Brandon Aguiar

Bio

Brandon Aguiar completed his Bachelor degree in Chemistry in 2016 at the University of Porto, Faculty of Sciences and his M.SC degree in Analytical, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Pharmacy. While working in his Bachelor's degree, Brandon was responsible for synthesize, purify and characterize by NMR new antioxidants based on ferulic acid scaffold and later evaluate their antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS radicals assay.  During his Master's thesis Brandon was responsible for obtaining and analyzing UV/VIS spectra and implementing a ROS generation protocol to evaluate the photoreactivity of chemicals by spectrophotometric monitoring the generation of singlet oxygen and superoxide anion. He also became especially proficient in in vitro cell methodologies including cytotoxicity and phototoxicity evaluation using a neutral red assay in the HaCat cell line. In 2019, Brandon worked in a research project focused on the development of centrally-active and safe catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors where he was responsible for synthesize, purify and characterize by NMR new antioxidants based on kojic acid and deferiprone scaffolds. In 2020 Brandon worked as a research fellow under the guidance of Prof. Fernanda Borges in the project: Redox-active phytochemicals triggering mitochondrial hormesis: developing a new generation of cosmetic active ingredients where he further improved his skills in organic synthesis, purification and characterization. Currently, Brandon is working on his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences where he is acquiring experience in the synthesis and characterization of polymeric, hybrid and lipidic nanoparticles as well as in cell culture. During his PhD, Brandon also worked abroad (Germany) where he further developed his skills in polymer and nanoparticles synthesis and characterization.