PT-OPENSCREEN/CBA – Plataforma Regional de Descoberta de Moléculas Bioativas

The main objective is to establish the Azorean node of PT-OPENSCREEN as a sustainable, fully operational, and internationally connected platform for chemical biology, bioprospecting, and early-stage drug discovery. Eight specific objectives were defined for this project: Objective 1 – To stablish state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Upgrade and equip the CBA-UAc laboratories with advanced screening and analytical technologies aligned with PT-OPENSCREEN standards. Laboratory adaptation, calibration, and data integration will provide the foundation for high-quality bioassays and compound discovery. Objective 2 – To develop a regional repository of biological and chemical resources. Create a comprehensive biorepository integrating biological samples and molecular data from marine, agroecological, and volcanic environments under FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. Expanded eDNA and metagenomic libraries will strengthen gene and compound discovery, directly supporting Blue Growth and Agriculture. Objective 3 – To reinforce bioactivity screening and drug discovery. Reinforce regional capacity to identify and validate bioactive molecules with therapeutic and industrial potential—anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and regenerative—enhancing the Azores’ contribution to Health and Blue Growth. Objective 4 – To integrate artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Apply AI/ML to genomic and metabolomic datasets to predict bioactivity, model protein–ligand interactions and prioritize candidates. This data-driven approach accelerates discovery and positions the Azores as a reference node for AI-assisted bioprospecting, consistent with RIS3’s digital innovation goals. Objective 5 – To strengthen production and purification. Develop scalable, semi-automated systems for expressing and purifying bioactive molecules, enabling transition from discovery to pilot-scale validation and supporting innovation in marine biotechnology, agriculture, and health. Objective 6 – To build human capacity and expertise. Provide specialized training, workshops, and staff exchanges in screening technologies, metagenomics, and bioinformatics to strengthen human capital and ensure long-term sustainability within PT-OPENSCREEN. Objective 7 – To foster public–private collaboration and technology transfer. Promote partnerships with industry and innovation networks (BlueBio Alliance, Blue Bio Value, Tech Tour Ocean) to co-develop and validate bioactive compounds, stimulating entrepreneurship and transforming scientific output into biotechnological and health-related products. Objective 8 – To ensure outreach and societal impact. Disseminate results and promote collaboration through partnerships with OMIC and Expolab, increasing public awareness of biotechnology and aligning communication with the sustainability goals of RIS3 Azores.