Welcome!

Welcome to the official website of our research group! We invite you to explore our website and discover our work at the intersection of agriculture and public health. Here, you will find detailed insights into our research focus, current projects, and scientific contributions aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and combating health challenges through innovative science.

Mission

Our mission is to explore, develop, and implement innovative solutions centered on urease inhibitors, aiming to advance both agricultural sustainability and human health. We are committed to reducing nitrogen loss and environmental impact in farming systems, while also contributing to the global fight against urease-related microbial infections, such as those caused by Helicobacter pylori, Proteus mirabilis among others. Through interdisciplinary research and applied science, we strive to create effective, sustainable, and scalable technologies for real-world challenges.

Goals

To develop more efficient and sustainable fertilizers:
Our goal is to create innovative, eco-friendly fertilizer solutions that maximize nutrient use efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This includes reducing nitrogen losses, enhancing soil health, and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices that support long-term food security.

To develop formulations with potential microbial control:
We aim to identify and develop innovative formulations capable of effectively controlling harmful micro-organisms that depend on urease activity for tissue colonization. Our research seeks to address the global health challenge posed by H. pylori. Proteus mirabilis infections, which are linked to gastric ulcers and cancers. We are focused on developing innovative treatments, including the use of targeted inhibitors to improve patient outcomes and combat antimicrobial resistance.

To foster international collaboration in scientific research:
We are dedicated to building partnerships with researchers, institutions, and organizations worldwide to advance scientific knowledge and innovation. Through cross-border collaborations, we aim to share resources, expertise, and insights, driving progress in global health and sustainability challenges.

Coordination

Prof. Ângelo de Fátima

Department of Chemistry

Prof. Ângelo de Fátima is a Full Professor of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Prof. de Fátima earned his B.Sc. and Lic. degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Viçosa (1999), followed by an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry (2002), Ph.D. in Sciences (2005), and postdoctoral training in Biochemistry-Signal Transduction (2006) from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). A pioneer in pharmaceutical innovation, he developed the active pharmaceutical ingredient for calixcoca, a potential vaccine for cocaine use disorder. Since 2022, he has served as Full Professor at UFMG's Chemistry Department, specializing in Organic and Biological Chemistry with expertise in: (i) Bioactive molecule synthesis; (ii) Pharmacologically active natural products and analogs; (iii) Vaccines for substance use disorders and (iv) Novel psychoactive substances for forensic studies. As Associate Editor of the Journal of Advanced Research (since 2015), he has shaped scientific discourse. His leadership roles include directing UFMG's Chemistry Graduate Program (2014-2017) and coordinating the Minas Gerais Chemistry Olympiad (20082010). He leads multiple research initiatives, including an INCT project on urease inhibitors and the Minas Gerais Network of Biostimulants and Fertilizers of Enhanced Efficiency. With 175 peer-reviewed publications, 17 book chapters, and 18 patent applications (including one international), Prof. de Fátima stands at the forefront of chemistry innovation in Brazil.

Co-coordination

Prof. Luzia V. Modolo

Department of Botany

Prof. Luzia Valentina Modolo holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the Federal University of Viçosa (1999), a Master’s degree (2001), and a Ph.D. (2004) in Functional and Molecular Biology (concentration area: Biochemistry) from the State University of Campinas, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Biology and Protein Crystallography at the Noble Research Institute, USA (2005-2008), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). She was a Visiting Professor in Prof. Dr. Richard A. Dixon’s group at the University of North Texas (USA) from February 2018 to January 2019. Dr. Modolo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and an Associate editor of Journal of Advanced Research (Elsevier). She has experience in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, primarily focusing on plant nutrition and cell signaling in plants under environmental stress. She co-coordinates the National Institute of Science and Technology in Urease Inhibitors of Agricultural and Medicinal Interest in Brazil. She is a member of the Minas Gerais Network for Biostimulants and Fertilizers of Enhanced Efficiency. She has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles in indexed journals (H index according to AD Scientific Index 2025 = 34), has 23 book chapters, edited 4 scientific books, and is the author of 8 patents.