Degree: Doctor

Affiliation(s):

CIQUP

Bio

José A. Ribeiro was born in Porto, Portugal, in 1983. He graduated in Chemistry in 2006 at the Sciences Faculty of the University of Porto (FCUP), Portugal, and received his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry in 2013 at the same faculty, with work in the Development of innovative Electrochemical Sensors for detection of Biogenic Amines. During his career, he had the opportunity to carry out research work in several scientific research projects in the fields of Electroanalytical Chemistry and Nanotechnology. 

Currently, José A. Ribeiro research interests includes the development of new Optical and Electrochemical (Bio)sensors and Biomimetic devices for detection of (bio)molecules of chemical, environmental and biological interest, including clinically relevant Disease Biomarkers. 

Activities developed within the scope of his postdoctoral project (SFRH/BPD/105395/2014/Transitory Rule of Decree-Law No. 57/2016; https://doi.org/10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1454/CT0003) allowed him to acquire knowledge in the development of portable sensing devices, incorporating Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) as artificial/plastic antibodies, for detection of Biological Markers in Point-of-care (POC). 

Recently, he has been focused on the development of new detection methodologies combining Optical (SPR) and Electrochemical responses (eSPR) for the ultrasensitive detection of breast Cancer Biomarkers. 

Since 2007, José A. Ribeiro co-authored 31 peer-reviewed papers which have attracted more than 1000 citations according to Google Scholar (user: José A. Ribeiro) with h-index of 16 (Scopus). Recently, he became a teaching staff member at the Chemistry and Biochemistry Dept (DQB) of FCUP, being involved in course lectures and practical sessions, laboratory training of (master and PhD) students and their supervision.


CIQUP  |  Centro de Investigação em Química (FCUP)

IMS |  Institute of Molecular Sciences

https://www.fc.up.pt/ciqup/

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Publications
Showing 5 latest publications. Total publications: 38
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1. Real-Time Probing of Molecular Affinity Using Optical Tweezers, Teixeira, J; Ribeiro, JA Monteiro, M; Silva, NA; Jorge, PAS in SENSORS, 2026, ISSN: 1424-8220,  Volume: 26, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.3390/s26061814 P-01B-M3Z
Abstract The ability to assess molecular binding kinetics in real time is critical for advancing our understanding of molecular interactions in biochemical and biotechnological systems. This work presents a novel optical tweezer (OT)-based method to monitor molecular affinity in real time, focusing on the high-affinity streptavidin-biotin system as a model. Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microparticles functionalized with streptavidin were trapped before, during, and after binding with biotinylated bovine serum albumin (biotin-BSA), enabling the analysis of forward-scattered signals to detect nanoscale changes in particle size. By applying the Power Spectral Density method, the friction coefficient of individual particles was calculated, allowing for real-time tracking of binding dynamics and the estimation of the association rate constant (kon approximate to 106M-1s-1). These results are consistent with literature values and demonstrate the potential of this OT-based approach for non-invasive, label-free detection of molecular interactions. Compared to existing techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and cantilever-based sensors, this method offers significant advantages, including real-time monitoring, adaptability to different bioaffinity systems, and compatibility with miniaturized setups. This work establishes a foundation for using OT-based tools to monitor high-affinity molecular interactions in real time. While demonstrated here using biotinylated BSA as a model ligand, future studies will explore the method's applicability to smaller ligands and more subtle surface modifications.
2. Towards Haemoglobin Detection in Finger-Prick Sampling via Low-Cost Disposable Sensor Chips Based on eMIPs on Plasmonic Optical Fiber Probes, Pitruzzella, R; Cicatiello, D; Marzano, C; Passeggio, F; Gentile, L; Ribeiro, JA Mendes, JP Coelho, LCC; Portella, G; Capellupo, MC; Casale, M; Zeni, L; Jorge, PAS; Cennamo, N in NANOMATERIALS, 2026, ISSN: 2079-4991,  Volume: 16, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall, wos  DOI: 10.3390/nano16100602 P-01C-7M1
Abstract Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a key biomarker for several diseases. Traditional laboratory methods often have limitations due to their time-consuming nature, the need for skilled personnel, or the use of high-cost instrumentation. This work presents a sensing strategy for developing new point-of-care tests (POCTs) for Hb detection via a proof of concept. The proposed sensing approach is implemented using plasmonic plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor chips that integrate an electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer (eMIP) film on the plasmonic surface for Hb-selective detection. The developed sensor system demonstrates an ultra-low detection limit of 80 fM in buffer, about five orders of magnitude lower than that of other comparable Hb sensors. Selectivity tests against common interfering proteins, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), confirmed high specificity towards the target analyte. Moreover, the sensor's performance was tested using a whole-blood sample, yielding results consistent with those of standard haematology analysis. The proposed sensor system, based on simple equipment, provides a quick (about 10 min) and cost-effective (about 10 euros per chip) label-free diagnostic tool for POCTs in real-world scenarios, such as finger-prick sampling, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional laboratory methods, towards devices useful for Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).
3. Electrochemical Methods for Ammonia Nitrogen Detection-a Review, Mendes, JP; Coelho, LCC; Ribeiro, JA in ACS ELECTROCHEMISTRY, 2026, ISSN: 2997-0571,  Volume: 2, 
Review,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, wos  DOI: 10.1021/acselectrochem.6c00130 P-01C-REV
Abstract Over the last decades, considerable research efforts have been devoted to the determination of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) due to its critical importance across several fields. This review aims to highlight the potential of electrochemical methods for ammonia nitrogen sensing, with emphasis on potentiometric, amperometric, and conductometric approaches. It begins by addressing the chemical and biological relevance of ammonia in diverse contexts, ranging from vital physiological functions in the human body (urea cycle, disease biomarker), quality parameter in drinking water to its key involvement in environmental processes (the nitrogen cycle), and food safety and industrial applications (e.g., livestock, agriculture). Then, a general overview of the main methods for ammonia nitrogen quantification is provided. After that, most impacting achievements on electrochemical methods for ammonia nitrogen sensing are discussed from several perspectives, including selectivity in complex environments, sensitivity and detection levels achieved, improvements in set-up design and functionality (such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, miniaturization for on-site, real-time, and continuous monitoring), and multiplex detection capabilities. In addition, current limitations of ammonia electroanalytical approaches, future perspectives, and emerging research trends in TAN sensing technologies are addressed in a dedicated chapter. Finally, the last section focuses on current achievements of state-of-the-art electrochemical solutions for ammonia nitrogen detection and highlights their substantial advances over conventional analytical methods.
4. Soil contamination assessment of a 19th-century abandoned Sb-Au mine in northern Portugal, Resta, G; Santos, P; Monteiro, M; Melo, R; Carvalho, M; Carvalho, A; Lima, A; Font, E; Ribeiro, JA Azenha, M; Adatte, T; Flores, D in ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH, 2026, ISSN: 0269-4042,  Volume: 48, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, wos  DOI: 10.1007/s10653-026-03359-6 P-01C-XYH
Abstract Abandoned mines are among the main sources of long-term soil contamination, often leaving behind persistent concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) that pose environmental and health risks. Ribeiro da Serra Sb-Au mine, in Portugal, active from 1858 to 1890, has left a significant environmental legacy. This study mapped the spatial distribution of mine processing residues, elemental characterisation distinguishing between anthropogenic and natural enrichment by determining soil sample concentrations of PTE, Hg mobility, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) quantification. Multivariate analysis, spatial interpolation and comparison with Enrichment Factor were employed with the aim of understanding the distributions and sources of PTEs in the soils. Mercury is still present at the site, revealing high mobile (18.72 mg kg(-1)) and semi-mobile (3.58 mg kg(-1)) concentrations accumulated in waste piles, a remnant of Au amalgamation processes. High Hg concentrations (20.75 mg kg(-1)) pose significant environmental risks, even after more than a century, such as bioaccumulation potential and soil toxicity. Also, there are high concentrations of Pb (449.03 mg kg(-1)) in the waste piles from the Sb processing. This study highlights the critical importance of interpreting natural enrichment values of elements of Hg (EF = 267) and Pb (EF = 18) to discern pollution pathways resulting from mining and processing activities. Interpretation of natural enrichment values leads to a more accurate evaluation of environmental contamination and its sources. The Enrichment Factor shows that Sb (EF = 133) and Hg (EF = 267) are the elements that present extremely high enrichment (EF > 40).
5. Development of a plasmonic sensor based on imprinted nanogels for quantification of bovine serum albumin in bovine milk, Monteiro, M; Figueiredo, R; Silva, T; Pereira, M Azenha, M Ribeiro, A in Microchemical Journal, 2025, ISSN: 0026-265X,  Volume: 209, 
Article,  Indexed in: crossref, scopus, unpaywall  DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2025.112850 P-017-Y66
Abstract The development of simple, selective, and cost-effective methods for quantification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) is currently very important for assessing milk quality (and safety). In this work, a new surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was developed, consisting of imprinted hydrogel-based nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) immobilized on gold platforms, to quantify BSA in bovine milk. The nanoMIPs prepared for recognition of BSA were synthesized by the precipitation polymerization approach, using a synthetic BSA epitope (VVSTQTALA) as template. The spherical MIP nanoparticles (NPs) had an average size of 60 nm. The binding studies performed revealed that the binding affinity of the prepared nanoMIPs to BSA (KD = 7.1 × 10−6 mol L−1) was comparable to that obtained by a natural BSA antibody (KD = 2.5 × 10−6 mol L−1). The plasmonic sensor incorporating the MIP nanomaterials achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.02 × 10−6 mol L−1 (0.068 mg mL−1) and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.39 × 10−6 mol L−1 (0.225 mg mL−1), over a linear range from 2.0 × 10−6 mol L−1 to 1.5 × 10−5 mol L−1. Moreover, the selectivity studies revealed a significant sensor response towards casein and a negligible response towards vancomycin. In the end, the optical sensor was tested against commercial milk samples, showing promising viability for detection of BSA as the value reported by the plasmonic sensor ((1.0 ± 0.1) × 10−4 mol L−1) was very close to that obtained by size exclusion-high-performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC). © 2025 The Author(s)