Paulo Nova

Paulo Nova is a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) of the Catholic University of Portugal, specializing in marine biotechnology and bioactive compound extraction from algae for therapeutic and food applications. His work bridges food science and cancer research through innovative analysis of marine resources.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Algae Antioxidant and Polysaccharide Rich Derived Extracts from Fucus Vesiculosus and Porphyra Dioica as Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Pancreatic Cancer from Universidade Católica Portuguesa
• Master in Hortas públicas, biológicas e urbanas : que efeito nos comportamentos de saúde, na qualidade de vida e nas práticas ambientais? from Universidade Católica Portuguesa (awarded April 10, 2017)

Dr. Nova's research centers on Food Science and Marine Biotechnology, with primary focus on antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity, and functional ingredient development from macroalgae. His fingerprint analysis reveals dominant expertise in Bioactive Compounds (74%), Antioxidant Capacity (79%), and Hydrolysate applications (67%), particularly using Fucus vesiculosus and Porphyra dioica species. Current investigations explore therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer through algal polysaccharides while developing sustainable food products.

Analysis of his 38 research outputs shows consistent publication growth since 2017, with recent emphasis on chemical characterization of enzymatic algal extracts and functional food development. The 2024 publications demonstrate methodological refinement in solvent extraction techniques and expanded applications in plant-based dairy alternatives, reflecting industry-relevant translation of marine biotechnology research.

His scientific recognition includes:

• 1st Place on Pitch Presentation (December 18, 2023)
• 1st Place on Project Pitch presentations (November 10, 2023)
• NEWFOOD 2020 1st prize award

Dr. Nova actively contributes to academic knowledge dissemination through conference presentations and event organization, including the 2023 "Curso avançado em Bioativos de Algas" (Advanced Course on Algae Bioactives). His collaborative network spans mussel waste valorization and microalgae hydrolysate applications, demonstrating strong industry-academia partnerships in Portugal's marine biotechnology sector.

As a core member of CBQF, he advances the center's mission in fine chemistry through marine resource innovation, particularly in developing antioxidant-rich extracts for functional foods and cancer therapeutics. His current work integrates enzymatic processing with cytotoxicity screening to establish structure-activity relationships in algal bioactives.