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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:

NANBIOSIS contributes to innovative protein granules for new biomedical applications

Researchers from NANBIOSIS co-author a new study showcasing an innovative approach to protein-based biomaterials for drug delivery and regenerative medicine.

Barcelona, april 2025. A recent publication in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules highlights the cutting-edge work of scientists from Unit 1 (Protein Production Platform, PPP) and Unit 18 (Nanotoxicology Unit) of NANBIOSIS, under the leadership of Prof. Antonio Villaverde and Prof. Ramón Mangues, respectively. The study, entitled “Surpassing protein specificity in biomimetics of bacterial amyloids” (DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139635), explores the development of artificial protein granules with promising applications in biomedicine.

A Novel Approach to Biomimetic Materials

The research introduces a His-Zn²⁺-based technology to produce artificial protein microgranules that mimic the properties of natural protein depots. By promoting protein–protein interactions through histidine residues and divalent cations like zinc, the team has developed stable yet dynamic microparticles that retain the functional properties of their constituent proteins.

This biomimetic strategy enables the spontaneous formation of hybrid granules by co-aggregating distinct polypeptides. Unlike previous methods, this approach does not require structural similarity among proteins, significantly expanding its potential for versatile biomedical applications.

Cross-Unit expertise and collaboration

The study leverages the protein engineering and production capabilities of NANBIOSIS Unit 1, based at the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). The infrastructure within this Unit and scientific expertise enabled the design, expression, and purification of the recombinant proteins used in the study.

Meanwhile, NANBIOSIS Unit 18, part of the Institut de Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Sant Pau), contributed with advanced evaluation and nanotoxicological analysis, ensuring the functional and safe application of these newly developed biomaterials.

Potential applications in Drug Delivery and Regenerative Medicine

The artificial granules described in the paper function as multifunctional protein depots, opening new possibilities in the controlled release of therapeutic proteins and in regenerative medicine. Their hybrid nature allows for simultaneous delivery of multiple functional proteins, enhancing their potential as platforms for personalized medicine and advanced therapies.

Patent and funding

The researchers have filed a patent application to protect the novel His-Zn²⁺ aggregation technology, underlining the potential for translation to industry. The study was supported by multiple funding sources, including national and European research programs.

This research exemplifies the collaborative strength of the NANBIOSIS, where inter-Unit synergies lead to impactful discoveries in nanomedicine and biotechnology. In this case, the Protein Production Platform (Unit 1) and the Nanotoxicology Unit (Unit 18).

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:

Innovative eye drops offer new hope for Retinitis Pigmentosa patients

NANBIOSIS Unit 10 helps develop eye drops with adalimumab for retinitis pigmentosa, showing promising results in preclinical models.

Vitoria, april 2025. A multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER), the Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) has developed an innovative eye drop formulation as a potential treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary retinal disease that currently lacks effective therapies for most patients. The findings have been published in the prestigious journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, as reported by CIBER.

The study was led by Regina Rodrigo (CIPF) with significant contributions from Prof. José Luis Pedraz and Dr. Idoia Gallego Garrido, leaders of Unit 10 of NANBIOSIS – Drug Formulation Unit, based at UPV/EHU. The NANBIOSIS platform provided key resources and technological support for the development and physicochemical characterization of the therapeutic formulation.

Therapeutic antibodies

The new approach involves non-invasive eye drops containing adalimumab-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC–ADA). Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in retinal inflammation and degeneration. Chronic inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, despite the genetic basis of the disease.

In this preclinical study, researchers assessed the formulation’s physicochemical properties, retinal and corneal safety, and its ability to reduce inflammation and retinal degeneration. The results were highly encouraging: NLC–ADA eye drops improved retinal function, reduced retinal degeneration, and significantly decreased inflammatory markers, all without inducing toxicity.

This strategy offers a non-invasive route of administration and a new avenue for tackling retinitis pigmentosa

Regina Rodrigo

“This strategy offers a non-invasive route of administration and a new avenue for tackling retinitis pigmentosa,” said principal investigator Regina Rodrigo. “It is independent of the genetic defects and could be potentially useful for treating other inflammatory eye diseases.”

International patent application

Given the promising results, the participating institutions – CIPF, UPV/EHU, and CIBER – have jointly applied for an international patent, highlighting the global potential of this therapeutic innovation.

The study was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, the Generalitat Valenciana, and the ONCE Foundation, with the collaboration of the patient association RETINA Comunidad Valenciana.

For more information, the full article is available at:
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 185 (2025)

Unit 10 of NANBIOSIS, led by Prof. José Luis Pedraz and Dr. Idoia Gallego, has contributed to this promising non-invasive therapy, aiding with its know-how in both the intellectual and technical element of the publication.

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:

Showcase of Nanomedicine Research at CIBERES Infectious Diseases Meeting

NANBIOSIS joins CIBERES meeting to foster collaboration in nanomedicine and infectious disease research, showcasing capabilities and innovations.

Zaragoza, march 2025. Last week, the CIBERES Infectious Diseases Program Meeting took place at the Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Aragón (CIBA), bringing together leading experts in respiratory infectious diseases to explore new research collaborations.

The event featured presentations from various CIBER research areas, including CIBERINFEC, CIBERESP, and CIBER-BBN, highlighting potential synergies in tackling infectious diseases. NANBIOSIS Director Ramón Martínez Máñez introduced the nanomedicine research lines, emphasizing the support on biomedical innovation.

Other key speakers included Roberto Hornero, who presented the Bioengineering research program, and María Rosa Aguilar, who showcased advancements in biomaterials for healthcare applications and presented the expertise of NANBIOSIS Unit 16 Surface Characterisation and Bacterial Colonization Unit, led by Marisa González at the University of Extremadura, who also participated in the session.

This meeting reinforced the commitment of NANBIOSIS and CIBER to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical research, promoting innovative solutions for infectious disease treatment and diagnosis.

Prof. Ramón Martínez Máñez, professor at Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), is the Director of NANBIOSIS and is leading, together with Prof. Salvador Gil, our Unit 26. This Unit is specialized in NMR, and can acquire unique metabolic profiles of biofluids, cell lines, tissues and animal models such as mice and rats.

For more updates on nanomedicine, bioengineering, and biomedical research, follow NANBIOSIS.

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:

Breakthrough Nanotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Innovative Research Involving NANBIOSIS

Breakthrough nanotherapy targets MSS colorectal cancer, inducing pyroptosis and immune activation. NANBIOSIS Units 1 and Unit 18 played a key role.

Barcelona, march 2024. For this World Colorectal Cancer Day, researchers from Dr. Mangues’ group (CB06/01/1031), in which NANBIOSIS Unit 18 is integrated, have published just last month a groundbreaking study on a novel targeted nanotherapy for colorectal cancer. Conducted in collaboration with three CIBER research groups across two thematic areas (BBN and ER), this research highlights the potential of CXCR4-targeted nanotoxic therapy to combat microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, a subtype known for its resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and its immunosuppressive tumor environment.

The study, recently published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, demonstrates the efficacy of CXCR4-targeted cytotoxic nanoparticles in an immunocompetent mouse model of MSS colorectal cancer. This innovative nanomedicine approach selectively eliminates cancer stem cells (CSCs) expressing the CXCR4 receptor by inducing pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death that triggers a strong immune response. Notably, the treatment leads to the recruitment and activation of eosinophils, key immune cells that contribute to tumor destruction.

The findings emphasize the potential of pyroptosis-inducing nanotherapies to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and enhance innate immune responses against colorectal cancer. The involvement of NANBIOSIS Unit 1 and Unit 18 was instrumental in developing and characterizing this cutting-edge cancer nanotherapy. This contribution involved, respectivelly, the production of a significant range of the proteins used in the study, as well as the entire histological and toxicity studies.

For more details on this colorectal cancer breakthrough, access the full publication here: Dove Press
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S499192

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:

New hands-on material characterization seminar by NANBIOSIS experts and NANE

Technical Seminar on Materials Characterization by NANBIOSIS Unit 6 & NANE on April 1, 2025, at ICMAB-CSIC. Hands-on training & latest techniques. Register now!

Barcelona, march 2025. The Soft Materials Lab – NANBIOSIS Unit 6, in collaboration with NANE, is pleased to invite researchers, professionals, and students to a Technical Seminar on Materials Characterization. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC).

This seminar will provide attendees with an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in particle size analysis techniques and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. Participants will be introduced to techniques such as laser diffraction analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and other advanced characterization methods.

Seminar Structure

• Theoretical session: Overview of fundamental principles and recent developments in materials characterization.
• Practical session: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment and analytical techniques.

Attendees who require proof of participation can request a certificate of attendance from the organizing company.

Registration and Contact Information

Interested participants can register [here] to attend this seminar.

For more information, you can contact NANE at:

• Phone: +34 911 175 111
• Email: info@nane.pro

Alternatively, you may reach out to Amable Bernabé (Soft Materials Lab – NANBIOSIS UNIT 6) at jabernabe@icmab.es.

This seminar is a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and practical skills in materials characterization. We look forward to your participation!

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: