Collaborative Master’s Thesis Projects 2026/27

The main objective of this Master’s Thesis Project is to uncover the largely unexplored, climate-dependent chemical diversity of plant-derived lipids for the development of innovative intracellular delivery systems for gene therapy applications.

Although lipid nanocarriers have revolutionised the delivery of nucleic acids, the structural repertoire of the lipids currently employed remains limited. By combining complementary expertise in climatology, lipid chemistry, cell biology and gene delivery, this collaborative and interdisciplinary project will identify, isolate, characterise and design plant-derived lipids with unique structural and functional properties.

These molecules will serve as building blocks for the development of next-generation lipid nanocarriers with enhanced stability, biocompatibility, specificity and delivery efficiency. The project aims to expand the molecular toolbox available for gene delivery while identifying the most favourable environmental conditions for obtaining sustainable lipid resources for future therapeutic technologies.

Supervisors

Roberto J. Brea
(BioNanoChem Group – Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Area)

Armand Hernández
(GRICA Group – Food, Pollution and Health Area)

Ana Rey Rico
(G-Cel Group – Biomedicine Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

By harnessing the climate-associated chemical diversity of plant lipids, this proposal will drive the development of next-generation biomimetic materials for biomedical applications while promoting sustainable approaches to molecular discovery and technological innovation.

The project establishes an interdisciplinary synergy between several strategic research areas of CICA, integrating the expertise of the GRICA group in environmental change reconstruction, the advanced capabilities of the BioNanoChem group in lipid chemistry and lipid nanoparticle engineering, and the translational cell biology expertise of the G-Cel group in a value chain that spans from resource identification to biomedical application.

One Health Approach

The project adopts a perspective closely aligned with the One Health framework, recognising the strong interconnection between environmental change, plant metabolic adaptation and human health.

By linking climate variability to plant lipid composition and their functional behaviour in biomedical systems, the project promotes an integrative vision in which ecosystem dynamics become a key source of inspiration for the development of innovative and sustainable therapeutic solutions.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

This proposal provides an interdisciplinary framework with strong scientific and translational potential for the development of a future PhD project focused on the relationship between climatic conditions and the structural diversity of plant lipids for gene delivery applications.

The research could address the identification, isolation and advanced characterisation of these lipids, as well as the rational design of next-generation lipid nanoparticles and the evaluation of their physicochemical properties, specificity, efficiency and biocompatibility in relevant cellular models.

Additionally, the PhD project would make it possible to explore strategies for correlating environmental variables with the performance of the developed delivery systems, contributing both to the fundamental understanding of plant chemical diversity and to the development of new therapeutic platforms for gene therapy.

The use of antibiotics in humans, animals and agriculture is increasing worldwide, raising concerns about environmental contamination and the spread of antibiotic resistance. A significant proportion of these compounds is excreted unmetabolised and reaches soils and aquatic systems through manure, wastewater and sewage sludge. This promotes the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) into soils, which act as key environmental reservoirs with potential risks for human health.

Metagenomics has emerged as a powerful tool for studying soil microbial communities and their resistomes. Both sequencing-based approaches and functional metagenomics enable the identification of known and novel ARGs, although they are often applied independently.

The main objective of this Master’s Thesis Project is to evaluate how agricultural management practices influence antibiotic resistance within soil microbial communities. To achieve this, soil samples from different agricultural systems will be analysed, assessing their physicochemical, biological and microbiological properties. Metagenomic sequencing and functional screening approaches will then be combined to identify ARGs.

Expected outcomes include the identification of key drivers of antibiotic resistance in soils, the discovery of novel ARGs and the improvement of risk assessment frameworks within a One Health context. In addition, the project may contribute to the future development of biosensors for detecting ARGs in environmental systems.

Supervisors

María Eugenia de Castro de Antonio
(EXPRELA Group – Biomedicine Area)

Vanessa Álvarez López
(AQUATERRA Group – Food, Pollution and Health Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

This proposal addresses a critical One Health challenge: the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils.

The project aligns with several strategic research areas of CICA, including responsible primary production, pollution and health, functional foods and biomedicine. The combination of the EXPRELA group’s expertise in metagenomic studies and the identification of novel biotechnologically relevant genes with the AQUATERRA group’s experience in soil health and agricultural management practices enables an interdisciplinary approach to the study of antimicrobial resistance in agricultural ecosystems.

Furthermore, the proposal opens new opportunities in the field of nanoscience and advanced materials through the potential future development of biosensors for detecting ARGs and antibiotics in environmental matrices.

One Health Approach

Soils constitute one of the main natural reservoirs of antibiotic resistance in the environment, both due to resistance induced by human and animal waste and the presence of a highly diverse natural resistome.

This project integrates environmental health, human health and food security by investigating how specific agricultural practices may promote the spread of antimicrobial resistance in human-dominated environments.

In addition to evaluating the impact of agricultural practices on ARGs, the study may contribute to the identification of resistance genes distributed independently of soil type and to the development of environmental monitoring and detection tools based on biosensor technologies.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

This project could be further developed through a PhD programme linked to the acquisition of competitive predoctoral contracts and complementary funding to support the continuation of the research.

Research Topic Description

This interdisciplinary Master’s Thesis Project aims to develop chemically modified peptide–MHC (pMHC) systems to improve the detection of low-affinity CD8⁺ T-cell responses.

The project will combine peptide chemistry and immunology to design photoreactive peptides derived from both known tumour antigens and lncRNA-encoded sequences. These peptides will be incorporated into MHC-I complexes and evaluated in terms of stability, binding properties and T-cell recognition.

The project addresses a key limitation in current immunology: the underdetection of low-affinity TCR–pMHC interactions, which are increasingly recognised as important contributors to anti-tumour immunity.

Supervisors

Ángel Vizoso Vázquez
(EXPRELA Group – Biomedicine Area)

Jessica Rodríguez Villar
(Metal4Bio Group – Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

The project integrates expertise and methodologies from two strategic research areas within CICA: the chemical synthesis of peptide-based systems developed by the Metal4Bio group and the functional immunological evaluation carried out by the EXPRELA group.

The student will receive training in peptide chemistry, protein biochemistry and functional T-cell analysis, developing skills within a genuinely interdisciplinary environment at the interface between chemistry and biomedicine.

One Health Approach

Although focused on cancer immunology, the project contributes to the understanding of fundamental immune recognition mechanisms with relevance to a wide range of diseases.

The study of novel antigenic sources and T-cell responses aligns with an integrated vision of health and may have future applications in immune-mediated disorders beyond oncology.

Methodology and Work Plan

The project will be structured around two main experimental work packages:

1. Selection and Validation of Antigenic Peptides

• Selection of known tumour antigens and lncRNA-derived peptides.
• Peptide synthesis and characterisation.
• Expression, refolding and purification of MHC-I molecules.
• Generation and validation of pMHC complexes in terms of affinity and stability.
• Initial functional assessment by flow cytometry.

2. Design and Evaluation of Photoreactive Peptides

• Rational design of modifications at TCR-exposed positions.
• Introduction of photoreactive groups.
• Generation and multimerisation of modified pMHC complexes.
• Functional evaluation of binding, stability and sensitivity by flow cytometry.

Expected Learning Outcomes

The student will acquire skills in:

• Peptide synthesis and modification.
• Production and characterisation of pMHC complexes.
• Flow cytometry and functional T-cell analysis.
• Interdisciplinary experimental design at the chemistry–biomedicine interface.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

This Master’s Thesis Project represents the beginning of a new collaboration between the EXPRELA and Metal4Bio groups. Both groups have jointly applied for a seed project within CICA’s internal funding programmes and are committed to developing this research line over the medium and long term.

The project is conceived as the foundation for a future PhD programme focused on the integration of synthetic chemistry, structural biology, advanced omics methodologies and therapeutic immunology.

Research Topic Description

Lithium-ion batteries are a key technology for the energy transition, enabling both electrified transport and large-scale renewable energy storage. Graphite remains the dominant anode material in commercial batteries due to its abundance and well-established manufacturing processes. However, its performance strongly depends on the interfacial processes that occur during the first charge–discharge cycles, particularly the formation and stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).

This project proposes an innovative strategy for SEI engineering through the use of hybrid perovskite materials as rationally designed sacrificial precursors. Unlike conventional approaches, which seek to stabilise these materials, the project aims to exploit their electrochemical instability to generate metallic nanoparticles and lithium halide phases in situ directly on the graphite surface.

These nanostructures may modify lithium transport and charge-transfer processes at the electrode interface, potentially improving the electrochemical performance and long-term stability of lithium-ion batteries.

The project will combine expertise in materials chemistry, electrochemistry and advanced battery characterisation to understand the mechanisms governing the transformation of these hybrid materials during lithiation and to evaluate their potential as precursors for interface engineering in battery electrodes.

Supervisors

Alberto García Fernández
(UDC-Sólidos Group – Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Area)

Israel Temprano
(LISTE Group – Food, Pollution and Health Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

This proposal integrates complementary expertise from the participating groups in materials synthesis, advanced in situ and operando spectroscopic analysis, and electrochemical evaluation of energy storage systems.

The project aligns with several strategic research areas of CICA by combining advanced materials research, sustainable energy technologies, and the characterisation of surfaces and interfaces. This interdisciplinary approach will enable the development of a new research line based on the use of hybrid materials for the functional engineering of battery electrodes.

One Health Approach

The One Health framework promotes an integrated vision of human, environmental and technological health. In this context, the development of advanced materials for energy storage must consider not only device performance but also safety and sustainability.

The use of hybrid materials to functionalise lithium battery electrodes seeks to improve the performance and durability of energy storage systems while reducing the environmental impact associated with the materials employed. The project therefore contributes to the development of safer and more sustainable technologies aligned with One Health principles.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

Should the project achieve its scientific objectives, the continuation of this research line through a PhD programme associated with the work initiated during this Master’s Thesis Project will be considered.

Research Topic Description

The recurrence of ovarian cancer after achieving a complete clinical response remains one of the major challenges in gynaecological oncology. Relapse occurs in nearly 25% of early-stage cases and in more than 80% of advanced-stage cases. Despite significant therapeutic advances, survival rates for advanced ovarian cancer have improved only modestly, largely due to late diagnosis and the lack of effective treatments for recurrent disease.

In this context, this Master’s Thesis Project proposes an integrated approach combining cell biology and rational chemical design to explore new therapeutic strategies based on bioactive peptides.

The main objective will be to identify and validate relevant protein targets in ovarian cancer cell lines using molecular and proteomic analysis techniques. Based on the selected targets, the student will participate in the rational design of peptide derivatives with potential therapeutic activity, considering factors such as affinity, selectivity and structural stability.

The resulting compounds will be synthesised and characterised using peptide chemistry methodologies and associated analytical techniques. Finally, their biological activity will be evaluated in vitro through cell viability, proliferation and mechanism-of-action studies.

This project will provide training in therapeutic target identification, bioactive peptide design and synthesis, and functional evaluation in cellular models, integrating chemical and biological tools within a translational strategy aimed at developing novel cancer therapies.

Supervisors

Elena Pazos Chantrero
(QUIMBIO Group – Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Area)

Juan Fafián Labora
(TCMR Group – Biomedicine Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

This proposal has a strongly interdisciplinary character, integrating the complementary expertise of the participating research groups.

The TCMR group contributes specialised knowledge in cancer cell and molecular biology, particularly in the identification and validation of therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer cell models. The QUIMBIO group brings expertise in the rational design, synthesis and characterisation of bioactive peptides.

This collaboration enables the development of an integrated approach that connects the discovery of novel protein targets with the generation of peptide molecules specifically designed for therapeutic modulation, combining chemistry and biomedicine within a single translational research strategy.

One Health Approach

The project aligns with the One Health framework by addressing the development of novel cancer therapies through an integrative perspective that connects human health, biomolecular knowledge and therapeutic innovation.

The identification of protein targets involved in complex pathological processes and the design of more selective and rationally optimised molecules contribute to the development of more effective therapies with reduced systemic impact, promoting a more sustainable and personalised approach to healthcare.

Furthermore, the knowledge generated may be transferable to the study of other pathological processes involving shared cellular mechanisms.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

This proposal offers clear potential for continuation through a PhD project focused on the development of peptide-based therapeutic strategies against ovarian cancer.

Future research lines could include the evaluation of the most promising compounds in more complex biological models, such as three-dimensional cultures, patient-derived organoids and in vivo models, as well as the structural optimisation of peptide sequences to improve stability, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties.

In addition, the knowledge and platforms developed within this project could be applied to the study of other gynaecological cancers, broadening both the scientific and translational impact of the research.

Research Topic Description

Medical imaging is an essential tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. The combination of different imaging techniques within a single probe—for example, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging—represents a particularly promising strategy in biotechnology and health sciences.

In this context, gadolinium complexes are widely used as contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to their robustness and tunable relaxometric properties. Meanwhile, BODIPY compounds have emerged as highly attractive fluorophores for biomedical applications owing to their excellent stability, strong fluorescence intensity and structural versatility.

This interdisciplinary Master’s Thesis Project proposes the synthesis and physicochemical characterisation of novel bimodal probes based on gadolinium (Gd³⁺) complexes and BODIPY fluorophore derivatives, with the aim of combining complementary molecular imaging techniques capable of providing high-resolution anatomical and molecular information for disease diagnosis.

The project will provide training in chemical synthesis, structural and photophysical characterisation, as well as in the study of properties relevant to the development of advanced biomedical diagnostic tools.

Supervisors

Aurora Rodríguez Rodríguez
(Cas4MI Group – Biomedicine Area)

Montserrat Martínez Cebeira
(SynCatMeth Group – Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Area)

Collaborative Nature of the Project

This proposal integrates complementary expertise from the Cas4MI and SynCatMeth research groups within a clearly interdisciplinary framework spanning chemistry, nanoscience and biomedicine.

During the project, the student will receive training in organic and inorganic chemistry, including work under inert conditions, handling of sensitive compounds and metal complexes, as well as advanced synthesis, purification and molecular characterisation techniques.

The project will address:

• The rational design and efficient, sustainable synthesis of novel compounds.
• Their characterisation using spectroscopic techniques, relaxometry and advanced analytical methods.
• The study of key properties such as solubility, stability and photophysical behaviour.

In addition, the project will foster transferable skills related to time management, collaborative work and scientific communication through joint seminars involving both research groups.

One Health Approach

This Master’s Thesis Project is framed within CICA’s strategic research areas aimed at promoting integrated research across chemistry, biology and health sciences.

The development of accurate and non-invasive imaging tools contributes to advances in chemical biology and health-related biotechnology, enabling earlier and more efficient detection of pathological changes.

The proposal also incorporates a One Health perspective by focusing on molecular mechanisms shared across humans, animals and environmentally exposed systems, such as inflammatory processes and metabolic alterations. The modularity of the imaging platforms developed will facilitate their adaptation to different biological models and species, promoting an integrated approach to current challenges in human, animal and environmental health.

Potential Continuation as a PhD Thesis

Following the completion of the Master’s Thesis Project, the student may continue this research through a PhD programme in Environmental Science and Technology, a doctoral programme recognised with the Spanish Quality Mention for Excellence.

This programme offers specialised and multidisciplinary training in the synthesis and characterisation of novel compounds, materials and advanced chemical tools within the framework of sustainable chemistry. Both participating research groups actively contribute to the research training associated with this doctoral programme.