PROYECTOS
Proyectos de investigación
ADRENALIN
Active and activatable DNA-origami nanomachines for advanced intracellular biocatalysis and precision therapy IP: Beatriz Pelaz€200,000 Sep 2026 – Aug 2029
ADRENALIN
Active and activatable DNA-origami nanomachines for advanced intracellular biocatalysis and precision therapy (Proyecto PID2025-175329NB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE)
ADRENALIN uses DNA origami not only as carriers or sensors but as catalytic nanomachines. Enzymes are organised with defined stoichiometry and spatial arrangement on origami of different geometries (ring, tetrahedron, icosahedron), turned into nanoreactors and nanomotors, encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles and targeted to mitochondria to control intracellular reactions and trigger programmed cell death or metabolic reprogramming. The project includes one FPI predoctoral contract.
GRC-2026
CONSOLIDACIÓN E ESTRUTURACIÓN 2026 GRC GI-2197 - NANOHERRAMIENTAS PARA APLICACIONES BIOMÉDICAS - BIONANOTOOLS, Xunta de Galicia (ED431C 2026/35) Coordinación: Beatriz Pelaz€420,000 Jan 2026 – Nov 2029
GRC-2026
CONSOLIDACIÓN E ESTRUTURACIÓN 2026 GRC GI-2197 – NANOHERRAMIENTAS PARA APLICACIONES BIOMÉDICAS – BIONANOTOOLS, Xunta de Galicia (ED431C 2026/35). Coordinator: Beatriz Pelaz.
Competitive Reference Group grant supporting the research programme of BioNanoTools (GI-2197) on advanced nanomaterials for medicine and biology, organised in three interconnected lines: DNA nanotechnology for nano-bio interfaces and active nanosystems; hybrid MOF and COF nanosystems for controlled and activatable release; and lipid-based and cell-derived biomimetic nanosystems.
NANO-MAC
Development of Fusogenic Immunomodulatory Macrophage-Mimicking Nanocarriers for Targeted Delivery to Inflamed Tissue (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF, grant agreement No 101210991) Supervisión: Pablo del Pino€194,075 May 2025 – Apr 2027
NANO-MAC
Development of Fusogenic Immunomodulatory Macrophage-Mimicking Nanocarriers for Targeted Delivery to Inflamed Tissue (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF, grant agreement No 101210991)
NANO-MAC develops fusogenic, macrophage-mimicking nanocarriers to deliver dexamethasone to inflamed tissue, with a focus on inflammatory bowel disease. The nanocarriers are optimised for cell uptake and drug release, evaluated for biocompatibility and immunomodulation, and tested in an in vitro model of the gut-immune interface. Fellow: Mafalda Gonçalves; supervisor: Pablo del Pino.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
MICRONA
Development of Microporous Core-Shell Nanocomposites for Live Cell Applications IP: Pablo del Pino€157,500 Sep 2024 – Dec 2027
MICRONA
Development of Microporous Core-Shell Nanocomposites for Live Cell Applications (Proyecto PID2023-152844NB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE)
This proposal addresses the development of synthetic routes for constructing advanced microporous nanocomposites, specifically designed for use in biological contexts, such as therapeutic and diagnostic imaging applications. Herein, we will combine several nanocores made of Au, Pd or iron oxide with microporous shells based on either metal-organic frameworks (MOF) or covalent organic frameworks (COF). Selected nanocomposites, depending on the properties of the nanocores (plasmonic, magnetic, or catalytic), will be used as intracellular nanoreactors for stimuli responsive processes, including light, magnetic fields, and pro-drug activation (bioorthogonal decaging, or uncaging, chemistry). This project is focused on innovating and establishing new synthetic routes, with emphasis on demonstrating the prospective bioapplications of selected nanosystems at a proof-of-concept stage.
BIOTUNE
MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOMIMETIC NANOCARRIERS: ENGINEERING ARTIFICIAL BIO-INSPIRED NANOPLATFORMS WITHTUNEABLE FEATURES IP: Ester Polo€156,250 Sep 2024 – Dec 2027
BIOTUNE
MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOMIMETIC NANOCARRIERS: ENGINEERING ARTIFICIAL BIO-INSPIRED NANOPLATFORMS WITH
TUNEABLE FEATURES (Proyecto PID2023-151448NB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE)
The BIOTUNE project aims to unravel specific protein motifs for cell recognition, interaction, and signaling, enabling control of nanomedicines for targeted delivery and specific responses. The proposal focuses on acquiring fundamental knowledge of interactions between nanomaterials and cell membranes to establish protocols for engineered bioinspired nanoformulations achieving endosomal escape without compromising safety and preserving specific targeting capabilities.
Therefore, the project will contribute to the advancement of precision nano-therapeutics and the development of reproducible targeted nanoformulations in drug delivery.
SPACING-ERC-StG
Spatially-controlled ligand arrangement by origami-based nanoprinters (EU-H2020 ERC-2020-StG-950421) IP: Beatriz Pelaz€1,498,866 Apr 2021 – Sep 2027
SPACING-ERC-StG
Spatially-controlled ligand arrangement by origami-based nanoprinters (EU-H2020 ERC-2020-StG-950421)
This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 950421).
SPACING aims to develop a state-of-the-art technology for precise ligand assembly onto nanoparticles, inspired by natural structures like virus capsids. Utilizing DNA origami-based nanoprinters, the project will fabricate libraries of NPs and pre-designed ligand configurations. Through proof-of-concept experiments, SPACING will assess the trafficking behavior of these bio-inspired NPs within cells, focusing on their potential to evade lysosomal degradation. Ultimately, the project seeks to establish the foundation for artificial NPs with tailored 3D ligand configurations, with implications for advanced drug delivery and biomedical applications.
SmartImmune
Design of smart devices and understanding their interactions with the immune system IP: André Pérez Potti€42,000 Jan 2023 – Dec 2027
SmartImmune
Design of smart devices and understanding their interactions with the immune system (Ayuda RYC2021-034576-I financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/PRTR). PI: André Pérez Potti.
HEXOTIC
Hybrid Exosomes for T Cell Immunomodulation by Cross-dressing IP: André Pérez Potti€89,492.41 Jan 2024 – Dec 2027
HEXOTIC
Hybrid Exosomes for T Cell Immunomodulation by Cross-dressing. CONSOLIDACIÓN 2024 – Proxectos de Excelencia (liña emerxente), Xunta de Galicia (ED431F 2024/11). PI: André Pérez Potti.
ODASMIR
Origami-DNA/AgNCs Sensor for Detection of miRNAs (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF, grant agreement No 101153417) Supervisión: Beatriz Pelaz€181,153 Sep 2024 – Aug 2026
ODASMIR
Origami-DNA/AgNCs Sensor for Detection of miRNAs (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF, grant agreement No 101153417)
DNA origami combined with fluorescent DNA-templated silver nanoclusters as biosensors for breast-cancer-associated miRNAs, validated in 2D and 3D in vitro models. Fellow: Andrés Cruz Ortiz; supervisor: Beatriz Pelaz.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
DONAI
DNA-Origami Nanosystems to modulate adaptive immunity IP: Beatriz Pelaz, André Pérez Potti€185,000 Sep 2023 – Aug 2026
DONAI
DNA-Origami Nanosystems to modulate adaptive immunity (Proyecto PID2022-142338OB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER, UE)
The aim of the project is to advance in the development of DNA-based functional nanomaterials for biological applications, with a clear focus on immunomodulatory aspects related to the physicochemical and biological features of the origamis. We are proposing the generation of a library of origami by varying geometries, sizes, and biomolecular surfaces to better understand and define how DNA origamis-based nanoparticles engage with specific cellular pathways based on recognition by immune cell receptors.
BP3D
BIoPrinted 3D models and organoids for the study of nanomaterials behavior IP: Beatriz Pelaz€147,999.94 Apr 2024 – Jun 2026
BP3D
BIoPrinted 3D models and organoids for the study of nanomaterials behavior (Ayuda CNS2023-144318 financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/PRTR)
The BP3D project aims to advance our understanding of NMs behavior and immune-triggered responses by creating realistic bioprinted in vitro systems suitable for their study in microfluidic regime, bridging the gap between conventional 2D in vitro models and clinical trials.
XUNTA-ERC-2021
Xunta de Galicia support for ERC grantees IP: Beatriz Pelaz€249,899.97 Jan 2021 – Dec 2025
XUNTA-ERC-2021
Xunta de Galicia support for ERC grantees. Consolidación por la ERC, Xunta de Galicia (2021-CP090). PI: Beatriz Pelaz.
SynBioNano
Synthetic biomimetic cell-derived nanostructures IP: Ester Polo€40,000 Jan 2021 – Dec 2025
SynBioNano
Synthetic biomimetic cell-derived nanostructures (Ayuda RYC2019-028238-I financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por El FSE invierte en tu futuro). PI: Ester Polo.
XUNTA-EXC-2021
Development of biomimetic nanovectors for immune response activation IP: Ester Polo€110,193.33 Jan 2021 – Nov 2025
XUNTA-EXC-2021
Development of biomimetic nanovectors for immune response activation. CONSOLIDACION 2021 – Mod. C «Proxectos de Excelencia» Xunta de Galicia (ED431F 2021/02). PI: Ester Polo.
GPC-2023
CONSOLIDACIÓN Y ESTRUCTURACIÓN 2023 GPC GI-2197 - NANOHERRAMIENTAS PARA APLICACIONES BIOMÉDICAS - BIONANOTOOLS (ED431B 2023/19) Coordinación: Beatriz Pelaz€89,677 Jan 2023 – Nov 2025
GPC-2023
CONSOLIDACIÓN Y ESTRUCTURACIÓN 2023 GPC GI-2197 – NANOHERRAMIENTAS PARA APLICACIONES BIOMÉDICAS – BIONANOTOOLS (ED431B 2023/19). Coordinator: Beatriz Pelaz.
Structuring grant of the Xunta de Galicia for the consolidation of the BioNanoTools group (GI-2197).
MOFSiAN
Silicon-Based MOF-Derived Nanomaterials for Additive Manufacturing by 3D Printing of the Next Generation of Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes IP: Pablo del Pino, Pablo Taboada€254,380 Dec 2022 – Sep 2025
MOFSiAN
Silicon-Based MOF-Derived Nanomaterials for Additive Manufacturing by 3D Printing of the Next Generation of Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes (Proyecto TED2021-132522B-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/PRTR)
This project will combine the design and characterization of porous nanosilicon@metallo-organic network (m-nSi@MOF) nanoparticles and hybrid composites derived from MOF with core@shell structure, nanosilicon@carbon (m-nSi@C) and nanosilicon @metal oxide@carbon porous (m-nSi@MO@C), as new anode materials for LIBs with the aim of exploiting the excellent theoretical capacity and low Li ion absorption voltage of silicon while overcoming the drawbacks associated with a process such as: the excessive change in its silicon volume during its lithiation-deslithiation and its deficient electronic conductivity and diffusivity of Li, factors that impede its commercial development.
ORBIT
Elucidating the nano-biointeractions on DNA origami (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF, grant agreement No 101109331) Supervisión: Beatriz Pelaz€181,153 Sep 2023 – Sep 2025
ORBIT
Elucidating the nano-biointeractions on DNA origami (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF, grant agreement No 101109331). Supervisor: Beatriz Pelaz.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
TheranoXome
Engineered Exosomes for Stimuli-responsive Image-guided Drug delivery for Cancer Theranostic applications (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF, grant agreement No 101064817) Supervisión: Pablo del Pino€181,153 Sep 2023 – Aug 2025
TheranoXome
Engineered Exosomes for Stimuli-responsive Image-guided Drug delivery for Cancer Theranostic applications (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF, grant agreement No 101064817). Supervisor: Pablo del Pino.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
REAP
Revealing drug tolerant persister cells in cancer using contrast enhanced optical coherence and photoacoustic tomography (EU-H2020-ICT-2020-2, 101016964) IP: Beatriz Pelaz€453,904 (USC share) Jan 2021 – Jun 2025
REAP
Revealing drug tolerant persister cells in cancer using contrast enhanced optical coherence and photoacoustic tomography (EU-H2020-ICT-2020-2, 101016964)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101016964.
REAP project aims to develop imaging systems for detecting drug-tolerant persister cells across various scales. This includes a triple modal two-photon laser scanning – optical coherence – photoacoustic microscopy for in vitro studies and a dual modal optical coherence photoacoustic tomography for in vivo applications. Parallel developments in contrast agents based on biofunctionalized nanoparticles, new lasers, detector technology, and real-time data handling aided by deep learning-based analysis will contribute to the detection, characterization, and eventual eradication of therapy-resistant breast cancer.
SWIMMOT
Switchable magneto-plasmonic contrast agents and molecular imaging technologies (EU-H2020-FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020-899612) IP: Beatriz Pelaz€546,035 (USC share) Oct 2020 – Mar 2025
SWIMMOT
Switchable magneto-plasmonic contrast agents and molecular imaging technologies (EU-H2020-FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020-899612)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 899612.
SWIMMOT project aims to revolutionize in vivo molecular imaging through a switchable contrast agent (CA) and magneto-plasmonic imaging technology. By utilizing magnetic core/plasmonic gold shell nanorods with biofunctional shells, SWIMMOT will enable multimodal optical coherence tomography/photoacoustic imaging modes. This technique will switch the CA on and off, removing imaging background and achieving ultra-high contrast molecular imaging, allowing in vivo quantification of soluble biomarkers at cellular resolution. SWIMMOT’s breakthroughs will enhance understanding of biological mechanisms, aid disease diagnostics, and facilitate the development of new therapies
HeatNMof
Heating triggered drug release from nanometric inorganic-metal organic framework composites (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-860942) IP: Pablo del Pino€250,905 (USC share) Mar 2020 – Aug 2024
HeatNMof
Heating triggered drug release from nanometric inorganic-metal organic framework composites (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-860942)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 860942.
HeatNMof research project aims to combine the highly porous and versatile structure of biocompatible nano – Metal-Organic Frameworks (nanoMOFs) with plasmonic and magnetic Nanoparticles (NPs), both together providing specific control of reactions inside living entities. HeatNMof is training the next generation of materials scientists in nanomedicine to exploit heat-triggered release for the delivery of anti-tumor drugs. The network is focusing on one of the most promising classes of carriers, inorganic-metal organic framework (MOF) composites.
NanoDCell
Biomimetic dendritic-cell-derived nanovectors for targeting the immune system IP: Ester Polo€80,000 (direct costs) Sep 2021 – Aug 2024
NanoDCell
Biomimetic dendritic-cell-derived nanovectors for targeting the immune system (Proyecto PID2020-119479RA-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)
This project aims to establish the fundamental basis for engineering semi-artificial cell-based nanoformulations capable of recreating in detail natural scenarios for tailoring the outcomes of an immune response. The bio-synthetic nanostructures will be designed by self-assembly of natural components derived from dendritic cells, differentiated to
immature, mature, or antigen-presenting cells, in order to recapitulate one or more functional modules of their native counterparts, particularly the cellular membrane. These bioactive nanostructures will be capable of mimicking all the signals necessary to control the specific naive T cell stimulation and differentiation (e.g. to CD4+ T helper cells or CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes) in response to special external biological signals. Cell communication and signaling, between dendritic cells and T cells, are mediated by secreted proteins named cytokines.
PLAETHER
Plasmonic Nanocomposites for Photothermophoretic Manipulation of Molecules inside Living Cells IP: Pablo del Pino€100,000 (direct costs) Sep 2021 – Aug 2024
PLAETHER
Plasmonic Nanocomposites for Photothermophoretic Manipulation of Molecules inside Living Cells (Proyecto PID2020-119206RB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).
This proposal aims to fabricate beyond state-of-the-art artificial nanocomposites that upon illumination, perform active tasks such as motion and transformation of molecules in complex, dynamic media. These nanocomposites, composed of plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) cores and metal-organic-framework (MOF) shells, will exploit nanoscale thermophoresis within living cells. The project involves fabricating a library of core-shell NP/MOF nanocomposites and understanding molecule-nanocomposite interactions. Proof-of-concept demonstrations include intracellular molecule release and molecule transformation within living cells, contributing to advancements in heterogeneous catalysis and molecular transport at the nanoscale for applications in life sciences.
PLATMED
Biomimetic platelet-derived nanomedicines for treatment of thromboembolic stroke (PLATMED) IP: Ester Polo€140,965 Jan 2021 – Dec 2023
PLATMED
Biomimetic platelet-derived nanomedicines for treatment of thromboembolic stroke (PLATMED). Acción Estratégica en Salud, ISCIII Programación Conjunta Internacional 2020 (AC20/00041). PI: Ester Polo.
ADNanoVir
DNA-based technologies for engineering nanomedicines inspired by viral capsids IP: Beatriz Pelaz€27,637.90 Jan 2020 – Nov 2023
ADNanoVir
DNA-based technologies for engineering nanomedicines inspired by viral capsids. Xunta de Galicia, Consolidación 2020 Mod. C Proxectos de Excelencia (ED431F 2020/11). PI: Beatriz Pelaz.
ORIGARITMO
Origami-based nanoprinters to control the spatial arrangement of ligands on nanoparticles: influence on intracellular processes IP: Beatriz Pelaz€84,700 Jun 2020 – May 2023
ORIGARITMO
Origami-based nanoprinters to control the spatial arrangement of ligands on nanoparticles: influence on intracellular processes (Proyecto PID2019-111218RB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033). PI: Beatriz Pelaz.
2IQBIONEURO
Network for R&D&i in biological chemistry for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases Coordinación: Pablo del Pino€263,210.02 Jan 2018 – Mar 2023
2IQBIONEURO
Network for R&D&i in biological chemistry for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Interreg V-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2014-2020, project 0624_2IQBIONEURO_6_E, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Coordinator: Pablo del Pino.
NanoSynth
Synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials for the development of nanomedicines IP: Beatriz Pelaz€40,000 Feb 2019 – Feb 2023
NanoSynth
Synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials for the development of nanomedicines (Ayuda RYC-2017-23457 financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por El FSE invierte en tu futuro). PI: Beatriz Pelaz.
XUNTA-EXC-2017
Xunta de Galicia, Consolidación 2017 Mod IP: Pablo del Pino€115,000 Jan 2017 – Dec 2021
XUNTA-EXC-2017
Xunta de Galicia, Consolidación 2017 Mod. D Excelencia (ED431F 2017/02). PI: Pablo del Pino.
NanoCaps
Biomimetic nanocapsules for the targeted delivery of nanomedicines IP: Pablo del Pino€71,269 Jan 2018 – Dec 2020
NanoCaps
Biomimetic nanocapsules for the targeted delivery of nanomedicines (Proyecto CTQ2017-89588 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa). PI: Pablo del Pino.
SmartNano
Smart nanostructured materials for life science applications IP: Pablo del Pino€20,000 Sep 2016 – Aug 2020
SmartNano
Smart nanostructured materials for life science applications (Ayuda RYC-2014-16962 financiada por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por El FSE invierte en tu futuro). PI: Pablo del Pino.
PhotoNanoBone
Photoresponsive Smart Nanocarriers for Tetherless Regeneration of Bone Tissue (MSCA-IF-2016, grant agreement No 749667) Supervisión: Pablo del Pino€158,122 Jan 2018 – Jan 2020
PhotoNanoBone
Photoresponsive Smart Nanocarriers for Tetherless Regeneration of Bone Tissue (MSCA-IF-2016, grant agreement No 749667). Supervisor: Pablo del Pino.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 749667.
LNA-Caps
Smart magnetic and plasmonic capsules for LNA-based treatment IP: Beatriz Pelaz€205,700 Jan 2017 – Dec 2019
LNA-Caps
Smart magnetic and plasmonic capsules for LNA-based treatment (Proyecto MAT2015-74381 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa). PI: Beatriz Pelaz.
BioNPs
Biomimetic nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of nanomedicines (NanoBiomiMed) IP: Pablo del Pino€35,964 Sep 2017 – Mar 2019
BioNPs
Biomimetic nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of nanomedicines (NanoBiomiMed). BBVA Foundation, Leonardo Grant (2017-PO025). PI: Pablo del Pino.