Telephone: 296650183
Email: maria.cr.barreto@uac.pt
H Index of Web of Science: 7
H Index Google: 11
Web References:
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I received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of the Azores in 2000 and I am currently collaborating with the Island Environmental Risks & Society and with the Island Biodiversity, Biogeography & Conservation Groups of cE3c. I am a professor of Biochemistry at the University of Azores. My research focuses on the effect of natural and anthropogenic factors on key metabolic enzymes and animal systems. Studying metabolic alterations caused by external factors has two main goals: 1) assessing environmental toxicology and 2) discovering new natural compounds with pharmacological or biotechnological applications.
For many years I have been involved in studying the biological activities of Natural Products of terrestrial and marine organisms. In this context, I have been coordinator or team member of projects which aim to emphasize the importance of biodiversity in the discovery of novel added-value compounds. More recently I have started to use my expertise to assess environmental stress using cells, subcellular systems and key enzymes as bioindicators.
My current research is driven by two main objectives, which contribute to emphasize the importance of maintaining biodiversity and protecting the environment: 1) discovering new chemical compounds of natural origin with pharmacological and / or biotechnological applications; 2) using biochemical tools as bioindicators of environmental health and of potential risks.