Leandro Lima Aquino

Dr. Leandro Lima Aquino


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 February 2026 in Molecules
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Journal Article
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LALeandro Lima Aquino
Leandro Lima Aquino
SSSamara Silva
Samara Silva
AHAlejandro Hernandez-Sosa
Alejandro Hernandez-Sosa
Elsa RamalhosaElsa Ramalhosa
Elsa Ramalhosa
Rebeca HernandezRebeca Hernandez
Rebeca Hernandez
Maria Filomena BarreiroMaria Filomena Barreiro
Maria Filomena Barreiro
Interest in alternative protein sources has grown, with Spirulina, a microalga belonging to the genus Limnospira (formerly Arthrospira), emerging as a key option. Guided by sustainability principles, this study explored the gelling capacity and hydrogel-forming properties of integral Spirulina biomass (SpB), targeting applications in structured foods. Two experimental designs (DoE) were employed. One to identify key factors influencing hydrogel formation, and another to optimize the formulation (22 wt%, pH 5.6, thermal gelation at 90 °C). Syneresis analysis revealed that high SpB hydrogels experienced less water loss, with the 22% sample losing just 2.51% after 14 days, due to its dense, particulate morphology as observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Rheological analysis confirmed the optimized formulation’s superior mechanical properties, with a storage modulus (G′) 24-times higher than the low concentration reference sample (~1890 Pa), remaining dominant over the loss modulus (G″) (G′ > G″) across the analysed frequency range, corroborating a strong elastic behaviour. Although the recovery tests showed partial recovery (27.1%) after high shear, the high residual stiffness (≈515 Pa) confirmed the material’s ability to maintain its shape. These results enabled successful 3D printing tests with the optimized hydrogel, pointing out its potential for innovative food applications in structured food design.