MaNacruzi will search for new compounds on extracts/fractions from marine organisms (macro- and microalgae, seaweeds, seagrasses, halophyte plants, invertebrates) with anti Trypanosoma cruzi activity, the protozoa responsible for Chagas disease. Samples to be tested will be provided by the MarBiotech group, and were/will be obtained in the scope of completed and on-going projects (SEABIOMED and XtremeBio). Samples will be tested by the Molecular and Cellular Parasitology Laboratory from René Rachou’s Research Centre (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), through the Platform of Pre-clinical trials for triage of compounds anti-T. cruzi (PlaBio Tc). MaNacruzi will optimize the resources and knowledge gathered during completed and on-going projects in the MB group; widen the MB area of expertise towards the anti-parasitic activity; facilitate the share of knowledge between the two groups and provide new training opportunities for both teams particularly of young researchers.