One of the largest research projects in the field of biotechnology, led by CBQF of the Faculty of Biotechnology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in partnership with the company Amyris Bio Products Portugal, presented an important result: the first biosilica extracted from sugarcane with application in the cosmetic industry. An innovative ingredient that has already given rise to a product that marketed internationally.

"This first discovery that gives rise to an innovative product results from a mutual knowledge between the two entities involved - CBQF/ESB/UCP and Amyris -, from a strategic alignment, but above all from the commitment of more than 100 top-level researchers", says Manuela Pintado, CBQF researcher and coordinator of the Alchemy project in Portugal. For Manuela Pintado the multidisciplinarity of the team - bioengineering, microbiology, bioanalytical among other areas - allowed, "In two years to create a new ingredient well accepted by the market and that respects the principles of circular economy and sustainable development".

Biosilica is obtained from sugarcane ash from the burning of by-products from sugar producing industries for energy generation, including leaves resulting from the process of harvesting the plant and bagasse, fibrous material obtained after extraction of sugar syrup. The new ingredient, the first in the world to be created with sustainable resources and to be used in the cosmetic industry, assuming itself as a sustainable and better performing alternative to traditional silica, extracted from sand, a resource with intense exploration on the planet.

"This ingredient makes clean cosmetics – clean beauty – even cleaner and is, so to speak, the 'first stone' of the implementation of an international innovation hub in the field of Biotechnology with a strong culture of applied science, and entrepreneurial spirit, strongly market-oriented," says Miguel Barbosa, of Amyris Bio Products Portugal. Amyris Bio Products Portugal is a subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed Amyris Inc., based in Emeryville, California. It’s CEO is luso-American John Melo.

Science at the service of the sustainability of global resources

"More than a sustainable ingredient, biosilica shows how science can help to value the waste of any industry, safeguard the sustainability of global resources and, at the same time, promote a 'clean beauty', by allowing the development of clean and safe cosmetics," explains Raquel Madureira, researcher of the project. This new product will be marketed by Aprinnova, a leading U.S. company in the field of biotechnology applied to sustainable cosmetics and partner of Amyris.

The Alchemy project, results from a strategic partnership between Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Amyris Bio Products Portugal and the Government of Portugal, through AICEP. Portugal 2020 and the FEDER Operational Program fund the project. It began in 2018 with the main goal of studying and developing new applications for the by-products/residues of Amyris fermentation processes and sugarcane production, thus enhancing the development of new molecules of high commercial interest, with emphasis on the cosmetics industry, but also for animal and human nutrition, new materials and pharmaceuticals.

For the president of AICEP, Luís Castro Henriques, "this first result that comes from the Alchemy project is very important. AICEP has been following the process since the beginning, through the R&D contract established with Amyris and Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in 2018, and we believe it will make a relevant contribution to the increase in exports with high technological intensity. The partnership with UCP is a recognition of the quality of the university system and the research capacity of Portugal and, once again, the talent Portuguese is being fundamental to the success of the project. Congratulations to Amyris and UCP!"

In order to respond to the major challenges of European agri-food systems, researchers from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Faculty of Biotechnology from the Porto Regional Centre are developing the STARGATE project – "Sensors and daTA tRaininG towards high-performance Agri-food sysTEms", funded by Horizon 2020 through the "Twinning of research institutions" program.

In collaboration with leading international institutions – the Wageningen Research, the French Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) and the German Plant Genetics and Research Institute (IPK),- this project will allow deepening and sharing knowledge that will contribute to the creation of more resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

Climate change, increasing population and consequent increase in productivity lead to an increasing need to track and control the entire complex process of the food chain from production to consumer. Through the STARGATE project, it will be possible to increase knowledge about high-tech sensors and phenotyping technologies, with a view to developing predictive models for crops that are more resistant, robust to climate change and that can be integrated into circular agriculture.

Under this project it will also be possible to identify the potential impact of genetic resources and biodiversity on food, select the best raw material to generate premium food - nutritious, healthy, safe and sustainable -, reduce the use of fertilizers or herbicides, improve the nutritional value of crops and overall quality, prolong shelf life and also reduce and value losses in the context of circular economy.

Manuela Pintado, the main researcher of the project, explains that "through the fruitful articulation between the different members of the project, farmers and the agri-food industry it will be possible to develop sensors and multimetric technologies and phenotyping of plants that will allow the development of more resilient and sustainable agri-food systems". Manuela Pintado also points out that for "the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry STARGATE, the project will contribute decisively to the center, positioning itself as a center of national and international excellence in high-performance agri-food systems".

The first Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciencesis the result of an agreement for China-Portugal cooperation in the areas of marine and environmental sciences between the Institute of Science and Environment of the University of Saint Joseph (ISE-USJ), the Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry of Universidade Católica Portuguesa (CBQF-UCP), the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), and the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS). A project funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (MOST), whose kick-off ceremony took place on 11 October at the University of Saint Joseph's Ilha Verde campus, in Macau.

Manuela Pintado, director of CBQF in Católica's Porto Regional Centre and coordinator of the project in Portugal, explains that "it is expected that the joint research will contribute to improving the health of marine ecosystems and supporting the blue economy of the future in China and Portugal."

The Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciences is organized around four main research axis: 1) Ecosystem change, including ocean acidification and global biogeochemical processes; 2) Ecological disasters, including harmful algal blooms; 3) Mariculture development, including the optimization of sustainable practices for aquaculture and; 4) Utilization of bio-resources, including the identification of new molecules from marine organisms with potential benefits for humans.

This project aims to establish a stable system of mutual scientific visits and exchanges, training, research development, sharing of research facilities and equipment, and organization of scientific and innovation events, fostering the consolidation of a comprehensive Sino-Portuguese marine and environmental science and technology platform.

“The lab is expected to promote innovative leaps in marine and environmental science and technology cooperation between China and Portugal and support future China-Europe cooperation in these areas,” refers Manuela Pintado, noting “the project not only has important scientific value, but also brings significant diplomatic, socio-economic, and environmental benefits.”

 

Foster scientific cooperation between Portugal and China, through Macao

The Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciences has as overarching objectives to foster scientific cooperation between Portugal and China, through Macao, in the fields of marine and environmental sciences, promoting the development of a sustainable blue economy for the future. It is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2020 between ISE-USJ, CBQF-UCP, IPMA, and IOCAS for developing cooperation in the areas of marine and environmental sciences.

“The Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry offers outstanding capacities in marine biotechnology research and development, with a focus on valorisation of marine biological resources and development of sustainable solutions for the use of marine products,” stresses Manuela Pintado.

IPMA is Portugal's only national laboratory dedicated to marine and atmospheric science and technology research, with extensive facilities for marine research across continental Portugal, Azores and Madeira. ISE focus on the study of the physiology and behaviour of marine organisms under a scenario of global change and anthropogenic pressures, and conservation of coastal ecosystems. With a history of long-term cooperation with research teams from both mainland China and Portugal, ISE is acquainted with the scientific research and management systems of both parties and can fully exploit Macao's role as a bridge for Sino-Portuguese cooperation.

The ceremony was officiated b­y representatives of the four collaborating institutions, Isabel Capeloa Gil (President of Católica), including Stephen Morgan (Rector of USJ), Fan WANG (Director of IOCAS), David Gonçalves (Dean of ISE-USJ), Narcisa Bandarra (representative from IPMA), Manuela Pintado (Director of CBQF-UCP) and Rencheng YU (project coordinator, of IOCAS).

The ceremony was also attended by guests including Yanwei Li, Libin Zhang, Delin Duan, Liqin Duan, and Huixia Geng (professors from IOCAS), Filipe Porteiro (Universidade dos Açores- UAc), Keith Morrison, Zhang Shuguang, Teresa Loong (USJ Vice-rectors), Thomas Lei and Karen Tagulao from ISE, USJ staff, students and scholars.

The Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciences is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (MOST) to IOCAS, the lead unit of the project and currently one of the largest and most comprehensive oceanographic research institutions in China, to bring together the strengths of both China and Portugal in the field of marine science to carry out cooperative research.

Joana Cristina Barbosa, Ezequiel Cosqueta, Ricardo Garcia, Viviana Ribeiro and João Botelho (from another institution). These are the names of the researchers from the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Faculty of Biotechnology who saw their individual projects selected in the 6th edition of the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus, promoted by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). This is a financial support that intends to deepen and specialize the exercise of scientific research and technological development activities in the country.

The five projects to be carried out at CBQF are framed within two research areas: from Biology and Experimental Biochemistry to Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Food Biotechnology.

In the first scientific area, Joana Cristina Barbosa aims to study the potential of intestinal probiotics (beneficial bacteria which enhance the human body defense) for producing antimicrobial compounds (that inhibit the development of potential pathogenic microorganisms); João Botelho, also from Biology and Experimental Biochemistry area, seeks to understand and investigate the relationship between genetic redundancy and the resistance to antibiotic effects.

Within the scope of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Food Biotechnology Ezequiel Coscueta proposes a research line about the use of microbots in the prevention and resolution of gastrointestinal diseases; Ricardo Garcia will focus his research work on sustainable models for processing new proteins with nutritional and food potential; and Viviana Ribeiro wants to investigate the potential of rabbit skin for the burn treatment.

Manuela Pintado, who is associate professor, researcher and director of CBQF, declares that the selection of these five scientific projects supported by FCT “proves and reinforces the continued scientific research work at the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, with an approval rate of 20%.”

The support for hiring doctorate researchers, provided by the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus, aims “to strengthen the national scientific and technological system by creating employment opportunities for doctoral researchers, promoting the formalization of scientific employment of PhD holders, helping to attract and retain qualified PhD holders in Portugal and also to contribute to the rejuvenation of scientific institutions.”, according to the notice published by FCT.

CBQF was founded in 1990 and currently has more than 245 researchers, whose mission is to develop and disseminate innovative knowledge in the area of biotechnology, contributing to the health and well-being of citizens.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa completes the first phase of DIP4Agri project (DIP4Agri.eu), which aims to train higher education institutions in innovation and entrepreneurship, in the areas of deep tech and valorization of agri-food by-products (dip4agri.eu).

On the 18th December, the project final event was held at UCP, where Manuela Pintado, the project Coordinator, presented the main achievements of the project. Luís Rochartre ( Senior Advisor at Planetiers New Generation), Tiago Duarte (Managing Partner at Simplyeast Portugal), Deolinda Silva (Executive Director at PortugalFoods) and Benedita Chaves (Director of R&D and Innovation at Lipor) were invited speakers at this event and focused on the importance of innovation and value creation from residues and by-products, for promoting the urgent change towards a higher environmental and economical sustainability, in different important economical sectors and as a society.

 

Best business solution from Deep Tech Innovators

The DIP4Agri project awarded a prize worth 5,000 euros to the best business solution presented during the event. This solution was developed by the “CROP Insulation” team, coming from the Deep Tech Innovators program, and proposes to value the waste produced during the pruning of olive trees, from companies in the olive oil production sector, promoting the integration of this waste in the production of insulation panels.

 

Sustainable entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector

By developing projects such as DIP4Agri, UCP intends to accelerate the creation of value at universities (HEIs), promoting the culture of entrepreneurship and technological innovation and improving the circularity of agri-food systems. This project was promoted by the EIT HEI initiative (https://eit-hei.eu/), founded by the European Union. The EIT HEI Initiative aims to support HEIs with expertise and coaching, with funding and access to the EIT innovation and financing ecosystem, the largest in Europe, enabling them to develop innovation action plans that complement the needs of each HEI.

The International Symposium of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Laboratory Project, held on June 8, 2024, marked a significant milestone in scientific collaboration between China and Portugal. Hosted by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the symposium brought together esteemed leaders and representatives from both countries to celebrate and reinforce the partnership.

The first Sino-Portugal Joint Laboratory for Marine and Environmental Sciencesis the result of an agreement for China-Portugal cooperation in the areas of marine and environmental sciences between the Institute of Science and Environment of the University of Saint Joseph (ISE-USJ), the Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry of Universidade Católica Portuguesa (CBQF-UCP), the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), and the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS). This project aims to establish a stable system of mutual scientific visits and exchanges, training, research development, sharing of research facilities and equipment, and organization of scientific and innovation events, fostering the consolidation of a comprehensive Sino-Portuguese marine and environmental science and technology platform.

Isabel Capeloa Gil, Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, highlighted the creation of this laboratory within the context of the university's mission, stating that "part of our mission has always been to develop science for the good of humanity."

Isabel Braga da Cruz, Pro-Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, emphasized the commitment to the partnership, reiterating that "the interdisciplinary environment on the Porto campus fosters collaborations with strong industry connections, like the one we are marking today. I am certain that this project and this collaboration will yield fruitful results."

Zhang Yaping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), shared his optimism, stating, "there is remarkable potential in these collaborations. I believe in the process of building a better and stronger relationship between the two countries in the future. Science and technology should play an even bigger role."

Wang Fan, Director of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS), highlighted the strategic focus of the joint laboratory, emphasizing its alignment with marine and environmental science strategies. "The joint laboratory is oriented to meet strategies in the field of marine science and environment, aiming to benefit the marine industry in China and Portugal and extend to international frontiers," Wang stated.

Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph, hailed the collaboration as "a huge achievement," anticipating "scientific results of enormous value" from the partnership.

Maria Ana Martins, board member of the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, stated that "the next step is to share knowledge and experience so we can take this collaboration even further."

Paula Castro, Director of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa - Porto, considered the development of this partnership a significant step in the right direction, stating that “creating opportunities to expand our activities and engage with Chinese institutions is an integral part of our international strategy."

Manuela Pintado, Director of the Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, highlighted the collaborative nature of the achievements, ensuring that "we are celebrating a very important accomplishment where collaboration is the main word. With over 95 ongoing projects, CBQF is generating many publications, but more importantly, it is generating a lot of impact."

The International Symposium of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Laboratory Project demonstrated the strength and potential of international scientific collaboration, marking a promising beginning for future projects.

Ezequiel Coscueta, Joana Cristina Barbosa, João Botelho, Marta Nunes Silva, Raquel Mesquita, Ricardo Garcia and Viviana Ribeiro are the researchers from the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Faculty of Biotechnology whose individual projects have been selected in the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus (CEEC), promoted by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). This initiative provides financial support aimed at deepening and specializing the exercise of scientific research and technological development activities in Portugal.

Manuela Pintado, Director of CBQF, stated: “This program is crucial for retaining excellent talent in our center. The selection of these projects reflects our commitment to promoting outstanding research and training new talent in these fields of investigation.”

The projects to be carried out at CBQF are framed within five research areas: Biology and Experimental Biochemistry, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, as well as Food Biotechnology, Chemistry and Agricultural and Biological Sciences.

The support for hiring doctoral researchers through the Individual CEEC aims “to strengthen the national scientific and technological system by creating employment opportunities for doctoral researchers, promoting the formalization of scientific employment of PhD holders, helping to attract and retain qualified PhD holders in Portugal, and contributing to the rejuvenation of scientific institutions,” according to the notice published by FCT.

More information

The Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry is to be congratulated. To mark the three decades of existence and dedication to the universe of science and research, CBQF began, on November 24, World Science Day and National Day of Scientific Culture, a program of commemorations with the aim of highlighting some of the key moments of the Research Center and Associated Laboratory.

Celebration Vídeo

The celebrations started with an online conference that recognized the unique role of Commander Arménio Miranda in promoting innovation in the structure and which was marked by a set of tributes, testimonies and sharing.

In the opening session, Isabel Capeloa Gil, rector of the Portuguese Catholic University, praised the remarkable course of the CBQF: "with an ambitious intellectual program, CBQF has advanced science, leaving incision and impact on the production of knowledge, fostering international and cross-sectoral cooperation". CBQF has on its team one of the most cited researchers in the world. In her speech, Isabel Capeloa Gil reiterated CBQF's great connection with companies over 30 years of existence, which is also based on the signing of the service protocol with a company – Frulact, something that is still rare in Portugal.

The rector of UCP praised and thanked the way in which over these years Commander Arménio Miranda inspired a generation of researchers: "a man of the future positioned in the present".

This was followed by the recognition of Comendador Arménio Miranda, and the signing of the protocol with the speeches of: Isabel Braga da Cruz (pro-rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa and president of the Porto Regional Centre); Isabel Vasconcelos (vice-rector of the Portuguese Catholic University and director of the Faculty of Biotechnology); Pilar Morais (Innovation Management & Intelligence Director of Frulact); and João Miranda (Frulact’s chairman).

Ármenio Miranda's Homage

 

Manuel Heitor was present at the closing session

Manuela Pintado, director of CBQF, continued with the analysis of the 30-year course of science at CBQF and value creation for society. The major challenges for the future of the food system were examined by Tim Hogg (vice-president of the European Technology Platform "Food for Life") and Jorge Oliveira (director of the School of Engineering at University College Cork, Ireland).

The event promoted a debate that included the contributions of John Melo (CEO of Amyris), Luís Mesquita Dias (general director of Vitacress), José Mendonça (president of the Board of Associated Laboratories), Paula Alves (director of IBET) and Lília Ahrne (researcher at the University of Copenhagen).

Manuel Heitor – Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education – was in charge of the closing of the commemorative session.

CBQF and the bet on national and international science and research

Contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy. This is the main mission of the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, a structure recognized as an Associate Laboratory in 2004 and which aims to develop and disseminate knowledge and innovation in key-areas. CBFQ currently has more than 200 researchers, 38 of whom have been hired in the last year alone, which reveals the growing importance of the structure and the focus on attracting and retaining talent in the field of science and research.

Portuguese Minister of Economy visits the Biotechnology Building

At the end of the day, the Minister of Economy, Pedro Siza Vieira, visited the Biotechnology Building with the aim of knowing better the path of CBQF, but also the Alchemy project, developed in partnership with Amyris Portugal and one of the largest projects ever of AICEP.

“RADIANT- Realising Dynamic Value Chains for Underutilised Crops” is the new european project coordinated by the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), from the Escola Superior de Biotecnologia (ESB) at Porto Regional Centre, funded by Horizon 2020 (H2020), the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The goal is to develop solutions and tools that will foster agrobiodiversity, fighting the agricultural paradigm of monoculture and industrialized agriculture.

Marta Vasconcelos, researcher at the Center for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF/ESB/UCP) and coordinator of the RADIANT project, says that "in the last century, 75% of the genetic diversity of crops was lost. There are about 259,000 plant species, of which 50,000 are edible (with 150-200 actually consumed), and only three provide 60% of the calories and nutrition in the human diet (corn, rice and wheat). This scenario is the culmination of a process that begins right at the level of local production of more diverse foods, because the obstacles are many."

It is with the aim of reducing these obstacles and making possible an increase in crop diversity, reflected in the food consumed by citizens, that RADIANT proposes, through an approach based on the "Theory of Change", to create tools that preserve agrobiodiversity, making it possible to diversify the availability of locally produced food. By promoting underutilized crops, which include a mix of poorly produced species such as legumes, or older, "forgotten" varieties of more common crops such as wheat, corn, barley or tomatoes, RADIANT's ambition is to reduce the 'production gap' between the most popular and under-utilized crops, and the 'nutritional gap' - between the most consumed foods, and the foods most needed for a healthy diet. The project's coordinating researcher also mentions that, alongside these objectives, the aim is to "ensure fair economic and social development for all stakeholders in the value chains."

The project, coordinated by ESB, involves 29 entities from 12 countries - Portugal, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Hungary, Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Cyprus - and also counts on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as a partner.

RADIANT project aims to demonstrate successful transitions to inclusive agrobiodiversity systems; carry out improvement programs to make underdeveloped crops more competitive; test best agricultural practices that maximize their sustainable production; expand their environmental, social and nutritional recognition by characterizing their multiple benefits; offer solutions for their integration into profitable value chains, based on policy, social and governance innovations; empower society to integrate these foods into their diets.

With a duration of 4 years and funding over 5.9 M€ through H2020, the project has 20 pilot farms – “Aurora Farms” – wich cover different agro-ecologies across Europe, and where good practices will be tested and demonstrated. Marta Vasconcelos also explains that “for the realization of the project, 45 farmers will also be recruited to facilitate the integration of these underutilized cultures, carrying out an adaptive management of agrobiodiversity through tools built by the project itself”.

More information

“Community microbiomes & microbiome communities” was the theme of the first CBQF Day, the most recent initiative of the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry of the Faculty of Biotechnology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto. The event consisted of two parts: the first, in which 21 CBQF researchers presented part of their work on different microbiomes, and the second, which included the presence of the President of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The event thus intended to address the fundamental importance that the microbiome has in human health, agriculture and food, and environmental protection.

 

 

Throughout the afternoon, the participants had the opportunity to listen to lectures on “Microbiomes @CBQF”, by Manuela Pintado (director of CBQF/ESB/UCP); “Unlocking microbiomes for human, animal and environmental health”, by researcher Hauke ​​Smidt (Wageningen University and Research); “From Health to Disease: microbiota-host interaction”, by Diogo Pestana (Nova Medical School/CINTESIS); “The human microbiome: beyond the gut”, by Benedita Sampaio Maia (i3S); “Microbiome Ambassadors: The Microbiome Community in the SFS Network - a group to break silos & discuss microbiomes related topics”; “Discovery of new thermophilic enzymes from metagenome analysis”, by Conceição Egas (CNC); “Human gut microbiome: general aspects and modulation in the clinical practice”, by Manuela Estevinho (Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/ Espinho).

 

 

The event allowed “to show the growth of CBQF, as an Associate Laboratory with more than 245 researchers who develop their work in 4 lines of research - Environment and Resources; Food and Nutrition; Biobased and Biomedical Products; and Fermentation Solutions – which has 7 platforms, namely in Analytical Chemistry; Bioactives; Cell Culture and Molecular Biology; Structural Analysis; Consumer and Sensory Science; Kitchen Lab; and Packaging and Materials”, said Manuela Pintado.

In total, the CBQF has more than 245 researchers (48% of whom have a PhD) and holds 43 active patents. Over the last five years of its existence, more than 170 research projects have been developed, with a funding volume of around 25 million euros. Also noteworthy is the publication in more than 880 papers (85% in partnership with other partners from 102 countries), with 170 partner companies, nationally and internationally.

 

Why the microbiome?

The microbiome describes a community of different microorganisms that occupy a given environment, and how the different microorganisms interact with each other and with the surrounding conditions. Microbiome research has become a scientific area of ​​high relevance as an integral part of many fields of science, including the areas mentioned above. In this sense, “it is fundamental to stimulate the investigation of microbiomes that connect ecosystems, promote co-creation processes to develop new applications, ensure education and literacy to increase community awareness, stimulate adequate regulatory structures and allow national and international networks in the area”, stressed Manuela Pintado, director of CBQF. This will enable the development of biotechnology applications and product innovations, making use of the functions of the microbiome and to promote more sustainable and resilient systems. This event thus made it possible to “share the diversity of microbiomes and create a space for discussion between researchers to understand the fundamental role of microbiomes,” said Manuela Pintado.

What if you grew pulses at home and thereby helped to achieve more sustainable food systems? What if wild legumes helped improve the impact of land use? These are provocations from the legumES project, a research and innovation project scientifically coordinated by Pietro Iannetta, from the James Hutton Institute, through his joint appointment as Assistant Professor at Universidade Católica Portuguesa and "Invited Senior Scientist" in the PlanTech Research Group of the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), of Faculty of Biotechnology.

Pietro Ianneta explains that "the project does more than challenge how legumes are cultivated, but in fact how we monitor and response to the impacts of management (human behaviour), on the ecosystem - and in fact food systems in general since these ned to become better functioning than they currently are given the pressures of climate change, biodiversity loss, and erosion of good-food culture." The project, which has just started its research and innovation journey, has the main objective of validating the benefits of legumes for the ecosystem.

With a duration of four years, it has received funding of 6.2 million euros from the European Commission and the governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is being carried out by a multidisciplinary consortium of 22 partners from 12 EU countries, plus Switzerland and the UK. The partnership encompasses research and technology organisations, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies and non-governmental organisations, and this complement reflects the multidimensional challenge posed.

 

The "ecosystem service benefits" of legumes

What are the "benefits of ecosystem services"? Refer to ecosystem-based functions which directly or indirectly help ensure the well-being of organisms, and so also the environment on which they depend. Such services or benefits include food, clean water, pollination of crop and wild species, plus aesthetic, and recreational values. Academics class these benefits into four broad types (provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting). When quantifying or assessing and comparing ecosystem services the CICES (Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services; cices.eu) is used.

As such, quantifying and validating these benefits is extremely important given the existential threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation. In this context of "protecting life", legumes are an extremely important group of plants in natural and cultivated environments, but they remain underutilised throughout Europe.

To try to help boost the effective management of wild legumes and the utilisation of cultivated legumes, the legumES project adopts "cooperative research" and "knowledge co-creation" approaches - involving farmers, farm networks and land managers dealing with legumes in agricultural and natural environments. This co-operative partnership will help ensure that best practices for legume conservation and cultivation are identified, developed and adopted.

In addition, this approach also seeks to develop and integrate the use of new approaches and tools to quantify the benefits of legumes for the ecosystem. Since such methodologies and tools are also of interest to land managers and farmers, they also appeal to all actors in the value chain who seek to highlight their role in ensuring more sustainable and resilient ecosystems.

 

Very low level of legume cultivation and consumption in Europe

Pietro Iannetta, the project's coordinator, said that " across Europe, we face a situation where we must return to historic levels of legume cropping if we are to forward and address major challenges facing civilisation".

In many food cultures around the world, cultivated and wild legumes have historically provided nutrient-rich food as an important source of sustenance for humans and animals, and also contribute to ensuring the continued well-being of the land on which they grow. However, the level of legume cultivation and consumption in Europe remains far below the minimum thresholds needed to optimise sustainable production and to help meet recommended dietary guidelines.

While the production and consumption of foods based on legume grains may be increasing slowly, it is much less likely that these foods will be derived from legumes grown in or near the regions where they are consumed. The high dependence on imported legume grains means that the multi-environmental and socio-economic benefits of legumes are lost.

Marta Vasconcelos, a researcher at CBQF with an extensive CV in the field of legumes, added “support for more-sustainable agriculture is shifting towards a ‘public money for public goods’ model, which means ecosystem function benefits are sought. However, the exact extent of the potential benefits offered by legumes remains to be validated and quantified in social, environmental, as well as economic terms”. This is not a simple undertaking since the benefits are accrued and balanced across scales from field and farm to that of the regional and national levels, and so internationally. Therefore, the legumES project takes a ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ look at the options, from farmers and farm networks to business governance and government policies, respectively.

 

A meeting with more than 60 people from 12 countries

More than 60 people from 12 countries gathered at the Portuguese Catholic University in Porto to discuss legumES and plan the best way to test how home-grown legumes can help achieve more sustainable food systems and how wild legumes can help improve the impact of land uses.
In addition to the administrative planning for the 4-year project, workshops were held to determine the most important ecosystem services to focus on.

Pietro Iannetta explains that “Sustainability has become the language of modern marketing, and no more so for the plant-based and commonly legume-based food stuffs. However, it is important that we have the tools. methods, and people to valorise those claims. LegumES will help build the necessary communities and equip these communities to validate and balance the various benefits on offer on a 'one health approach - that is, optimised for you and the planet."