News

Researchers develop a promising therapy for alcohol‑induced brain injury thanks to NANBIOSIS services

First study using NANBIOSIS Unit 26 PET/MRI‑3T shows MSC-EVs reduce alcohol-induced brain damage and neuroinflammation in female mice.

Valencia, Spain – The Spanish national infrastructure NANBIOSIS is celebrating a significant breakthrough: the first scientific article utilizing PET/MRI‑3T imaging services from Unit 26 has been published, showcasing a novel therapy against alcohol-induced brain damage in female mice.

Study overview & key findings

The article, titled “Role of miRNAs from mesenchymal stem cell‑derived extracellular vesicles in neuroinflammation and behavioral impairments induced by chronic alcohol consumption in female mice“, appeared online ahead of print in Neural Regeneration Research on June 19, 2025 . It demonstrates that repeated intravenous doses of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‑EVs), rich in regulatory miRNAs, effectively:

• Reduced alcoholism-driven neuroinflammation, confirmed by lower expression of pro-inflammatory genes like Tnf, Il1b, Mtor and Atf6
• Improved cognitive behavior and attenuated sensitivity to cocaine’s conditioned reward
• Decreased abnormal brain glucose metabolism, shown via reduced uptake of the PET tracer ^18F-FDG

Role of PET/MRI‑3T Imaging from NANBIOSIS

This milestone became possible thanks to the recently launched PET/MRI‑3T platform of Unit 26: a state-of-the-art preclinical imaging system combining a 3 Tesla MRI with integrated PET capabilities. This dual-modality setup enables precise metabolic and anatomical visualization in vivo, allowing researchers to perform longitudinal studies in small rodents. In this case, the imaging revealed a reversal of ethanol-induced metabolic dysregulation in the brains of treated mice.

The relevance of these findings

These results provide compelling in vivo evidence that miRNA-enriched MSC-EVs can counteract alcohol-induced brain damage. In addition, it etablishes NANBIOSIS Unit 26 as a leader in multimodal preclinical imaging, bridging molecular insights with live metabolic data. Finally, this research opens new avenues for research in neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and addiction therapy.

About NANBIOSIS Unit 26

Housed at the Faculty of Medicine at University of Valencia, NANBIOSIS Unit 26 is led by Dr. Ramón Martínez Máñez (UPV) and Dr. Salvador Gil (UV-SCSIE). Beyond the PET/MRI‑3T, the Unit offers, among other services, a 14 Tesla NMR spectrometer for ex vivo metabolic profiling and advanced support for in vivo and ex vivo metabolic and molecular imaging in rodents.

Strategic impact and future directions

This publication not only highlights the scientific value of MSC-EV therapy for alcohol-related neuroinflammation but also spotlights NANBIOSIS imaging capabilities. Future research leveraging this infrastructure could revolutionize fields such as neuropharmacology, regenerative medicine, and translational research, thanks to its ability to bridge preclinical data to human therapies.

Access the full article: see Neural Regeneration Research, June 19, 2025, doi:10.4103/NRR.NRR‑D‑24‑01260

And do not forget that our last Open Call of 2025 is open until June 30. Visit here for more information.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Prof. Jesús Santamaría secures his third ERC Advanced Grant in tumor-targeting nanomedicine

Prof. Jesús Santamaría wins his third ERC Advanced Grant for a €3.1M project to boost tumor targeting in nanomedicine.

Zaragoza, 23 June 2025 – Prof. Jesús Santamaría, Chair of Chemical Engineering at the University of Zaragoza and Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS Unit 9, has been awarded his third European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant—a rare achievement shared by only five other researchers in Spain, as reported in the official Unizar webpage.

The newly funded project, ROMEO (“Cracking the code on tumor targeting with nanostructures: competitive kinetics and extracellular vesicles“), will receive €3.12 million over five years, exceeding the usual €2.5 million cap thanks to supplemental funding for major equipment.

ROMEO was selected among 281 proposals out of 2,534 submissions in the 2024 ERC Advanced Grant competition, under the Horizon Europe programme. The total ERC funding amounted to €721 million, with only 14 grants awarded to Spanish researchers.

Pioneering Strategies to Boost Tumor Nanoparticle Delivery

Despite decades of research, less than 1% of systemically administered nanoparticles reach tumors; up to 95% are sequestered by liver macrophages. The ROMEO project aims to overcome this barrier using:

1. Competitive kinetics: designing “decoy” particles that pre‐saturate macrophages, reallocating therapeutic nanoparticles toward tumors.
2. Extracellular vesicle (EV) vectors: employing tumor‑derived EVs that naturally home to their tissue of origin as targeted delivery vehicles.

The research will be led at INMA (CSIC‑Unizar) and IIS Aragón with a multidisciplinary team extending across chemistry, materials, and biology, including collaborators from I3A and IQAC‑CSIC in Barcelona.

A stellar record of excellence

The expertise of Prof. Santamaría in nanomaterials is well‑recognized: over 385 publications, 26 patents, leadership in 101 research initiatives (20 European-funded), and supervision of 39 PhD theses. Within the ERC framework, his grant history includes:

• HECTOR (2011, €1.85 M): Microwave‑activated catalytic microreactors.
• CADENCE (2017, €2.45 M): Tumor‑targeted catalytic therapy via in situ activation.
• ROMEO (2025, €3.12 M): Nanostructure and EV–based tumor targeting.

With total ERC Advanced Grant funding exceeding €7.4 million, his sustained success contributes to the University of Zaragoza’s tally of 20 ERC projects (€34.8 M total) since 2009.

NANBIOSIS Unit 9: A key driver in Translational Nanomedicine

As Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS Unit 9 – Synthesis of Nanoparticles, Santamaría oversees an advanced laser‑induced pyrolysis platform producing large quantities of hybrid, biocompatible nanoparticles. This Unit supports automated synthesis, comprehensive physicochemical characterization, and preclinical testing—making it a hub for both academic and industrial R&D in nanomedicine.

Unit 9 (U9) is part of the Nanostructured Films and Particles Group at INMA (CSIC‑Unizar), located at Campus Río Ebro, Zaragoza, with capabilities in microstructural, optical, magnetic, and functional analysis of nanoparticles.

And do not forget that our last Open Call of 2025 is open until June 30. Visit here for more information.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Discover the latest Biomedical Imaging and Metabolomics equipment at NANBIOSIS platforms

Seminar on imaging and metabolomics platforms at UV, featuring NANBIOSIS equipment and recent biomedical research applications.

Valencia, June 2025 — Researchers and clinicians interested in cutting-edge preclinical imaging and metabolomics technologies are invited to attend the upcoming seminar “Biomedical and Metabolomic Imaging Section: Equipment and Applications”, taking place on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 13:00, in Seminar Room D, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València.

The seminar will be delivered by Mustafa Ezzeddin Ayoub (“Musta”), technical expert from the Biomedical and Metabolomic Imaging Section at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia (UCIM). The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the high-performance imaging and metabolomics equipment available at the facility, with special emphasis on NANBIOSIS Unit 26 – NMR Biomedical Applications II.

Key imaging technologies featured:

• MRI 3 Tesla (MR Solutions) – Advanced preclinical magnetic resonance imaging system for high-resolution in vivo studies.
• PET/CT Scanner – Hybrid positron emission tomography and computed tomography system used in translational research for cancer, neuroscience, and cardiovascular diseases.
• IVIS Imaging System – Optical imaging for bioluminescence and fluorescence in small animal models.
• Irradiator – Preclinical tool for targeted radiobiology experiments.

Metabolomics platform featured:

• 600 MHz Vertical NMR Spectrometer – Essential for metabolomic profiling, biomarker discovery, and metabolic flux analysis in both clinical and preclinical research.

This event will highlight recent equipment upgrades, new research applications, and the scientific capabilities that these platforms bring to biomedical research. Over the past 3-4 years, these instruments have supported a wide range of in vivo and ex vivo applications, contributing to numerous scientific projects in collaboration with academia and the private industry.

Although the seminar is in-person only, the presentation materials will be made available online (in this same webpage) for those interested in learning more about the imaging and metabolomics capabilities supported by NANBIOSIS.

And if you want to collaborate with us, do not forget that our Open Call is due on June 30! You can find more information here.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

NANBIOSIS U6 organizes a seminar on Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry in collaboration with IESMAT

Join NANBIOSIS and IESMAT on June 10 for a seminar on microcalorimetry with live demos and expert insights at ICMAB & online.

Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Sala d’Actes Carles Miravitlles, ICMAB-CSIC & Online
Organized by: Unit 6 of NANBIOSIS (U6 Preparation and characterization of nano- and microstructured molecular soft materials – Soft Materials Service)
In collaboration with: IESMAT

Barcelona, june 2025. NANBIOSIS Unit 6 is pleased to invite researchers, professionals, and students to the upcoming Technical Seminar on Isothermal Valoration Microcalorimetry, organized in collaboration with IESMAT and hosted at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC).

This theoretical and practical seminar will take place on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, offering both in-person and online participation options.

Welcome to a Journey into Thermal and Energetic Analysis

Microcalorimetry has become a powerful technique for characterizing materials through their thermal properties and molecular interactions. This seminar aims to provide both a conceptual and hands-on understanding of the use of Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) in scientific research and industrial applications.

Seminar Highlights

• 9:30–10:00 – Presentation of SOFT/U6 NANBIOSIS Services: Learn about the advanced characterization capabilities and collaborative opportunities offered by Unit 6.
• 10:00–11:00 – Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry: A Versatile Tool for Understanding Molecular Interactions: Dive into the principles, applications, and advantages of ITC in materials science and biomedical research.
• 11:00–12:00 – Live Demonstration with Peaq-ITC: A hands-on session led by a Malvern Panalytical specialist, featuring real-time measurements and interaction with state-of-the-art equipment.

Why Attend?

• Gain insight into how microcalorimetry contributes to the development and evaluation of advanced materials.
• Engage directly with experts and discover real-world applications.
• Expand your network in the field of material characterization.

Register now to attend in person or follow the seminar online!
👉 [Register here]

For more information about NANBIOSIS U6 and upcoming activities, visit: https://www.nanbiosis.es/portfolio/u6-soft-materials-service/

This event is part of NANBIOSIS’ ongoing commitment to support scientific excellence and promote access to cutting-edge technologies in biomedical and materials research.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Event recap: “Fabry Connections” brings together science and patients at ICMAB

“Fabry Connections” united patients, researchers, and clinicians at ICMAB to advance Fabry disease care and nanomedicine-based therapies.

Barcelona, april 2025. On Tuesday, 29 April 2025, the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC) hosted the event “Fabry Connections: Science, Patients, and Future”, bringing together around 50 participants including researchers, clinicians, patients, and patient association representatives. The event aimed to create a multidisciplinary platform for sharing knowledge and advancing the future of Fabry disease research and treatment.

As we announced back in february 28, this special event was held within Fabry Disease Awareness Month (April) and is part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Nano4Rare project, which focuses on developing nanomedicine-based therapies for Fabry disease. Despite uncertainty caused by a blackout the day before, the event was held as planned—thanks to the commitment and flexibility of all speakers and participants.

Building bridges between science and patients

The day opened with welcoming words by Lourdes Fàbrega, Director of ICMAB, and Nora Ventosa, coordinator of the Nano4Rare project (together with Elisabet González, Scientific Coordinator of Unit 6), who emphasized the importance of organizing events that foster dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and patients. Throughout the day, the program featured insightful keynote lectures by Guillem Pintos (Vall d’Hebron Hospital), Maria Camprodon (Vall d’Hebron Hospital), and Sílvia Muro (IBEC), highlighting the evolution of Fabry disease diagnosis and treatment, and exploring future therapeutic approaches including advanced nanomedicine.

Centering the patient experience

One of the central themes of the event was the importance of patient-centered approaches in rare disease research and care. This was strongly emphasized during the roundtable discussions, where speakers discussed the need for early diagnosis, stronger collaborative networks, and patient inclusion in the research process.

A first roundtable on the importance of diagnosis included a Fabry patient, Alfredo Romero, and Simó Schwartz (Vall d’Hebron Hospital), Maria Camprodon (Vall d’Hebron Hospital), Jordi Cruz (MPS Lisosomales and FEDER foundation ) and was moderated by Guillem Pintos (Vall d’Hebron Hospital). A second roundtalbe, in the afteroon, was devoted to R+D challenges on LSD diseases and was moderated by Judit Tomsen (ICMAB-CSIC) and included the participation of Sílvia Muro (IBEC), Míriam Royo (IQAC-CSIC) and Ibane Abasolo (IQAC-CSIC). 

Jordi Cruz, Director of MPS Lisosomales and board member of FEDER, and Francesc Cayuela, President of the Catalan Federation of Rare Diseases (FECAMM), both underlined the vital role of patient organizations in supporting affected individuals and giving visibility to rare conditions. 

A look at research and innovation

The program included the presentation of the Nano4Rare project (EIC Transition) by Elisabet Gonzàlez, researcher at the Nanomol-Bio Group (ICMAB-CSIC) and coordinator of the Nano4Rare project, together with Nora Ventosa, both in Unit 6 of NANBIOSIS, as well as the presentation of the NEX-TRY project (ISCIII Instituto de Salud Carlos III) by Ibane Abasolo, leader of the Therapeutic Applications of Nanomedicine Research Group at IQAC-CSIC and Scientific Director of Unit 20. These sessions highlighted ongoing efforts to develop innovative therapies for Fabry disease and other rare conditions using advanced nanomedicine approaches. 

Attendees had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas during the coffee break and lunch sessions, which counted with wonderful dishes and was a time to enjoy and reflect. 

The event concluded with a guided visit to Nanomol Technologies, located at the UAB Campus, where participants toured the pilot plant for nanomedicine production, gaining a first-hand look at how research is being translated into therapeutic innovation.

Looking ahead

The “Fabry Connections” event was a vivid reminder of the power of collaboration across disciplines. It highlighted how research centers like ICMAB can become vital spaces where patients, scientists, clinicians, and associations come together to inspire progress and co-create a better future for people affected by rare diseases.

We thank all participants, speakers, and supporters for making this event possible and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research, raising awareness, and supporting the rare disease community.

About Nano4Rare

Nano4Rare is a European research project focused on the preclinical development of a nanomedicine candidate for Fabry disease treatment, aiming for clinical application. Nano4Rare is a European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition project, a program aimed for the validation of technologies and the development of business plans for specific applications (TRL 3-6). The project is coordinated by Nora Ventosa and Elisabet González, researchers at the Nanomol-Bio group at ICMAB-CSIC, and is linked to the Phoenix OITB EU project (Pharmaceutical Open Innovation Test Bed for Enabling Nano-pharmaceutical Innovative Products). 

NANBIOSIS participation

Several members of NANBIOSIS actively participated in the “Fabry Connections” event at ICMAB. Representing Unit 6, Prof. Nora Ventosa and Dr. Elisabet González presented the Nano4Rare project. Unit 6 specializes in the development, characterization, and scale-up production of molecular biomaterials with controlled nano- and supramolecular structure using compressed fluid-based technologies. Also present was Dr. Ibane Abasolo, Scientific Director of Unit 20, which offers preclinical validation of therapeutic compounds and biomarkers using advanced in vivo imaging and animal models. From Unit 3, Dr. Miriam Royo participated in a roundtable discussion on R&D challenges in lysosomal storage diseases; this Unit focuses on the synthesis, purification, and modification of bioactive peptides for therapeutic applications. Lastly, researchers from Unit 1, the Protein Production Platform (PPP), were also in attendance, such as José Luis Corchero. This Unit provides tailored services for the design, production, and purification of recombinant proteins using prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Together, these Units showcased NANBIOSIS’ multidisciplinary capabilities in advancing nanomedicine for rare diseases like Fabry.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

NANBIOSIS to participate in the new edition of the European Biosensors Symposium 2025

NANBIOSIS will join EBS2025 in Tarragona as organizer and sponsor, with a stand to showcase its services in biosensors and nanobiomedicine.

Tarragona, october 2025. NANBIOSIS will be actively participating in the European Biosensors Symposium (EBS) 2025, which will take place from 26th to 29th October in Tarragona, Spain. The event, which brings together leading researchers and innovators in the field of biosensors, provides a platform to discuss the latest scientific and technological advances, promote collaboration, and explore new opportunities for innovation.

This year, NANBIOSIS is proud to be part of the organization and will also be present as an official sponsor of the symposium. As part of its involvement, NANBIOSIS will have a dedicated stand at the venue to showcase its cutting-edge services and facilities. Visitors will be able to learn more about the capabilities of the ICTS and the broad portfolio of solutions it offers to researchers and companies working in biosensors and related fields.

Promotional materials, such as posters and roll-ups, will be displayed at the stand, and NANBIOSIS representatives will be on-site to engage with participants, answer questions, and explore potential collaborations. We are also exploring the possibility of giving a short presentation during the symposium to further highlight the impact and expertise of NANBIOSIS in this field.

Prof. Pilar Marco, head of the Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) thematic area at the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) and scientific director of Unit 2 of NANBIOSIS, leads the Organizing Committee of EBS 2025.

For more information about the event, please visit the official website: https://www.ebs2025.com/

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Lluis Montoliu: how to communicate research from the lab to society

Lluis Montoliu to give a talk on science communication at UPV/EHU on May 6, sharing insights on how to effectively disseminate research from the lab.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, may 2025. Lluis Montoliu, renowned researcher from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and expert in biomedical communication, will deliver a talk titled “Keys to Communicating and Disseminating from Research Laboratories” at the Micaela Portilla Research Centre, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Álava. The event will take place from 12:00 to 13:30h in the main auditorium.

Montoliu is a senior researcher at the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), member of the executive committee of the CIBERER (Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases), and a leading voice in public science outreach. He is also affiliated with our researchers from Unit 10 of NANBIOSIS, the Drug Formulation Unit, which is hosted at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

NANBIOSIS Unit 10, led by Prof. José Luis Pedraz, is a cutting-edge platform specialized in the design and evaluation of classical and advanced drug delivery systems, including biotech drugs, DNA, RNA, and vaccines. The Unit stands out for its expertise in micro- and nanoencapsulation of cells, peptides, proteins, and gene therapy vectors. Uniquely, this Unit is GLP-certified, underscoring its compliance with the highest standards of quality and reliability in pharmaceutical development. The Unit provides comprehensive support for all stages of formulation development.

This event is open to all interested in science communication, research dissemination, and pharmaceutical technology. Registration is required and can be completed by contacting angela_losada@ehu.eus.

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

From toxins to allies: A new tool to cross cellular barriers

Researchers use a bacterial toxin domain to boost drug delivery across skin barriers, opening new paths for non-invasive protein-based therapies.

Barcelona, april 2025. Researchers from NANBIOSIS Units at UAB and IR Sant Pau develop innovative strategy for transdermal protein drug delivery using recombinant proteins.

In a major advance in drug delivery research, scientists from NANBIOSIS Unit 1 and Unit 18 at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Institut de Recerca Sant Pau, affiliated with the CIBER-BBN network, have demonstrated a novel method to increase the permeability of epithelial tissues. By harnessing the non-toxic functional domain of a bacterial toxin, the team has opened new pathways for transdermal and transmucosal delivery of protein-based therapeutics.

The study, recently published in the prestigious journal Molecular Pharmaceutics (American Chemical Society, ACS), was led by Dr. Antonio Villaverde and Dr. Esther Vázquez, with significant contributions from Eric Volta-Durán and other members of NANBIOSIS, such as Ramón Mangues and Isolda Casanova. The research is part of the project PID2020-116174RB-I00, funded by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI).

Our findings pave the way for the use of recombinant proteins as vehicles in non-invasive transdermal therapies

—Dr. Antonio Villaverde

“Our findings pave the way for the use of recombinant proteins as vehicles in non-invasive transdermal therapies,” explains Dr. Villaverde. “The use of functional domains like c-CPE, derived from natural proteins, shows the power of biotechnology to transform nature’s molecular tools into biomedical innovations.”

c-CPE: From bacterial toxin to drug delivery enabler

The team focused on c-CPE, a functional domain of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin, known for its ability to bind tight junctions between epithelial cells. Through advanced protein engineering and characterization techniques, researchers developed highly pure and stable recombinant proteins containing this domain.

(…) c-CPE enables the passage of other proteins across epithelial monolayers, without inducing toxicity.

—Eric Volta-Durán

“Thanks to our expertise in recombinant protein design and purification, we created multifunctional proteins that efficiently bind to cell-cell contact regions,” says Eric Volta-Durán. “Using confocal microscopy, we confirmed that c-CPE enables the passage of other proteins across epithelial monolayers, without inducing toxicity.”

Interestingly, the study found that while c-CPE-fused proteins strongly attach to tight junctions and do not themselves cross the barrier, they act as trans-permeabilization agents—allowing other, non-modified proteins to pass through epithelial layers.

This paradoxical “trans-mediated, cis-inhibited” behavior of c-CPE suggests a promising mechanism for enhancing drug bioavailability in non-invasive therapeutic strategies, including topical applications, wound healing, and transmucosal treatments.

Cutting-edge nanobiotechnology for precision medicine

This breakthrough is a prime example of how NANBIOSIS supports the development of frontier biotechnological tools. The research benefited from the advanced capabilities of NANBIOSIS Unit 1 and Unit 18, located at UAB and IR Sant Pau respectivelly, including facilities for protein production, purification, characterization, and nanomedicine testing.

By converting a natural bacterial toxin into a helpful ally, the study highlights the transformative potential of biotechnology and nanomedicine for improving therapeutic delivery across complex biological barriers.

Reference:
Sanchez JM, Favaro MTP, López-Laguna H, Parladé E, Di Somma A, Casanova I, Unzueta U, Mangues R, Vázquez E, Voltà-Durán E, Villaverde A. Trans-Mediated, Cis-Inhibited Paradoxal Activity of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin (c-CPE) in Modulating Epithelial Permeability. Molecular Pharmaceutics. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c01205

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

Leading scientists

The main value of NANBIOSIS is our highly qualified and experienced academic scientists, working in public institutions, renowned universities and other research institutes.

Custom solutions

Designed for either scientific collaboration or the private industry, we adapt our services to your needs, filling the gaps and paving the way towards the next breakthrough.

Cutting-Edge facilities

Publicly funded, with the most advanced equipment, offering a wide variety of services from synthesis of nanoparticles and medical devices, including up to preclinical trials.

Standards of quality

Our services have standards of quality required in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medtech sectors, from Good Practices to ISO certifications.

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them: