NATURIST

 

 

Principal

Goals

Consumption of fish has been increasing worldwide due to its recognized health benefits with Portugal having the highest in the EU, which also demonstrates its high socioeconomic significance. Conversely, the high population growth worldwide leads to sustainability issues with release of pollutants that may undermine food safety. Pharmaceutical pollutants are of concern due to their rising use in aquaculture, in humans and other anthropogenic activities, inefficient treatment at disposal, and potential bioaccumulation and toxicity.

Are the most consumed fish in EU and Portugal contaminated with pharmaceutical pollutants? Do the bioaccessible levels pose health risks?

NATURIST (https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.07089.PTDC) aims to answer those questions through the development of (bio)sensing platforms to determine pharmaceutical pollutants in environmental matrices and assess food security of the most relevant aquatic species.

In a wider context, NATURIST will address United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically:

- Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture;

- Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages;

- Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

 

 

 

Institutions

 

Funding: The project NATURIST 2022.07089.PTDC (https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.07089.PTDC) is funded by the National Funds through Portuguese FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES).

 

RESULTS

Journal Articles (indexed in Web of Science)

  1. M. Tavares, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, Metal-organic frameworks based electrochemical sensors for emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in the aquatic environment, Trends in Environmental Analytical Chemistry 47 (2025) e00271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teac.2025.e00271

  2. M. Freitas, V. Dibo, R.  Ribeiro, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, Development of a carbon paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for trimethoprim detection in fishery species: monitoring antibiotic contaminants, ADMET and DMPK (2025) 2962 in press. https://doi.org/10.5599/admet.2962

  3. V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, Bisphenol A sensing using carbon fibre transducers with and without metal-organic frameworks modification: towards greener tools for fish safety and surveil ecosystems, Talanta 295 (2025) 128434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2025.128434

  4. H.R.A. Costa, A.O. Santos, Y.N. Teixeira, M.A.S. Silva, V.A. Feitosa, S. Morais, T.M.B.F. Oliveira, Exploring the Thermal-Oxidative Stability of Azithromycin Using a Thermoactivated Sensor Based on Cerium Molybdate and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Nanomaterials 14 (11) (2024) 899. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110899

  5. Torrinha, Álvaro; Freitas, Maria; Dibo, Vitória; Morais, Simone. Electrochemical immunosensors: Application to surveillance of contaminants of emerging concern in aquatic ecosystems. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry 178 (2024) 117844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2024.117844
  6. S. Morais, Advances and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes, Nanomaterials 13 (2023) 2674. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192674
  7. A.O. Santos, V.E. Abrantes-Coutinho, S. Morais, T.M.B.F. Oliveira, Agaricus bisporus wild mushroom extract as lectin source for engineering a lactose photoelectrochemical biosensor, Biosensors 13 (2023) 224. https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020224
  8. Torrinha, Álvaro; Tavares, Miguel; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Morais, Simone. Microenergy generation and dioxygen sensing by bilirubin oxidase immobilized on a nanostructured carbon paper transducer. Electrochimica Acta 445 (2023) 142061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2023.142061
  9. Elena Surra; Álvaro Torrinha; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Simone Morais. Analysis of ketoprofen in fish: Life cycle assessment using sensors vs. conventional methodology. Sustainability 15 (8) (2023) 6775. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086775
  10. Torrinha, Álvaro; Tavares, Miguel; Dibo, Vitória; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Morais, Simone. Carbon fiber paper sensor for determination of trimethoprim antibiotic in fish samples. Sensors 23 (2023) 3560. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23073560

 

Book Chapters 

Á. Torrinha, T.M.B.F. Oliveira, S. ul-Islam, S. Morais. Green Carbon (Nano)Materials-based Sensors for Analysis of Hazardous Metal Ions. in Green Carbon Materials for Environmental Analysis: Emerging Research and Future Opportunies (Eds. S. ul-Islam, C.M. Hussain), ISBN: 978-0-84-129714-2, American Chemical Society Books, Estados Unidos, 2023, pp. 91-138.

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2023-1441.ch005

 

Proceedings in International Conferences

Miguel Tavares; Álvaro Torrinha; Raquel Queirós; João Piteira; Cristina Delerue-Matos; Simone Morais. Development of a portable electrochemical platform with chip-integrated gold electrodes for detection of pharmaceutical pollutants. Engineering Proceedings 4 (2023). Published: 25 September 2023 by MDPI in the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Chemical Sensors and Analytical Chemistry, session Electrochemical Devices and Sensors.

 

Communications in (Inter)National Conferences

  1. Luis C. Branco, “Development task specific ionic systems for sustainability”, XXIII Congreso Argentino de Fisicoquímica y Química Inorgánica, 11-14 April 2023, El Calafate, Argentina.
  2. Luis C. Branco, “Functional Ionic Liquids and Organic Salts for Pharmaceutical Applications”, 9th Congress of Ionic Liquids (COIL9), 24-28th April 2023, Lyon, France.
  3. M. João Nunes, J. P. Noronha, Luis C. Branco, “Pharmaceuticals detection by LC-MS/MS to test materials for (bio)sensors” – OC 27 XXVIII Encontro Nacional da Sociedade Portuguesa de Química - ENSPQ 2023 Aveiro, Portugal, 24-26 July 2023.
  4. V. Dibo, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Metal organic framework based electrochemical sensor for determination of the organic contaminant bisphenol A”, XXV Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Coimbra, Portugal, pp. 111, 30th August – 01st September 2023.
  5. M. Tavares, Á. Torrinha, R. Queirós, J. Piteira, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Development of a portable electrochemical platform with chip-integrated gold electrodes for detection of pharmaceutical pollutants”, 2nd International Electronic Conference on Chemical Sensors and Analytical Chemistry, 16th – 30th September 2023.
  6. V. Dibo, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Carbon paper functionalized with metal-organic frameworks as sensor for bisphenol A”, II Webinar Luso-Brasileiro, Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, 3 November 2023.
  7. M. Freitas, Á. Torrinha, V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “A paper-based electrochemical immunosensor approach for the detection of pharmaceutical pollutants in fish”, II Webinar Luso-Brasileiro, Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, 3 November 2023.
  8. F. Martins, Á, Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Life cycle tools applied to an innovative carbon paper sensor – a comparative analysis”, II Webinar Luso-Brasileiro, Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, 3 November 2023.
  9. V. Dibo, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Carbon paper based electrochemical sensor functionalized with metal-organic frameworks for seafood safety”, XXVII Encontro Luso Galego de Química, Porto, Portugal, pp. 193, 22  – 24 November 2023.
  10. Á. Torrinha, M. Tavares, V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Simple electrochemical sensor for determination of trimethoprim antibiotic”, XXVII Encontro Luso Galego de Química, Porto, Portugal, pp. 191, 22  – 24 November 2023.
  11. E. Surra, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Analysis of Portable Sensors for Ketoprofen Detection in Fish”, XXVII Encontro Luso Galego de Química, Porto, Portugal, pp. 183, 22  – 24 November 2023.
  12. M. Freitas, Á. Torrinha, V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “A paper-based electrochemical immunosensor approach for the detection of pharmaceutical pollutants in fish”, II Webinar Luso-Brasileiro, Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, online, 3 November 2023.
  13. F. Martins, Á, Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Life cycle tools applied to an innovative carbon paper sensor – a comparative analysis”, II Webinar Luso-Brasileiro, Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, online, 3 November 2023.
  14. M. João Nunes, J. P. Noronha, Luis C. Branco, “Enhancing the methodology for diclofenac detection using tandem mass spectrometry” – OC 11, 13th National Chromatography Meeting - 13ENC 2023 Lisbon, Portugal, 17-19 December 2023.
  15. M.T. Donato, R. Colaço, L.C. Branco, B. Saramago, “Ionic Systems as Greener Lubricant Alternatives for Metallic Surfaces”, 9th EuChemS Chemistry Congress - ECC9 – Dublin, Ireland, 7-11 July 2024.
  16. Á. Torrinha, “Conceito, desenvolvimento e aplicação de biocélulas de combustível enzimáticas”, II Curso da REDE CYTED – GENOPSYSENS – Plataforms de Bioinformática e de (Bio)Sensors: Da Teoria à Prática, Porto, Portugal, 4-5 November 2024.
  17. T.M.B.F. Oliveira, T.L. Freire, H.R.A. Costa, A.S. Almeida, A.O. Santos, S. Morais, A.N. Correia, P. de Lima-Neto, “Fotoeletrodo desenvolvido com tungstato de lantânio (III) e nanocelulose para a produção de hidrogênio em células de fotossíntese artificial”, XXVI Congresso SIBAE, Lisbon, Portugal, 19-23 May 2024.
  18. T.M.B.F. Oliveira, A.O. Santos, S. Morais, “Biossensor fotoeletroquímico para lactose desenvolvido com a lectina do macrofungo Agaricus bisporus”, XXVI Congresso SIBAE, Lisbon, Portugal, 19-23 May 2024.
  19. M. Tavares, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Electrochemical Characterization and Optimization of a Metformin Sensor”, 6th Congress in Engineering, Porto, Portugal, 30 June-1 July 2025.
  20. V. Dibo, P. Albuquerque, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, "Simple and Non- Conventional Carbon-based Transducer for the Detection of Venlafaxine in Waters", 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering 2025 in the Symposium on Chemical and Biological Engineering, Porto, Portugal, 30th June - 01st July 2025.
  21. M. Tavares, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, “Electrochemical sensor based on a copper metal organic framework for detection of metformin in environmental samples”, 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Mainz, Germany, 7-12 September 2025.
  22. M. Tavares, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “Gemfibrozil Sensing through a highly effective Fe-BTC Metal-Organic Framework Sensor”, 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Mainz, Germany, 7-12 September 2025.
  23. V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, "Development of a Zeolitic-Imidazole Framework Carbon Sensor for Detection of Bisphenol A in the Environment", 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Mainz, Germany, 7-12 September 2025.
  24. V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, "Carbon Fibre Transducer for the Determination of Venlafaxine in Environmental Water", 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Mainz, Germany, 7-12 September 2025.
  25. M. Tavares, Á. Torrinha, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “An electrochemical sensor for gemfibrozil based on electrodeposited iron metal-organic framework”, XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  26. Á. Torrinha, I. Seguro, J.G. Pacheco, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, “A paper-like self-powered biosensor for detection of lactate”, XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  27. P. Albuquerque, M. Tavares, V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, “Electrochemical detection of venlafaxine in fish”, XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  28. M. Tavares, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, “A copper-based metal-organic framework sensor for rapid and reliable detection of the diabetes drug metformin”, XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  29. V. Dibo, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, "Carbon fibre paper sensor with and without functionalization with Zeolitic-Imidazole Framework for detection of Bisphenol A in fish sample", XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  30. V. Dibo, S. Freitas, I. Seguro, J. Pacheco, C. Delerue-Matos, L. Branco, M. J. Nunes, Á. Torrinha, S. Morais, "Inkjet-printed paper electrode modified with a covalent organic framework for the detection of pharmaceutical pollutants", XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 19-21 November 2025.
  31. P. Albuquerque, M. Tavares, V. Dibo, C.Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha, “Carbon-Paper Transducer for Detection of Venlafaxine”, The 6th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, online, 9-11 December 2025.

 

Organization/promotion of scientific events

  1. Webinar Portuguese Brazilian: II WEBINAR LUSO-BRASILEIRO: Sustainable nanomaterials and electrochemical tools to surveil ecosystems, 3 November 2023. Registrations: 49 participants.
  2. Trail da Ciência - investigAÇÃO — Science and Technology Week, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal, 20 a 26 November 2023.
  3. 9ª Edition of the Symposium of the Department of Chemical Engineering, ISEP, Portugal, 20 March 2024.
  4. Participation in the National Science Exhibition, Porto, Portugal, 23-25 May 2024.
  5. Open Campus 2024, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal, 15-17 February 2024.
  6. European Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), Poland, Katowice, 9th-14th September 2024.
  7. Trail da Ciência - investig-AÇÃO Science and Technology Week, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal, 18 a 23 November 2024.
  8. 10ª Edition of the Symposium of the Department of Chemical Engineering, ISEP, Portugal, 26 March 2025.
  9. Trail da Ciência - investig-AÇÃO Science and Technology Week, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal, 24 a 28 November 2025.
  10. Hands-on-worshop on Metal-organic framework based electrochemical sensor for the analysis of a pharmaceutical pollutant, XXVI Meeting of the Portuguese Electrochemical Society, Porto, Portugal, 21 November 2025. 

 

 

Mass media news:

Portuguese newspaper Semanário Sol, monthly supplement, Perspectiva Atual, 41st Edition “Investigação em Portugal”, "NATURIST - Sensores baseados em papel e tecido de fibra de carbono para poluentes farmacêuticos: novas plataformas sustentáveis para garantir a segurança alimentar do peixe e vigiar ecossistemas", p. 46, October, 2025.

 

Prizes:

4º Prize in the National Contest for Young Scientists, 25th May 2024.

Best Poster Communication Award for: V. Dibo, P. Albuquerque, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, Á. Torrinha,"Simple and Non- Conventional Carbon-based Transducer for the Detection of Venlafaxine in Waters" at the 6th Doctoral Congress in Engineering 2025 in the Symposium on Chemical and Biological Engineering, Porto, Portugal, 30th June - 01st July 2025.

 

 

Contact INFO

Principal Investigator:

Simone Morais  – sbm@isep.ipp.pt

 

Co-Principal Investigator

Maria João Nunes – mjm.nunes@fct.unl.pt



 

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