Dr. João Miguel Ferreira da Rocha, is an Assistant Researcher at the Center of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, and its main research project deals with ecolabels, life cycle assessment and environmental footprint. He is seeking to establish a link between different lines of research (food, nutrition, chemistry, agriculture, engineering, polymers, nanotechnology, etc) and biosustainability. He graduated in 5’years B.Sc. Biological Engineering – specialization branch of chemistry and food technology, and a doctoral degree in Food Science and Engineering.
The areas of knowledge gained through the professional life – within academic and research activities – include microbiology and microbial identification, inorganic chemistry, analytical (food and environmental) chemistry, biochemistry, enzyme-kinetics and enzymology, physical-chemistry, toxicology, environment and industrial processes.
His previous research work encompassed the characterization of micro- and meso-fluidic reactors and oscillatory fluid reactors – in terms of hydrodynamics and mass transfer– aiming at optimization the operation conditions of protein crystallization. He has also worked in the characterization of biopolymers, formulation and characterization of films, edible coatings and biodegradable packaging. Furthermore, his research work also includes the development, design and characterization of photobioreactors towards cultivation of microalgae and sustainable use of agri-food industry by-products, as well as in wastewater treatment.
