(Chemical) Bonding is what makes life possible

Célia Sarmento is a PhD student in Chemical and Biological Engineering at NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT), supported by a doctoral grant from FCT/MCTES (2024.00705.BD). Currently, she is developing novel natural-based surfactants for dermocosmetic applications. She graduated in Biochemistry from the NOVA FCT in 2020 and obtained her MSc in Biochemistry for Health in 2022, a joint program of NOVA FCT with NOVA Medical School and ITQB NOVA. Her master thesis was developed at DES.Solve research group, where she assessed the potential of natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) as new media for ocular drug delivery with antioxidant activity. This research resulted in two scientific publications, a poster presentation, and four oral communications, as co-author. Following her master's thesis, she continued as a research fellow at DES.Solve. Her focus was on the improve of the pharmacokinetic properties of antioxidants by using NADES as solvents or excipients, in order to develop new, more affordable and effective therapeutic formulations. Simultaneously, she mentored a master’s student and she was the co-supervisor of an undergraduate student of Applied Chemistry. Recently, she also has been involved in mentoring young students on lab rotations from MSc in Biochemistry for Health. Additionally, she is the co-supervisor of an undergraduate student of Biochemistry.