Research lines

Molecular research

The goal of the Molecular Biotechnology team is the study of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), a superfamily belonging to the big family of Membrane Proteins and known by their importance in the pharmaceutical arena. Concretely, we study the visual pigment receptors (rhodopsin and cone pigments), the muscarinic receptors, and the Galanin receptors. On the Visual pigments we study the effect of mutations associated to retinal diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, and nearby environment on protein stability. For the muscarinic receptor we study the relationship between this receptor and Alzheimer’s disease and for the Galanin receptor we are trying to see its influence on depression.

Applied research

The goal of the Applied Biotechnology team is to meet the research with the industry and the market by developing new bio-based or biomimetic technologies and high added value products. The team is working in a permanent collaboration with industrial partners to provide real time solutions to their needs. The “bio” component is an integral part of our research – bio-tools (enzymes), bio-processes and bio-materials are used to design functional coatings and textiles, cosmetic formulations, nano/micro drug delivery systems, medical and diagnostic devices, antimicrobial/antibiofilm strategies, bioactive and composites materials.We provide biotech alternatives for material development and improvement of industrial processes in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, energy consumption, and product performance working at the interface of biotechnology, materials science, physicochemistry and polymer engineering.