Maria Carvalho, member of the Vector-Borne Diseases group at GHTM (VBD-GHTM) and a PhD student in Tropical Diseases and Global Health under the supervision of Henrique Silveira (VBD-GHTM), participated in the 16th National Chemistry Congress & 9th National Meeting on Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (16ENQQ-9ENQMB). This congress is one of the leading national scientific forums for the dissemination and discussion of advances in chemistry and biomolecular sciences and was held from 11 to 13 February in Lisbon. Within the framework of this event, she presented findings from her research in microbiology and global health.
During the meeting, she presented a scientific poster entitled “Biofilm dynamics and extracellular vesicle profiles of mosquito-derived Pseudomonas spp.”, which explored the role of mosquito gut microbiota in shaping vector competence for malaria. This disease, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major global health challenge. The growing problem of insecticide resistance has intensified interest in alternative vector-control strategies, including approaches targeting mosquito-associated microbiota.
Her work examined bacterial biofilm dynamics and extracellular vesicle production in mosquito-derived isolates. The results revealed significant differences between species in their biofilm-forming capacity and vesicle profiles, highlighting the importance of these structures in cell–cell communication and biofilm maturation.
Developed in collaboration with iBB – Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, and Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain, this study highlights innovative approaches to vector control and global health solutions.
In addition to her poster presentation, Maria Carvalho was also co-author of the oral communication entitled “Dendrimer-induced biofilm disruption is accompanied by a global shift in Listeria monocytogenes gene expression,” highlighting her contributions across multiple research fronts in microbiology and molecular biotechnology. This work was developed by researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB) and the Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Instituto Superior Técnico, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, and the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.
Her participation in this national scientific congress underscores the active engagement of early-career researchers from GHTM | IHMT NOVA in academic networks and scientific dissemination platforms, fostering knowledge exchange and supporting the development of innovative solutions to pressing global health challenges.