Expertise: Molecular Diagnostics, Molecular Biology, PCR/qPCR
Thesis Advisor: Carlos Fontes (NZYtech), Maria João Romão (UNova) and Miguel Prazeres
Company: NZYtech Lda
Short Bio:
Hélvio Simões is a researcher in bioengineering and biosciences, focusing on molecular evolution of enzymes used in PCR and qPCR techniques. With a BSc in Biochemistry from Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (2017) and a MSc in Biotechnology from Instituto Superior Técnico (2019), he is now conducting his PhD in Biotechnology and Biosciences in partnership with NZYTech Lda, trying to develop a novel generation of DNA polymerases and other DNA-binding proteins, allowing for new breakthroughs in the molecular diagnostics field.
Research Focus:
Investigation on molecular evolution of enzymes involved in PCR technology. Optimization of PCR solutions.
Barbosa, M., Simões, H., Pinto, S. N., Macedo, A. S., Fonte, P., & Prazeres, D. M. F. (2022). Fusions of a carbohydrate-binding module with the small cationic hexapeptide RWRWRW confer antimicrobial properties to cellulose-based materials. Acta Biomaterialia, 143, 216–232.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2022.02.042
Barbosa, M., Simões, H., & Prazeres, D. M. F. (2021). Functionalization of Cellulose-Based Hydrogels with Bi-Functional Fusion Proteins Containing Carbohydrate-Binding Modules. Materials, 14(12), 3175.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14123175