20	Research Trainee (Research)	Fundação da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Teaching in Higher Education

	Category Host institution	Employer
2022/09/01 - Current	Assistant Professor (University Teacher)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal

Others

	Category Host institution	Employer
2025/02 - Current	Co-Director of the master degree in food and molecular biotechnology	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal

2013/04/01 - 2018/01/18	PhD project	Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal

2010/09/01 - 2011/04/29	Master project	Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal

Projects

Grant

	Designation	Funders
2022 - 2024	ERASMUS KA2 Project Integrated STEM Education with an Interactive Digital Library for Curious Kids 2022-1-TR01-KA220-SCH-000086836 Invited Scientist Fellow Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal	Erasmus Ongoing
2020/01/01 - 2023/12/31	UIDP/04129/2020 UIDP/04129/2020 Post-doc Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing
2020/01/01 - 2023/12/31	UIDP/04449/2020 UIDP/04449/2020 UIDB/04449/2020 Post-doc Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing
2020/01/01 - 2023/12/23	UIDB/04129/2020 UIDB/04129/2020 Post-doc Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2022/03/01 - 2023/06/30	BIO-PHYTOFABs-Eco-friendly solutions for BIOcides production against PHYTOpathogens and Food and Fermented Alcoholic Beverages spoilage microorganisms . Principal investigator Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Portugal Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal	Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Ongoing
2013/04 - 2018/01	PhD SFRH/BD/89673/2012	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Contract

	Designation	Funders
2024/09/01 - Current	Using fermentation to produce sustainable alternatives to antibiotics COFAC/ILIND/COPELABS/3/2024 Researcher Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal	Instituto Lusófono de Investigação e Desenvolvimento Ongoing
2024/01 - Current	SECOND SKIN: Epidermal Interface Wireless Sensory Systems-COFAC/ILIND/COPELABS/3/2023 COFAC/ILIND/COPELABS/3/2023 Researcher Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal	Cooperativa de Formação e Animação Cultural CRL Ongoing
2023/11/01 - Current	Free LitterAT project Free LitterAT project Researcher Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal	European Union Ongoing
2024/11/19 - 2028	COST Action 23110-International networking on in vitro colon models simulating gut microbiota mediated interactions (INFOGUT) CA23110 Researcher	Horizon Europe Ongoing
2019/07/01 - 2022/06/30	Biocontrol-Improving biological control of industrial bioethanol production processes by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae's own weapons PTDC/BII-BIO/31761/2017 Post-doc Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing
2019/04/01 - 2019/06/30	ART-BIOCIDES- Artworks Revolutionary Treatments: BIOcides for Cultural heritage objects invaders, Innovative Development of Eco-friendly Solutions CEECIND/00939/2017 Post-doc Fellow Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Cancelled
2019/01/03 - 2019/06/30	M3DUSA - Microorganisms Monitoring and Mitigation - Developing and Unlocking novel Sustainable Approaches ALT20-03-0145-FEDER-00001 Post-doc Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Ongoing
2018/03/01 - 2018/12/31	MICROTECH-ART-Microorganisms Thriving on and Endamaging Cultural Heritage- an Analytical Rapid Tool PTDC/BBB-IMG/0046/2014 Post-doc Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Concluded
2017/05/01 - 2018/02/28	MICROTECH-ART-Microorganisms Thriving on and Endamaging Cultural Heritage- an Analytical Rapid Tool PTDC/BBB-IMG/0046/2014 Research Fellow Laboratório Hercules Herança Cultural Estudos e Salvaguarda, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2011/05/11 - 2013/03/31	BIOPEPTIDES- Biopreservation of Ethanolic Fermentations: antimicrobial activity, biochemical properties and molecular characterization of yeast peptides PTDC/AGR-ALI/113565/2009 Research Fellow Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia - Campus do Lumiar, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Concluded

Other

	Designation	Funders
2009/04 - 2010/05	Genetic diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using mass spectrometry DNA arrays and high resolution melting 2-s2.0-77954729871 Researcher	Concluded
2007/10 - 2008/04	Comparative ecological implications of ammonium and nitrate availabilities in Mediterranean ecosystems POCI/BIA-BDE/59183/2004 volunteer researcher Fundação da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Concluded

Outputs

Publications

Conference abstract	Benera, C; Branco, Patricia; Charmier, A; Lageiro, M; Pinto Reis, C; Maurício, E. M.. "Sustainable Antioxidants: Exploring Beer By-Products for Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Applications". Paper presented in The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Antioxidants., 2025. Published Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Development of Novel DNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes for Rapid Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Cosmetic Products.".". Paper presented in The 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, 2024. Published Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial Screening of Soil Filamentous Fungi: A Search for New Bioactive Agents". Paper presented in the 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, 2024. Published Fonseca, Ana Teresa; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato. "Antimicrobial activity of two mycocins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus for the preservation of cosmetic formulations". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, Lisbon, 2023. Published • DOI:10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Nunes, Margarida; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Design of a new DNA-FISH probe for the rapid identification of Candida albicans in food and cosmetic products.". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, Lisbon, 2023. Published • DOI:10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Mendes, Diogo; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial activity of a peptide fraction derived from Wickerhamomyces anomalus metabolism against fruit juices pathogens.". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, Lisbon, 2023. Published • doi: 10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Vieira, Ricardo; Branco, Patrícia; Macedo Arantes, Sílvia; Candeias, António; González Pérez, Marina; Caldeira, Ana Teresa. "Aplicação da técnica Hibridação In Situ Fluorescente (FISH) em microrganismos que deterioram o Património Cultural". Paper presented in Jornadas departamento de Quimica, Évora, 2018. Branco, Patricia; González Pérez, Marina; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; Candeias, António. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Fluorophore´s role on the reliability of microorganism detection by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH)". Paper presented in Microbiotec, Porto, 2017. Published González Pérez, Marina; Ricardo Vieira; Branco, Patricia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González-Pérez, Marina; Branco, Patricia; Vieira, Ricardo; Candeias, António. Corresponding author: González-Pérez, Marina. "RNA-FISH for investigating Cultural Heritage Microbiology-Autofluorescence of the materials and fluorophores selection". Paper presented in 4th World Congress and Expo on Applied Microbiology, Madrid, 2017. Published • 10.4172/1948-5948-C1-035 Coutinho, Rute; Branco, Patrícia; Monteiro, Margarida; Malfeito-Ferreira, M.; Albergaria, Helena; Kemsawasd, Varongsiri; Arneborg, Nils. "Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Dekkera bruxellensis interactions in alcoholic fermentations: growth and 4-ethylphenol production". Paper presented in Microbiotec, 2013. Published
Conference paper	Patrícia Branco; Nuno Lourenço; Beatriz Bernardo; Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio. "Development of Novel DNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes for Rapid Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Cosmetic Products". 2024. 10.5281/zenodo.15266264 Mendes, D; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial activity of a peptide fraction derived from Wickerhamomyces anomalus metabolism against fruit juices pathogens.". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisboa, 2023. Published • doi:10.19277/bbr.20.2.3204 Branco, Patricia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González Pérez, Marina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "A novel Dekkera bruxellensis RNA-FISH probe: design and evaluation". Paper presented in 4th World Congress and Expo on Applied Microbiology, Madrid, 2017. Published • 10.4172/1948-5948-c1-035 "RNA-FISH for investigating Cultural Heritage Microbiology- Autofluorescence of the materials and fluorophores selection". 2017. DOI:10.4172/1948-5948-C1-035. Albergaria, Helena; Branco, Patrícia; Francisco, Diana; Coutinho, Rute; Monteiro, Margarida; Malfeito-Ferreira, Manuel; Arneborg, Nils; Almeida, Maria Gabriela; Caldeira, Jorge. "Dominance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in wine fermentations: secretion of antimicrobial peptides and microbial interactions ". 2013.
Conference poster	Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato. "Evaluation of yeast metabolites as natural preservatives for cosmetic formulations.". Paper presented in The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics., 2025. Branco, Patricia; Costa, Ana Catarina; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial and antioxidant peptides from Wickerhamomyces anomalus: A natural solution for clean label food preservation and beyond.". Paper presented in The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Antioxidants., 2025. Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato . Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial activity of peptides produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Tetrapisispora phaffii against foodborne pathogens". Paper presented in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Microbiology, 2025. Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato . Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Microbial diversity in composting: Identification and analysis of fungus-related and bacterial communities for enhanced organic waste recycling". Paper presented in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Microbiology, 2025. Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Development of Novel DNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes for Rapid Detection of Microbial Contaminants in Cosmetic Products.". Paper presented in The 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, 2024. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15266265 Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial Screening of Soil Filamentous Fungi: A Search for New Bioactive Agents". Paper presented in the 5th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, 2024. Reis, R; Amaro, R; Maurício, E; Branco, Patricia; Palma, C; Charmier, A; Fernandes, P. ; et al. "Brewer's Spent Grain Transformation: Rheological Insights and Physical Properties in Cookie Production". Paper presented in IV Jornadas Lusófonas de Nutrição, 2024. Mendes, Diogo; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Antimicrobial activity of a peptide fraction derived from Wickerhamomyces anomalus metabolism against fruit juices pathogens". 2023. 10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Fonseca, Ana Teresa; Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato . Corresponding author: Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato. "Antimicrobial activity of two mycocins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus for the preservation of cosmetic formulations". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, 2023. DOI:10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Nunes, Margarida; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Design of a new DNA-FISH probe for the rapid identification of Candida albicans in food and cosmetic products". Paper presented in Jornadas CBIOS, 2023. DOI:10.19277/bbr.20.2.320 Branco, Patricia; Costa, Ana; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Characterization of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of peptides secreted by Wickerhamomyces anomalus.". Paper presented in Jornadas cientificas, 2023. Branco, Patricia; Mendes, Inês; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Evaluation of the antimicrobial conjugated effect of mycocins produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Debaryomyces hansenii against foodborne pathogens". Paper presented in FEMS, 2023. Branco, Patricia; Albergaria, Helena; Prista, Catarina. "Over-expression of AMPs in industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains as a biocontrol approach for fuel ethanol fermentations: cloning strategy and characterization". Paper presented in Microbiotec, 2021. Sousa, joana; Branco, Patrícia; João Correia; Maria Gabriela Almeida; Albergaria, Helena. "Antimicrobial peptides of Saccharomyces cerevisiae – a proteomic study". Paper presented in Microbiotec, 2021. Branco, Patricia; Prista, Catarina; Albergaria, Helena. "Conjugated effect of saccharomycin and SO2 on Brettanomyces/Dekkera bruxellensis growth/survival in simulated wines". Paper presented in XV Encontro de Química dos Alimentos, 2021. Branco, Patricia; Diniz, Mário; Prista, Catarina; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Evaluation of the biocontrol potential of a commercial yeast starter against fuel-ethanol fermentation contaminants". Paper presented in International Congress on Yeasts (ICY), 2021. Branco, Patricia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González Pérez, Marina. "A novel Rhodotorula sp. RNA-FISH probe for the identification of this artwork’s biodeterioration agent". Paper presented in Web of knowledge, 2018. Branco, Patricia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González-Pérez, Marina. "A novel Dekkera bruxellensis RNA-FISH probe: design and evaluation". Paper presented in 4th World Congress and Expo on Applied Microbiology 2017, 2017. DOI:10.4172/1948-5948-C1-035 Branco, Patricia; Albergaria, Helena; Arneborg, Nils; Prista, Catarina. "GAPDH-derived AMPs affect the pH homeostasis of sensitive yeast cells by decreasing the H+-ATPase membrane activity". Paper presented in 6th Conference on Physiology of Yeast and Filamentous Fungi, 2016. Branco, Patricia; Sabir, Farzana; Carvalho, Luisa ; Albergaria, Helena; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Expression of the GAPDH-derived AMPs on S. cerevisiae and evaluation of their biopreservative potential on wine fermentations". Paper presented in Encontro Ciência 2016, 2016. Branco, Patricia; Francisco, Diana; Arneborg, Nils; Albergaria, Helena. "Antimicrobial properties of GAPDH-derived AMPs secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and death-inducing mechanisms (apoptosis/necrosis)". Paper presented in XX Jornadas das Leveduras Professor Nicolau Van Uden, 2014. Branco, Patricia; Francisco, Diana; Arneborg, Nils; Albergaria, Helena. "GAPDH-derived AMPs secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: mode of action and antimicrobial properties.". Paper presented in 4th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Peptides, 2014. Branco, Patricia; Albergaria, Helena; Arneborg, Nils. "Antimicrobial peptides from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induce physiological changes in Hanseniaspora guilliermondii". Paper presented in 2nd International Conference on Microbial Diversity, 2013. Branco, Patricia; Monteiro, Margarida; Francisco, Diana; Moura, Patrícia; Albergaria, Helena. "Quantification of Viable Wine Yeasts by Direct Live/Dead Staining Combined with Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation.". Paper presented in 3º Encontro de biologia molecular, 2013. Branco, Patricia; Monteiro, Margarida; Francisco, Diana; Moura, Patrícia; Albergaria, Helena. "Optimization of Live/Dead Staining combined with FISH method for quantification of yeasts in alcoholic fermentation". Paper presented in Microbiotec, 2011. Francisco, Diana; Branco, Patricia; Marques, Susana ; Girio, Francisco; Albergaria, Helena. "Carob Pulp as Feedstock for Bioethanol Production". Paper presented in Microbiotec, 2011. Branco, Patricia; Monteiro, Margarida; Francisco, Diana; Moura, Patrícia; Albergaria, Helena. "Quantification of Oenococcus oeni by Direct Live/Dead Staining (LDS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during malolactic fermentations". Paper presented in 1º Encontro de Biologia Molecular em Saúde, 2011.
Journal article	Branco, Patrícia; Nunes, Margarida; Pereira, Paula; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato. "Design of a Novel DNA-FISH Probe for the Rapid Identification of Candida albicans in Cosmetic Products". Cosmetics 12 3 (2025): 115. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12030115. 10.3390/cosmetics12030115 Nicolai, Marisa; Palma, José M.L.M.; Reis, R.; Amaro, R.; Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Pereira, Paula. Corresponding author: Nicolai, Marisa. "Assessing the Potential of Brewer’s Spent Grain to Enhance Cookie Physicochemical and Nutritional Profiles.". Foods (2025): https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010095. Open access • Published • https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010095 Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Branco, Patricia; Araújo, A.L.B; Roma-Rodrigues, Catarina; Katelene Lima; Duarte, Maria Paula; Fernandes, Alexandra; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Evaluation of Biotechnological Active Peptides Secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Potential Skin Benefits". Antibiotics , MDPI 13 9 (2024): 881. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13090881. Open access • Published • https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13090881 Branco, Patricia; Carvalho, Luísa; Prista, Catarina; Albergaria, Helena. "Effect of overexpression of partial TDH1 and TDH2/3 gene sequences in a starter strain of industrial bioethanol fermentation on the Brettanomyces¿bruxellensis contaminant growth". Letters in applied microbiology 76 12 (2023): Published • DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad141 Chandra, Mahesh; Branco, Patricia; Prista, Catarina; Malfeito-Ferreira, M.. "Role of p-Coumaric Acid and Micronutrients in Sulfur Dioxide Tolerance in Brettanomyces bruxellensis.". Beverages (2023): https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages9030069. Published • 10.3390/beverages9030069 Branco, Patricia; Mauricio, Elisabete Muchagato ; Ana Costa; Diogo Ventura; Roma-Rodrigues, Catarina; Duarte, Maria Paula; Alexandra R Fernandes; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Exploring the multifaceted potential of a peptide fraction derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism: antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.". Antibiotics (2023): https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12081332. Published • 10.3390/antibiotics12081332 Sofia Camilo; Mahesh Chandra; Patrícia Branco; Manuel Malfeito-Ferreira. "Wine Microbial Consortium: Seasonal Sources and Vectors Linking Vineyard and Winery Environments". Fermentation (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8070324. 10.3390/fermentation8070324 Branco, Patricia; Diniz, Mário; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Branco, Patricia. "Evaluation of the biocontrol potential of a commercial yeast starter against fuel-ethanol fermentation contaminants". Fermentation (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8050233. Open access • Published • doi:10.3390/fermentation8050233 Sílvia Macedo Arantes; Branco, Patricia; Caldeira, Ana Teresa. Corresponding author: Caldeira, Ana Teresa. "Design and experimental evaluation of a new RNA-FISH probe to detect and identify Paenibacillus sp.". Applied sciences 12 5 (2022): https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052348. Open access • Published • doi:10.3390/app12052348 Patrícia Branco; Rute Coutinho; Manuel Malfeito-Ferreira; C. Prista; Helena Albergaria. Corresponding author: Patrícia Branco. "Wine Spoilage Control: Impact of Saccharomycin on Brettanomyces bruxellensis and Its Conjugated Effect with Sulfur Dioxide". Microorganisms (2021): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/12/2528. Open access • 10.3390/microorganisms9122528 Branco, Patrícia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González-Pérez, Marina. Corresponding author: González-Pérez, Marina. "A simple procedure for detecting Dekkera bruxellensis in wine environment by RNA-FISH using a novel probe". International Journal of Food Microbiology 314 (2020): 108415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108415. Published • 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108415 Branco, Patricia; Candeias, António; Caldeira, Ana Teresa; González Pérez, Marina. Corresponding author: González Pérez, Marina. "An important step forward for the future development of an easy and fast procedure for identifying the most dangerous wine spoilage yeast, Dekkera bruxellensis, in wine environment". Microbial Biotechnology (2019): https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13422. Open access • Published Branco, Patricia; Sabir, Farzana; Diniz, Mário; Carvalho, L.; Albergaria, Helena; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Albergaria, Helena. "Biocontrol of Brettanomyces/Dekkera bruxellensis in alcoholic fermentations using saccharomycin-overproducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains". Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (2019): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85061311766&partnerID=MN8TOARS. 10.1007/s00253-019-09657-7 Branco, Patricia; Albergaria, Helena; Arneborg, Nils; Prista, Catarina. Corresponding author: Prista, Catarina. "Effect of GAPDH-derived antimicrobial peptides on sensitive yeasts cells: membrane permeability, intracellular pH and H+-influx/-efflux rates". FEMS YEAST RESEARCH (2018): doi:10.1093/femsyr/foy030.. Published • doi: 10.1093/femsyr/foy030 Branco, Patricia; Francisco, Diana; Monteiro, Margarida; Almeida, Maria Gabriela; Caldeira, Jorge; Arneborg, Nils; Prista, Catarina; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Albergaria, Helena. "Antimicrobial properties and death-inducing mechanisms of saccharomycin, a biocide secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae". Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 101 1 (2017): 159-171. doi: 10.1007/s00253-016-7755-6. Published • 10.1007/s00253-016-7755-6 Branco, Patrícia; Kemsawasd, Varongsiri; Santos, Lara; Diniz, Mário; Caldeira, Jorge; Almeida, Maria Gabriela; Arneborg, Nils; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Albergaria, Helena. "Saccharomyces cerevisiae accumulates GAPDH-derived peptides on its cell surface that induce death of non-Saccharomyces yeasts by cell-to-cell contact". FEMS Microbiology Ecology 93 5 (2017): http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fix055. Published • 10.1093/femsec/fix055 Kemsawasd, Varongsiri; Branco, Patrícia; Almeida, Maria Gabriela; Caldeira, Jorge; Albergaria, Helena; Arneborg, Nils. Corresponding author: Arneborg, Nils. "Cell-to-cell contact and antimicrobial peptides play a combined role in the death of Lachanchea thermotolerans during mixed-culture alcoholic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae". FEMS Microbiology Letters (2015): fnv103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnv103. Published • 10.1093/femsle/fnv103 Branco, Patricia; Viana, Tiago; Albergaria, Helena; Arneborg, Nils. Corresponding author: Arneborg, Nils. "Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae induce alterations in the intracellular pH, membrane permeability and culturability of Hanseniaspora guilliermondii cells". International Journal of Food Microbiology 205 (2015): 112-118. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.04.015. Published • 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.04.015 Branco, Patricia; Francisco, Diana; Chambon, Christophe; Hébraud, Michel; Arneborg, Nils; Almeida, Maria Gabriela; Caldeira, Jorge; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Albergaria, Helena. "Identification of novel GAPDH-derived antimicrobial peptides secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and involved in wine microbial interactions". Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 98 2 (2014): 843-853. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5411-y. Published • 10.1007/s00253-013-5411-y Branco, Patricia; Monteiro, Margarida; Moura, Patrícia; Albergaria, Helena. Corresponding author: Albergaria, Helena. "Survival rate of wine-related yeasts during alcoholic fermentation assessed by direct live/dead staining combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization". International Journal of Food Microbiology 158 1 (2012): 49-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.06.020. Published • 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.06.020 Santos, Susana; Lanca, Vasco; Oliveira, H.; Branco, Patricia; Silveira, Leonor; Marques, Vanda; Brito, Dulce; et al. "Genetic diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using mass spectrometry DNA arrays and high resolution melting". Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia 30 1 (2011): 7-18. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79952394840&partnerID=MN8TOARS. Published
Thesis / Dissertation	Branco, Patrícia Alexandra Batista. "Purification and biochemical/molecular characterisation of antimicrobial peptides produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and evaluation of their mode of action". PhD, Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/15073. Branco, Patricia. "Analysis and quantification of yeasts and bacteria by classical and molecular methods in alcoholic fermentations". Master, Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2011.

Activities

Oral presentation

	Presentation title	Event name Host (Event location)
2025/05/21	Isolation of Soil Microorganisms for the Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Applications.	4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics MDPI: Basel, Switzerland
2024/09/20	Evaluation of functional properties of peptides secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with potential skin benefits	XXII Jornadas de Biologia de Leveduras Professor Nicolau van Uden (Portugal)
2018/11/12	Specificity and performance evaluation of a novel RNA-FISH probe for the identification of Rhodotorula sp. in Cultural Heritage materials.	5th World Congress and Expo on Applied microbiology Applied Microbiology conference (Edimburgo, United Kingdom)
2018/11/08	Overcoming the limitations to identify Dekkera bruxellensis in wine environment: performance and specificity evaluation of two species-specific RNA-FISH probes.	The 2nd Food Factor Conference (Torremolinos, Spain)
2018/09/28	A tool to detect micro-invaders involved in the Cultural Heritage deterioration	European Researchers' Night Observatório Lago do Alqueva (Monsaraz, Portugal)
2017/05/03	Biopreservative effect of antimicrobial peptides produced by Sacchoromyces cerevisiae conjugated with sulphur dioxide on wine fermentations	4.ª Conferência Anual da redeAGRO Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal)
2016/07/11	Death of non-Saccharomyces yeasts induced by cell-cell contact with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: role of the cell wall-associated GAPDH protein	6th Conference on Physiology of Yeast and Filamentous Fungi Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (Lisboa, Portugal)
2015/07/21	Physiological changes induced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on Hanseniaspora guilliermondii	33rd Small Meeting on Yeast Transport and Energetics Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon (Lisboa, Portugal)
2014/07/11	Cell-cell interactions in yeast cultures at high cell density: role of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell-wall associated protein GAPDH and physiological alterations induced in sensitive yeast cells	XX Jornadas de leveduras Instituto superior técnico, Lisbon university (Lisboa, Portugal)
2013/12/08	Interactions between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hanseniaspora guilliermondii: cell-cell contact mechanism	Microbiotec Universidade de Aveiro (Aveiro, Portugal)
2013/10/23	Dominance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in wine fermentations: secretion of antimicrobial peptides and microbial interactions	2nd international conference on Microbial Diversity University of Turin (Torino, Italy)
2012/08/26	Application of live/dead staining combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization to directly quantify viable yeasts in wine fermentations	13th International Congress on Yeasts (Wisconsin, United States)
2012/07/12	Survival rate of wine-related yeasts during alcoholic fermentation assessed by direct Live/Dead staining combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization	XIX Jornadas de Biologia de leveduras Faculdade de ciências e tecnologia (Lisboa, Portugal)

Event organisation

	Event name Type of event (Role)	Institution / Organization
2025/06/18 - 2025/06/18	BioJornadas 2025 is a scientific meeting aimed at students in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It provides a dynamic and stimulating space for knowledge exchange, networking and the development of transversal skills. Throughout the day, the event brings together researchers, industry professionals and alumni who share their academic and professional trajectories, fostering meaningful connections between academia, applied research and the labour market. (2025/06/18) Conference (President of the Organising Committee)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2023/12/18 - 2023/12/22	Organisation of the 2nd training within the curi kids project (2022-1-TR01-KA220-SCH-000086836) (2023/12/18 - 2023/12/22) Meeting (Co-organisor)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2023/05/09 - 2023/05/09	Workshop as part of the Eco-Schools project: Organic vegetable garden and composter at the Faculty of Engineering (2023/05/09 - 2023/05/09) Workshop (Co-organisor)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias Edições Universitárias Lusófonas, Portugal
2018/11/19 - 2018/11/23	Advanced course - Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to detect yeasts, Évora University, Biochemistry Master (2018/11/19 - 2018/11/23) Seminar (Co-organisor)	Universidade de Évora, Portugal
2017/12/19 - 2017/12/19	I seminar and workshop Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization. (2017/11/19 - 2017/11/19) Other (Co-organisor)	Universidade de Évora, Portugal
2015/07/21 - 2015/07/24	33rd Small Meeting on Yeast Transport and Energetics (2015/07/21 - 2015/07/24) Congress (Other)	Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal

Event participation

	Activity description Type of event	Event name Institution / Organization
2022/09/30 - 2022/09/30	Dissemination of the research activities developed in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Lusófona at the event European researcher's night. Exhibition	European researcher's night. Pavilhão do Conhecimento-Centro Ciência Viva, Portugal
2019/04/11 - 2019/04/11	Dissemination of the research activities performed in the HERCULES laboratory through ludic activities for children with ages between 7-10 and oral presentations for secondary school students. This event was organized by the European project "European Researchers' Night-Science in the city" 2018/2019 and took place in the Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo museum Workshop	Patrimónios de Évora Noite Europeia dos Investigadores, Portugal
2018/09/17 - 2018/09/17	Dissemination of the research activities develop in HERCULES laboratory, Évora University at the event IMD 2018 International Microorganism Day	IMD 2018 – International Microorganism Day Portuguese Society of Microbiology (SPM), Portugal

Jury of academic degree

	Topic Role	Candidate name (Type of degree) Institution / Organization
2025/12/15	DEVELOPMENT OF GLUTEN-REDUCED BEERS BY CO-FERMENTATION WITH LACTIC ACID BACTERIA: THECNOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND COMPARATIVE SENSORY EVALUATION (Thesis) Main arguer	RENATO DA CUNHA GOMES (PhD) Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2025/04/04	"Effect of Chitosan Derived Preservatives on Brettanomyces Growth and 4-Ethylphenol Production" (Thesis) Main arguer	Clara Paixão (Master) Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2024/07/17	Chemical characterisation of the brewing by-product Trub and evaluation of its potential in the food industry (Thesis) Main arguer	Tiago Monteiro (Other) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2024/06/27	Development of gluten-free beers using lactic acid bacteria in consortium with conventional yeast (Thesis) Arguer	Renato Gomes (PhD) Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2023/09/21	Analysis of seed germination and survival of brine shrimps using mineral and natural waters (Thesis) Main arguer	Josefa Boavida (Other) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2023/07/25	Evaluation of the effect of energized water on seed germination and the antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare plant extracts (Thesis) Main arguer	Anita Gonçalves Leitão (Other) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2023/07/19	Development of Innovative and Functional Foods by Solid-State Fermentation: combination of traditional Portuguese Crops and Eastern Fermenters (Thesis) Arguer	Rafaela do Couto Santos (PhD) Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2023/07/10	Wine and beer: Training a sensory analysis panel (Thesis) Main arguer	Rodrigo Ricardo Morita Pereira (Other) Ensino Lusófona, Portugal
2023/07/07	Point-of-Care Diagnostics – Developing a molecular assay using LAMP technique for Legionella pneumophila detection in water samples- Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Point-of-Care diagnostics (PoC), real-time PCR (qPCR). (Thesis) Main arguer	Mariana de Sousa Garcia (Other) Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal

Course / Discipline taught

	Academic session	Degree Subject (Type)	Institution / Organization
2025/09/18 - Current	Molecular and Enzymatic Technologies	Biotecnologia alimentar e molecular (Mestrado)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2025/07/18 - Current	Food Microbiology	biotecnologia alimentar e molecular (Mestrado)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2024/02 - Current	Project	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2023/02/18 - Current	Cell and animal tissue technology	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2022/09/18 - Current	Genetics	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2022/09/15 - Current	Genetic engineering	University degree (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2022/09/12 - Current	Cell and molecular biology	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2022/09/12 - Current	Toxicology	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2022/09/12 - Current	Quality control of bioproducts	Biotecnologia (Licenciatura)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal
2021/05/01 - Current	Microbiology	Enologia (Pós-Graduação)	Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Portugal

Interview (tv / radio show)

	Program	Topic
2017/11/23 - 2017/11/23	ID-UE Projeto MICROTECH-ART, Évora University communication office	ID-UE Projeto MICROTECH-ART

Journal scientific committee

	Journal title (ISSN)	Publisher
2022/09/01 - Current	Antibiotics (2079-6382)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
2024/01/09 - 2024/01/09	PLOS ONE (1932-6203)	Public Library of Science
2022/10/23 - 2022/10/23	Foods (2304-8158)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
2022/03/06 - 2022/06/15	Molecules (1420-3049)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
2022/04/06 - 2022/04/06	Metabolites (2218-1989)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
2021/10/09 - 2022/02/01	Antibiotics (2079-6382)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
2021/12/04 - 2021/12/04	Applied microbiology (2673-8007)	Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Mentoring / Tutoring

	Topic	Student name
2024/02/17 - 2024/07/31	Analysis of biomarkers involved in breast cancer progression	Francisco Marques
2024/02/17 - 2024/07/31	Isolation and identification of soil microorganisms with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity	Lara Correia
2024/02/17 - 2024/07/31	Design In silico of DNA-FISH probes for the identification of contaminating microorganisms on cosmetic products	Nuno Filipe Fernandes Lourenço
2024/02/17 - 2024/07/31	Isolation and detection of mycotoxins in dreche samples	David Olho Azul
2023/02/01 - 2023/07/31	Design of RNA-FISH probes in silico and evaluation of their specificity and performance	Margarida Nunes
2023/02/01 - 2023/07/31	Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of peptides produced by killer yeasts against foodborne pathogens	Diogo Mendes
2023/02/01 - 2023/07/31	Antimicrobial potential of mycocins produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Tetrapisispora phaffii in a cosmetic formulation	Ana Teresa Fonseca
2023/02/01 - 2023/07/31	Antimicrobial potential of mycocins produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Tetrapispora phaffii in the preservation of a cosmetic formula	Diogo Roque
2023/02/01 - 2023/07/31	Evaluation of mycocins antimicrobial conjugated effect produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Tetrapisispora phaffi against fruit juices pathogenic microorganisms.	Diogo Ventura
2022/02/21 - 2023/07/31	Evaluation of peptides antimicrobial effect produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Debaryomyces hansenii against fruit juices and alcoholic beverages pathogenic/spoilage microorganisms	Inês Mendes
2020/10/01 - 2021/06	AMPs-overproducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains and their biocontrol potential against fuel-ethanol fermentations microbial contaminants	Madalena Pinto
2017/11/01 - 2017/12/20	Fluorescence In situ Hybridisation to detect microorganisms in mortars	Carolina Tereno; Laura Prezado; Tatiana Gil

Distinctions

Award

2013	Research paper award International Union of Microbiological Societies, Belgium