Microbial Biotechnology and Nanoanalysis

These research groups focus on integrating microbial biotechnology and parasitology with miniature chemical analysis techniques and nanodevices. Their applications include the healthcare, agri-food and pharmaceutical industries.

Microbial and Parasitic Biotechnology and Ecology
Researching microorganisms and parasites with biotechnological, environmental and health-related applications. The study of dendritic compounds with biocidal effects, microbial taxonomy, and the distribution of haemoparasites in wildlife are also covered.

Miniaturization and Analytical Nanotechnology
Research into advanced electroanalysis, lab-on-a-chip technologies and nanotechnologies applied to clinical and agri-food analysis. The development of analytical microchips with electrochemical detectors based on nanomaterials.

Current projects:

• Microbial and Parasitic Biotechnology and Ecology:

  • Multi-omics to probe Acanthamoeba extracellular vesicles

  • Search for effective in vitro treatments against cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Acanthamoeba griffini

  • In vivo evaluation of promising carbosilane nanostructured systems against Candida infections

  • Determination of Naegleria migration

• Miniaturization and Analytical Nanotechnology:

  • Innovative analytical microtechnologies based on electrochemical microfluidics using 3D printing and micromotors for biosensing in clinical diagnostics

  • New biosensor approaches based on micromotors for the analysis of cancer and bacterial infection biomarkers

  • Bacteria-based biomould micromotors with intelligent behaviours: bacteria fighting bacteria

Patents:

Miniaturization and Analytical Nanotechnology:

• US17/246,453: "Pacifier sensor for biomarker monitoring", a dummy-shaped sensor for non-invasive biomarker monitoring

• ES2924601B2: "Portable device with fluorescent detection based on magnetic and catalytic micromotors, and detection method"

• ES2893261B2: "Procedure for determining the glycosylation level of transferrin and electrochemical equipment to carry out said procedure", an advanced tool for clinical diagnostics