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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:

• Read More

CIBER-BBN: A New Car Brand?

CIBER-BBN: A New Car Brand?

You might think CIBER-BBN sounds like a car brand. And in fact, just like in the automotive world, engineers and scientists from multiple fields at CIBER-BBN are designing new diagnostic techniques and therapies tailored to the needs of the patients.

But what do those initials mean?

Designing and manufacturing a car requires the integration of many disciplines, all working in unison and in collaboration. In some areas of biomedicine, things work in a very similar way. CIBER stands for the Biomedical Research Networking Center (in Spanish, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red), created by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). It is a scientific-technical support body for the Spanish healthcare system, and for society at large. So when we talk about “CIBER,” we’re referring to a public scientific consortium made up of a vast national network of more than 500 research and clinical groups, distributed across over 100 different institutions. This enormous structure is subdivided into 13 different research areas, each dedicated to a specific field of biomedical research.

And BBN is one of those areas.

Multiple Disciplines in One Area

CIBER-BBN stands for Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine. That makes it one of the most eclectic and multidisciplinary areas within CIBER. Let’s explore what each part means, explained by three prestigious researchers working in CIBER-BBN.

Bioengineering and Medical Imaging

Much like designing a car body, bioengineering involves creating comfortable and functional designs, except in this case, it’s for cells to feel at ease while performing their functions, growing faster, or aiding in tissue regeneration. Also, it’s hard to find a car these days without sensors telling us what’s going on. Likewise, bioengineering helps us analyze the images and signals our body emits, so we can detect, decode, and map what the eye cannot see.

“Through bioengineering, we’e designing sensors that capture signals produced by the body, whether electrical, optical, or chemical.”

—Dr. Olga Conde

“Through bioengineering, we’re designing sensors that capture signals produced by the body, whether electrical, optical, or chemical,” explains Dr. Olga Conde, Associate Professor at the University of Cantabria and a CIBER-BBN member since 2016. “These sensors must be small enough to be placed inside the body in a portable way, enabling continuous monitoring of chronic diseases and aging. Interpreting the large volume of signals and analyzing all this information is complex, so we develop computing systems, mostly based on Artificial Intelligence, that help clinical staff in decision-making. We also work on improving diagnostic techniques through automated analysis of medical images. This include new imaging techniques that allow better planning and real-time monitoring of interventions. For instance, we can now outline tumors in real time before removing them. This leads to improved recovery rates and more efficient use of resources.”

Biomaterials and Advanced Therapies

Like in the case of a car, the human body at some point may need parts repaired or replaced to function optimally. That’s where biomaterials and advanced therapies come into play, acting as spare parts for the body, designed to extend its life and improve component efficiency, promoting safer and longer-lasting performance.

“Biomaterials and advanced therapies are revolutionizing regenerative medicine“

—Dr. Selma Benito

“Biomaterials and advanced therapies are revolutionizing regenerative medicine,“ says Dr. Selma Benito, postdoctoral researcher at CIBER-BBN. She is working in tissue repair, regeneration, and wound healing within Dr. Pascual’s group at the University of Alcalá. She is also the Scientific Coordinator of NANBIOSIS Unit 17. “Biomaterials offer new ways to repair weakened tissues, such as abdominal wall defects. These are commonly known as hernias.” Dr. Benito explains that biomaterials act like “scaffolds or reinforcements” that support healing of weakened or torn tissues. Some of them are even equipped with antibacterial properties or are designed to be reabsorbed by the body, reducing postoperative risks. “Advanced therapies also promote regeneration of damaged tissues, speeding up the healing of hard-to-treat wounds like chronic ulcers or diabetic and pressure sores, while reducing inflammation and risk of infection.” These strategies not only improve the quality of life of the patients, but also help optimize healthcare system resources.

Nanomedicine

No matter how comfortable, stylish, safe, or customizable a car is, its main job is to get us where we want to go. That’s where the third branch of CIBER-BBN comes in: nanomedicine. This field focuses on designing nanoscale “vehicles” that deliver drugs to their precise destinations, wrap them to prevent early activation, and release them at just the right time. This way, we can control where our vehicle goes and when it acts.

“Though there’s still much to discover, nanomedicine is paving the way for a new era in fighting diseases like cancer”

—Dr. Eugenia Mato

“Though there’s still much to discover, nanomedicine is paving the way for a new era in fighting diseases like cancer,” says Dr. Eugenia Mato, a CIBER researcher affiliated with the Research Institute of Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona and Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona. “One key to its success is nanoparticles: tiny biomaterials that can deliver drugs or genes directly into damaged cells in our tissues.” She gives a compelling example: “In cases of aggressive thyroid cancer, these advances, combined with better tumor understanding, are opening the door to more effective and personalized treatments. These approaches are likely to improve both patient quality of life and survival rates in the coming years.”

Beyond the Lab: The Medicine of the Future

Aside from having a well-designed car, who wouldn’t want a GPS to guide them efficiently to a cure? Just as a car needs a driver to reach its destination, CIBER-BBN aims to bring its research to real solutions for patients. The road is long and requires many steps and extensive knowledge. That’s why CIBER-BBN, alongside other institutions, created NANBIOSIS: a platform that offers services for doctors, researchers, and companies to tackle challenges they can’t address alone.

Biological chassis, nano-vehicles for drug delivery, safety, and personalization. For CIBER-BBN, the car… is you.

Credits
Eugenia Mato
Olga M. Conde
Selma Benito
Gabriel Alfranca

This article is part of a practical activity from the CIBER Communication Course, whose next edition will be held in May 2025 in Madrid.

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:

• Read More

NANBIOSIS joins pioneering research on the permeability of epithelia for new Drug Delivery

NANBIOSIS Unit 1 supports study on c-CPE protein to modulate epithelial permeability, enabling safer, targeted drug delivery.

Barcelona, april 2025. Researchers from the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and other institutions have published a new study in Molecular Pharmaceutics demonstrating the dual behavior of a fragment of a bacterial toxin in modulating epithelial permeability. Thus providing with a key factor for improving drug delivery through epithelial barriers.

The study, titled “Trans-Mediated, Cis-Inhibited Paradoxical Activity of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin (c-CPE) in Modulating Epithelial Permeability” (DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c01205), explores how the c-CPE domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin affects tight junctions in epithelial cell monolayers.

Using Caco-2 cell cultures, the researchers have shown that fusion proteins containing the c-CPE fragment can bind to epithelial cells without triggering internalization or cytotoxic effects, and importantly, they facilitate the passage of other therapeutic proteins across epithelial barriers. Interestingly, these c-CPE-tagged proteins remain trapped at the tight junctions and cannot cross the barrier themselves, likely due to their high binding affinity.

This finding highlights a novel and practical strategy: using c-CPE as a temporary gate-opener to enhance drug or biologic delivery across epithelial tissues, without the need for chemical disruption—an approach with promising implications for drug development and targeted delivery platforms.

This paradoxical behavior offers valuable insights for drug delivery strategies that aim to temporarily and selectively open epithelial barriers, such as those of the intestine or respiratory tract, to facilitate the absorption of therapeutic macromolecules.

Scientific collaboration for complex drug delivery

The research was conducted by scientists from the Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB-UAB), the Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia at the UAB, as well as the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) from Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

NANBIOSIS Unit 1 – Protein Production Platform (PPP), led by Prof. Antonio Villaverde and located at the IBB-UAB, supported this research by participating in the production of the recombinant c-CPE-containing protein used in the experiments. The platform specializes in the design, expression, and purification of recombinant proteins for biomedical research and plays a central role in enabling access to high-quality protein biotechnologies for both academic and industrial partners.

This collaboration underscores the importance of advanced research infrastructures like NANBIOSIS in facilitating innovative biomedical research.

Abstract Image
Graphical abstract from 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:

• Read More

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:

• Read More

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.”

Graphical Abstract reproduced with permission from Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 185 (2025)

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:

• Read More

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:

• Read More

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:

• Read More

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:

• Read More

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:

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.

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New breakthrough in preventing infections in biomedical implants

A new TPU surface modification with an antimicrobial protein prevents biofilm formation in implants, offering an alternative to antibiotics and metal coatings.

Barcelona, february 2025. Infections associated with medical implants are a serious health issue. A new study presents a chemical modification of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with an antimicrobial protein that reduces the formation of biofilms of multidrug-resistant bacteria, offering an alternative to antibiotics and metal coatings in these devices.

A team of researchers has developed a new strategy to chemically modify TPU, a material widely used in medical devices, to endow it with antibacterial properties and prevent infections associated with biomedical implants. This innovation could represent a significant advancement in the safety and durability of medical implants. The study is part of a project funded by La Marató de TV3.

The study, led by Imma Ratera, researcher at the Nanomol-Bio group at ICMAB-CSIC and CIBER-BBN, and recently published in ACS Applied Bio Materials, describes how the chemical modification of the TPU surface and the self-assembled monolayer strategy are key to enabling the anchoring of the recombinant human α-defensin 5 (HD5) protein.

This specific surface functionalization promotes interaction with the antimicrobial protein, effectively inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation. The surface modification was achieved through a three-step process: activation of TPU with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), interfacial reaction with polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives, and finally, a simple click reaction between the PEG-maleimide terminated assembled monolayer and the HD5 protein.

The material has been characterized using advanced surface science techniques, confirming its antibacterial efficacy. The results show a significant reduction in the formation of biofilms of resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE).

This technology offers a promising alternative to antibiotics and metals like silver, addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance in implantable medical devices. “This breakthrough could represent a paradigm shift in preventing infections in medical implants, reducing complications, and improving patient safety,” says Ratera.

This discovery opens new avenues for the development of antimicrobial surfaces in medical devices, with great potential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with hospital-acquired infections.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and the Biomedical Research Networking Center – Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), in collaboration with the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the Hospital Clínic-Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) with the Biomedical Research Networking Center on Infectious Diseases (CIBER-INFEC), and the Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí.

The luminescence characterization of the modified TPU surfaces was carried out at Unit 6 of the ICTS Nanbiosis, specializing in the preparation and characterization of nanostructured biomaterials.

For more information, you can consult the full article in ACS Applied Bio Materials.

Reference article:

Activating Thermoplastic Polyurethane Surfaces with Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Recombinant Human α-Defensin 5 Monolayers for Antibiofilm Activity
Xavier Rodríguez Rodríguez, Adrià López-Cano, Karla Mayolo-Deloisa, Oscar Q. Pich, Paula Bierge, Nora Ventosa, Cristina García-de-la-Maria, José M. Miró, Oriol Gasch, Jaume Veciana, Judith Guasch, Anna Arís, Elena Garcia-Fruitós, Imma Ratera, the FUNCATH investigators
ACS Applied Bio Materials, 20 Feb 2025
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00732

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).

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

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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:

• Read More