TERRA Researcher Leads Team Developing Natural Algae-Based Products with Potential Against SARS-CoV-2
A team of researchers has identified bioactive compounds in microalgae with the potential to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human cells. This discovery opens new possibilities for the development of innovative therapies based on natural resources.
Researchers from the TERRA Associate Laboratory, including Ana Marta Gonçalves, a researcher at the Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Coimbra (FFUC), are developing natural algae-based products with potential to combat SARS-CoV-2. The project, called AlgaMar4antivirus, aims to create a natural compound that could be used both for prevention and treatment of this virus.
“We have already identified macroalgae from the Portuguese coast – green, red, and brown – that have shown promising results. Aquaculture cultivation has always been prioritized to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and to obtain sufficient biomass for extracting the bioactive compounds,” explains Ana Marta Gonçalves.
Ana Marta Gonçalves emphasized the importance of this study: “The discovery of effective natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 opens new perspectives for the development of therapies based on marine resources, contributing to strategies for combating the pandemic.”
This project strengthens the commitment of the TERRA Associate Laboratory and CFE in promoting excellent research that addresses global public health challenges through sustainable and innovative approaches.
Partilhe esta notícia:
Share this news: