Sara Silva

Sara Silva is an active Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) within the Faculty of Biotechnology at Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP). She supervises PhD students and maintains a strong industrial connection through participation in multiple R&D projects. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in the biomedical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

Her primary research interests focus on three interconnected areas: (1) Valorisation of agro-food byproducts within circular economy frameworks; (2) Characterization of extracted compounds' biological potential targeting cellular metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota modulation; and (3) Designing delivery and formulation solutions for bioactive compounds. Her fingerprint analysis reveals strong expertise in Antioxidant Capacity, Biofilm, Phenolic Compounds, and Antimicrobial Agents, with significant contributions to Food Science and Immunology.

Sara's recent publication trends demonstrate continued productivity with multiple 2025 publications spanning edible films, plant extracts for food preservation, natural colorants, skin health applications, and therapeutic oils. Her work consistently addresses practical applications of biotechnology with emphasis on sustainability and health benefits, reflecting her commitment to translating research into real-world solutions.

• FCT travel grant (2011)
• Frulact SA award for MSc thesis merit
• CBQF annual incentive for extraordinary outputs (2020, 2021)
• KPMG Best Paper Award - Natural Sciences (2023)
• Women's scholarship - Women Leader's Program Recognition (2024)

Sara has extensive experience supervising students across multiple levels, including PhD, MSc, and BSc candidates, as well as international researchers through various scholarship programs. She has participated in 7 industrial R&D projects alongside 4 fundamental research projects, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic and commercial interests. Her scientific outreach includes organizing conferences, participating in circular economy initiatives, and serving as a pro-bono advisor for developing natural product-based solutions like the Gluck Neem cream line.