Activation of Benthic Metabolism for the Rehabilitation of Eutrophic Coastal Lagoons

This project investigated strategies for the restoration of coastal lagoons affected by eutrophication through the activation of sediment organism metabolism (benthic metabolism).

Objective: To restore environmental quality and improve the ecological functioning of these ecosystems.

---

Characterization of Antifreeze Proteins (AFP) from Antarctic Microorganisms for Vaccine Thermostability

This project investigated antifreeze proteins produced by Antarctic bacteria.

The study focused on:

• Characterizing the structure and antifreeze activity of these proteins;
• Evaluating their potential to increase the stability of adenovirus-based vaccines during freezing;
• Exploring possible applications in vaccines, food preservation, and pharmaceutical products requiring cold-chain storage.

---

Microbial Diversity of Permafrost as Paleoclimatic Indicators in Antarctica

This project investigated bacterial and archaeal communities preserved in Antarctic permafrost samples dating back up to 7,500 years.

The research used metagenomic approaches to compare ancient and contemporary microbial communities and aimed to understand how environmental and climatic changes have shaped microbial populations over time.

Objective: To identify microbial indicators of past climate changes.

---

Microbial Life in the Antarctic Cryosphere: Climate Change and Bioprospecting (MICROSFERA)

A project from the MicroPolar Network focused on Antarctic microbiology and the study of microbial life in extreme environments.

The research investigated:

• Microbial succession during glacier retreat;
• The impacts of glacier melting on marine ecosystems;
• The effects of climate change on microorganisms and viruses;
• The diversity of bacteria, fungi, and archaea inhabiting extreme environments.

The project also explored the biotechnological potential of Antarctic microorganisms, including enzymes, bioactive compounds, nanobiomaterials, and molecules with applications in medicine, cosmetics, and industry.

The initiative contributed to strengthening Brazilian research in polar microbiology and expanding international scientific collaborations.