CIBER

NANBIOSIS Unit 6 Research Featured During ICMAB Scientific Advisory Board Visit

NANBIOSIS Unit 6 contributed to advanced nanomedicine research showcased at the ICMAB Scientific Advisory Board visit.

Barcelona, May 2026 — Researchers from Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) recently presented a poster highlighting innovative developments in fluorescent nanovesicles, dendrimers, and organic nanoparticles for sensing and bioimaging during the visit of the institute’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The visit formed part of the evaluation activities linked to the Severo Ochoa excellence accreditation awarded to ICMAB.

The poster showcased multidisciplinary research focused on the development of advanced nanomaterials for biomedical imaging, biosensing, and diagnostic applications. Among the technologies presented were highly stable fluorescent quatsomes for bioimaging and nucleic acid sensing, ultrabright nanoparticles for deep-tissue imaging, and multifunctional dendrimers combining fluorescent and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities.

Part of this research was carried out with the support of NANBIOSIS Unit 6, whose contribution was acknowledged in the poster. The Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS, Ramón Martínez Máñez, also participated in the Scientific Advisory Board committee involved in the visit.

The work reflects the growing impact of nanotechnology and advanced biomaterials in the development of next-generation biomedical imaging and sensing tools. These innovative platforms could contribute to improved diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and future personalized medicine applications.

The poster included contributions from researchers affiliated with CIBER-BBN and ICMAB-CSIC, with several of the presented studies recently published in leading scientific journals in materials science and nanomedicine.

NANBIOSIS Unit 6: Advanced materials for health

The poster highlights the mission of NANBIOSIS Unit 6, located at ICMAB-CSIC and coordinated by Prof. Nora Ventosa. This Unit specializes in the development, characterisation, and scale-up of molecular biomaterials with applications in biomedicine.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and operating under ISO 9001 quality standards, Unit 6 offers advanced technologies such as the DELOS-SUSP method, a compressed-fluid-based process for producing highly controlled micro- and nanostructured materials. Its unique capability to scale processes from laboratory to industrial levels supports both research and technology transfer.

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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:

Platinum Nanoparticles Boost Radiotherapy Effectiveness Against Cancer

Researchers from INMA and NANBIOSIS have developed ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles that significantly boost radiotherapy effectiveness against cancer.

Zaragoza, May 2026 — Researchers from the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA), together with collaborators from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and the University of Elche, have developed ultrasmall platinum nanoparticles capable of significantly enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy in cancer treatment.

The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, demonstrates that platinum nanoparticles measuring just 2–3 nanometres act through a dual mechanism to attack tumours. On one hand, platinum amplifies the radiation effect, increasing DNA damage in cancer cells. On the other, the nanoparticles locally generate oxygen inside tumours, helping overcome tumour hypoxia — one of the main causes of resistance to radiotherapy.

The research was led by José Ignacio García-Peiró, Miguel Encinas, José Luis Hueso and Jesús Santamaría, all members of CIBER-BBN and Unit 9 of NANBIOSIS.

Experiments carried out in cell and animal models showed a strong reduction in tumour growth while using low radiation doses, without detecting systemic toxicity. The ultrasmall size of the nanoparticles also facilitates their elimination through the urinary system, improving biocompatibility and safety.

Although still at the proof-of-concept stage, this work represents a promising step toward more effective and targeted radiotherapy strategies in cancer treatment.

The full article, Ultrasmall Platinum Nanoparticles for Radiation-Enhanced Cancer Therapy, is available in Advanced Functional Materials.

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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:

Open Seminar Today at I3A: Prof. Jaap den Toonder on Microfluidic Technologies for Biomedical Innovation

Join today’s open seminar at I3A on microfluidic technologies for biomedical innovation, featuring Prof. Jaap den Toonder from TU Eindhoven.

Zaragoza, May 2026 — NANBIOSIS invites researchers, students, and professionals to attend today’s open seminar, “Microfluidic Technologies Enabling Novel Biomedical Applications,” presented by Prof. Jaap den Toonder from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).

The seminar will take place today, May 6, at 12:30 PM in the I3A Seminar Room, Floor 2, Block 5, offering attendees the opportunity to explore how microfluidic technologies are advancing biomedical research and healthcare innovation.

Prof. den Toonder is Full Professor and Chair of the Microsystems section at Eindhoven University of Technology since 2013. He holds both his MSc in Applied Mathematics and PhD in Mechanical Engineering (both cum laude) from Delft University of Technology. Before joining TU/e, he worked at Philips Research Laboratories Eindhoven as Principal Scientist and Chief Technologist.

His research focuses on “making things work at small scales” by developing smart materials, innovative technological concepts, and advanced microfabrication methods for microsystems. These technologies support cutting-edge applications in health and wellbeing, particularly in microfluidic chips, organ-on-chip systems, biomedical microdevices, and soft microrobotics.

With more than 180 scientific publications, over 60 patents, and more than 65 invited lectures at international conferences, Prof. den Toonder is a leading figure in the field of microfluidics and microsystems engineering. He also serves as scientific advisor to six spin-off companies originating from his research group.

Among his major achievements, he founded and directs the Microfab/lab, a state-of-the-art TU/e facility dedicated to the fabrication and analysis of microfluidic devices, microsystems, and biological materials. He is also the recipient of two ERC Advanced Grants (2019 and 2025) and has been a Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering since 2023.

The seminar is organized by TME Lab and is open to all interested attendees.

This event represents an excellent opportunity for the broader scientific community to discover how microfluidic technologies are enabling next-generation biomedical applications, from personalized medicine to advanced disease models.

Event details:

• Speaker: Prof. Jaap den Toonder
• Title: Microfluidic Technologies Enabling Novel Biomedical Applications
• Date: May 6, 2026
• Time: 12:30 PM
• Location: I3A Seminar Room, Floor 2, Block 5
• Organizer: TME Lab
• Admission: Open seminar

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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:

SPARTA® technology showcased at ICMAB seminar on advanced nanoparticle characterisation

Seminar at ICMAB highlights SPARTA® technology for high-resolution nanoparticle characterization, advancing nanomedicine research and innovation.

Barcelona, April 2026 — Last April 13, 2026, the Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) hosted a cutting-edge seminar on nanoparticle analysis, featuring Dr. Jelle Penders, CEO of SPARTA Biodiscovery. The event brought together researchers and professionals interested in the latest advances in nanomedicine and materials science.

Titled “From Targeting Moieties to Drug Loading: High Resolution Chemical Profiling of Nanoparticles with SPARTA”, the seminar introduced SPARTA® (Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis), an innovative technology that enables chemical fingerprinting at the single nanoparticle level. This approach represents a significant leap beyond conventional bulk analysis methods, allowing researchers to better understand the complexity and heterogeneity of nanoformulations.

A new standard in nanoparticle characterisation

During the session, Dr. Penders demonstrated how SPARTA® can be applied to a wide range of nanomaterials, including lipid and polymer nanoparticles (LNPs/PNPs) and extracellular vesicles. Through real-world case studies, attendees learned how the technology can:

• Assess the distribution and heterogeneity of targeting moieties on nanoparticle surfaces
• Quantify drug loading efficiency, distinguishing between loaded and unloaded particles
• Provide detailed chemical profiling to confirm the incorporation of key components

These capabilities are increasingly relevant for both academic and industrial applications, where precise characterisation is essential for drug development, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Bridging research and innovation

SPARTA® has already seen adoption across academia and industry, accelerating development pipelines and enabling more robust decision-making in nanomedicine. The technology originates from research at Imperial College London, where Dr. Penders completed his PhD under the supervision of leading experts in nanomaterials characterisation.

The seminar was hosted by Dr. Elisabet González Mira, researcher in the NANOMOL-BIO group at ICMAB and Scientific Coordinator of NANBIOSIS Unit 6, as well as Principal Investigator of the Nano4Rare project. The event was organized by the ICMAB Seminars and Training Committee and held both onsite and online, expanding its reach to a broader scientific audience.

NANBIOSIS Unit 6: Advanced materials for health

The seminar aligns with the mission of NANBIOSIS Unit 6, located at ICMAB-CSIC and coordinated by Prof. Nora Ventosa. This Unit specializes in the development, characterisation, and scale-up of molecular biomaterials with applications in biomedicine.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and operating under ISO 9001 quality standards, Unit 6 offers advanced technologies such as the DELOS-SUSP method, a compressed-fluid-based process for producing highly controlled micro- and nanostructured materials. Its unique capability to scale processes from laboratory to industrial levels supports both research and technology transfer.

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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:

Technical seminar on materials characterization at ICMAB

Free seminar at ICMAB-CSIC on April 14, 2026, showcases advanced particle characterization techniques with hands-on sessions. Limited seats available.

Barcelona, April 2026 — Next tuesday, April 14 2026, the Soft Materials Service (Unit 6) of NANBIOSIS, in collaboration with the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), will host a Technical Seminar on Materials Characterization, offering a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge techniques in particle analysis and material science.

This free event will bring together experts and industry professionals to present the latest advances in particle size analysis and material characterization. Attendance is free of charge, and participants may request a certificate of attendance.

Please note that capacity is limited.

Exploring advanced particle characterization techniques

The seminar will cover a wide range of analytical methods essential for nanomedicine, biomaterials, and materials science. Attendees will gain insights into key techniques such as laser diffraction, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), as well as microscopy-based approaches and stability analysis.

The program includes contributions from Nane Equipamientos, a company specialized in supplying and advising on material characterization equipment.

A hands-on learning experience

The event is structured into two main blocks:

• Morning session (theoretical): Expert-led presentations introducing particle characterization techniques, their applications, and data interpretation.
• Afternoon session (practical): Interactive demonstrations where participants will have the opportunity to use advanced instrumentation, including laser diffraction systems, optical microscopy, DLS, and NTA equipment.

This combination ensures a comprehensive understanding of both the theory and real-world application of these technologies. You can see the detailed agenda here.

Supporting innovation through shared infrastructures

As part of NANBIOSIS, the Soft Materials Unit (U6) continues to foster innovation by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in materials characterization. Events like this seminar reinforce its mission to support researchers, companies, and innovators in advancing nanotechnology and biomedical applications.

Registration and contact

The seminar is open to researchers, students, and industry professionals interested in materials characterization. Due to limited seating, early registration is recommended. You can register in the website or using the QR code below.

For more information, participants can contact the organizers via email at info@nane.pro. To know more about this event, you can visit nane’s website.

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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:

Biofunctionalized nanoconjugates: Advancing diagnostics and nanomedicine

NANBIOSIS launches an integrated service to develop antibody-functionalized nanoconjugates, bridging diagnostics and nanomedicine innovation.

NANBIOSIS introduces a cutting-edge integrated service for the design, production, and characterization of biofunctionalized nanoconjugates, addressing a critical bottleneck in diagnostics and nanomedicine development.

Led by Prof. M. Pilar Marco (Unit 2, CAbS) and Dr. Carlos Rodríguez (Unit 12), and coordinated by Nuria Pascual (U2) and Susana Vilchez (U12), this initiative combines expertise across disciplines to deliver robust, reproducible, and application-ready nanobiotechnology solutions.

Bridging a Critical Gap in Nanomedicine

Many promising biomedical innovations fail to progress beyond the prototype stage due to a disconnect between two key components: the biological recognition element (such as antibodies) and the nanostructured carrier.

Developing these elements independently often leads to incompatibilities in performance, stability, and scalability—especially in advanced applications such as:

• Antibody-functionalized nanoprobes
• Liposomal or micellar diagnostic reagents
• Point-of-care nanodiagnostics and theranostics

NANBIOSIS addresses this challenge by integrating both aspects into a single, coordinated workflow.

A Fully Integrated Workflow

This new service connects the strengths of Unit 2 (Custom Antibody Service, CAbS) and Unit 12 (Nanostructured Liquids Characterization Unit), offering a seamless pipeline from concept to validated nanoformulation.

Key capabilities include:

• Custom antibody development (U2):
  Design of haptens and peptides, antibody production and purification, immunoassay development, and bioconjugation.
• Advanced nanomaterial characterization (U12):
  Comprehensive physicochemical analysis of colloidal systems, including size distribution, zeta potential, stability, viscosity, and microscopy (e.g., DLS/SLS and SEM).

Together, these services enable the development of optimized antibody-functionalized nanoconjugates with enhanced robustness and translational potential.

From Concept to Application

The integrated workflow covers all stages of development:

1. Target definition and biomarker selection
2. Hapten and immunogen synthesis
3. Antibody production and screening
4. Functionalization of nanostructures
5. Physicochemical characterization
6. Stability and performance optimization

This end-to-end approach ensures compatibility between biological and nanostructured components, significantly increasing the likelihood of successful real-world applications.

Proven Impact in Biomedical Research

The service builds on successful collaborations and high-impact research. Notable examples include:

• A nanoplasmonic biosensor for monitoring the anticoagulant acenocoumarol in plasma, integrating highly specific antibodies with gold nanostructures.
• The development of functionalized PLGA nanoparticles for theranostic applications, demonstrating selective interaction with proteins involved in transport across the blood–brain barrier.

These cases highlight the potential of integrated nanobioconjugation strategies to advance precision diagnostics and targeted therapies.

Enabling the Future of Nanodiagnostics

By combining biological expertise with advanced nanomaterial characterization, NANBIOSIS positions itself at the forefront of nanomedicine, biosensing, and point-of-care diagnostics.

This integrated service offers researchers and companies a reliable pathway to transform innovative ideas into validated, high-performance nanobiomedical products—accelerating their journey from lab to market.

You can read more information about this CEBS 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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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 Unit 6 inspires future scientists with school visit to ICMAB-CSIC

NANBIOSIS Unit 6 opens its doors to high school students, inspiring future scientists through hands-on experience in soft materials research.

Barcelona, March 2026 — On Friday, March 6, the Soft Materials Service (Unit 6) of NANBIOSIS welcomed a group of 4th-year secondary school students for an educational visit to its facilities at the Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC).

Students from Mare de Déu de la Gleva (Les Masies de Voltregà) and Llissach (Santpedor) had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research environments and gain first-hand insight into the science behind advanced materials.

Bringing Soft Materials research closer to young minds

During the visit, students were introduced to the full workflow of soft materials research—from preparation to physicochemical characterization. Researchers at the SOFT service demonstrated how nano- and microstructured materials are developed and analyzed, highlighting their relevance in fields such as biomedicine and nanotechnology.

Participants explored specialized equipment used for processing materials with compressed fluids, including CO₂-based technologies, and learned about advanced techniques for characterizing particulate systems. These demonstrations provided a tangible understanding of how scientific concepts translate into real-world applications.

A unique facility at the forefront of nanomaterials

NANBIOSIS Unit 6 Soft Materials Service is a leading facility dedicated to the preparation and characterization of molecular soft materials. Located in Barcelona, the Unit operates within the NANOMOL group, renowned for its expertise in molecular and polymeric materials.

The facility supports the development of biomaterials with controlled micro, nano, and supramolecular structures, which are essential for therapeutic and biomedical applications. Among its key technologies is the DELOS-SUSP methodology, a one-step process based on compressed fluids that enables precise and reproducible production of particulate materials.

Unit 6 also stands out for its ability to scale up processes—from milliliter to liter volumes—facilitating the transition from laboratory research to industrial applications under a Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The service operates under ISO 9001 certification, ensuring high standards in quality management.

Encouraging Scientific Curiosity and Future Careers

Initiatives like this school visit play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research institutions and society. By opening their doors to young students, facilities like NANBIOSIS Unit 6 help spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.

These experiences not only enhance scientific literacy but also inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Visit NANBIOSIS Facilities

Educational institutions interested in organizing similar visits to NANBIOSIS facilities can contact directly at: gabriel.alfranca [at] ciber-bbn.es

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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 showcases colloidal characterization expertise at the 54 CED Annual Meeting

NANBIOSIS Unit 12 showcased advanced colloidal characterization technologies at the 54 CED Annual Meeting, highlighting their role in product innovation.

Barcelona, March 2026 — Last March 11–12, NANBIOSIS Unit 12 actively participated in the 54 CED Annual Meeting, a key international forum bringing together industry leaders and scientific experts in detergency, cosmetics, and colloidal systems.

The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between academia and industry, reinforcing the importance of advanced characterization techniques in the development and optimization of innovative products.

Advancing Colloidal Science for Industry Applications

During the meeting, NANBIOSIS Unit 12 highlighted its cutting-edge capabilities in the comprehensive characterization of colloidal systems. The Unit emphasized the critical role of particle analysis in ensuring product performance, stability, and quality control across sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and detergents.

Among the featured contributions were:

• Oral presentation: “Particle size as a key parameter in the characterization of colloids”, delivered by Susana Vílchez
• Poster presentation: “A Multifaceted Approach to Assess the Efficacy in Colloidal Cosmetics Formulations”, presented by Jonathan Miras

These contributions showcased how advanced analytical techniques can provide deeper insights into colloidal formulations, ultimately supporting more efficient product development and improved consumer outcomes.

About NANBIOSIS Unit 12

NANBIOSIS Unit 12 (Nanostructured Liquid Characterization) is hosted at the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), in Barcelona.

The Unit is coordinated by the Colloid and Interfacial Chemistry Group and led by Scientific Director Prof. Carlos Rodríguez, with Jordi Esquena as Scientific Coordinator.

Unit 12 specializes in the characterization of nanostructures in liquid systems and interfaces, including micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure enables detailed analysis of key parameters such as:

• Particle size distribution and zeta potential
• Critical micelle concentration (CMC)
• Surface and interfacial tension
• Colloidal stability and solubilization capacity
• Rheological properties (viscosity, shear, and elastic moduli)

These capabilities make Unit 12 a strategic partner for both academic and industrial stakeholders seeking advanced solutions in nanomedicine, cosmetics, and materials science.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration Through NANBIOSIS

Participation in events like the CED Annual Meeting highlights NANBIOSIS’ commitment to bridging scientific excellence and industrial innovation. By showcasing its technological capabilities and engaging with industry professionals, Unit 12 continues to foster collaborations that accelerate the translation of research into real-world applications.

More information about the event 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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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 animal study reveals overlooked fecal metabolites linked to early liver disease under high-fat diet

New research reveals previously overlooked fecal metabolites linked to early MASLD under a high-fat diet, highlighting gut–liver metabolic interactions.

Valencia, March 2026 — A new scientific study has uncovered previously underexplored metabolites in the fecal metabolome that may play an important role in the early development of metabolic liver disease. The research, titled “The Hidden Players of the Fecal Metabolome: Metabolic Dysregulation Beyond SCFAs Under a High-Fat Diet” and published in the journal Metabolites, provides new insights into how diet and gut microbiota interact to influence host metabolism.

The work also acknowledges the contribution of NANBIOSIS Unit 26, whose team supported the experimental procedures required for the animal study.

Looking beyond short-chain fatty acids

The gut microbiota plays a central role in metabolic health, influencing the development of conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a growing global health concern previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Most research on gut microbial metabolism has focused on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), widely recognized for their role in host physiology. However, this study expands the scope by examining additional metabolites involved in energy metabolism, amino-acid turnover, bile acid regulation, and microbial fermentation.

Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy, researchers analyzed fecal samples from male and female Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet for 21 weeks—an experimental model previously validated to mimic early stages of MASLD.

Distinct metabolic signatures linked to diet and sex

The analysis revealed significant metabolic changes associated with high-fat diet exposure and sex differences. Among the most notable findings were alterations in bile acids such as cholate and glycocholate, suggesting disruptions in enterohepatic circulation—a key pathway linking liver function and gut metabolism.

Researchers also detected elevated levels of fucose, a sugar that has been associated with liver pathology. At the same time, the metabolic profile indicated shifts in energy metabolism, including increased levels of acetoacetate and malonate alongside reduced lactate production. These changes point to altered pyruvate metabolism and possible inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.

Additional differences were found in metabolites related to branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, including 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate and 3-aminoisobutyrate, reinforcing previous evidence that high-fat diets disrupt amino-acid metabolism.

The study also identified changes in microbial fermentation products such as methanol and ethanol, suggesting shifts in gut microbial activity under high-fat dietary conditions.

New insights into early MASLD mechanisms

Together, these findings provide a functional interpretation of several metabolites that had been previously detected but not fully understood in earlier longitudinal studies. By linking these compounds to both hepatic and microbial metabolic processes, the research offers new biological insights into the mechanisms that may drive the early stages of MASLD.

Understanding these metabolic alterations could ultimately contribute to the identification of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for metabolic liver diseases.

NANBIOSIS contribution

The researchers acknowledged the support of Ana Díaz and Mustafa Ezzeddin Ayoub from NANBIOSIS Unit 26, who assisted with animal housing and euthanasia at the Central Unit for Research in Medicine (UCIM) of the University of Valencia.

NANBIOSIS Unit 26 provides advanced metabolomics capabilities through high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Located at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valencia, the unit hosts a 14-Tesla NMR platform capable of generating highly detailed metabolic profiles of biofluids, tissues, and cell lines.

The Unit is coordinated by Ramón Martínez Máñez of the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia together with Salvador Gil, Director of the Central Service for Experimental Research (SCSIE).

By enabling high-precision metabolomic analyses and supporting experimental research infrastructure, NANBIOSIS continues to facilitate cutting-edge studies exploring the complex interactions between metabolism, diet, and disease.

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).

If you want to collaborate with us, visit our Order Request page.

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: