Full Professor | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil
Dr. Alessandro de Oliveira Rios is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the University Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil. With an exceptional academic record, he has authored over 160 scientific publications and received more than 6,600 citations, reflecting his significant impact in food science, biotechnology, and sustainable materials, supported by an h-index of 47 that highlights his sustained research excellence. His work focuses on biodegradable materials, natural bioactive compounds, food packaging innovations, and plant-based product development, exploring advances such as microencapsulation of Amazonian buriti fruit oil for oxidative stability in meat products, biodegradable sodium alginate films enriched with carotenoids, and intelligent nonwoven indicators for food spoilage detection. By integrating green chemistry, food engineering, and material science, his research emphasizes circular economy principles and eco-innovative strategies that minimize environmental impact. Beyond materials innovation, Dr. Rios contributes to functional foods and nutrition science, studying the stability of phenolic and carotenoid compounds in regional fruits like Caryocar brasiliense and developing plant-based and hybrid burger formulations aligned with global sustainability goals. Collaborating with over 350 international co-authors across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, he has established a strong global research network, publishing in leading journals such as Food Hydrocolloids, Food Research International, and Biomass. Through his pioneering, interdisciplinary contributions, Dr. Rios advances sustainable food systems, environmental protection, and public health, reinforcing his reputation as one of Brazil’s leading scientific voices in food innovation and sustainability, while actively supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful, real-world applications of biotechnological research.
Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate
Featured Publications
1. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Microcapsules with Amazonian buriti fruit oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) on maintaining oxidative stability of ground beef. Food Hydrocolloids. Citations: 7
2. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Biodegradable sodium alginate films incorporated with lycopene and β-carotene for food packaging purposes. Food Science and Technology International. Citations: 11
3. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2025). Hybrid and plant-based burgers: Trends, challenges, and physicochemical and sensory qualities. [Open Access Review]. Citations: 6
4. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2024). Unlocking the potential of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): Stability of phenolic compounds, carotenoid profile, and vitamin A after drying. Food Research International. Citations: 6
5. Rios, A. de O., et al. (2024). Efficient and sustainable production of intelligent nonwovens as indicators of food spoilage through solution blow spinning of proteins and natural pigments from agri-food waste. Food Control.
Citations: 11
Dr. Alessandro de Oliveira Rios’s pioneering research advances sustainable food systems and green technologies, bridging science, industry, and environmental innovation. His work transforms biodegradable materials and natural bioactives into practical solutions that reduce waste, enhance food security, and support global sustainability goals.