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interview

New gene therapy for Cystic Fibrosis: an interview with Lucía Enríquez

Vasque Country, September, 2024 – In this interview, Lucía Enríquez, a PhD researcher at NANBIOSIS Unit 10, discusses her work on gene therapies for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs. Her research focuses on using non-viral vectors to deliver gene-editing tools, like Prime Editing, a variation of CRISPR-Cas9, to correct mutations at the genetic level. Lucía explains the advantages of non-viral vectors, such as avoiding immune responses and offering safer, non-invasive treatment options. She also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in her work at NANBIOSIS, where advanced drug formulation and pulmonary delivery systems are developed. Lucía reflects on the challenges of pursuing a scientific career in Spain, emphasizing the need for better working conditions and societal support for researchers.

Interviewer: Hi Lucía, tell us a bit about your research area. What projects are you currently working on?

Lucía: I’m currently working on my doctoral thesis in the laboratory of José Luis Pedraz, who is the director of Unit 10 of NANBIOSIS. My thesis focuses on the development of gene therapies encapsulated in non-viral vectors, mainly applied to the treatment of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease with which our group has been collaborating for a long time. We work extensively on non-viral vectors, almost always applied to gene therapy, as well as other projects related to chemical molecules or other types of therapies.

Something very well-established in our group is that all of these treatments or developments must always be as patient-friendly as possible, meaning minimally invasive. In fact, one of the services we offer at NANBIOSIS is the development and characterization of pulmonary formulations. This is largely due to our experience with cystic fibrosis, as it’s a disease that often involves lung pathology, though it is not the only one.

In summary, we work on developing therapies that are non-invasive, often of genetic origin, applying the most cutting-edge and effective techniques possible.

Interviewer: Non-viral vectors, as I understand, differ from virus-based vectors in that they do not use the mechanisms of viruses. Additionally, they can act at various levels and don’t necessarily alter DNA. Can you tell us a bit more about these mechanisms and how they alter genes or their expression?

Lucía: There are many forms of gene therapy, as you mentioned. Among other types, some modify the genome sequence itself, while others alter the expression of that genome without modifying its sequence.

One of the most important aspects that many research groups focus on is the delivery of these gene therapy tools into the cell. The biggest challenge is ensuring that once inside a complex living organism, like a human, these tools reach the site where we need them to take effect. Historically, the most effective way to deliver these genetic tools was through viral vectors. These are modified forms of viruses that don’t cause the pathology typical of the virus but use the virus’s ability to infect a cell to deliver these genetic tools.

Non-viral vectors aim to achieve that delivery effectively and target the site where they need to act without using a viral vector. This avoids the negative aspects of viral vectors, such as immune responses, gene insertion in some cases, etc. However, non-viral vectors were very inefficient until the development of lipid nanoparticles, which is what the COVID vaccines are made of, where it became clear that this was a very clinically viable option.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Interviewer: No doubt that was a global boost, which had been in development for years, and had even been considered for cancer therapies, although outside clinical application. In your case, you say it’s for cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disease as you mentioned. Do you work at the level of gene expression, at the gene level… what level do you edit at, and what tools do you use?

Lucía: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, as I said, which can be caused by many different mutations. There’s one that is highly prevalent, accounting for over 40% of cases, which is a small deletion of three base pairs that causes issues with a chloride-transporting protein. This affects many organs in the body, but it’s especially important in the lungs because patients with cystic fibrosis accumulate a lot of mucus in their lungs and have serious breathing problems, as well as frequent respiratory infections, etc.

One approach to treating cystic fibrosis at the gene therapy level, which is being led by a colleague of mine who is also working on their thesis, involves delivering a healthy copy of the mutated gene in the form of a plasmid. This means it will promote the functional expression of the gene in a non-pathological way, but it won’t insert into the genome, and the expression won’t be permanent, so the treatment would need to be reapplied.

In my thesis project, we are developing genetic tools based on Prime Editing, which is a variation of the CRISPR-Cas system that corrects the mutation. These tools target the site where the three-base-pair deletion is located and correct it. Here, there is indeed an alteration of the patient’s genome sequence, with the goal of restoring a “wild-type” genotype, or a healthy sequence. This change in the sequence would be permanent in that cell and in all its daughter cells.

Interviewer: Right, when the cell divides, it preserves that gene through subsequent generations. Also, CRISPR has so many applications and is a hot topic. Can you briefly explain what the CRISPR-Cas technology consists of? How do you manage to edit such a specific gene so precisely?

Lucía: The CRISPR-Cas9 technology was discovered because it was originally a way bacteria could defend themselves from viruses. Essentially, it consists of two components: a protein called Cas9, which is a nuclease that cuts the double strand of the genome, and an RNA sequence that we call guide RNA.

The guide RNA scans the entire genome of the cell, and when it reaches a site where the base pairs match perfectly, the Cas9 protein binds to it, recognizes it, and cuts the double strand of DNA. This triggers many DNA repair mechanisms in the cell. If you only introduce the Cas9 protein and the guide RNA, what you usually create is a knock-out (a silenced gene). This happens because the cell tries to repair the sequence at all costs, but it often makes mistakes, like skipping base pairs or adding extra base pairs, in a desperate attempt to avoid cell death.

If, at the time you make the double-strand cut, you also introduce a DNA sequence that matches the genome sequence, there’s a chance the cell will incorporate that sequence as it attempts to repair the break. If you’re introducing a healthy sequence, you’re effectively curing the cell of the genetic disease it had.

What we do isn’t exactly CRISPR-Cas9. We use Prime Editing, which is a variation of this system where the protein doesn’t cut both strands of the DNA, only one of them. This allows you to introduce small insertions, deletions, or base pair changes. In our case, it’s useful because, as I mentioned, one of the most prevalent mutations in cystic fibrosis is a deletion of three base pairs. So, it’s simpler and more efficient in terms of genetic correction to insert those three base pairs using Prime Editing, which is still a variation of CRISPR, rather than introducing an entire genomic sequence to try to repair the gene.

Interviewer: It really is amazing. And this is a system that can be universalized for many different applications, not just for cystic fibrosis. There are so many different genetic diseases, and here you have a tool that you can simply adapt, I imagine, by changing the guide RNA and the sequence you want to introduce. This way, it could be applied to a completely different disease, right?

Lucía: Exactly. In fact, since it was discovered, this tool has been used by many research groups around the world for all kinds of genetic diseases.

Interviewer: Great. Let’s talk a bit about you and your scientific career. On a personal level, what motivated you to choose a career in science? You’re doing a PhD now—what made you think, “This is for me”?

Lucía: It was mainly curiosity. I’ve always considered myself a very curious person, constantly seeking to understand the reasons behind things. In the end, research is about pushing the boundaries of knowledge to go a bit further and see beyond what’s known. That fascinates me on every level, but it also fulfills me personally, because of the kind of person I am—someone who needs to know things, search for answers, solve problems. I think that’s something really cool.

Interviewer: Yes, and it’s something quite common in the scientific world. Many people get into it driven by that initial curiosity, asking, “Why is this like that? Why does it work this way?” Your scientific career has started recently—have you had any “Eureka” moments? Moments where you felt proud of something working out, or something you consider an achievement, either personally or professionally?

Lucía: Well, honestly, I think “Eureka” moments don’t happen that often. If you do have one of those moments, maybe you’ll win a Nobel Prize afterward (laughs). But I think it’s more about the day-to-day—the small achievements, the little things. It also depends a lot on what kind of research you do. If you’re in more basic research, where you’re trying to understand how things work or molecular processes, I think it’s easier to get one of those “Eureka” moments—like discovering the function of a specific protein or the implications of a certain process, etc.

For us, since we do more process development and optimization, unfortunately, 80, maybe even 90% of the results are negative (laughs). I think it’s more about the small wins, taking one step at a time, building little by little, rather than having a big “Eureka” moment.

Interviewer: And constantly hitting a wall, saying “It’s not working, it’s not working…” and then one day suddenly saying, “I did it, I know what went wrong!” Even in that 10-20% of success, it’s very satisfying, right?

Lucía: When it works, it’s very satisfying (laughs).

Interviewer: What advice would you give to young people considering a career like yours in science?

Lucía: When people ask me, I always tell them to explore a lot and talk to people. There’s no wrong path—you can go into research or not. There are many ways to stay connected to science without working in a lab. I think everyone has to find their own path. It’s a beautiful path—I enjoy it, and as I said before, being constantly at the edge of knowledge is very satisfying. But it also demands a level of dedication and sacrifice that not everyone may want in their life. And that’s fine too—it doesn’t make you any less valid if you don’t want this type of life. Plus, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to science. So, talk to people, explore options—there are plenty out there. And that’s it (laughs).

Interviewer: And what do you think have been your biggest challenges in the field of scientific research?

Lucía: I think there have been too many. Everything is a challenge, and if it weren’t, we’d be doing something else, I think. I don’t know, I think when you’re dedicating yourself to learning, literally. There’s a point in the learning phase where you have to understand what’s happening. And that’s always a challenge when there’s no information in that field because, literally, you’re creating it yourself. It’s complex.

Interviewer: And it’s scary—you’re looking into the unknown, it’s the uncertainty, right? You have to enjoy that. How do you think we can encourage scientific vocations among young people?

Lucía: I think promoting a scientific career or this type of life comes down to making it accessible and providing good working conditions. While things have improved, they still aren’t good. Many people are still doing their PhD without getting paid because they don’t have access to a scholarship or funding source. That’s unacceptable. It’s very hard to achieve stability, a long-term career outlook, or a professional life that’s compatible with a personal life. I think that’s challenging, and I believe it’s the responsibility of authorities to promote it.

I also think there’s a societal issue. In Spain, society doesn’t see research as something necessary or even as a real job. I still get asked by people on the street or friends of my parents, “When are you going to stop doing that little course you’re taking?” And I’m like, “Wait, I’m not taking a course!” (laughs). I work in research—this is my job. It hasn’t really sunk in socially. So, if we don’t value it socially, it won’t be valued politically either, and then there won’t be funding. Sure, there are many calls for projects, etc., but the people working in this field need to be able to live, not just survive. They need to live under decent conditions. I think this is what most discourages people from pursuing a scientific career here in Spain, because it’s almost unfeasible.

Interviewer: The issue of job stability is an ongoing battle.

Lucía: To give you an idea, out of my group of friends from university who are doing research, five of us are working on our PhDs. I’m the only one doing it in Spain. Two are in Germany, and two are in the United States. Naturally, they all have a much better quality of life than I do.

Interviewer: It’s interesting because when data comes out about which professions people trust the most, scientists are at the top, even on par with doctors. People trust what scientists say. But as you pointed out, there’s a lack of societal awareness that science requires funding, public investment, and future prospects so that people who want to pursue it can have a stable career and decent working conditions. And many people who go abroad never come back because they’re treated so much better there…

Lucía: I spent 6 months working in a lab in Philadelphia, and the way they treat you—not just in terms of working conditions but also salary and work environment—is important. But what’s really key is the social recognition. Right now, to do a PhD, you need a degree, a master’s, and I’m earning almost the minimum wage, you know? We just want knowledge and qualifications to be valued in a rational way.

Interviewer: It’s not too much to ask…

Lucía: No (laughs). And I think this is important. It frustrates me that this is the reason why many people don’t go into science. There are so many brilliant and passionate people, but they eventually want to buy a house or start a family. And like this, you just can’t. And that’s the reality.

Interviewer: Let’s talk about NANBIOSIS. You work in Unit 10. Can you tell us a bit about what this unit focuses on, your role in the network, and your connection with it?

Lucía: Unit 10 is the Drug Formulation Unit. Essentially, it focuses on the development, characterization, and optimization of delivery systems for active ingredients, which could include chemical molecules, antibodies, proteins, gene therapy, and more. In short, we develop formulations that allow for the efficient delivery of these active ingredients.

This involves developing the optimal non-viral vector for each molecule, the composition of that non-viral vector, its formulation, and characterization. Additionally, we also focus on the characterization of pulmonary formulations, which is another key function of Unit 10. I believe we are a pretty advanced unit because we have pulmonary formulation characterization equipment, which is rare in Spain—there’s maybe only one other place with similar equipment.

Going back to non-invasive therapies, I think the pulmonary route is a very viable option, and it also allows us to characterize formulations intended for ophthalmic or intranasal delivery. Within this context, my role involves conducting experiments and designing them with the groups or entities that contact us to use our services or develop a project.

Interviewer: And connecting to this, how do you think NANBIOSIS can positively contribute to scientific research in the academic world?

Lucía: To be honest, before joining this lab, I didn’t know what NANBIOSIS was. When I discovered it, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to create networks, collaborate, and connect with people, groups, and entities working on things different from your own. It’s also an ideal way to facilitate knowledge exchange between academia and industry, which I think is very important. Above all, it helps expand your mind and allows you to use your expertise to contribute to the development of others’ knowledge.

Interviewer: I imagine you’re referring to, for example, a company that needs to test a type of formulation or is looking to vectorize a drug or treatment. You provide all that support in terms of know-how, especially considering your lab is cutting-edge, with top-notch equipment and excellent academics. You have true experts in pharmacology, and a company can really benefit from that help.

Lucía: Absolutely. In fact, I think the private industry has the ability to bring the knowledge generated to the market—something that academia doesn’t have the capacity to do, due to the nature of how academia works.

In academia, knowledge is generated, and the industry has the capability to bring it to the market. But there needs to be a common ground between academia and industry for that process to happen. One of the things I like about NANBIOSIS is that it presents itself as a potential point where that connection can happen, and that’s great. As you mentioned, there are a lot of prestigious people in academia. Just to give an example, our principal investigator (PI), José Luis Pedraz, is a member of the Spanish Academy of Pharmacy.

Interviewer: In fact, José Luis Pedraz is “Académico de Número”, a Full Member of the Spanish Academy of Pharmacy—one of the top 50 pharmacists in the country!

Lucía: Absolutely. When it comes to developing formulations or understanding pharmacology processes, honestly, there are few people better in this country than José Luis Pedraz. Having the opportunity, through NANBIOSIS, to have a meeting point with industry to launch that knowledge and enhance that know-how, as you mentioned, is truly a fantastic opportunity.

Professor Jose Luis Pedraz Muñoz, director of Unit 10, officially inducted as an “Académico de Número”, the highest position within the Royal National Academy of Pharmacy.

Interviewer: Great. And how has NANBIOSIS contributed to your scientific career? I understand you work with the services NANBIOSIS offers and are developing your research—what has it provided you with professionally?

Lucía: As I mentioned, NANBIOSIS is a meeting point for different groups and entities, and it has given me the opportunity to connect and understand how people working in different research fields think. This is crucial if you’re in science. Progressing in science without interacting with other areas is almost like failing in the attempt, and José Luis understands this very well: you need to collaborate and understand all the fields developing around you.

In fact, it was one of the reasons I chose to do my PhD here—because of the culture of collaboration and working with other groups. We work with a couple of groups that are engineers specializing in developing materials and devices for medical applications. This is something you don’t initially consider, but when you have your formulation with your gene therapy all ready to go, you might then ask, “How do I administer it?” Having the opportunity to talk to people who develop delivery devices or understand that part of the process that you might not cover—because we can’t do everything—is vital for your development as a scientist and for understanding everything happening around you.

Interviewer: In addition, NANBIOSIS has a wide range of Units and a very broad, multidisciplinary service portfolio, which is absolutely essential in research and technology transfer today. In fact, this leads nicely into the next question: At NANBIOSIS, we have the Cutting Edge Biomedical Solutions, which involve combining several services from various Units to address a market problem or an industrial challenge. This aims to provide solutions to the industry on issues that require that know-how and the interconnection and synergy between the Units. You have been involved in several of these Cutting Edge Biomedical Solutions; could you give us a brief overview of them?

Lucía: Yes, currently we have three active ones, if I remember correctly. They all revolve around nanomedicines and non-viral vectors, encapsulating active ingredients, cells, genetic material, proteins, etc.

One is focused on the physicochemical characterization of these nanomedicines themselves. Having them well-characterized and studied allows us to understand exactly what’s happening and makes the scaling process easier.

Another one is about in vitro characterization of these nanomedicines. This means studying how they behave in pathological models or cellular models in two dimensions. This allows you to start fine-tuning the formulations or nanomedicines to ensure they have biological activity.

The third one is about in vivo characterization of these medicines. This helps you understand how these nanomedicines work within a more complex organism compared to a two-dimensional cell culture. Using experimental animals, you can study how they distribute within the organism, how effective they are, etc. This enables a better understanding of how the therapy works and optimizes it in a complex organism before moving on to human clinical trials.

All three together cover the necessary steps before reaching clinical trials.

Interviewer: They are essential in the transfer and translation of new therapies, and require a lot of hands-on work and cutting-edge facilities. One last question: How do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Lucía: To start with, I hope to be a doctor (laughs).

Interviewer: How long have you been working on your thesis?

Lucía: Well, it’s been about two and a half years now, so we’re about halfway through. And then… I don’t know. Science is something that I really like and motivates me a lot, and it’s always been part of my life’s project. I think this happens not only to people in science: if you dedicate yourself to something that motivates you a lot and you’re willing to give it 100% every day, it becomes part of your life’s project, not just your job. But it’s not my only life project (laughs), so… we’ll see. We’ll see what opportunities arise, whether I can continue dedicating myself to science or if it stops being viable. As I mentioned before, it’s not an easy path; I might be able to pursue science… but maybe not in this country. I don’t know, we’ll see.

Interviewer: We’ll see. Thank you very much for these minutes. It’s been a pleasure, Lucía. We’ll stay in touch.

Lucía: Likewise, see you later!

You can watch the full interview here (Spanish):

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

The revolutionary path of research in NANBIOSIS and advice on Woman’s Day 2024

Our interview series delve into the journeys of 7 female researchers, their challenges, and the call for gender equality in science, inspiring the next generation.

March 8th 2024, NANBIOSIS (Spain)

Kicking off on 11F “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” 2024, and spanning all the way until Woman’s Day 2024, our interview series has aimed to highlight the life, career and opinions of some of the brilliant minds within our network. Today is time to wrap it up, and for this reason we present you a summary of each of them and a chance to take a deeper look.

In these series we delved into the remarkable journeys, research endeavors, and challenges faced by these exceptional women in their pursuit of scientific excellence. From unraveling the mysteries of nanotechnology to pioneering advancements in biosciences, each researcher’s story resonates with perseverance, resilience, and a fervent commitment to breaking barriers. With no doubt their collective message resonates loudly: a call to inspire and empower the next generation of aspiring researchers, regardless of gender, to embark on their own transformative journeys in the world of science and innovation, as well as speaking out on the issues that female researchers still encounter today.

Anna Aviñó speaks about her journey as a researcher and her captivating oligonucleotides.

“Oligonucleotides (…) are recently being approved as new advanced gene therapies for many diseases, including rare and cardiovascular diseases.”

—Dr. Anna Aviñó, scientific coordinator of Unit 29.

Our leading chemist, specialized in nucleic acid chemistry, was the first interview published in these series. She offered us insights into her current projects focused on synthetic and structural studies of oligonucleotides. With a deep understanding of their applications in gene therapies and biosensors, Dr. Aviñó highlighted her contributions to the field and addressed challenges faced as a woman scientist.

Through her expertise and dedication, she advocates for gender equality in science, emphasizing the importance of unbiased education and empowering young women to pursue careers in research.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Martín tells us about her innovations in cancer treatment with nanoparticles.

“There are challenging moments during a scientific career (…), but in the end, persistence pays off.”

—Dr. Ana Martín, collaborator scientist in Unit 9.

Ana has a multifaceted background spanning Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry, and a Ph.D. And in this second part of our series she welcomed us into a world of scientific inquiry and innovation. In this interview, Ana shared her pioneering work in cancer research, utilizing nanoparticles for anti-tumor treatments. Ana also reflected on gender equality in science, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a scientific career, and her aspirations for a more inclusive scientific community.

You can read the full interview here.

Prof. Peña gave us her insightful point of view in overcoming challenges, embracing passion, and cultivating collaborative success towards career estabilization.

“The most important thing in your professional career is to dedicate yourself to something you love (…) that’s incredibly important from a professional point of view.”

—Prof. Estefanía Peña, Scientific Coordinator of Unit 13.

In a captivating interview, Professor Estefanía Peña shared her insights on overcoming challenges, nurturing passion, and fostering collaborative success in achieving career stability. Amidst the bustling R&D environment, Professor Peña’s laboratory serves as a beacon of innovation and determination. With enthusiasm and warmth, she discussed her journey in computational modeling and biomedical engineering, highlighting her experiences, hurdles, and victories. Professor Peña’s story resonates as a testament to perseverance and dedication, offering valuable advice to aspiring researchers on following their passions.

You can read the full interview here.

Our expert in nanocarriers talks about her journey from biotechnology to cancer therapy, an example of passion and perseverance in science.

“I am fortunate to be able to devote myself to something I am passionate about. Research is something I enjoy every day.”

—Dr. María Sancho, Researcher at Unit 9.

Dr. Sancho, our expert in nanocarriers and cancer therapy, shared with us her inspiring journey from biotechnology to groundbreaking research. Set in Zaragoza, Spain, the interview highlighted Maria’s passion and perseverance in pursuing scientific excellence. With warmth and enthusiasm, she discussed her innovative work in developing nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. Maria’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists, showcasing the transformative power of dedication and curiosity in the pursuit of scientific advancement.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Vílchez, our esteemed colloidal chemistry researcher, discusses her focus on water-in-water emulsions and microcoacervates. She highlights gender biases in science and advocates for inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions.

“I would advise (young women) to pursue their dreams, to show others what they are capable of, and not to let themselves be underestimated.”

—Dr. Susana Vílchez, technical and quality manager of Unit 12.

Dr. Vílchez offered a profound insight into her research endeavors and career trajectory. Specializing in the characterization of colloidal systems such as micelles, vesicles, emulsions, and more, her current focus lies on the intriguing realm of water-in-water emulsions and the formation of microcoacervates, serving as a model for membraneless organelles (MLO) by introducing DNA into these emulsions. During the interview, Dr. Vílchez also shed light on the gender biases prevalent in her field and offered invaluable perspectives on fostering gender equality in science. Through her experiences and unwavering dedication, she inspires young women to pursue their scientific aspirations while advocating for broader inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions in shaping the scientific landscape.

You can read the full interview here.

Dr. Mincholé discusses cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research.

“(I) design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms.”

—Dr. Ana Mincholé, researcher at Unit 27.

In this part 6 of our interview series, Dr. Ana Mincholé discussed her groundbreaking work in cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research. Dr. Mincholé’s insights offered a glimpse into her innovative approach to integrating computational models with clinical data to advance cardiac care. Her passion for science and dedication to promoting diversity in STEM shine through, underscoring the invaluable contributions of women in the field.

You can read the full interview here.

As a bosus, we have recently published the last of our interviews in our YouTube channel.

In this part VII, we had the pleasure to interview Dr. Eli Prats, a brilliant researches from Unit 8 and a fantastic science communicator. Watch it full here:

About 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).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions, place your request 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 6: A conversation with Ana Mincholé on unlocking the heart’s secrets

Dr. Mincholé discusses cardiac risk assessment, gender challenges in science, and the transformative potential of Digital Twins in healthcare research.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

March 2024, I3A-Unizar, Zaragoza (Spain)

The meeting room of the High Performance Computing cluster is a comfortable place. A whiteboard full of diagrams occupies a good portion of one of the side walls, creating a welcoming atmosphere where complex concepts become accessible. In stark contrast, a long table is presided over by a large screen and a video call system, making it clear that the boundaries of this place extend beyond its modest size.

The meeting has just ended. It has been intense. In it, the members of NANBIOSIS Unit 27 have given us a comprehensive update on their work. Although our background is more focused on the biomedical aspect, the explanation has been so didactic that we have ended up feeling like part of something much, much larger. Theirs is a work full of versatility and possibilities, only limited by the immense computing power of their machines and the indisputable brilliance of their staff.

Ana Mincholé, one of the team members, waits for the interview to begin. She has already expressed her nervousness to me but, without intending to question her word, I believe she underestimates herself. She was able to open our eyes during that complex meeting, along with the rest of the team, allowing an audience with little computational background to understand the endless possibilities of their equipment. This is a piece of cake for her.

The interview begins.

What motivated you to choose a career in science?

“I’m not sure if science chose me, or if humanities rejected me. I’ve always found physics and mathematics much more entertaining than humanities subjects.”

Interesting… Usually children tend to think that mathematics is very difficult, that physics is very boring… etc.

“It’s a bit strange. I felt more creative solving problems and looking for different ways to solve them, rather than in humanities subjects that I… um (laughs), when I thought I had done something great, they would tell me that… well, that it wasn’t (laughs again). I always knew that I was more into science than humanities disciplines. I liked it more.”

From the beginning, you felt that what they were teaching you in mathematics and physics was more natural for you.

“Yes, the typical problems such as ‘a train leaves from somewhere at such a speed of…’, I found them much more entertaining.”

Could you share with us a little about your research area and the projects you are currently working on?

“In general, my research focuses on the assessment of sudden cardiac death risk in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We work with patients who have suffered heart attacks, cardiomyopathies (heart defects), or patients with bradycardia who need pacemakers. We evaluate the risks using the electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heart, and in my case, also through computational models. These are virtual replicas of a patient’s heart that include all their clinical information, and you can evaluate them under different scenarios and see how they respond.”

Does this have to do with the ‘Digital Twins’? That is, replicating on a computer what happens to a person and seeing how the conditions you apply affect them.

“Yes, that’s it. In the case of the heart, for example, we can emulate cardiac anatomy through magnetic resonance images, then you can include fibrotic areas, infarcted areas, electrical dynamics… and with all this, you can simulate the electrical activity of a heart.”

So, not only can you mimic a healthy heart, but also a diseased one.

“That’s right. In hearts, there are always some areas that activate spontaneously. Normally this poses no danger, but in those hearts that already have some arrhythmogenic substrate, meaning that they have some type of previous pathology such as infarcted or fibrotic areas, those activations can cause an arrhythmia.”

What have been the greatest challenges you have faced as a woman in the field of scientific research?

“What a complicated question! There are so many challenges you face simply as a researcher… Perhaps more as a woman? I could highlight that I am a mother of two children, and research is always something that is constantly moving. Facing maternity, personally, I had a lot of plans and I told myself that I wouldn’t leave anything behind. I believed that, as soon as I felt better, I would start doing things, reading articles… but life with a newborn is what it is, and in the end, you don’t do it. And you have that fear and you start to wonder things such as ‘What happened during all this time?’, ‘Will I be able to catch up?’. “

So, I understand that you think the measures that are already in place are insufficient.

“Of course. The thing is research never stops. Science keeps advancing, with or without you. And although in the end it’s not that big of a deal, it’s a feeling you constantly have. Research is a bit strange: on one hand, you have a lot of flexibility, but at the same time, you never really disconnect. Deadlines come, and if you have to work on the weekend, you do it. Or maybe there is that Tuesday in which nothing has come out right, and at night you keep thinking about why the experiment you did in the morning didn’t work out. You keep coming up with ideas, and never really stop thinking about it.”

It is interesting what you’re saying because that applies to a lot of research fields. One might think that in the case of in silico experiments it would not be as bad as, for example, people working with animal models.

“Well, in our field of in silico experiments, you always encounter an error right on Friday before leaving work (laughs). Although during my master’s, I worked on a more experimental project, and it’s true that it’s a whole different level: If something doesn’t work out, you have to wait until it finishes, and I think in that sense, it’s much more demanding.”

Have you experienced any kind of gender bias or added difficulty in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

“I feel like I haven’t faced a significant bias because of being a woman. Also, I’ve felt supported in all the research groups I’ve been part of. It’s true that in some fields, certain attitudes like paternalism and condescension arise because of being young and a woman. But young people stop being young… and women never stop being women (laughs). In those cases, you have to demonstrate that you know what you know, which adds pressure.”

There are fields and careers where there are many more women than men. This is the case for the more ‘bio’ careers. How do you see parity in your field?

“In my field, there’s quite a gender parity. Moreover, in all the groups I’ve worked with, there’s been a fair balance between men and women. I won’t deny that the further you advance in the research career, the more gender bias there is. Generally, there are more men in leadership positions than women, and women tend to have a harder time too. In my case, I haven’t personally experienced any gender bias. I’m lucky to be able to collaborate with people who add value. And with those who don’t, there’s no need for us to collaborate.”

How do you think these barriers can be overcome?

“Visibility. It has worked in other areas. I, being a bit older, remember not long ago when we had a female Minister of Defense, and there were those who were shocked. And nowadays, we don’t give it importance anymore. The visibility of women in science is constantly increasing. An example is the researcher behind the Oxford/Astra Zeneca COVID vaccine, whose presence in the media was quite prominent. We see it more and more often.”

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science?

“I would tell them to go for it, that it’s a very rewarding career with plenty of opportunities. Sometimes, I think there’s a lack of female role models in science and also in other sectors. This is because even when there’s a mixed team working behind the scenes, the predominant presence of male figures gives a biased picture. And I believe it’s important to convey that science isn’t just for men.”

“(I) design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms.

—Dr. Ana Mincholé, researcher at Unit 27.

Have you had any ‘Eureka’ moments in your career? What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or contribution in your field on a professional or personal level?

“Luckily in research, you have quite a few ‘Eureka’ moments. And thank goodness for that! Because there are also many frustrating moments that require a lot of effort and work. Thus when something finally works out, it’s very satisfying. But you have to constantly deal with ups and downs.

As for my greatest achievements, at the end of my PhD, we managed to develop a novel biomarker that was closely related to arrhythmic risk. That was a real high. Something more recent could be to design and work on a research line that combines computational models with cardiac signals and images. This was done with the aim of stratifying arrhythmic risk and understanding its mechanisms. I’m not sure if I would define it as an achievement, but it’s a line of work that I’m particularly proud of.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? And where do you see this technology?

“In the future, I imagine Digital Twins technology being more integrated into clinical practice, with tangible benefits for patients. I think, at the moment, it’s more used at the research level and needs better explanation to understand its potential. But I’m convinced that this technology will be very useful in clinical settings, and I would like to be present when that happens.

Digital Twins of the heart are detailed virtual replicas that incorporate clinical information and specific measurements from each patient in addition to how the heart functions. They are very self-explanatory, and they answer the question of ‘why’ something happens, providing possible explanations for what is going on. Although these models are very descriptive, I don’t see them as incompatible with other types of models, such as artificial intelligence-based solely on data.

In the case of Digital Twins, behaviors and dynamics are introduced, making them much more explanatory. Furthermore, they are multiscale models that cover everything from the cellular level to propagation through cardiac tissue and the torso, even simulating the patient’s electrocardiogram. These multiscale models allow for personalized therapies and specific assessment of arrhythmic risk for each individual.”

How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

“I have participated in initiatives that are fantastic for explaining different professional experiences to people who have to choose a career. I also believe that we need to give visibility to science; not only from the perspective of research, but by showing all the possibilities that pursuing a career in science offers. I think, in the end, one has to choose the career they like the most, and then they can always redirect their decisions to work in what motivates them at each stage of life. The important thing is to decide to do things that fulfill you, motivate you, and do them well.

For example, I studied Physics and never imagined doing a PhD. Then, I went on Erasmus, ended up doing a master’s, and during the master’s thesis project, I discovered that biomedical research fascinated me and fulfilled me. So, I ended up doing a PhD. Life takes you places, and the important thing is to do things that bring you fulfillment and that you enjoy.”

Thank you very much Ana for your time.

“Thanks a lot, to you.”

For more interviews like this, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions, place your request 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 5: Susana Vílchez and her insights on water-in-water emulsions and gender equality in Science

Dr. Vílchez, our esteemed colloidal chemistry researcher, discusses her focus on water-in-water emulsions and microcoacervates. She highlights gender biases in science and advocates for inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

March 2024, IQAC-CSIC, Barcelona (Spain)

Dr. Susana Vílchez, an esteemed researcher in colloidal chemistry, and the technical and quality manager of Unit 12 of NANBIOSIS, offers a profound insight into her research endeavors and career trajectory. Specializing in the characterization of colloidal systems such as micelles, vesicles, emulsions, and more, her current focus lies on the intriguing realm of water-in-water emulsions and the formation of microcoacervates, serving as a model for membraneless organelles (MLO) by introducing DNA into these emulsions. As we delve into her motivations, achievements, and challenges within the scientific domain, Dr. Vílchez sheds light on the gender biases prevalent in her field and offers invaluable perspectives on fostering gender equality in science. Through her experiences and unwavering dedication, she inspires young women to pursue their scientific aspirations while advocating for broader inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions in shaping the scientific landscape.

Could you share with us a bit about your research area and the projects you are currently working on?

“My research area is colloidal chemistry, specifically the characterization of colloidal systems such as micelles, vesicles, emulsions, gels, liquid crystals, etc. One of the projects I’m working on involves water-in-water emulsions and the formation of microcoacervates by adding DNA to these emulsions. These microcoacervates can be used as a model for so-called membraneless organelles (MLO).”

What motivated you to choose a career in research?

“Since I was little, I’ve always liked knowing the reason behind things. I remember I really enjoyed a series of cartoons that dealt with the human body, as well as other TV shows like ‘El hombre y la Tierra’  (The Man and the Earth) and ‘El mundo submarino’ (The Underwater World).”

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or contribution in your field?

“I have contributed to the training of undergraduate and master’s degree students. I have tried to help them see their potential to develop as future scientists.”

Have you experienced any gender bias or added difficulties in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

“Within my area of research, there has been more support for the scientific careers of men than women. Men are attributed greater capability while women are seen as putting in more effort. To address this situation, I have tried to educate myself in areas that help me better develop my work, such as improving my communication skills, learning to manage stress, and becoming more resilient.”

How do you think gender stereotypes in the scientific field can be overcome?

“To overcome gender stereotypes in the scientific field, I believe we should approach the issue as a whole, from all sides. Firstly, we should strive to eliminate bias in education, both at the family level and in primary and secondary education. Secondly, we should avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes through media, social networks, video games, etc.”

What changes would you like to see in the scientific world to promote gender equality?

“I would like to see more support for women’s scientific careers. Despite policies aimed at reducing inequalities between men and women in the scientific world, men still predominantly occupy leadership positions. I would like to see greater inclusion of women to motivate them to pursue their scientific careers.”

I would advise (young women) to pursue their dreams, to show others what they are capable of, and not to let themselves be underestimated.

—Dr. Susana Vílchez, technical and quality manager of Unit 12.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering pursuing a career in science?

“I would advise them to pursue their dreams, to show others what they are capable of, and not to let themselves be underestimated. Our goals and purpose in life can be achieved with perseverance and effort.”

How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

“By promoting awareness in schools and high schools about the importance of science for society. I would also advocate for more scientific outreach programs in the media, television, radio, etc. Additionally, I believe it’s crucial to highlight the contributions of women in science, providing girls with female role models in the scientific world.”

For more interviews like this, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions, place your request 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 4: María Sancho’s journey from nanomaterials to cancer therapy

Our expert in nanocarriers talks about her journey from biotechnology to cancer therapy, an example of passion and perseverance in science.

February 2024, I3A/CIBER-BBN, Zaragoza (Spain)

The silence of the meeting room is only broken by the constant purring of the heating system. A large square table made of dark wood fills the entire room almost completely. Its dimensions are too extensive for anyone to reach its center. One may wonder, how many passionate conversations about the next step to take in countless research projects have been witnessed by these four walls?

The door swings open briskly, and a familiar face crosses the threshold with a smile. We have shared lab bench in the past, and María, with her memory honed by years of dedication to her craft, remembers that brief period of our lives surprisingly well. We greet each other warmly. She radiates energy and passion for what she does.

The interview begins.

Hello María, tell us a little about yourself.

“My name is María Sancho, I studied a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Zaragoza, just the second generation after its implementation. I did my bachelor’s thesis at the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), and this contact with nanotechnology made me decide to continue expanding my training in this field and try to dedicate myself to science and research. Then I did the Master’s in Nanomaterials, the ‘NanoMat’, at INMA, as it complemented my biochemistry-oriented training very well with the materials aspect of the Master’s.

After I finished both my bachelor’s and master’s thesis at INMA, I had the opportunity to apply for (and obtain) a prestigious State doctoral scholarship with Jesús Santamaría as Principal Investigator. This allowed me to do my thesis here in Zaragoza, which I defended in December 2020. For the past three years, I have been in Milan, at the Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research, with Luisa De Cola. Her outstanding work focuses mainly on nanomaterials, different from those I worked on during my thesis, allowing me to train in a highly complementary area.”

So, you’re currently doing your postdoc in… Italy?

“No, no. I just returned last October, once again, to Jesús Santamaría’s group, with the goal of establishing here in Zaragoza as a researcher… if possible (laughs).”

“I am fortunate to be able to devote myself to something I am passionate about. Research is something I enjoy every day.”

—Dr. María Sancho, Researcher at Unit 9.

What motivated you to choose a career as a researcher?

“Ever since I was very young, I’ve been an inquisitive, curious, and creative person. I got into research spontaneously, although it’s true that in my family we always talked about scientific research, my father was a teacher and a geologist himself. Over time I’ve realized that science has a vocational component, it requires a lot of dedication, but it excites me. During my high school studies, I was clear about choosing the scientific path. After finishing high school, I pursued a degree in Biotechnology, which had been implemented in Zaragoza just a year before. During my studies, I witnessed the significant advances of the great nanotechnological revolution of recent years. My interest grew only stronger and I decided to do my doctoral studies.

In 2016, I obtained a prestigious and competitive contract for the so-called University Professor Training State program ‘FPU’ from the Ministry of Education. This allowed me to carry out my doctoral thesis at the University of Zaragoza, in a leading and excellent research institute like INMA. So, I could say that I didn’t hesitate to start my career as a scientist. During this period, I was fortunate to have thesis supervisors who transmitted their passion and enthusiasm for research to me. This undoubtedly encouraged me to continue developing my scientific career. Today, I can say that I am fortunate to be able to devote myself to something I am passionate about. Research is something I enjoy every day.

Could you share with us a bit about your area of research and the projects you are currently working on?

“In general terms, my research focuses on developing small containers, which we call nanoparticles, with nanometric dimensions. This means that they are much smaller than human cells. Specifically, my project is based on developing nano-containers capable of directing and transporting drugs and anti-tumor molecules in the body. This way, we load these nanoparticles, which have therapeutic properties, inside vesicles produced by our own body, so that they can kill and act against tumor cells. We hope that these nano-containers with therapeutic properties, once injected into the bloodstream, can reach their target cell and then release the drugs loaded inside them. When we take a painkiller for example, only a small part of the drug acts to relieve that headache. In this project, what we aim for is the possibility of using less therapy and directing it selectively to the tumor. In this way, the maximum possible amount of the supplied active compound reaches the cancer cells. Furthermore, by being encapsulated in these nano-containers and selectively reaching tumor cells, it would ensure avoiding side effects and not affecting other organs.”

What have been the greatest challenges you have faced as a woman in your research field?

“From my experience, to this day, I have not faced challenges attributed to gender. I believe the greatest challenges I have encountered have been common to those of my male colleagues, and are linked to being ‘young researchers’. I associate these challenges with the fact that research is not only an occupation of nearly irrelevant importance in Spain, but also one of great uncertainty, and it is not sufficiently recognized. It requires great dedication, many hours of work, sometimes yielding good results, and other times not. Furthermore, there are few and highly competitive State grants in Spain that allow you to dedicate oneself to research continuously and steadily. As you progress in your research career, you spend more time on bureaucracy, seeking funding and more projects. And the truth is that in the vast majority of cases you won’t get them. This derives in less hours in the lab doing the experiments. I believe there are not enough resources available today.”

Have you ever experienced any type of gender bias or added difficulty in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

“From my experience, up to this day, I have not encountered any additional difficulties compared to men. Nor have I experienced any situations of inequality. However, I do believe that all young researchers, in general, both women and men, face significant challenges in advancing and developing their professional careers. In fact, many of the colleagues I encountered while doing my doctoral thesis have been forced to abandon their scientific careers.”

Could you tell us more about your challenges as a young researcher?

“One of the biggest challenges has been having to go abroad to continue my scientific career. This requires great effort and dedication. Already during my doctoral thesis, I undertook two stays abroad. One of them was for three months at ETH Zurich. The other one lasted for two months at Politecnico di Milano. After completing my doctoral thesis in 2020, I followed the advice of my supervisor to go abroad for at least two more years to continue my postdoctoral career. It was not an easy decision, as I embarked on my journey amid the COVID pandemic, but I had the opportunity to get a job interview with Luisa De Cola, the leader of a globally renowned group.

Although it has been a path full of changes and uncertainty, I don’t feel like I have had to give up anything I wanted in order to pursue my work. However, it’s true that research has taken my time away from other activities. I have probably missed out on doing some things. I have spent two and a half years away from my family and friends in order to continue my education. All this with the goal of returning to Spain as a researcher, which wasn’t even guaranteed. In my case, a few months ago, I managed to secure a postdoctoral grant to develop a research project for four years in Zaragoza, so it has been worth it. Specifically, I have returned to INMA to join the group led by Jesús Santamaría (who was also my thesis supervisor), one of the top scientists in Aragon. He has been involved and supported me throughout my journey as a researcher, even while I was abroad, and he advocated for my return to INMA.”

What advice would you give to young women who are considering pursuing a career in science?

“Firstly, if you’re considering it, I believe that research, like other professions or activities, often reveals its fascination only once you experience it from within. Additionally, it’s a profession that greatly nurtures the mind, fills you with stimuli… and it’s very enriching to formulate a hypothesis and be able to test it in the laboratory. I think it’s something rewarding not only professionally but also personally. In addition, it is a profession that allows you to travel to other countries, get to know other cultures, people who started as colleagues and then became friends. On the other hand, all the teamwork it requires is very satisfying. The individual work you do in the laboratory is later contrasted with others. And yes, it is true that there are bad days when things don’t go your way, but when something works out, it more than makes up for it.”

This is great timing for my next question. Have you had any ‘Eureka’ moments? What do you consider your greatest achievement, or something you feel particularly proud of?

“In 2019, there was a moment when there was a cocktail of people who were working exceptionally well and enthusiastically, of the results we were obtaining, and of the project… All of this allowed us to publish my first paper in Nature, which was highly cited afterwards. This was a really cool moment for me.”

Your very own first-author scientific publication… in Nature. And you were still doing your thesis!

“Yes, I was still working on my thesis. But of course, this achievement is not mine alone. It’s very much intertwined with all the teamwork behind it. It’s a publication that goes hand in hand with projects that Jesús Santamaría had at that time, which allowed us to test all the ideas we had. And of course, thanks to the work of many people, like Santamaría himself, Víctor Sebastián, Pilar Martín, and international collaborators we had in Edinburgh… In short, it was a cocktail that allowed us to do something that didn’t exist in the field. No one had tried vesicles with this type of nanoparticles to make catalysts before! It was a group effort, and very satisfying for all of us.”

If someone in your family, who is not a researcher, asked you about your publication in Nature, how would you explain it to them?

“Well, from a scientific point of view, we managed, for the first time, to encapsulate palladium nanosheets in lung cancer exosomes. These nanosheets are harmless to our body, but they can catalyze a reaction that halts the growth of cancer cells.”

And, as you well said, it was a group effort. What was your contribution to that publication?

“What I did was isolate the vesicles and develop a system to produce the nanosheets inside the vesicles without altering their properties. The thing is, up until that point, when attempts were made to attach these nanosheets to the vesicles, the vesicles ceased to be selective to the cancer they were targeted to. This was because the methods used were too aggressive, causing significant damage to the vesicles. What we did was to develop a very gentle method to achieve high encapsulation efficiency and maintain their ability to selectively reach the tumor. On the other hand, our collaborators in Edinburgh studied all the catalysis and reaction dynamics. So, when we administer a systemic prodrug, it’s harmless throughout the body. But as soon as it reaches the tissue where the cancer is located, this prodrug is catalyzed by the nanosheets into its toxic derivative, acting only on the tumor cells.”

That’s brilliant. Plus, you won’t have the biocompatibility issues seen in other drugs.

“Exactly, because the exosomes you use are naturally produced by the cells themselves. That’s the difference compared to other forms of encapsulation. We only tested it at the in vitro level with cells. But imagine being able to use the patient’s own exosomes to encapsulate the nanosheets. This is a starting point to explore this novel therapy further.”

And indeed, it ended up being published in Nature.

(laughs) “Yes, when such a crazy and bold idea gives you such a good result, it kind of gives you the motivation you need to keep going. And that curiosity we were talking about earlier, which I believe every scientist has, produces a very satisfying and inspiring feeling.”

What changes would you like to see in the scientific world to promote gender equality?

“I believe that calls and projects are being adapted more and more to consider maternity leave periods, etc. This allows individuals of all genders to compete on equal terms. However, it’s true that in higher-level positions, certain roles are still more commonly occupied by men. Although, it’s also true that there are more and more female principal investigators (PIs) leading research groups. I think in the future, we’ll see more and more women leading research groups as PIs.”

How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

“There are many science outreach activities highlighting the role of women in science or showcasing prominent female scientists. Activities like this one, promoted by CIBER-BBN, or by other institutions, are important. In my own Institute (INMA), numerous such activities are conducted, which are part of the objectives included in its Strategic Plan. From the scientific community, we are very interested in promoting interest in science, communicating the importance of scientific advances in different research areas, and conveying the daily work carried out at a prestigious research center. At my institute, we strive to make women and girls visible, inspire them, and promote their participation in science. This includes talks, exhibitions, roundtable discussions, competitions, scavenger hunts, activities in pubs, and a series of scientific talks aimed at schools, as well as in-person workshops.

I don’t think we’re doing it wrong. What is more, I think since COVID people have become more aware of the importance of scientific development. A few years ago, few people knew what a PCR was or the effort behind vaccine development. I believe it is important that society as a whole understands what these careers entail.”

That’s all. Thank you very much, María. It’s been very interesting.

“I’m glad!” (laughs)

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 3: Professor Fany Peña, her insights in research, parenthood, and persistence

Prof. Peña gives us her insightful point of view in overcoming challenges, embracing passion, and cultivating collaborative success towards career estabilization.

February 2024, Unizar/CIBER-BBN, Zaragoza (Spain)

The echo of our footsteps returns from the high ceilings filled with electrical conduits and gas pipes. An alarm sounds in the distance, while the warmth of the Zen Garden located in the center of the R&D Building reminds us once again that peace and progress will never be at odds.

We continue forward across the maroon floor, towards one of the access gates that separate each wing of the building. After crossing it, and almost without warning, the echo disappears with the slam of the heavy security door behind us. Now, the noise of the machines muffles our voices and footsteps as we walk through one of the many laboratories of the building. The numerous panels and posters, along with the bustling activity, make it clear that this is a place where science is the undisputed protagonist.

Instron MicroTester, one of the many devices available at Unit 13.

With a strangely welcoming feeling, we enter the spacious laboratory of Professor Estefanía Peña. The light in the room is bright, neutral, and aseptic like the complex machines that adorn it. High-precision devices, some venerable with a history of witnessing scientific breakthroughs, and others, the product of cutting-edge engineering, now contributing to new frontiers.

Two people await us in the room: a young technician, quiet and discreet, and his boss, a woman who, despite, or perhaps as a consequence of her undeniably established scientific career, radiates youthfulness, energy, and determination. Both kindly welcome us to their realm, where they rule over the complex machines. The woman quickly grabs the reins of the conversation, filling the room with her overwhelming, yet approachable personality.

Prof. Peña introduces herself: “Fany, just Fany is fine. That’s how everyone calls me.”

The interview begins.

Alright, Fany, tell us a little about yourself and your research group.

“My group focuses on computational modeling of the human body and pathologies. We also design implants and devices to correct pathologies. We work on real-time simulation and Artificial Intelligence.”

What motivated you to choose a career in research?

“Since I was very young, I’ve loved mathematics, physics, experimenting, asking questions like ‘why does the apple fall?’, and also because of the influence of my family.”

Could you share with us a bit about your research area and the projects you’re currently working on?

“My group is quite large and has three main lines of research: artificial intelligence applied to biological engineering, prosthetic design, lenses, muscle fatigue, and, in the case of those closest to me and Dr. Martínez Barca, the mathematical study of cardiovascular pathologies: myocardial infarction, how these lesions affect the heart, atheroma plaque, and devices to try to correct vessel obstruction. Recently, we’ve been working on modeling aneurysms in collaboration with groups from Val d’Hebron Hospital.”

Have you had any Eureka moments in your career? What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or contribution in your field at a professional or personal level?

“Probably my first doctoral thesis. Feeling capable of teaching and mentoring someone was a significant milestone for me. The topic was about carotid stents.”

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your research field?

“The biggest challenge has been balancing personal life, especially family life, with work. Especially when you’re young. I’m someone who, when I dedicate time to something, I dedicate it in full. Moreover, the moment when you have to dedicate much more time to a research career starts right after you finish your doctoral thesis until you reach professional stabilization. And that’s usually the period when you start a family. That’s a key moment and the greatest difficulty that, I believe, 99.9% of female researchers face.”

How do you think these barriers can be overcome?

“To be honest, I acknowledge that the role of a mother is almost irreplaceable. However, I believe that society is still not prepared to understand that women, besides being mothers, also want to do other things. It’s not just a problem of task distribution; I think nowadays roles in motherhood and fatherhood are quite shared, especially among young people. I believe it’s more of a social issue, meaning that even in terms of state aid aimed at encouraging motherhood, it’s scarce. Imagine, in other countries it’s inconceivable not to have a daycare or a similar service at the workplace. I think the role of a mother is very important, but…”

…having a daycare at work helps, right?

“It helps quite a bit, yes.”

“The most important thing in your professional career is to dedicate yourself to something you love (…) that’s incredibly important from a professional point of view.”

—Prof. Estefanía Peña, Scientific Coordinator of Unit 13.

What advice would you give to young women considering pursuing a career in science?

“Go for it! The most important thing in your professional career is to dedicate yourself to something you love. I mean, family and your personal life bring the greatest happiness, yes, but I know many people who work in something they don’t like, either because they haven’t found work anywhere else or because they opted to study something easy back then, even if they didn’t like it that much… I believe that working in something you love allows you to do things much better, and that’s incredibly important from a professional point of view. Study and do what you love, and if you love science… go for it!”

And what about all those girls who doubt?

“Yes… the truth is, from the talks I’ve given at schools, the response from girls often is ‘Phew!’ And usually, the female ratios, in my case as an engineering professor, are very, very low. But success rates, the highest grades… there’s no distinction there. It’s a 50/50. That means there’s no added difficulty, beyond the intrinsic difficulty of a science career, which both men and women will feel equally. Probably women will have more advantage since, for whatever reason, we tend to be able to focus more and be, as we use to say in Aragon, ‘more stubborn’. It doesn’t really matter much if subjects are more difficult because when you really like what you do, you don’t mind dedicating more time to it.”

What support have you received throughout your career that has been particularly useful?

“My colleagues, without a doubt. I’ve had people I’ve worked with and continue to work with since I started my thesis. There are people I’m still working with whom I started working with 25 years ago. And I have the utmost confidence that if I’m on maternity leave, nothing will go wrong. Or that if one of my colleagues fails, the rest of us will always be there. That’s extremely important. I don’t think it’s necessary to mention specific names. Science is very collaborative, whether from a teaching or research perspective. I always say ‘tanto monta, monta tanto’.” [Interviewer’s Note: a historical idiomatic expression when both king and queen held equal authority and power in the newly unified kingdom of Aragón].

Very Aragonese phares as well.

“Yes, very Aragonese.”

Thank you very much for your time, Fany.

“Thank you very much, Gabriel.”

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 2: Ana Martín, and her Multi-degree Journey

We ask Dr. Martín about her innovations in cancer treatment with nanoparticles, in the context of her collaborations with NANBIOSIS.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

February 2024, INMA-CSIC/CIBER-BBN, Zaragoza (Spain)

We are walking through the tall corridors that connect the numerous blocks of the large R&D Building, located near the Río Ebro Campus of Unizar. This building is a conglomerate of institutes, laboratories, and research groups. In its dead center, open to the outdoors, a Zen Garden welcomes us, like an oasis of peace in the midst of this whirlwind of information, advancements, and scientific progress.

We enter the meeting room. The lights are flooding a large dark table surrounded by chairs. After a few minutes, Ana arrives. We greet each other warmly. It has been a long time since we last saw each other, perhaps since college? With a nervous laugh, she confesses, “Having a microphone in front of you is quite intimidating…”. She laughs again.

I consider making a joke right after the first question, in an attempt to reassure her. But I quickly change my mind as soon as she starts talking. Her nerves have completely dissipated, and her words, once shaky, now fill the recording with a confidence I didn’t expect. The confidence of someone who carries behind them a career as varied as it is fascinating.

The interview begins.

Well, Ana, tell us a little about yourself.

“My name is Ana. I have a degree in Veterinary Medicine, a degree in Biochemistry, and a Ph.D. from the University of Zaragoza. Currently, I work in the NFP group. My chemist colleagues synthesize nanoparticles, and I use them for anti-cancer treatments.”

What motivated you to choose a career in science?

“Since I was little, I’ve always been very interested in natural sciences. I’ve always been intrigued by how biological systems work, and over time, I became interested in pathology, the cause of diseases, and their treatment. That’s why when I had to choose a career, I chose Veterinary Medicine and, later, Biochemistry.”

Could you share with us a bit about your research area and the projects you are currently working on?

“Since I started working in research, I have been involved in the field of biomedicine, but the areas have been progressively changing. My career began in the field of aging and vascular diseases. Later on, I applied this knowledge to cancer research, which is the field I am currently working in, using nanoparticles as an anti-tumor treatment.”

What nanoparticles do you use?

“We use nanoparticles that, through catalysis, consume glucose and produce toxic species, inducing cell death specifically in tumor cells. We have many types of nanoparticles, especially by combining different types of metals. We introduce them into extracellular vesicles, which have tropism towards tumors, significantly improving the treatment compared to free nanoparticles.”

And what types of cancer do you treat?

“We use different cell lines from lung cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, brain cancer… We aim to create a treatment that is not specific to one type of cancer but can be applicable to many types of tumors. And high glucose consumption is something that tumors have in common.”

What have been the greatest challenges you have faced as a woman in the field of research?

“I believe the most difficult challenge has been balancing a scientific career with personal life, specifically with motherhood. When you work as a scientific researcher, there is never a perfect time to have children. You know that your career will be put on hold for a while, and research never stops, so there is a constant fear of falling behind. But as a scientist and a mother, I think one should never give up on motherhood because of it. In the end, everything is achievable, and personal life should never be sacrificed for professional life.”

Have you experienced any gender bias or added difficulty in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

“In my case, I have been fortunate and I don’t believe I have experienced any gender bias. However, I do know of cases involving female colleagues who have encountered it.”

“There are challenging moments during a scientific career (…), but in the end, persistence pays off.

—Dr. Ana Martín, collaborator scientist in Unit 9.

What advice would you give to young women considering pursuing a career in science?

“My advice would be to enjoy the work in research. We have to remember that it is one of the best jobs out there; we are doing something for society, to improve it, whether working in biomedicine or other areas like technology. There are challenging moments during a scientific career, times when it’s difficult (due to lack of funding, opportunities, etc.), but in the end, persistence pays off. And if for some reason it doesn’t work out, all the knowledge gained will still be very useful in other areas.”

And what advice would you give to those who are unsure?

“Well, if they’re not sure… before diving into a doctoral thesis, they should visit laboratories, see how things work here, and choose something they enjoy. Because you’re going to spend a lot of time working on it, and the environment you’re in is very important.”

How do you think gender stereotypes can be overcome in your research field?

“I don’t believe there are gender stereotypes. However, it is true that currently, positions of greater responsibility are often held by men. In my opinion, equal opportunities should be given to men and women, and the time taken by women for their careers due to motherhood should not be penalized. This way, we can finally break the ‘glass ceiling’, and young people can also have female role models.”

And what about being a mother?

“In other countries, I’ve seen people having children during their doctoral thesis, and that’s unthinkable here. I believe the measures taken so far are just a patch and don’t fully compensate.”

What do you consider your greatest achievement or contribution in your field of study?

“Personally, my greatest achievement was obtaining a project on breast cancer in which I was Principal Investigator. As for my greatest contribution, I couldn’t say for sure. I believe everything I have done has contributed a little bit to research on vascular calcification, aging, and cancer. Perhaps it may seem somewhat insignificant, but it could be very important in aiding future research.”

What support have you received throughout your career that has been particularly helpful?

“The support of my family and my partner has been indispensable throughout my career. I also appreciate the support of the Government of Aragon and the European Union for the funding I received during my predoctoral and postdoctoral stages.”

What changes would you like to see in the scientific world to promote gender equality?

“I would like to see women not have to postpone or give up their personal lives for their work. I believe that, with the support of institutions, anything is achievable, as is the case in other European countries.”

How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

“I truly believe that there are more women in science than men. The problem is that leadership positions are almost never held by women, perhaps because many women end up sacrificing their careers for their personal lives, and that shouldn’t happen. We should break the glass ceiling and allow women to access leadership positions so that girls have examples of female scientists to follow and don’t think that science is only for men.”

It’s been a pleasure to see you again and chat with you, Ana. And thank you for your time.

“Thanks to you too.”

For more interviews like this, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply 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

Women in NANBIOSIS part 1: Anna Aviñó, from Curiosity to Innovation

Anna Aviñó speaks about her journey as a researcher and her captivating oligonucleotides.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

February 2024, IQAC-CSIC/CIBER-BBN, Barcelona (Spain)

Could you share with us a bit about your research area and the projects you are currently working on?

I am a chemist specializing in nucleic acid chemistry. These compounds are wonderful, I would say unique; not only do they contain genetic information, but they are also involved in countless biological processes. My focus lies in synthetic and structural studies of small nucleic acids, known as oligonucleotides.

And these compounds, what are they used for?

Oligonucleotides can adopt different structures, including canonical duplexes as well as other secondary structures like quadruplexes and triplexes, the latter being particularly important in many diseases. I apply my chemical knowledge to generate and evaluate therapeutic oligonucleotides (such as antisense, siRNA, aptamers). Furthermore, oligonucleotides are so versatile that I also use them as recognition elements in various biosensors to detect pathogens, disease-related genes, etc.

“Oligonucleotides (…) are recently being approved as new advanced gene therapies for many diseases, including rare and cardiovascular diseases.

—Dr. Anna Aviñó, scientific coordinator of Unit 29.

What motivated you to choose a career as a researcher? What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman scientist?

I wanted to understand what things are made of, how medicines are made… I am currently 55 years old with a long scientific career, but it has never been easy to balance top-level research with family life. I have to thank CIBER as it’s the longest contract I’ve had, but I also have to say that I haven’t had opportunities for career advancement within it.

Have you experienced any kind of gender bias or added difficulty in your scientific career? How have you addressed this situation?

I haven’t faced any added difficulty per se, but the reality is that in my research center, the principal investigators are predominantly women with few family responsibilities.

How do you think gender stereotypes in the scientific field can be overcome? And what advice would you give to young women considering a career in science?

I think that stereotypes can be overcome by promoting unbiased education in schools regardless of the field of study. I would definitely encourage young women and advise them not to be afraid to pursue positions of responsibility.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement or contribution in your field?

The oligonucleotides, which are my area of study as I mentioned, are recently being approved as new advanced gene therapies for many diseases, including rare and cardiovascular diseases. I can say that I can synthesize drugs in my laboratory, and furthermore, I believe I am the person who has conducted the most synthesis of these products in Spain!

What support have you received throughout your career that has been particularly helpful?

As I mentioned, thanks to CIBER, I continue to be a researcher. However, I am currently in a delicate situation because my principal investigator is retiring, and I don’t know how my scientific career will continue.

What changes would you like to see in the scientific world to promote gender equality? How do you think we can encourage more women and girls to participate in science?

The scientific world is not particularly biased in terms of gender equality. However, leadership positions tend to be held by men, even though more women are starting careers in research. Regarding encouraging more women, as I mentioned, education. Education is the key.

For more interviews like this, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

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).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply 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

Women in NANBIOSIS: Our New Interview Series

In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, NANBIOSIS proudly presents a series of insightful interviews featuring some of our most esteemed female researchers and collaborators.

As we commemorate this important day, join us in honoring the achievements of these remarkable individuals, as they share their perspectives, challenges, and triumphs in the pursuit of scientific excellence. Explore our news section for more inspiring interviews, and discover the diverse talents driving innovation within NANBIOSIS and beyond.

Drs. Anna Aviñó, Fany Peña, Ana Martín, María Sancho, Susana Vilchez, Ana Mincholé and, of course, Dr. Elisabeth Prats, all of them we had the pleasure and privilege to intervew and tell part of their story, career, projects, prospects and motivations. Delving into their remarkable contributions and experiences, this series sheds light on the invaluable role women play in shaping the field of biomedical research.

Starting tomorrow, February 12, and continuing until Women’s Day on March 8, immerse yourself in this captivating series, as we highlight the profound impact of female leadership in science and technology. Witness firsthand the passion, dedication, and ingenuity of these pioneering women, as they navigate the frontiers of biomedical research and innovation.

Join us in celebrating the women driving innovation and shaping the future of science. Visit our news section to dive into this captivating series and discover the transformative impact of female leadership in NANBIOSIS.

This is part of a series of interviews to several female researchers within the context of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and Woman’s Day 2024. For more interviews, visit our news section here.

Additional information:

For those eager to explore further, NANBIOSIS offers comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions in biomedical applications, ranging from biomaterials to nanomaterials and their nanoconjugates. Partner with us to unlock cutting-edge biomedical solutions, designed to address diverse challenges in drug delivery, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. Apply now to access our transformative biomedical solutions.

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).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply 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