Fernando Dourado

Fernando Dourado is a researcher at the Department of Biological Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Portugal. He has held multiple academic positions since 2004, including Invited Assistant Professor and currently Invited Assistant Researcher. His work is centered on bacterial cellulose and nanocellulose, with applications in biomedical, food, and textile industries.

• PhD in Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho (1999–2003)
• Master in Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho (1996–1998)
• Graduate Degree in Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho (1990–1995)

His research focuses on the sustainable production, functionalization, and application of bacterial cellulose. Key areas include life cycle assessment, antimicrobial films, food packaging, and textile biocomposites. He explores the use of low-cost substrates and wastewater valorization to enhance sustainability.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend in functionalized nanocellulose for medical applications, such as wound dressings and vascular grafts, and in environmental impact assessment of bio-based materials. He also investigates the regulatory and toxicological aspects of bacterial cellulose as a dietary component.

Notable grants include BCGrafts, InPaCTus, and BUILD, funded by FCT, Compete 2020, and the European Commission. He holds patents on bacterial cellulose production and formulations.

• Compete 2020: InPaCTus – Innovative Products and Technologies from Eucalyptus
• FCT: BCGrafts – Bacterial Cellulose Vascular Grafts
• European Commission: KACELLE – Second Generation Bioethanol
• Portugal 2020: BUILD – Bacterial Cellulose Leather

Dourado has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Miguel Gama, Ana Cristina Rodrigues, and Daniela Martins. He is involved in organizing scientific events like the International Symposium on Bacterial Nanocellulose. His work contributes to the development of eco-friendly materials and the advancement of biotechnological applications of bacterial cellulose.