QUIMBIO
Chemical Biology

Line of research 1 - Smart sensors

The development of new tools capable of monitoring and modifying biological processes is of great interest for the advancement of modern medicine. Spectroscopic techniques, such as fluorescence, have transformed the study of biological systems, since they allow the visualization of molecular events with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity. In this context, the development of smart chemical sensors that change their spectroscopic properties in response to biomolecules involved in diseases is of particular interest. These sensors cannot only be used to understand the molecular mechanisms of the pathology, but also might allow their diagnosis and serve as powerful tools to identify new therapeutic targets.

Our research group intends to contribute to this field by developing sensors, through the combination of peptides and organic fluorophores or lanthanide complexes, which can be used for the diagnosis of cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.

Line of research 2 - Nanostructured materials

The design of self-assembled 1D nanostructures has been mainly focused on the development of static structures, however, the preparation of stimuli-responsive systems will open new possibilities for obtaining new architectures that mimic the natural protein nanostructures of eukaryotic cells. These natural structures are dynamic, capable of growing or disassembling rapidly to adjust their properties and thus, adapt to the cell needs.

Our research group aims to define a new multidisciplinary approach combining organic, peptide, supramolecular and dynamic covalent chemistries, and nanotechnology for the development of stimuli-responsive materials that rely on dynamic interactions and are therefore ideally suited for interfacing with living organisms.