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9 January 2026

CICECO research on functional bioplastics featured on RTP’s 90 Seconds of Science

CICECO research on functional bioplastics featured on RTP’s 90 Seconds of Science

Idalina Gonçalves, a researcher from CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials and from the Materials and Ceramics Department (DeMAC), discussed her research on advanced biopolymer-based materials with functional and antimicrobial properties in the 90 Segundos de Ciência programme. The episodehighlights the key aspects of her recent work on the development of bioplastics capable of detecting and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Researchers from CICECO are actively investigating biobased and sustainable polymers derived from natural feedstocks, such as polysaccharides and cellulose-based materials, for the design of functional materials with enhanced biological activity and environmental performance. These efforts include the development of nanocellulose-based antimicrobial nanocomposites that show activity against fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and the surface functionalisation of bacterial cellulose to confer antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while maintaining biocompatibility with human cells. 

Such functional bioplastics align with broader trends in sustainable materials science where biowaste-derived polymers are enhanced with antimicrobial and antioxidant features to extend performance and safety in applications such as packaging or biomedical surfaces. 

The research underscores the potential of functionalised biopolymers to integrate environmental responsiveness with biological activity, reflecting efforts within Portuguese research institutions to address contemporary challenges in material science, sustainability and public health while advancing the circular economy.

The episode is available at: https://www.rtp.pt/play/p2936/e898577/90-segundos-ciencia

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