My research integrates Molecular Microbiology and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to combat multidrug-resistant microbes through biotech innovation
Universidade Franciscana is an institution dedicated to high-level professional training and ethical development. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and technological advancement, UFN serves as a critical hub for innovation in Southern Brazil, preparing leaders to address contemporary global challenges.
Bruno Stefanello Vizzotto holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Toxicological Biochemistry) from UFSM, an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from UFPR, and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from UFN. He is currently a Permanent Professor in the Graduate Program in Health and Life Sciences and a Faculty Member of the Biomedicine Department at the Franciscan University (UFN), Brazil, where he leads the Laboratory of Research in Molecular Microbiology (LaPeMM).
With a robust scientific output of 44 peer-reviewed articles and 2 book chapters, his research focuses on Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Biology, particularly the molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and the development of innovative biotechnological strategies via Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). He is the Principal Investigator of major funded projects, including PPSUS/FAPERGS (2025) and the ARD/ARC FAPERGS grant (2023). Notably, his project on self-disinfecting surfaces was approved in Phase 1 of the Centelha RS Program (2026).
His international recognition includes the "Seal of Excellence" from the European Commission (MSCA-Horizon Europe 2024/2025) in conjunction with the Università degli Studi di Parma, Italy. Dr. Vizzotto has an H-index of 17 (Scopus/Google Scholar) with over 800 citations. He has extensive experience in human resources training, with 62 completed and 8 ongoing supervisions across master’s, residency, and undergraduate levels. He also serves as an international project evaluator (NCN, Poland), an ad hoc consultant for the State Secretariat of Innovation (SICT-RS), and a reviewer for 13 leading international journals.