You have built a remarkable scientific career, with one of your main research focuses being bone metabolism and regeneration – areas that are crucial not only in dentistry but also from a translational medicine perspective. How did this interest develop, and which moments would you highlight as decisive in your trajectory?
My academic path began at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), where I taught the course units Instrumental Methods of Analysis and Organic Chemistry. I was the first person to undertake the Teaching Aptitude and Scientific Capacity examinations at this institution, with a project developed at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP). I completed my PhD at Imperial College of Science and Technology, on a topic already with a translational focus. This was followed by teaching at the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto (FMDUP), in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and later integration into the Department of Pharmacology of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), as part of a research team in renal physiology and pharmacology. The creation of a cell culture laboratory at FMDUP (in the mid-1990s) was decisive, as it established a solid platform for applied research. My interest in bone metabolism arose naturally, motivated by the complexity of the cellular mechanisms involved and by its clinical relevance, not only in dentistry but also in other areas of medical intervention. My first research project, still as a young investigator, helped me understand how metabolic alterations affect regenerative processes and revealed the transformative potential of translational research. I would also highlight my involvement in multidisciplinary collaborations, both national and international. The dialogue between different fields of knowledge, from tissue engineering to molecular biology, has shaped the way I address scientific challenges. Bone regeneration requires an integrated vision, based on a complex ecosystem where metabolism plays a central role. The articulation of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models has been strategic in the way we structure our studies. This integrated and multidimensional perspective has enabled the generation of knowledge with real potential impact on regenerative medicine and, in particular, on dentistry. What began as an academic interest gradually became a personal mission – to contribute to more effective therapeutic solutions, grounded in scientific evidence.

You coordinate the Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration (BoneLab), where interdisciplinarity and international cooperation are key. In your opinion, which research avenues currently hold the greatest potential for maximising knowledge transfer across fields?
The most promising advances in science and innovation often emerge when traditional disciplinary boundaries are broken, bringing together multiple fields of knowledge. At BoneLab/FMDUP, interdisciplinarity is a strategic axis to drive translational research. Several research directions hold high potential, particularly those that combine fundamental knowledge of bone biology with emerging tools from other disciplines. Bioengineering, for instance, through 3D bioprinting, enables the creation of personalised bone structures and the development of smart biomaterials that dynamically respond to the cellular microenvironment and promote more effective bone regeneration. Another promising area lies at the intersection of biomedicine and artificial intelligence, with applications in early diagnosis, computational modelling of regenerative processes, and personalised therapies. The analysis of large data sets, supported by machine learning algorithms, allows for more accurate prediction of biomaterial behaviour and bone tissue response. Recent discoveries about the role of the microbiome, both oral and systemic, in bone metabolism and regeneration, have also challenged established paradigms, opening the door to novel therapeutic approaches. Finally, it must be stressed that the true value of knowledge transfer requires a strong culture of international cooperation. The harmonisation and sharing of expertise, methodologies, and resources between multidisciplinary teams in academia and industry represent the most effective way to accelerate innovation and ensure that scientific progress translates into concrete clinical benefits.

One of your laboratory’s most dynamic research lines is Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility. Which recent advances in this field seem to you the most impactful for clinical practice?
The line of research on Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility has indeed been one of the most active at BoneLab, playing a central role in the development and validation of new biomaterials for bone regeneration. The most impactful advances in recent years relate to the increasing sophistication of in vitro models, which allow a more faithful simulation of the biological environment in which these materials are applied. These models go beyond merely assessing cell viability, enabling the study of more complex responses related to inflammatory and immune processes, oxidative stress, and osteogenic differentiation. I would particularly highlight the use of co-cultures with different cell types in 3D models, which significantly bring laboratory research closer to clinical reality. Such systems have allowed the detection of subtle but clinically relevant effects that might otherwise go unnoticed in conventional tests. From a practical standpoint, these advances result in better selection of materials for clinical use, with greater biological safety and improved integration with bone tissue. Moreover, they help reduce the need for in vivo testing in the early stages, promoting a more ethical and efficient approach aligned with translational principles towards the clinic.

Specifically regarding bone metabolism and regeneration, and the use of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models – what are the main challenges and advantages of each approach for studying bone metabolism?
Studying bone metabolism and regeneration requires an integrated approach, combining in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models, each with their own advantages and limitations. At BoneLab, we apply these three strategies in a complementary way, adapting them to the specific goals of each study. In vitro models are fundamental at the early stages of research. They allow for the assessment of key parameters such as cell viability, osteogenic gene expression, matrix mineralisation, and responses to inflammatory/immune stimuli. They are useful to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms with high control and reproducibility, as well as for testing multiple conditions in parallel. However, they represent simplified systems that do not reflect the functional complexity of bone tissue. Ex vivo models provide a more realistic view of bone structure and function within a still controlled environment. They are useful for testing biomaterials or therapeutic approaches and for studying interactions between extracellular matrix and cells under conditions closer to physiology. Their challenges include the limited viability of tissues maintained in laboratory settings and difficulties in standardisation. In vivo models are essential for understanding bone regeneration in a dynamic and systemic context. Despite their translational relevance, they face ethical, regulatory, and logistical challenges, along with biological variability and interspecies differences, which may limit extrapolation to humans. The key lies in the complementarity between models, which ensures solid research with clinical impact. The future lies in integrating these models with emerging technologies such as organ-on-a-chip, computational models, and artificial intelligence, which allow for more precise simulation of bone physiology, accelerating the development of effective and safe therapies.

How do you see the integration of your research results into the development of new therapies or materials for bone regeneration? Which practical applications, current or under development, would you highlight as having the greatest potential?
Research at BoneLab has a strong translational component, focusing on applying knowledge generated in cell-based and preclinical models to the development of practical solutions for bone regeneration. The link between fundamental science and clinical application is central to our work. One of our key areas has been the evaluation and modification of biomaterials to improve their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and capacity to promote bone regeneration. Many of these materials have direct application in implantology, oral surgery, and orthopaedics, and our results have been significant in validating or reformulating them. The incorporation of bioactive agents into biomaterials (osteogenic peptides, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds) shows great potential for accelerating regeneration and modulating biological response. These approaches are particularly promising for the regeneration of large bone defects, treatment of peri-implantitis, and reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. Antimicrobial biomaterials also hold promise, especially in dental or orthopaedic implants, where infection prevention is crucial. Multifunctional biodegradable biomaterials also offer solutions for implants that gradually degrade, avoiding the need for surgical removal. These approaches are currently in preclinical development, with encouraging results. Collaboration with industrial and clinical partners helps bring research closer to the needs of medical practice. This facilitates the validation of biomaterials from in vitro control to preclinical contexts, and potentially in the early stages of clinical trials, driving the development of more personalised, effective, and safe bone therapies.

At LAQV/REQUIMTE, you coordinate the Health and Wellbeing Thematic Line, which brings a sustainability and green chemistry perspective to your research. How does this dimension connect with biomedicine and the development of biomaterials?
Coordinating the Health and Wellbeing Thematic Line at LAQV/REQUIMTE enables the integration of a strategic vision that combines sustainability, green chemistry, and biomedical innovation – areas that naturally and indispensably complement each other.
In the context of biomaterials development, this sustainable dimension translates into the search for renewable raw materials, the implementation of eco-efficient synthesis processes, and the reduction of environmental impact throughout the materials’ life cycle. For example, there is a focus on the use of biopolymers, natural extracts, and production techniques that minimise energy consumption and the use of toxic solvents. This approach is aligned with the principles of green chemistry and has a direct impact on biomedicine, as more sustainable biomaterials tend to be more biocompatible and better tolerated by the body, while also promoting more effective tissue regeneration. Furthermore, by linking sustainability with health research, we develop solutions that address clinical needs while also responding to current environmental challenges, ensuring that scientific innovation goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility. In short, the Health and Wellbeing line at LAQV/REQUIMTE represents a vital space to promote this integration, driving the development of innovative biomaterials that contribute both to human health and to global sustainability.

This Thematic Line addresses complex global challenges, combining clinical, community, and social perspectives to promote sustainable development and innovation. What reflections would you share on the role of interdisciplinarity and the translation of scientific knowledge into practical, scalable solutions that truly make a difference in public health and community wellbeing?
The complexity of the challenges faced in the field of health and wellbeing requires a necessarily interdisciplinary approach. Within the Health and Wellbeing line, the aim is to break down traditional barriers between disciplines and between the laboratory and the community. Collaboration between chemists, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, sociologists, and public health professionals is fundamental to addressing challenges holistically, creating solutions that are truly integrated and effective. More than generating knowledge, there is a responsibility to translate it into real social impact. This implies considering, from the outset, the applicability, scalability, and acceptance of the solutions being developed, whether a new biomaterial, a more sustainable diagnostic method, or a personalised prevention strategy. Science must act as an agent of tangible change. Interdisciplinarity allows us to better understand the social and cultural contexts in which we operate, adapt solutions to the real needs of populations, and ensure that technological innovation is not only sophisticated but also accessible, equitable, and people-centred. I believe this is the path towards science with purpose and genuine transformative value, capable of improving quality of life and promoting collective wellbeing in a lasting way.

Looking to the future of research on bone metabolism and biomaterials, which trends or challenges do you believe will have the greatest impact in the next 10 years?
In the coming decade, research on bone metabolism and biomaterials will face a landscape marked by opportunities but also significant challenges. I believe the emerging trends with the greatest impact on bone regeneration include: (i) the development of smart and personalised biomaterials, able to respond to the biological microenvironment and adapt to the specific needs of each patient; (ii) the integration of computational biology and artificial intelligence with modelling tools, machine learning, and big data analysis to predict with greater accuracy how bone tissues will respond to different treatments; (iii) the advancement of combined therapies and multidisciplinary approaches, bringing together innovative biomaterials, genetic engineering, and immunomodulation for more effective and functional regeneration; and (iv) sustainability and green chemistry applied to biomaterials development, with growing pressure for sustainable methods and materials continuing to strongly influence research, promoting the replacement of synthetic components with natural alternatives and eco-efficient processes. Of course, challenges remain that demand attention, such as ensuring the safety and biocompatibility of new materials and therapies in complex clinical contexts; translating preclinical results into clinical trials while facing regulatory and financial barriers; and guaranteeing ongoing collaboration between science, medicine, and industry to accelerate innovation with real health impact. The combination of interdisciplinarity, advanced technology, and sustainability will be essential to overcome these challenges and drive meaningful progress in bone regeneration in the future.

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