Research

Research Lines

Understand

Strategies to understand chemical and biological processes

Our objective is to deepen the understanding of chemical transformations and complex biological phenomena at the molecular level. This understanding enables the design of new reactions and processes that expand chemical space and provide access to previously inaccessible compounds. A better understanding of complex biological phenomena is achieved through the development of cutting-edge chemical tools, sometimes complemented with artificial intelligence strategies, that enable the visualization, modification, or functional control of (bio)molecules.

Key topics include

  • Photochemistry
  • Mass spectrometry and imaging tools for super-resolution and electron microscopy
  • Molecular probes and chemical sensors
  • Chemical communication
  • Protein evolution and mechanisms of the origin of life
  • Functional lipidomics: lipid metabolism, modified proteins, lipid nanostructures
  • Nanomaterials with designed functionalities
  • Physical chemistry of soft materials and colloids
  • Modeling of molecular structure, dynamics, and mechanisms
  • Biophysics of complex systems

Prevent

Strategies to understand chemical and biological processes

Our objective is to deepen the understanding of chemical transformations and complex biological phenomena at the molecular level. This understanding enables the design of new reactions and processes that expand chemical space and provide access to previously inaccessible compounds. A better understanding of complex biological phenomena is achieved through the development of cutting-edge chemical tools, sometimes complemented with artificial intelligence strategies, that enable the visualization, modification, or functional control of (bio)molecules.

Key topics include

  • Sustainable chemical processes
    • Enzymatic catalysis
    • Strategies for efficient synthesis of small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides
  • Environmental impact and food safety:
    • Detection and quantification of contaminants
    • Plasma technologies for biomaterials and wastewater treatment
    • Semiochemicals for pest control
    • Biodegradation of synthetic molecules and persistent polymers
    • Antimicrobial strategies and biofilm prevention

Detect

Strategies for diagnosis

We develop bioassays and minimally invasive monitoring tools, and identify biomarkers to improve disease detection and monitoring. Our main objective is to enhance diagnostic precision and disease monitoring through the use of biosensors, advanced spectrometry, in vivo imaging, and a wide range of screening strategies.

Key topics include

  • Identification of new biomarkers
  • Systems chemistry for novel recognition events
  • Biosensors and diagnostic devices
  • Biochemical, cellular, and phenotypic assays
  • In vivo screening platforms
  • AI-supported discovery workflows

Treat

Strategies for therapy

We develop innovative therapeutic strategies from the molecular to the preclinical level. Our research encompasses drug discovery, design of bioactive molecules, nanomedicine, and advanced delivery platforms, supported by AI-driven optimization and a wide range of biochemical, cellular, and animal studies.

Key topics include

  • Computer-assisted synthesis and design of small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides
  • Advanced therapeutic approaches:
    • Photopharmacological, photothermal, and photomechanical tools
    • Supramolecular and multivalent agents
    • Protein degradation
    • Cellular immunotherapies and vaccines
  • Nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery:
    • Cell-derived nanostructures
    • Polymeric nanoparticles, peptides, lipid nanostructures, DNA nanostructures
    • Self-propelled nanosystems
  • AI/ML-enhanced nanosystem design, synthesis, and evaluation
  • Translational and preclinical models