Dr. Diana Sofia Paiva
Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE)—Science for People & the Planet, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Academic Career Length
8Years (2019-Present)
(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)
Representative Publications
View All Publications1 August 2019 in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Journal Article
Joao Trovao
António PortugalFSFabiana Soares
Fabiana Soares
Diana Sofia PaivaNMNuno Mesquita
Nuno MesquitaITIgor Tiago
Igor Tiago
+4
28 January 2019 in MycoKeys
Journal Article
Joao TrovaoITIgor Tiago
Igor Tiago
FSFabiana Soares
Fabiana Soares
Diana Sofia PaivaNMNuno Mesquita
Nuno MesquitaAntónio Portugal +3
When colonizing stone monuments, microcolonial black fungi are considered one of the most severe and resistant groups of biodeteriorating organisms, posing a very difficult challenge to conservators and biologists working with cultural heritage preservation. During an experimental survey aimed to isolate fungi from a biodeteriorated limestone art piece in the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an unknown microcolonial black fungus was retrieved. The isolated fungus was studied through a complete examination based on multilocus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS rDNA, LSU and rpb2, in conjunction with morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics. This integrative analysis allows for the description of a new family, Aeminiaceae fam. nov., a new genus Aeminium gen. nov., and a new species, Aeminiumludgeri sp. nov., in the order Capnodiales.
Journal Article
Diana Sofia PaivaLFLuís Fernandes
Luís FernandesJoao TrovaoNMNuno Mesquita
Nuno MesquitaITIgor Tiago
Igor TiagoAntónio PortugalFungal organisms are considered one of the most relevant stone colonizers, and biodeteriogens. They are ubiquitous heterotrophs, metabolically versatile, ranging from generalist to extremophiles. Limestone, a sedimentary rock characterized by high levels of calcium carbonate, has low compressive strength and hardness and high porosity. These features make it highly susceptible to fungal colonization and an exceptional target for biodeterioration. Understanding the mycobiome composition associated with different biodeterioration scenarios is key for the development of effective guidelines and strategies for preventive conservation and viable maintenance of our cultural heritage. In this work, a thorough analysis of the fungal community composition on the Lemos Pantheon, a limestone-built artwork located in Portugal, was performed using high-throughput sequencing complemented with culture-based methods. The combined results allowed a detailed characterization of the fungal communities of each analyzed spot, revealing highly diverse and dissimilar communities according to the type of biodeterioration observed. In addition, we verified that both cultivation and metagenomics methodologies should be employed synergistically to tackle inherent limitations.
Journal Article
Diana Sofia PaivaJoao TrovaoLFLuís Fernandes
Luís FernandesNMNuno Mesquita
Nuno MesquitaITIgor Tiago
Igor TiagoAntónio PortugalWith an impressive ability to survive in harsh environments, black fungi are an ecological group of melanized fungi that are widely recognized as a major contributor to the biodeterioration of stone cultural heritage materials. As part of the ongoing efforts to study the fungal diversity thriving in a deteriorated limestone funerary art piece at the Lemos Pantheon, a national monument located in Águeda, Portugal, two isolates of an unknown microcolonial black fungus were retrieved. These isolates were thoroughly studied through a comprehensive analysis based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS rDNA, LSU, and rpb2, along with morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics. Based on the data obtained from this integrative analysis, we propose a new genus, Saxispiralis gen. nov., and a new species, Saxispiralis lemnorum sp. nov., in the recently described Aeminiaceae family (order Mycosphaerellales). Prior to this discovery, this family only had one known genus and species, Aeminium ludgeri, also isolated from deteriorated limestone. Additionally, considering the isolation source of the fungus and to better understand its potential contribution to the overall stone monument biodeterioration, its in vitro biodeteriorative potential was also evaluated. This work represents a significant contribution to the understanding of the fungal diversity involved in the biodeterioration of limestone heritage.
Journal Article
Joao TrovaoFSFabiana Soares
Fabiana SoaresDiana Sofia PaivaITIgor Tiago
Igor TiagoAntónio PortugalStone monuments and relics are prone to biodeterioration processes prompted by microbial proliferation and activity. Among the distinct microbes capable of stone colonization, fungi are known to strongly contribute to stone biodeterioration. During the ongoing efforts aiming to study fungi thriving in dolomitic limestone walls of the Coimbra’s hypogean Roman cryptoporticus (Portugal), two unknown Bionectriaceae isolates were retrieved. The aim of this work was to depict the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of these microorganisms. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the studied strains could not be assigned to any of the currently known Bionectriaceae genera. Moreover, the isolates exhibited distinctive and peculiar characteristics, such as the packing of conidia by surrounding hyphal segments and the formation of rope-like microsclerotia with a textura globose. Taking into account all the data obtained, a novel genus and species, Circumfusicillium cavernae gen. et sp. nov. in Bionectriaceae (Hypocreales), is proposed here.
Journal Article
Diana Sofia PaivaLFLuís Fernandes
Luís FernandesEPEmília Pereira
Emília PereiraJoao TrovaoNMNuno Mesquita
Nuno MesquitaAntónio Portugal +1
In this study, we explored the biodiversity and abundance of culturable fungi in four samples associated with different biodeterioration outlines collected from the Lemos Pantheon, a limestone-built artwork in Portugal. We compared the results from prolonged standard freezing with those previously obtained from fresh samples to analyze differences in the obtained community and assess the effectiveness of the standard freezing incubation protocol in uncovering a different segment of culturable fungal diversity. Our results showed a slight decrease in culturable diversity, but over 70% of the obtained isolates were not present in the previously studied fresh samples. We also identified a high number of potential new species with this procedure. Moreover, the use of a wide variety of selective culture media positively influenced the diversity of the cultivable fungi obtained in this study. These findings highlight the importance of developing new protocols under varying conditions to accurately characterize the culturable fraction in a given sample. The identification and study of these communities and their possible contribution to the biodeterioration process is crucial knowledge for formulating effective conservation and restoration plans to prevent further damage to valuable cultural heritage assets.
About Me
Experienced researcher and Ph.D. Candidate in Biosciences, specialising in Microbiology. With over a decade of experience in laboratory work and research, I have cultivated expertise in mycology and fungal-related studies, combining a deep passion for the field with a focus on translating scientific knowledge into practical applications. I have conducted extensive multidisciplinary research, managing all aspects of experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and report preparation, alongside overseeing laboratory supply stock management. My contributions include authoring and collaborating on high-impact publications, accruing over 150 citations, and serving as a peer reviewer for 45 submissions across 16 reputable journals, within the field. Beyond research, I have supervised and mentored graduate and undergraduate student interns, fostering their development and professional growth, while coordinating research activities. I excel in problem-solving, meticulous data documentation, and the preparation of comprehensive reports and publications. My collaborative mindset, strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail drive successful outcomes in both independent and team-driven projects. As a motivated and creative lifelong learner, I am eager to advance mycology through innovative solutions and apply my expertise across diverse academic and industrial contexts.