Biochemical characterization of the macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii and its action in biological models: from field to cell

• Grant number: 24/08742-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: August 30, 2024
• End date: November 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima
• Grantee: Aline Nunes
• Supervisor: Fabio Vianello
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Campus Agrípolis - Legnaro, Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/03886-1 - Biochemical characterization of the macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii and its action in biological models: from field to cell, BP.PD

Abstract

The aim of this post-doctoral fellowship is to formulate a nanoparticle complex utilizing the crude extract and º-carrageenan extracted from the macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii, followed by its evaluation in cellular assays focusing on cell viability and the protective effect against oxidative stress. The algal biomass, obtained in February 2024, was generously provided by the Fisheries Institute of the Government of São Paulo and a collaborating producer in Santa Catarina, in partnership with the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina. Both the crude extract sample and º-carrageenan are readily available for use in this stage of the project. To achieve this objective, it is proposed to conduct the research at the University of Padua, Italy, leveraging the expertise of the co-supervisor of this post-doctorate. The research is scheduled to span three months, from September to November 2024. From this research, at least one scientific article will be composed, which will be published in a journal in the area that has an impact factor.