CBQF research featured on the cover of Marine Drugs
A recent study led by Marta Cunha, Ezequiel Coscueta, María Emilia Brassesco, and Manuela Pintado, researchers from the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa has gained special recognition by being featured on the cover of the journal Marine Drugs. The research, part of the FISHMUC project, focused on the Lusitanian Toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus), particularly its abundant mucus, which holds remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive properties.
Using advanced computational methods, the team identified several peptides with potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. These findings were later confirmed through laboratory experiments, demonstrating the promising role of these compounds in protecting cells from oxidative stress and in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Additionally, some of the identified peptides showed the ability to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms, which are responsible for persistent infections and increased antibiotic resistance. One of the key discoveries of the study was that these peptides naturally interact with fish mucus, enhancing their bioactivity. However, when isolated, they tend to aggregate under certain conditions, reducing their effectiveness. Understanding how mucus optimizes the function of these peptides opens new possibilities for their application in food, pharmaceuticals, and even skincare.
This study reinforces the importance of marine environments as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential benefits for human health. Future research will focus on optimizing peptide stability and exploring innovative ways to harness their properties, including encapsulation techniques and biomimetic materials that mimic the natural mucus environment.
The work has already led to the granting of a patent (PT118365) by the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial, marking an important milestone in the journey to bring these promising peptides to the market.
CBQF remains committed to advancing scientific discovery and translating knowledge into practical applications that can drive innovation in health and biotechnology.