Researcher Polytechnic Institute of Braganca Portugal
Pedro Jorge Louro Crugeira (b. 28 March 1972) is a seasoned biotechnologist with a rich academic and research trajectory spanning biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and photobiomodulation. With over two decades of experience in academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to sustainable bioprocesses for producing high-value bioactives using photostimulation techniques. He currently serves as a researcher at the Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, where he contributes to the OleaChain Project focused on innovation in the traditional olive grove value chain.
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🎓 Education
Pedro holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2016) and a Master’s in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil, and completed a post-doctorate in Biotechnology focusing on photostimulation for bioactive production. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Instituto Superior de Humanidades e Tecnologia and a Degree in Biotechnological Engineering from Universidade Lusófona, Portugal. Additionally, he specialized in Innovation and Quality at the Portuguese Industrial Association.
🧪 Experience
Pedro has worked across Brazil and Portugal in academic and industrial capacities. He held teaching positions at Salvador University Center (UNICEUSA) and SALVADOR COLLEGE (FACSAL). He is currently a Polytechnic Teacher at both the School of Agriculture and the School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Braganca . His prior industrial roles include being Technical Director at ATOM Scientific and a consultant at GUIRRE Cosmetics Industry, Brazil. He led innovative projects funded by PETROGAL, FAPEX, and COMPETE2030.
🔬 Research Interest
His research spans industrial and environmental biotechnology, bioprocess microbiology, biophotonics, and bioactive production through photostimulation. He is particularly invested in sustainable strategies for utilizing industrial by-products and developing photostimulated microbial biopolymers. He is also engaged in bioremediation, medical biotechnology, and bioproduct engineering for health and environmental applications.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
Pedro has been consistently recognized for his contributions to sustainable biotechnology innovation. He was appointed as the Principal Investigator for national and European-funded projects such as INOVOlive and RARISS, under COMPETE2030 and NORTE2020 programs, aimed at value-adding bioresources and improving traceability in agro-industrial systems.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
Pedro has authored multiple book chapters and journal articles that reflect his innovative contributions:
📘 Photostimulation Applied to the Production of Biopolymers (Exopolysaccharides), in Progress in Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells, Nano-Biotechnology and Advanced Bioactive Compounds, Springer, 2024.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-75984-0_16
Cited by: 2 articles
📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques, in Trends and Innovations in Energetic Sources, Functional Compounds and Biotechnology, 2023.
Published in the United States
Cited by: 1 article
📘 Surfactant/Alkali Stress Effect in Exopolysaccharide Production by Xanthomonas and Enterobacter Strains, in Functional Properties of Advanced Engineering Materials and Biomolecules, Springer, 2021.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62226-8_24
Cited by: 3 articles
📘 Effect of Light Stimulation on a Thermo-Cellulolytic Bacterial Consortium Used for the Degradation of Cellulose of Green Coconut Shells, in Emerging Research in Science and Engineering Based on Advanced Experimental and Computational Strategies, Springer, 2020.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31403-2_8
Cited by: 4 articles
📘 Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents
📘 Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue: in vitro and in vivo studies
📘 Copper-induced exopolysaccharide production by Lelliottia amnigena strain LABEM
📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques