MOUNTAIN
RESEARCH
CENTER

Polytechnic Institute
of Bragança

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CIMO

CIMO - Mountain Research Center. See video HERE

FROM NATURE TO PRODUCTS, TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY.

Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart

Group: Sustainable Processes and Products
Phone: 273303192
E-mail: asantamaria@ipb.pt
ORCID: 0000-0003-0107-7301
Scopus Author ID: 56725697700

Career

  • Since 2023: Auxiliary researcher the Mountain Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (CIMO-IPB), Portugal
  • 2020 - 2023: Junior researcher at the Mountain Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (CIMO-IPB), Portugal
  • 2018 - 2019: Researcher contract as new materials area supervisor at Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology Center at the University of Alcala de Henares (UAH), Spain
  • 2018 - 2018: Researcher contract at the University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2017 - 2018: Postdoc contract as Recent Doctor Researcher at the University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2015 - 2017: Predoctoral researcher contract at the University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2013 - 2015: Predoctoral researcher grant at the University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain

Qualifications

  • 2017 - PhD. in Renewable Materials Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2012 - MSc. in Renewable Materials Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2011 - Degree in Industrial Technique Engineering, Specialized in Industrial Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain

Awards and Honors

  • 2024 - Best presented work in “Jornadas AFROCiências, 2024”
  • 2023 - Honorable mention for poster presentation in “Dare 2 Change Innovation-Driven Agrifood Business, 2023”
  • 2022 - Best Poster award “Lignin Conference 2022”
  • 2022 - Best Poster award in “Young Alganeers Symposium 2022”
  • 2021 - Finalist project “NatSauce” in the AINanoTEC - Artificial Intelligence & Nanotechnology based Startups Entrepreneurial Program 2021
  • 2020 - Winning idea in the call 3rd edition of “Concurso Promove 2020, The Future of the Interior"
  • 2017 - Extraordinary PhD award by the University of the Basque Country (UPV), Spain
  • 2015 - Best Poster award in “Eurofillers Polymer Blends 2015” Conference
  • 2015 - Best Poster award in the “5th International Conference on Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers (BIOPOL2015)” Conference
  • 2011 - Extraordinary end of degree award to the best academic record corresponding to the course 2010/2011

Interests

  • Synthesis of polyurethane dispersions
  • Isolation and application of renewable entities and additives
  • Synthesis of polymeric materials via green catalysis
  • Development of polymeric materials with tailored properties
  • Encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds
  • Development of films and coatings
  • Development of nutritional customized applications
  • Advanced rapid prototyping technologies (electrospinning and 3D printing)

Projects:

Naturing - Ingredientes naturais para o desenvolvimento de produtos alimentares inclusivos
Funding body: Promove LA CAIXA
Reference: PL24-00152
Principal Investigator:Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart
Start: 2024-09-01
End: 2027-08-30
CyChest - Gestão integrada do ciclo do castanheiro no Parque Natural de Montesinho
Funding body: Promove LA CAIXA
Reference:
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2023-10-01
End: 2026-09-30
- Obtención y evaluación de colorantes estabilizados por procesos de encapsulación y recurriendo a las tecnologías de emulsión a partir del aguacate (Persea americana) y su posterior incorporación en una matriz alimentícia
Funding body: Proyectos de investigación científica, desarrollo tecnológico e innovación (FONDOCYT) del Ministerio de Educación Superir, Ciencia y Tecnología (MESCYT) - Republica Dominicana
Reference:
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2023-01-03
End: 2026-06-30
BIOSHOES4ALL - Inovação e Capacitação da Fileira do Calçado para a Bieconomia Sustentável
Funding body: PRR 2020 - Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência
Reference: PRR - 000011
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2021-10-01
End: 2025-12-31
ENVABIO100 - Obtenção de filmes biodegradáveis de origem 100% natural para a indústria alimentar
Funding body: CYTED - Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo
Reference: CYTED-121RT0108
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2021-01-01
End: 2024-12-31
NutriPick3D - Development of 3D-printable Pickering Emulsions foreseeing customized nutrition
Funding body: FCT - PTDC - Projectos em todos os domínios científicos
Reference:
Principal Investigator:Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart
Start: 2023-01-01
End: 2024-12-31
UID PUAuto - Poliuretano para a Indústria automóvel
Funding body: TMG Automotive
Provision of Services
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2023-07-01
End: 2024-06-30
GreenShoes 4.0 - Footwear, Leather Goods, Advanced Materials, Equipment and Software Technoloy
Funding body: PORTUGAL 2020 - COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização
Reference: POCI-01-0247-FEDER-046082
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2020-06-30
End: 2023-06-30
HiFireDoor - Desenvolvimento de Portas Decorativas Corta-Fogo de Madeira com Elevado Desempenho
Funding body: POCI-FEDER
Reference:
Principal Investigator:Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro
Start: 2021-01-01
End: 2023-06-30
VALORNATURAL - Valorização de Recursos Naturais através da Extração de Ingredientes de Elevado Valor Acrescentado para Aplicações na Indústria Alimentar
Funding body: NORTE 2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte
Reference: NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-024479
Principal Investigator:Lillian Bouçada de Barros
Start: 2018-09-01
End: 2022-08-31

Total results: 49
1
Colucci G.,Ribeiro A.,Figueirêdo M.B.,Charmillot J.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Rodrigues A.E.,Barreiro M.F.
Lignin from aldehyde-assisted fractionation can provide light-colored Pickering emulsions through colloidal particles formed using alkaline antisolvent
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 302, , 2025

2
Ertosun S.,Aylanc V.,Peixoto A.F.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Russo-Almeida P.,Freire C.,Vilas-Boas M.
Structural Characterization of Microcapsules from Common Bee Pollen for the Development of Delivery Systems
Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 33, 1171-1184, 2025

3
Lamas S.,Rodrigues N.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Palu I.,Manhique J.R.,Herrero B.,López-Cortés I.,Pereira J.A.,Peres A.M.
Potential use of the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an almond cultivar recognition tool: impact of sample and spectral pre-treatments
Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, , 2025

4
Aylanc V.,Ertosun S.,Peixoto A.F.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Russo-Almeida P.,Vale N.,Freire C.,Vilas-Boas M.
Development of natural sporopollenin microcapsules: from bee pollen to versatile biomaterials
Emergent Materials, , 2025

5
Delvar E.,Oliveira I.,Brito M.S.C.A.,Silva C.G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro M.F.,Santos R.J.
Literature Review on Single and Twin-Screw Extruders Design for Polymerization Using CFD Simulation
Fluids, 10, , 2025

6
Lopretti Correa M.I.,Batista-Menezes D.,Rezende S.C.d.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro M.F.,Vega-Baudrit J.R.
Biorefinery of Lignocellulosic and Marine Resources for Obtaining Active PVA/Chitosan/Phenol Films for Application in Intelligent Food Packaging
Polymers, 17, , 2025

7
de Rezende S.C.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Almeida H.H.S.,Marcet I.,Carpintero M.,Rendueles M.,Lopretti M.,Dias M.M.,Barreiro M.F.
Solid dispersions as effective curcumin vehicles to obtain k-carrageenan functional films for olive oil preservation
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 286, , 2025

8
Gracher-Teixeira L.,Pituco S.C.S.,Colucci G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Peres A.M.,Dias M.M.,Barreiro M.F.
Developing High-Coloring Natural Systems Using Double Emulsions with Daucus carota L. Extract to Meet High-Performance Requirements
Foods, 13, , 2024

9
de Rezende S.C.,Ferreira O.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Dias M.M.,Barreiro M.F.
Evaluating the potential of natural polymers for water-dispersible curcumin-based solid dispersion colourant systems for food applications
Journal of Food Engineering, 371, , 2024

10
Larraza I.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Barreiro F.,Arbelaiz A.,Eceiza A.
Bioinks Functionalized with Natural Extracts for 3D Printing
Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 32, 982-999, 2024

11
Schreiner T.B.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Peres A.M.,Dias M.M.,Pinho S.P.,Barreiro M.F.
Study of binary mixtures of Tribulus terrestris extract and Quillaja bark saponin as oil-in-water nanoemulsion emulsifiers
Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 27, 123-133, 2024

12
Schreiner T.B.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Colucci G.,Plasencia P.,Santos Costa P.,Dias M.M.,Pinho S.P.,Filomena Barreiro M.
Saponin-based natural nanoemulsions as alpha-tocopherol delivery systems for dermal applications
Journal of Molecular Liquids, 391, , 2023

13
Crugeira P.J.L.,Almeida H.H.S.,Marcet I.,Rendueles M.,Pires M.G.,Rafael H.M.,Rodrigues A.I.G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro M.F.
Biosynthesis of antioxidant xanthan gum by Xanthomonas campestris using substrates added with moist olive pomace
Food and Bioproducts Processing, 141, 210-218, 2023

14
Colucci G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Silva S.C.,Teixeira L.G.,Ribeiro A.,Rodrigues A.E.,Barreiro M.F.
Development of colloidal lignin particles through particle design strategies and screening of their Pickering stabilizing potential
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 666, , 2023

15
Rodrigues N.,Peres F.,Casal S.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro F.,Peres A.M.,Alberto Pereira J.
Geographical discrimination of olive oils from Cv. ‘Galega Vulgar’
Food Chemistry, 398, , 2023

16
Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro F.
Why Natural-Based Bioactive Coatings?
Coatings, 12, , 2022

17
Silva S.C.,Almeida T.,Colucci G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Manrique Y.A.,Dias M.M.,Barros L.,Fernandes Â.,Colla E.,Barreiro M.F.
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) protein-rich extract as a natural emulsifier for oil-in-water emulsions: Optimization through a sequential experimental design strategy
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 648, , 2022

18
De Carli C.,Aylanc V.,Mouffok K.M.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Barreiro F.,Tomás A.,Pereira C.,Rodrigues P.,Vilas-Boas M.,Falcão S.I.
Production of chitosan-based biodegradable active films using bio-waste enriched with polyphenol propolis extract envisaging food packaging applications
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 213, 486-497, 2022

19
Ghirro L.C.,Rezende S.,Ribeiro A.S.,Rodrigues N.,Carocho M.,Pereira J.A.,Barros L.,Demczuk B.,Barreiro M.F.,Santamaria-Echart A.
Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with Curcumin-Based Solid Dispersion Particles as Mayonnaise-like Food Sauce Alternatives
Molecules, 27, , 2022

20
Hosseinpourpia R.,Adamopoulos S.,Echart A.S.,Eceiza A.
Polyurethane films prepared with isophorone diisocyanate functionalized wheat starch
European Polymer Journal, 161, , 2021

21
Schreiner T.B.,Colucci G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.P.,Dias M.M.,Pinho S.P.,Barreiro M.F.
Evaluation of saponin-rich extracts as natural alternative emulsifiers: A comparative study with pure Quillaja Bark saponin
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 623, , 2021

22
Sorita G.D.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Gozzo A.M.,Gonçalves O.H.,Leimann F.V.,Bona E.,Manrique Y.,Fernandes I.P.M.,Ferreira I.C.F.R.,Barreiro M.F.
Lipid composition optimization in spray congealing technique and testing with curcumin-loaded microparticles
Advanced Powder Technology, 32, 1710-1722, 2021

23
Correa R.F.,Colucci G.,Halla N.,Pinto J.A.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Blanco S.P.,Fernandes I.P.,Barreiro M.F.
Development of chitosan microspheres through a green dual crosslinking strategy based on tripolyphosphate and vanillin
Molecules, 26, , 2021

24
Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Barreiro F.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Advances in waterborne polyurethane and polyurethane-urea dispersions and their eco-friendly derivatives: A review
Polymers, 13, 1-32, 2021

25
Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Ugarte L.,Barreiro F.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Green nanocomposites from Salvia-based waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersions reinforced with nanocellulose
Progress in Organic Coatings, 150, , 2021

26
Baena-González J.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Aguirre J.L.,González S.
Chemical recycling of plastic waste: Bitumen, solvents, and polystyrene from pyrolysis oil
Waste Management, 118, 139-149, 2020

27
Colucci G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Silva S.C.,Fernandes I.P.M.,Sipoli C.C.,Barreiro M.F.
Development of water-in-oil emulsions as delivery vehicles and testing with a natural antimicrobial extract
Molecules, 25, , 2020

28
Larraza I.,Vadillo J.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Tejado A.,Azpeitia M.,Vesga E.,Orue A.,Saralegi A.,Arbelaiz A.,Eceiza A.
The effect of the carboxylation degree on cellulose nanofibers and waterborne polyurethane/cellulose nanofiber nanocomposites properties
Polymer Degradation and Stability, 173, , 2020

29
Schreiner T.B.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Ribeiro A.,Peres A.M.,Dias M.M.,Pinho S.P.,Barreiro M.F.
Formulation and optimization of nanoemulsions using the natural surfactant saponin from Quillaja bark
Molecules, 25, , 2020

30
González K.,García-Astrain C.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Ugarte L.,Avérous L.,Eceiza A.,Gabilondo N.
Starch/graphene hydrogels via click chemistry with relevant electrical and antibacterial properties
Carbohydrate Polymers, 202, 372-381, 2018

31
Díez-García I.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Eceiza A.,Tercjak A.
Triblock copolymers containing hydrophilic PEO blocks as effective polyols for organic solvent-free waterborne poly(urethane-urea)s
Reactive and Functional Polymers, 131, 1-11, 2018

32
Hosseinpourpia R.,Echart A.S.,Adamopoulos S.,Gabilondo N.,Eceiza A.
Modification of pea starch and dextrin polymers with isocyanate functional groups
Polymers, 10, , 2018

33
Anakabe J.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Eceiza A.,Arbelaiz A.,Zaldua Huici A.M.
Evolution of the mechanical properties and estimation of the useful lifespan of poly(lactic acid) based compounds
Polymer International, 67, 761-769, 2018

34
Mondragon G.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Hormaiztegui M.,Arbelaiz A.,Peña-Rodriguez C.,Mucci V.,Corcuera M.,Aranguren M.,Eceiza A.
Nanocomposites of Waterborne Polyurethane Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals from Sisal Fibres
Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 26, 1869-1880, 2018

35
Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Barreiro F.,Retegi A.,Arbelaiz A.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Development of waterborne polyurethane-ureas added with plant extracts: Study of different incorporation routes and their influence on particle size, thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties
Progress in Organic Coatings, 117, 76-90, 2018

36
Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Ugarte L.,Barreiro F.,Arbelaiz A.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersion with chain extension step in homogeneous medium reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals
Composites Part B: Engineering, 137, 31-38, 2018

37
Díez-García I.,Santamaría-Echart A.,Eceiza A.,Tercjak A.
Synthesis and characterization of environmentally-friendly waterborne poly(urethane-urea)s
European Polymer Journal, 99, 240-249, 2018

38
Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska P.,Santamaria Echart A.,Calvo Correas T.,Eceiza A.,Datta J.
The changes of crosslink density of polyurethanes synthesised with using recycled component. Chemical structure and mechanical properties investigations
Progress in Organic Coatings, 115, 41-48, 2018

39
Orue A.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Eceiza A.,Peña-Rodriguez C.,Arbelaiz A.
Office waste paper as cellulose nanocrystal source
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 134, , 2017

40
Santamaria-Echart A.,Ugarte L.,Gonzalez K.,Martin L.,Irusta L.,Gonzalez A.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
The role of cellulose nanocrystals incorporation route in waterborne polyurethane for preparation of electrospun nanocomposites mats
Carbohydrate Polymers, 166, 146-155, 2017

41
Santamaria-Echart A.,Ugarte L.,Arbelaiz A.,Barreiro F.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Modulating the microstructure of waterborne polyurethanes for preparation of environmentally friendly nanocomposites by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals
Cellulose, 24, 823-834, 2017

42
Ugarte L.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Mastel S.,Autore M.,Hillenbrand R.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
An alternative approach for the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals in flexible polyurethane foams based on renewably sourced polyols
Industrial Crops and Products, 95, 564-573, 2017

43
Hormaiztegui M.E.V.,Mucci V.L.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Corcuera M.Á.,Eceiza A.,Aranguren M.I.
Waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites based on vegetable oil and microfibrillated cellulose
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 133, , 2016

44
García-Astrain C.,Guaresti O.,González K.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Eceiza A.,Corcuera M.,Gabilondo N.
Click gelatin hydrogels: Characterization and drug release behaviour
Materials Letters, 182, 134-137, 2016

45
Santamaria-Echart A.,Ugarte L.,García-Astrain C.,Arbelaiz A.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced environmentally-friendly waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites
Carbohydrate Polymers, 151, 1203-1209, 2016

46
Santamaria-Echart A.,Fernandes I.,Saralegi A.,Costa M.R.P.F.N.,Barreiro F.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Synthesis of waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersions with chain extension step in homogeneous and heterogeneous media
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 476, 184-192, 2016

47
Santamaria-Echart A.,Ugarte L.,Arbelaiz A.,Gabilondo N.,Corcuera M.,Eceiza A.
Two different incorporation routes of cellulose nanocrystals in waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites
European Polymer Journal, 76, 99-109, 2016

48
Santamaria-Echart A.,Arbelaiz A.,Saralegi A.,Fernández-d'Arlas B.,Eceiza A.,Corcuera M.
Relationship between reagents molar ratio and dispersion stability and film properties of waterborne polyurethanes
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 482, 554-561, 2015

49
Calvo-Correas T.,Santamaria-Echart A.,Saralegi A.,Martin L.,Valea Á.,Corcuera M.A.,Eceiza A.
Thermally-responsive biopolyurethanes from a biobased diisocyanate
European Polymer Journal, 70, 173-185, 2015

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Campus Santa Apolónia / 5300-253 Bragança
Phone: 273 303 382
Email: cimo@ipb.pt

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