In our group we research in the design, synthesis an biological evaluation of novel sulfur- and/or selenium-containing organic compounds. Our goal is to obtain novel active sulfur compounds and selenocompounds with potential applications in the treatment of diseases. The diseases in which we focus in our research work are: -Cancer: compounds with antiproliferative, cytotoxic and/or chemopreventive activity in cancer.

The group is specialized in the study of microorganisms and microbial populations inhabiting terrestrial environments analogous to potentially habitable extraterrestrial worlds. Specifically, it focuses on the study of their biodiversity, ecology and evolution. It also investigates the limits of life and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments. The experimental study is based both on the fieldwork -collection of samples and determination of environmental parameters-, as in laboratory work.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) represents an important human pathogen causing both acute and chronic hepatitis. It is estimated that over 240 million people are chronically infected and more than 780,000 people die every year due to complications of HBV, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our laboratory is focused on studying basic aspects of the HBV infection. In particular we are interested in the identification and characterization of cellular factors that regulate the HBV infection, its persistence and its pathogenesis.

The research of this group is divided into four main lines. The first one concerns different aspects of differential topology, as Engel structures, foliations and extensions of h-principle, as well as contact topology, specifically groups of contactomorphisms, Legendrian submanifolds and higher dimensional problems. The second one is focused on differential and Riemannian geometry, in particular on spectral problems, Poisson and symplectic geometry, field theories, Kahler geometry, geometric analysis and geometric theory of information.

We applied a multidisciplinary approach including metabolic modelling, systems and synthetic biology to study bacterial metabolism from cellular to population level. Our final goal is to create a biological framework that allows the development of a broad range of novel and non-intuitive biotechnological processes, such as bioremediation solutions and sustainable production alternatives.

In January of 2015 I took possession of my position as Titular Scientist at CNB and in July 2016, the laboratory was equipped and staff trained and functional to work with the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In our group we explored the cellular organization of S. aureus and its implications in infective processes.

Although difficult to appreciate at their fair value, the interactions of living beings through chemical compounds are present in all ecosystems, including agricultural ecosystems. These interactions can be both facilitative and pernicious and take place inter- and intra-specifically, among very diverse taxonomic groups. In natural ecosystems, allelopathies play a key role in the biotic associations which are possible, and are currently relevant for their role in the emergence of invasive plants.

The group is committed to explore, obtain, study and optimize new materials 2D materials (graphene and TMDCs), 0D nanostructures, thin films and heterostructures for optoelectronics, magnetoelectronics and, recently, quantum technologies. Currently: development of materials for thermoelectric applications, new photovoltaic solar cells, biodetection and optical imaging and, recently, a disease diagnosis system based on Brillouin spectroscopy. Studies of a fundamental nature, always with the focus on applications, but also with an applied aspect.

Our group takes inspiration from the field of Evo-Devo. We approach basic evolutionary questions taking into account the embryological (developmental) data. In addition our group goes one step forward because we have included functional genomics with a wide comparative perspective. Our group uses a great variety of model and non-model organisms (see below).

The “Tribology and Surface Protection” group is devoted to the study of the tribological properties of the surfaces and the development of nanostructured films prepared by plasma technologies with the aim of providing protection against wear, friction, temperature, oxidation, load, etc. In parallel, it is also subject of investigation, the microstructural and chemical characterization, mainly at the nanoscale, by means of advanced microscopic and spectroscopy techniques that enable the tailored synthesis of these materials and the optimization of their functional properties.