Ongoing

DNA-Origami Nanosystems to modulate adaptive immunity (Proyecto PID2022-142338OB-I00 financiado por MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/  y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa)

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.

Spatially-controlled ligand aarrangement by origami-based nanoprinters (EU-H2020 ERC-2020-StG-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.

CONSOLIDACION 2021 - Mod. D "Excelencia" Xunta de Galicia (ED431F 2021/02)

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.

CONSOLIDACIÓN 2022 GRC GI -2055 - GRUPO DE FÍSICA DE COLOIDES Y POLÍMEROS - GFCP (ED431C 2022/18)

CONSOLIDACIÓN Y ESTRUCTURACIÓN 2023 GPC GI-2197 - NANOHERRAMIENTAS PARA APLICACIONES BIOMÉDICAS - BIONANOTOOLS (ED431B 2023/19)

Revealing drug tolerant persister cells in cancer using contrast enhanced optical coherence and photoacoustic tomography (EU-H2020-ICT-2020-2, 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. dual-modal.

Silicon-Based MOF-Derived Nanomaterials for Additive Manufacturing by 3D Printing of the Next Generation of Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes ( Strategic Projects Oriented to the Ecological Transition and the Digital Transition 2021, TED2021-132522B-I00)

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 heart@shell structure, nanosilicon@carbon (m-nSi@C) and nanosilicon @metal oxide@carbon (m-nSi@MO@C) poroso, 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.

Switchable magneto-plasmonic contrast agents and molecular imaging technologies (EU-H2020-FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020-899612)

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

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.

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.

Heating triggered drug release from nanometric inorganic-metal organic framework composites (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-860942)

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.