Maria Manuela Pintado

Maria Manuela Pintado is Full Professor and Director of CBQF research center at Universidade Católica Portuguesa's Faculty of Biotechnology. She leads interdisciplinary research in sustainable food systems and functional ingredients.

Research domains include:

• Valorization of agro-industrial byproducts
• Development of bioactive edible films
• Design of functional foods for chronic disease prevention
• Circular economy applications in food systems

Recent publications (2023-2025) show strong focus on sustainable biomaterials and health-promoting ingredients, with notable increases in circular economy applications and precision nutrition studies. Key innovations include antiviral biopolymers from yeast and bioactive films for food preservation.

Awards include recognition for circular economy innovations and upcycling research.

Directs extensive EU-funded projects including THRIVE (€4M) and CIRCUL-A-BILITY, supervising large research teams and industrial partnerships.