Elina Margarida Ribeiro Marinho

Elina Margarida Ribeiro Marinho is a Researcher at the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T) within the School of Engineering at the University of Minho. She holds a PhD in Sciences - Organic Chemistry (2015), Master's degrees in Medicinal Chemistry (2009), and a degree in Chemistry (2007), all from the University of Minho. Her research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering.

Dr. Marinho's educational background includes a PhD thesis titled 'Synthesis of molecules containing the piperazine unit as potential antipsychotic agents' (approved with 'Very Good' distinction), a Master's thesis on 'Synthesis of flexible clozapine analogues,' and specialized training in scientific research competencies. She has completed numerous professional development courses focused on research methodology and scientific investigation.

Her research focuses on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes and graphene, engineering biomedical surfaces for bone repair and blood-contact medical devices, and developing innovative wound treatment solutions using micro-to-nanofibrous biodegradable polymer matrices. She has extensive experience in developing uni- and coaxial fibers modified with bioactive agents using wet spinning techniques, with applications in drug delivery systems, multifunctional textiles, photodynamic cancer therapy, and wound dressings.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward biomedical applications of textile engineering, particularly in wound care technologies. Her research has evolved from fundamental organic chemistry and heterocyclic synthesis toward applied biomaterials for medical applications, with increasing focus on sustainable chemistry approaches to develop smart materials. The interdisciplinary nature of her work bridges chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering, with a growing emphasis on practical medical solutions.

• Best Flash Communication Award at the 9th International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry (2024)
• HOVIONE Merit Scholarship (2010)
• PhD thesis approved unanimously with 'Very Good' distinction (2015)
• PhD scholarship from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2010)

Dr. Marinho has co-supervised 4 Master's theses (2 completed, 2 in progress), 1 undergraduate student (completed), and 4 scientific initiation research projects. She has participated as a postdoctoral fellow in 4 research projects, as a doctoral fellow in 1 project, and contributed to 2 additional research initiatives. Her current research involves multiple projects including PRR - Projecto Bioshoes, Projecto Plurianual 2020-2023, Factory of the Future - Smart Manufacturing, and GNESIS - Graphenest's New Engineered System.

As a member of the Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), Dr. Marinho works within a multidisciplinary team focused on textile innovation and application development. Her work involves collaboration with numerous researchers across various institutions, with 41 collaborators in co-authoring scientific articles. She actively contributes to the development of natural-based fibers using sustainable chemistry approaches, with applications spanning multiple biomedical and industrial domains.