Biotechnology and Environmental Applications
Sensors and diagnosis
Biomedical applications
Protection of environment and heritage
DESCRIPTION
The development of nanotechnology is opening new avenues for applications in biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental sciences. Moreover, the conservation of valuable materials of artistic and architectonic heritage benefits from analytical techniques initially developed for the nanoscale. In CNATS we investigate nanomaterials in different contexts of these areas.
a) Sensors and diagnosis
Novel methods based on nanomaterials and advanced spectroscopic and mass spectrometry techniques are emerging for the sensitive detection of organic molecules and biomolecules in physiological and ecological environments. In CNATS we investigate porous nanomaterials for optical sensing and biomedical applications, recently with a strong focus on Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks (LMOFs). We also employ nanostructured substrates and plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the efficiency of laser-desoprtion-based ion sources for mass spectrometry biomolecular analysis.
b) Biomedical applications
The interaction of nanomaterials with biological tissues and cells is paving the way for novel treatments of chronical diseases, such as different types of cancer. We explore nanomaterials with specific (bio)chemical functionalizations and porous structures, with a potential for the selective cell therapies or improved procedures for drug delivery. In addition, CNATS has a strong focus on the search of clinical biomarkers (lipidomic or proteomic) with high resolution mass spectrometry techniques.
c) Protection of environment and heritage
The protection of the environmental and cultural heritage demands efficient techniques for the characterization of their mineral, organic and biological components. At the same time, environmental pollution demands (nano)materials for mitigating both contaminant and pathogens levels in different areas. CNATS combines a range of spectroscopy, microscopy and mass spectrometry techniques to wide range of multidisciplinary projects related for instance to the effect of wild fires on the organic matter in soils and the role of microorganisms in their regeneration, or to the characterization of substrates, aglutinants, fats or pigments in historic art pieces. A recent line of research employs proteomics to identify fossils from autochthonous and domesticated fauna in the Iberian peninsula back to the early neolithic. In CNATS nanostructured materials are developed for capturing harmful molecules as well as for decontamination and disinfection of water bodies and solid matter. When possible, light assisted treatments are employed to accelerate the catalytic reactions used for environmental remediation.
Associated Staff
Sensors and diagnosis
Biomedical applications
Juan Rigoberto Tejedo Huamán
Supervivencia de la célula beta pancreática, diseño de terapias avanzadas para la diabetes y desarrollo de sistemas de diagnósticos point-on-care para diversas enfermedades
More informationJuan Rigoberto Tejedo Huamán
Supervivencia de la célula beta pancreática, diseño de terapias avanzadas para la diabetes y desarrollo de sistemas de diagnósticos point-on-care para diversas enfermedades
Ana Paula Zaderenko Partida
Nanoparticles for biomedical and environmental applications
More informationAna Paula Zaderenko Partida
Nanoparticles for biomedical and environmental applications
Zaderenko's research involves the design, synthesis and characterization of materials and nanomaterials relevant to the biomedical and environmental industries.
Jan Paul Pistor
Emerging Photovotaics – Advanced Characterization and Device Optimization
More informationJan Paul Pistor
Emerging Photovotaics – Advanced Characterization and Device Optimization
Paul Pistor is dedicated to the research of emerging photovoltaic technologies – in search of efficient and sustainable materials that convert sunlight into electricity. In his research efforts, he tries to build a bridge between basic material researches and the industrial application of the technology. He has long experience in the preparation and optimization of thin film devices through dry, vacuum-based deposition techniques, the in situ characterization of their film formation and the correlation of structure-property relationships of growing and grown semiconductor films. His reseach is coupled to collaborations with industrial partners. Currently, he is mainly involved in the intelligent characterization and diagnostics of emerging thin film devices – from small laboratory cells to pre-industrial sub-modules.
Tania Isabel Lopes da Costa
Porous materials for biomedical applciations
Our research is aimed at the design, synthesis and application of pororus materials for the encapsulation of drugs with biocompatible materials for delayed release.
Patrick Jacques Merkling
Computer simulation of nanoporous materials
We employ Molecular Dynamics strategies to investigate molecular absorption in porous nanmaterials, such as zeolites and MOFs
María del Pilar Ortiz Calderon
Diagnostic of materials of historic heritage
Our group focuses on the application of advanced spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques for the assessment of the composition and the state of conservation of materials of historic, cultral and art heritage.
Angel Rabdel Ruiz Salvador
Development of tailored nanomaterials
We do research on low-dimensional semiconductors and nanoporous materials and their crystallochemical design, based on structural stability, electronic properties and interactions with host molecules. We are involved in collaborative projects for applications molecular separation, water and wastewater treatment, (photo)catalysis including artificial photosynthesis and in solid state batteries.
Salvador Rodriguez Gómez
Design, synthesis and characterization of crystalline (nanoporous) materials using molecular simulation techniques and experiments
More informationSalvador Rodriguez Gómez
Design, synthesis and characterization of crystalline (nanoporous) materials using molecular simulation techniques and experiments
Alicia Troncoso
Ana Alcudia Cruz
Engineering advanced nanomaterials and polymers for prostheses and antibiotic alternatives and novel therapeutic approaches
More informationAna Alcudia Cruz
Engineering advanced nanomaterials and polymers for prostheses and antibiotic alternatives and novel therapeutic approaches
Design and synthesis of novel nanoparticulate and/or polymeric entities for therapeutic applications, such as the development of prostheses or new alternatives to antibiotics. Development of alternative therapies to alleviate the effects of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.
David Rodriguez Lucena
Sensor Arrays using Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Optical Detection of Explosive Vapoursand Toxic Substances
More informationDavid Rodriguez Lucena
Sensor Arrays using Luminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Optical Detection of Explosive Vapoursand Toxic Substances
Daniel Ruiz Alonso
My line of research is centered around the use of MOFs as a drug transport system.
More informationDaniel Ruiz Alonso
My line of research is centered around the use of MOFs as a drug transport system.
The research includes the synthesis and characterization of metalorganic coordination polymers known as MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), and the study of their possible applications as drug transport systems, evaluating their loading capacity, possible release strategies and resistance to physiological conditions.
Protection of environment and heritage
Juan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
MOFs based devices for environmental and nanotechnology applications.
More informationJuan Jesús Romero Guerrero
juanjesus.romero.guerrero@gmail.com
MOFs based devices for environmental and nanotechnology applications.
The research focuses on the development of devices based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental and nanotechnology applications. The study involves investigating the methods for combining or depositing MOFs onto different substrates to make these materials useful in research areas like chemical sensors, energy storage, CO2 reduction, or water splitting.
Daniel Ruiz Alonso
My line of research is centered around the use of MOFs as a drug transport system.
More informationDaniel Ruiz Alonso
My line of research is centered around the use of MOFs as a drug transport system.
The research includes the synthesis and characterization of metalorganic coordination polymers known as MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), and the study of their possible applications as drug transport systems, evaluating their loading capacity, possible release strategies and resistance to physiological conditions.
Noelia Rodriguez Sanchez
Synthesis of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment
Synthesis and modifications of MOF for its application in the treatment of water with emerging contaminants and pathogens by heterogeneous photocatalysis
Mahmoud Nabil Hassan Mahmoud
Third-generation solar cells and related nanomaterials
I am actively engaged in both the fabrication and characterization of perovskite solar cells, complemented by the synthesis and analysis of related nanomaterials.
Beatriz Eugenia Heredia Cervera
Carbon Perovskite Solar Cells
Identify energy loss processes in C-PSCs and design strategies to improve the efficiency using new mesoporous materials and interlayers to improve charge extraction efficiency.
Antonio Rivas Blanco
Machine Learning and Materials Science
My research focuses on the application of various Machine Learning techniques to both experimental and simulated materials science data, with the aim of enhancing the performance of materials for energy and environmental applications. This includes the study of perovskites and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for photonic energy conversion, zeolites for water treatment, and materials related to water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production.
Ignacio Sánchez Hernández
Molecular Simulation Applied to the Study of Nanomaterials with Energy and Technological Interest
More informationIgnacio Sánchez Hernández
Molecular Simulation Applied to the Study of Nanomaterials with Energy and Technological Interest
My research focuses on the design and molecular simulation of advanced porous nanomaterials—such as metal-organic frameworks, zeolites, and functionalized carbons—for hydrogen purification. For this aim, I evaluate their capacity for selective hydrogen adsorption against common industrial impurities like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂, to identify and optimize the most promising candidates for industrial applications. This approach will contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable technologies for clean hydrogen energy production.
