A personal touch of Antonio Castro

18 October 2018

My name is Antonio Castro, Portuguese. PhD candidate/Researcher at the Department of Biomaterials. Functionalization of electrospun matrices for biomedical applications, theme Reconstructive and regenerative medicine.

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your child years?

I remember when I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut. I was a very curious and quiet kid, very calm and a bit shy. I had a lot of imagination, played with everything I got my hands in and I was interested on nature and animals.

What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why that study?

I have a master in biochemistry, having started working during my master thesis in materials science and more specifically in the creation of biomaterials for tissue regeneration and healing. I studied in the Sciences Faculty of the University of Oporto (FCUP). When in high school I was attracted both to chemistry and biology and I became interested in how biomolecules and chemistry have such a determinant role in the creation and maintenance of life. I thought biochemistry could be very interesting and a good compromise between the two fields.

The RIMLS motto is: ‘Today’s molecules for tomorrow’s medicine’. What does this mean for you?

For me it demonstrates RIMLS commitment to all aspects of biomedical research, starting in its more fundamental aspects, with the study of life building blocks and intracellular biology and evolving to the application of this knowledge to improve healthcare and medicine.

Who is your great example as scientists? And please give a motivation why.

My greatest examples are Isaac Newton and Louis Pasteur. Newton mainly due to its rational and logical approach to the natural phenomena around him, the methodical and structured way he studied the physical forces he was observing. I admire Pasteur because for me he was determinant in the more practical aspects of scientific reasoning, as the development of experimental protocols. Also, the fact that he always applied his scientific knowledge to the industrial and social development is something I really admire.

Which research discovery that you have made has made you most proud?

I have to say I am proud of all the studies I performed during these 4 years as a researcher in RIMLS/RadboudUMC, so is a tough choice. I would say that my study concerning the development of polymeric microcylinders made me very proud. Not only is, in my opinion, a very thorough and complete study which considers all the physicochemical properties of such structures but also presents great potential as a starting point for future applications, as the development of drug delivery systems or the creation of new composite materials.

Given unlimited finance what experiment would you perform?

I believe a major responsibility of science and medical research is to make an immediate long-lasting impact in people’s life. I would focus on the optimization and creation of affordable regenerative therapies and biomaterials. Unfortunately, some of the current clinical solutions in regenerative medicine are still quite expensive and only accessible to a few people. By investing in the optimization of their production, cost-reduction and use of more accessible materials maybe their cost could be lowered, making such products accessible to more people and having a bigger social impact.

What does your working area (desk, office) look like and what does it say about you (or your research)?

My working area tends to be organized, but not too strict. I believe that it shows I am a methodical person at work but also relaxed enough to give some space for improvisation.

Nominate a colleague to be in the spotlight and what would you like to ask him or her?

Nathan Kucko

What type of person are you, quick insights:

a) Mac or PC?                                : PC
b) Theater or cinema?                 : Both
c) Dine out or dine in?                 : Dine out
d) Ferrari or Fiat?                         : Ferrari
e) Shopaholic or chocoholic?     : None. Foodholic
f) Culture or Nature                     : Culture