M4NRG Materials for energy
Challenge 1: The research in this challenge contribute to flexible electronics, tunable optoelectronic materials, and efficient chiral light emission, offering pathways for advanced device integration. This last year we have developed a scalable method for fabricating photoferroelectric freestanding BiFeO₃ (BFO) membranes offering new and real opportunities in next-gen flexible optoelectronics. The combination of La₀.₇Sr₀.₃MnO₃ (LSMO) buffer layer that can serve as bottom electrode and a chemically-modified Sr₃Al₂O₆ sacrificial layer enable to obtain highly crystalline solution-processed BFO membranes with preserved functional properties. This work set the basis for the elaboration of a Spanish AEI funded project, and an ALBA- Synchrotron proposal that were all granted in 2024. Another study, introduced a scalable chiral nanophotonic platform that imparts chirality to conventional luminophores. This structure, fabricated via nanoimprint lithography, enables broadband chiral emission, improving light out-coupling efficiency for polarized light generation. The approach published in Nature Communications, supports high-throughput production and enhances applications in displays and imaging stablishing the grounds for the recently awarded EIC Pathfinder project Radiant.
Challenge 2: In the area of thermoelectrics, we have published two influential fundamental studies. Firstly, we introduced a novel doping strategy based on Lewis pairs, demonstrating a highly efficient, universal doping capability with significantly enhanced stability compared to conventional approaches. Secondly, we presented an extensive investigation into the thermal properties of semiconducting polymers, identifying two distinct regimes of correlation between thermal and electronic transport depending on microstructure. In knowledge transfer activities, a consultancy contract has been established with LINSEIS GmbH (https://www.linseis.com/en/), a leading German company specializing in thermal characterization instrumentation. Additionally, these innovative methods have facilitated the publication of a scientific article addressing the thermal conductivity tensor in two-dimensional materials, such as PdSe₂, underscoring theirsignificant potential for analyzing thermal anisotropy in 2D materials.
Challenge 3: Battery research is focused both on Li-ion and new alternative chemistries entailing abundant elements and metal anodes, using either organic (e.g. Ca and Mg based) or aqueous electrolytes (Zn based). Special electrochemical setup was established in order to evaluate the contribution of each component in blended positive electrode commonly used in commercial Li-ion batteries, enabling a deeper mechanistic understanding of such blended electrodes. Electrochemical performances of Fe[Fe(CN)6]1–y Berlin Green positive electrode in Ca-ion cells has also been reported. Reversible Mg metal plating/stripping was achieved using metallic substrate with minimal lattice mismatch with Mg and with an additive enabling improved Mg2+ migration in the electrolyte via anion coordination. Special efforts have been devoted to operando characterization using synchrotron in collaboration with ALBA where the joint Energy Transition Laboratory was inaugurated. In particular, irradiation effects on the electrochemical behaviour was investigated and the use of thermostated cells was reported for operando measurements.
On the basis of wireless nerve growth stimulation, the use of immersed unwired electrodes has been exported to the electrochemical energy storage field. In particular, Cu/Zn batteries have shown to have significant lower resistance, lower overpotentials and larger charge capacities, when unwired bipolar electrodes are immersed in the electrolyte, without electronic percolation.
Challenge 4: The development of advanced materials for energy involved precise control over the synthesis, structural properties and composition to optimize their performance. In areas such as photocatalytic water-splitting and CO₂ hydrogenation the targeted materials are graphene- and TiO2-based systems. Powder photocatalysts composed of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide decorated with TiO2–Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized via laser irradiation is a target material for photocatalytic water splitting. Additionally, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) enable the growth of anatase (001) phase oxides on monocrystalline substrates, exhibiting quasi-crystalline quality with well-defined surface structures defined by advanced characterization techniques. These materials served as efficient energy vectors, promoting charge transport and interfacial reactions. Hierarchical porous architectures, such as graphene-based aerogels, metal-organic frameworks, and metal nanoparticles are being developed using both conventional and supercritical CO₂ methodologies. These porous systems allow selective CO₂ adsorption as well as catalytic hydrogenation into methanol. The integration of TiO2, tailored carbonaceous supports, and engineered porosity establishes comprehensive materials platforms for next-generation renewable energy technologies.
Challenge 5: The development of the Transient Liquid Assisted growth (TLAG) process of superconducting cuprates at growth rates beyond 2.000 nm/s is now fully exploited in the in-situ growth platform at the Energy Transition Joint Lab CSIC- synchrotron ALBA operating at different beamlines. TLAG has been established as a breakthrough in the race towards high throughput production of coated conductors, extended now to several Rare Earth (RE) ions in REBa2Cu3O7 films and compositional gradient (RE,RE´)Ba2Cu3O7. Also, the emerging idea that the electronic structure of REBa2Cu3O7 in the overdoped state can boost vortex pinning has been proven.
Our scouting activities in customization of coated conductors has led to the identification of new metallic coating architectures which allows to increase their protection against quench events in high field magnets or short circuits in electrical grids as cables or fault current limiters. Additionally, our consolidated collaboration with CERN in the development of low surface impedance superconducting coatings at high magnetic fields has validated their use for the beam screen of FCC, and expanded to high gradient electric fields in a collaboration including SLAC in Stanford, and Axion dark matter search under the scope of an ERC-Synergy Grant and RADES collaboration.
P. Salles, R. Guzman, H. Tan, M. Ramis, I. Fina, P. Machado, F. Sánchez, G. De Luca, W. Zhou, M. Coll
The ability to prepare single crystalline complex oxide freestanding membranes has opened a new playground to access new phases and functionalities not available when they are epitaxially bound to the substrates. The water-soluble Sr3Al2O6 (SAO) sacrificial layer approach has proven to be one of the most promising pathways to prepare a wide variety of single crystalline complex oxide membranes, typically by high vacuum deposition techniques. Here, we present solution processing, also named chemical solution deposition (CSD), as a cost-effective alternative deposition technique to prepare freestanding membranes identifying the main processing challenges and how to overcome them. In particular, we compare three different strategies based on interface and cation engineering to prepare CSD (00l)-oriented BiFeO3 (BFO) membranes.
J. Mendoza-Carreño et al.
Direct manipulation of light spin-angular momentum is desired in optoelectronic applications such as, displays, telecommunications, or imaging. Generating polarized light from luminophores avoids using optical components that cause brightness losses and hamper on-chip integration of light sources. Endowing chirality to achiral emitters for direct generation of polarized light benefits from existing materials and can be achieved by chiral nanophotonics. However, most chiral nanostructures operate in narrow wavelength ranges and involve nanofabrication processes incompatible with high-throughput production. Here, a single nanophotonic architecture is designed to sustain chiroptical resonances along the visible spectrum. This platform, fabricated with scalable soft-nanoimprint lithography transfers its chirality to conventional emitters (CdSe/CdS nanoplatelets, CdSe/CdS quantum dots, CsPbBr3, CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystals and F8BT) placed atop, achieving a high dissymmetry emission factor (glum > 1).
X. Rodríguez-Martínez, F. Saiz, B. Dörling, S. Marina, J. Guo, K. Xu, H. Chen, J. Martin, I. McCulloch, R. Rurali, J. S. Reparaz, M. Campoy-Quiles
The thermal conductivity (κ) governs how heat propagates in a material, and thus is a key parameter that constrains the lifetime of optoelectronic devices and the performance of thermoelectrics (TEs). In organic electronics, understanding what determines κ has been elusive and experimentally challenging. Here, by measuring κ in 17 π-conjugated materials over different spatial directions, it is statistically shown how microstructure unlocks two markedly different thermal transport regimes. κ in long-range ordered polymers follows standard thermal transport theories: improved ordering implies higher κ and increased anisotropy. κ increases with stiffer backbones, higher molecular weights and heavier repeat units.
K. Xu, L. M. Armesto, J. Svetlík, J. F. Sierra, V. Marinova, D. Dimitrov, A. R. Goni, A. Krysztofik, B. Graczykowski, R. Rurali, S. O. Valenzuela, J. S. Reparaz
Two-dimensional (2D) materials featuring anisotropic structural, vibrational, and thermal properties offer new and exciting opportunities to enable efficient energy conversion and thermal management. Beyond the most apparent anisotropy in 2D materials, due to distinct in-plane and out-of-plane (intralayer and interlayer) thermal transport, certain systems also present in-plane thermal anisotropy, whose origin may be more subtle. Here, we report on the vibrational and thermal properties of PdSe2 crystals, obtaining the complete (diagonal) elements of the thermal conductivity tensor (κij), and their low-frequency (GHz, Brillouin) and high-frequency (THz, Raman) lattice vibrations.
L. Saltarelli, D. Sanchez-Rodriguez, K. Gupta, A. Kethamkuzhi, J. Farjas, E. Molins, R. Yañez, S. Ricart, X. Obradors, T. Puig
The cost-effective synthesis of a series of metal propionate powders (copper, yttrium, barium, samarium, gadolinium, and ytterbium) is developed through single chemical reactions resulting in five novel crystalline forms. These complexes are valuable precursors for the preparation of epitaxial REBa2Cu3O7-δ (REBCO) superconducting films (here, RE = Y, Sm, Gd, and Yb) through the innovative transient liquid-assisted growth (TLAG) process based on chemical solution deposition (CSD). TLAG-CSD shows impressive results with YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO), obtaining critical current densities of 2.6 MA/cm2 (77 K) on 500 nm films at unprecedented growth rates (50-2000 nm/s), boosting unprecedented high-throughput industrial production.
M. Mosqueda, C. Flox, L. N. Bengoa, S. M. Goñi, N. Casañ Pastor
10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235459
Immersed conducting materials in an electrolyte undergo polarization in presence of electric fields, resulting in a dipole where opposite poles of the material become an anode and cathode, where electrochemical reactions may occur at sufficiently induced potentials. Such induction phenomena lower significantly the resistance of the electrochemical cell. This work shows how in a Cu/Zn battery, it also yields lower overpotentials, and enhanced charge capacity and power, especially at high currents.
A. Rosado, I.-M. Popa, A. Abo Markeb, J. Moral-Vico, E. M. Naughton, H.-G. Eckhardt, J. A. Ayllón, A. M. López-Periago, C. Domingo, L. Negahdar
CO2 conversion and utilization for global sustainability is an integral part of greenhouse gases management, typically for the production of fuels and specialty chemicals. Added value products, such as methanol, methane or formate, can be obtained by electrocatalysis and thermocatalysis, the two techniques addressed in this study. The main motivation of this study is to develop a copper based catalyst active in both processes, confronting the main concerns regarding typical metal catalysts related to nanoparticles aggregation and concomitant deactivation.
T. Puig, J. Gutierrez, X. Obradors
High-temperature superconducting REBa2Cu3O7 (RE = rare earth or yttrium) coated conductors have emerged as a new class of materials with exceptional physical properties, such as very high critical currents and irreversibility field. Understanding the physics of vortices in these complex materials and controlling of the atomic structure of defects have made it possible to design their performance and achieve exceptional values of superconducting properties which enable their integration into devices.
M4ELC Materials for electronics
This Research Line is devoted to progress in organic and oxide-electronic devices with the aim of gaining fundamental insights and showcasing the potential of these materials for future emerging technologies. The Research Line is divided in five different challenges:
Challenge 1 focuses on the development of organic (opto)electronic devices. Notably, in 2024, significant progress has been made in understanding how chemical functionalization affects the conductance of molecular junctions. Additionally, hybrid surfaces modified with molecular monolayers capable of modulating their fluorescence under electrical stimuli have been successfully demonstrated.
Challenge 2 centers on the creation of next-generation sensors and quantum devices by engineering heterostructures that combine functional materials in unconventional ways — including oxide ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, and superconducting components. A recent highlight is the demonstration of pure spin current generation and transport in optimised La₂/₃Sr₁/₃MnO₃ (LSMO)/NiO/Pt heterostructures.
Challenge 3 aims to develop materials for energy-efficient and ultrafast computing. In this respect, the discovery of ferroelectricity in HfO₂-based materials has generated substantial interest in the field. Recently, ICMAB researchers demonstrated photoferroelectric effects in hafnia-based devices, where light is used to perform write and read operations. Furthermore, they reported a magnetoresistive method for detecting magnetization reversal in the ferrimagnetic insulator terbium iron garnet (TbIG), offering promising avenues for the development of non-volatile memories.
Challenge 4 seeks to understand correlated and frustrated magnetic materials with complex states and transitions, targeting quantum physics applications. Among the highlights is a report on YBaCuFeO₅ single crystals, revealing critical features for achieving high-temperature magnetoelectric responses induced by the spiral phase. In parallel, ICMAB researchers have advanced in the understanding of the interplay between the Jahn-Teller effect and spin-orbit coupling in 4d and 5d transition metal systems, opening new perspectives for designing novel quantum materials.
Challenge 5 explores emerging functionalities in curved materials, supported by first-principles predictions. Notably, it has been shown that a lattice mode of arbitrary symmetry can induce a well-defined macroscopic polarization — first order in momentum and second order in amplitude.
A. S. Miñarro, M. Villa, B. Casals, S. Plana-Ruiz, F. Sánchez, J. Gázquez, G. Herranz
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52848-8
We have uncovered a surprising interplay between two key fundamental phenomena in materials, namely, the Jahn-Teller effect, which distorts the atomic lattice around trapped electrons, and spin-orbit coupling, which links an electron’s spin to its motion. Traditionally, both phenomena are thought to counteract each other. However, our study shows that, unexpectedly, Jahn-Teller distortions can actually induce strong spin-orbit entanglement, where spin and orbital degrees of freedom become mutually reinforced, which represents a unique case where spin-orbit coupling and Jahn-Teller effects act synergistically. To reveal this strong spin-orbital mixing, we have used cutting-edge electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy. Our finding could open new paths for designing quantum materials, harnessing both local structural distortions and spin-orbit interactions.
H. Tan, A. Quintana, N. Dix, S. Estandía, J. Sort, F. Sánchez , I. Fina
The discovery of ferroelectricity in HfO2 has renewed the interest of the scientific community on ferroelectrics. Besides being compatible with CMOS technology, this material could foster the development of devices with novel functionalities. Control of nanoelectronic devices with light, to perform data-transfer processes, has been shown to be an efficient tool to boost energy efficiency. Implementation of devices able to perform read/write operation by optical stimuli would also allow circuitry reduction combining image detection and computing. In our work we demonstrate that, in hafnia-based devices, light can be used both for remote optical writing and non-destructive optical reading operations, thereby pioneering on the demonstration of photoferroelectric effects in HfO2.
T. Cardona-Lamarca, T. Y. Baum, R. Zaffino, D. Herrera, R. Pfattner, S. Gómez-Coca, E. Ruiz, A. González-Campo, H. S. J. van der Zant, N. Aliaga-Alcalde
Taking advantage of curcuminoids (CCMoids) as molecular platforms, a 3.53 nm extended system (pyACCMoid, 2) was designed in two steps by reacting an amino-terminal CCMoid (1.79 nm, NH2-CCMoid, 1) with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) aldehydes. CCMoid 2 features pyrene units as anchoring groups to optimize trapping in graphene nano-junctions formed by feedback-controlled electroburning. I–V measurements show gate-dependent behavior at room temperature and 10 K, with higher conductance than previously reported shorter CCMoids, in agreement with DFT calculations. The improved design enhances conductance by separating the conductive backbone from the anchoring groups, which adopt a planar configuration when in contact with graphene. DFT studies reveal that conductance is more influenced by the molecular units (e.g., pyrene, amide) involved in electron injection than by the electrode gap, with smaller gaps not necessarily yielding higher conductance.
A. Campos-Lendinez, J. Muñoz, N. Crivillers, M. Mas-Torrent
In this work, highly fluorescent single active layers of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots (QDs) were prepared by reacting the QDs in suspension with an amino-functionalized indium-tin oxide (ITO) surface, enabling specific substrate/particle interactions. The grafted QDs were then further chemically modified with redox-active ferrocene (Fc) thiolated molecules. Upon applying a voltage to the ITO substrate, the Fc moieties underwent electrochemical oxidation, leading to fluorescence quenching via exciton dissociation driven by the electron transfer between CdSe QDs and the oxidized Fc⁺. This enabled the fabrication of robust and reversible fluorescent electrochemical switches, with the ON/OFF ratio controlled by the Fc-QD distance and the number of oxidized/reduced Fc moieties. Having a QD single layer on surface, avoids aggregation problems or effects derived from multilayer formation that may hinder the optical tunability of these or other similar systems. Thus, this platform opens new avenues for sensing and information storage applications.
S. Damerio, A. Sunil, M. Mehraeen, S. S.-L. Zhang., C. O. Avci
In this paper we introduce a simple magnetoresistive method to detect magnetization reversal in terbium iron garnet (TbIG), a ferrimagnetic insulator. Our trilayer system—TbIG|Cu|TbCo—uses in-plane resistance measurements to read out TbIG’s magnetic state without heavy metals or spin Hall effects. Resistance changes occur during out-of-plane field sweeps, analogous to GMR in spin valves. The signal arises from spin-dependent scattering at the TbIG|Cu interface. Tuning Cu thickness and temperature confirms this mechanism, supported by Boltzmann transport modeling. Our two-terminal design offers a robust, low-power, and scalable approach for integrating magnetic insulators into spintronic devices and paves the way for non-volatile memory using ferrimagnetic garnets.
A. Romaguera, O. Fabelo, N. Qureshi, J. A. Rodríguez-Velamazán and J. L. García-Muñoz
A well-established case of strongly coupled electric and magnetic order is spiral magnetic order. The low ordering temperature of most non-collinear spiral magnets critically limits their implementation in devices. The layered perovskites LnBaCuFeO5 are promising high-temperature spiral magnets and chiral spin-driven multiferroic candidates. Though a non-conventional mechanism of ‘spiral order by disorder’ could be the key of their presumed spiral order, such order was alleged on the basis of non-conclusive neutron data on powder samples. Here, a YBaCuFeO5 single crystal has been grown with enough Cu/Fe disorder to stabilize the incommensurate magnetic phase up to TS » 200 K. Utilizing spherical neutron polarimetry and single-crystal neutron diffraction, we have demonstrated the non-collinear chiral nature of the magnetic domains in the singular incommensurate phase. It is thus finally proved that such phase is spiral in our crystal, and therefore also in those compositions of this perovskite family where TS values well above room temperature have been reported. Yet, the study also illustrates critical features of relevance to the search for high-temperature magnetoelectric response induced by the spiral phase.
S. Chen , A. Pomar, Ll. Balcells, Z. Konstantinovic , C. Frontera , C. Magén , N. Mestres , B. Martinez
This paper examines how pure spin currents are generated, transmitted, and detected in layered structures made of La₂/₃Sr₁/₃MnO₃ (LSMO), nickel oxide (NiO), and platinum (Pt). Spin currents are created in the LSMO layer via spin pumping and detected in the Pt layer using the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE). The study focuses on how the thickness and temperature of the NiO layer affect spin current transmission.
The NiO layers, grown at room temperature, were polycrystalline. Thin NiO layers (less than ~2 nm) were found to be discontinuous, allowing partial LSMO/Pt contact, while thicker layers were continuous. Magnetic tests showed that NiO remained paramagnetic even at low temperatures, with no signs of antiferromagnetic ordering.
ISHE voltage measurements revealed that spin current transmission peaked at around 1 nm of NiO thickness, then declined exponentially with further increases. This indicates two spin transport regimes with different spin diffusion lengths: ~0.8 nm for thin, discontinuous NiO and ~3.8 nm for thicker, continuous films.
A key finding is that a thin (~1 nm) paramagnetic NiO layer can actually enhance LSMO/Pt interface’s spin transparency, allowing more efficient spin current transmission, likely due to magnetic correlations and short-range thermal magnons. The influence of microstructure and interface quality on spin transport still requires deeper study and it is current under investigation.
M. Stengel
10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.146801
The interaction between structural, polar, and magnetic degrees of freedom in multiferroics has long been identified as a promising source of advanced material functionalities. The recent focus on inhomogeneous structures such as skyrmions, domain walls, and vortices has renewed the interest in the so-called Lifshitz invariants (LIs), i.e., coupling terms that depend on the first gradient of one order parameter component. A quantitative understanding of the coupling coefficients is essential for modelling the emergence of a spatially modulated order in a ferroic crystal, and for the rational design of novel materials with tailored properties. Here we focus on the interaction between structural order parameters (e.g., polarization and/or antiferrodistortive tilts in perovskite-structure crystals), where we identify a symmetric flexoelectric-like contribution and an antisymmetric Dzialoshinskii-Moriya-like term. We discuss the fundamentals of both, and identify a critical role of the electrical and mechanical boundary conditions, which was insofar overlooked.
M4HTH Materials for health
Materials research for health has defined two challenges: Challenge 1: Interfaces Engineering for infection prevention and Challenge 2: Soft materials to battle cancer, both in the framework of the project Severo Ochoa awarded at the ICMAB.
Challenge 1: Interfaces Engineering for infection prevention Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a growing global health crisis, contributing to 1.27 million deaths in 2019. Resistant bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus are especially concerning, with biofilm formation on surfaces making infections harder to treat. Silver-based treatments, while common, face issues like toxicity, cost, and resistance. ICMAB proposes developing advanced, biocompatible antimicrobial coatings using curcuminoids, boron clusters, and polypeptides to address this. The approach includes immobilizing active molecules on nanovesicles and hydrogels, nanostructuring bioactive compounds for enhanced efficacy, and creating inhalable therapeutic nanocarriers for treating conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Challenge 2: Soft materials to battle cancer Cancer, especially lung cancer, remains a major health threat in Europe, and developing more effective treatments is critical. ICMAB-CSIC researchers contribute by providing materials science tools to the oncology community and collaborating with hospitals and industry partners. Engineered 3D scaffolds using natural and synthetic materials will be developed for animal-free cancer models, like patient-derived lung cancer organoids. These models will test new (radio)therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Key focuses include high-dose radionuclide delivery for imaging and radiation therapy, and designing injectable hydrogels for targeted treatment.
The researchers working on this topic are joining efforts to solve those global challenges. We would also like to highlight the scientific and technological knowledge of the research groups through the design, synthesis, and processing of new materials of interest to biomedical companies and clinical groups for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Additionally, the M4Heatlth has achieved:
- A success in the attraction of personnel, in specific Dr. Vega Lloveras (Cientifica titular), Dr. Horacio Guzman (Ramon y Cajal researcher), Dr. Juan Pellico (Ramon y Cajal researcher), and Dr. Paula Mayorga (Junior Leader LaCaixa). The critical mass of postdoctoral researchers (13) and PhD students (26) also increased.
- There has been a large effort in technology transfer within the research line, and we want to congratulate everyone on their efforts. Two clinical trials were initiated (Prof Anna Roig and Prof. Nora Ventosa), and six new patent applications were submitted. LabsinLove (Dr. Rosario Núñez) successfully attracted funding, and a new start-up, DELBIOS Pharmaceuticals (Prof. Nora Ventosa), was created.
- Research was published in 42 publications, where 67% of the works were led by an ICMAB researcher, and 71% had international collaborators.
R. J. Grams, W. L. Santos, I. R. Scorei, A. Abad-García, C. A. Rosenblum, A. Bita, H. Cerecetto, C. Viñas, M. A. Soriano-Ursúa
This review offers an in-depth overview of the evolution, mechanisms, and applications of boron-containing compounds (BCC) in medicinal chemistry, emphasizing their progression to the current state of research. Additionally, it highlights natural and synthetic contributions. It showcases a long-standing scientific trajectory within the group focused on developing carboranes—a class of boron-rich clusters that has significantly advanced the field. The review has been highly cited, amassing over 85 citations in just one year.
C. L. Bassani et al.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c10201
The soft matter theory group has focused on challenging conceptual questions related to the self-assembly of materials at the nanoscale, particularly on the key role of solvents in modulating interactions. Examples are the study of the principles guiding the assembly of nanoparticles combining classical structure and quantum function , the stability of (pure) graphene suspensions in water due to the generation of surface charges by water itself (10.1002/advs.202403760) and an atomistic description of melting/crystallization of functionalized metal-organic polyhedrons (10.1021/jacs.4c00407).
A. Solé-Porta, A. Areny-Balagueró, M. Camprubí-Rimblas, E. Fernández Fernández, A. O’Sullivan, R. Giannoccari, R. MacLoughlin, D. Closa, A. Artigas, A. Roig
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2022.118601
In the face of acute respiratory distress syndrome's (ARDS) devastating impact and lack of specific treatments, nanomedicine approaches offer great opportunities. The study showcases the integration of nanomedicine with clinical practicality. The biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarriers we have developed withstand nebulization using standard hospital devices and maintain their critical properties throughout the process. PLGA nanocapsules achieve homogeneous distribution throughout healthy and injured lung tissue, penetrating even the most distal areas. This excellent biodistribution overcomes the intricate pulmonary barriers. Moreover, nanocarriers demonstrated high uptake in type II alveolar epithelial cells—the linchpin in the re-epithelialization of the alveolar membrane damaged during lung injury —while evading macrophage clearance. This dual action mechanism holds interesting potential for accelerating lung healing and mitigating inflammation in ARDS patients.
The interdisciplinary collaboration between three groups, uniting materials science expertise with clinical insight and medical device innovation, has yielded translational advances. The work was selected as Editor's Choice and included in the Women in Materials Science Virtual Issue.
J. Tomsen et al.
This study presents nanoGLA, a peptide-targeted nanoliposomal formulation designed to improve treatment for Fabry disease by effectively delivering the GLA enzyme to key tissues, including the brain. NanoGLA significantly reduced Gb3 accumulation in mouse models, outperforming standard enzyme therapies. These promising results have been recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) through the Orphan Drug Designation to nanoGLA formulation, supporting its potential for clinical use.
A. Muñoz-Juan, A. Assié, A. Esteve-Codina, M. Gut, N. Benseny-Cases, B. S Samuel, E. Dalfó, A. Laromaine
This study explores bacterial nanocellulose fibers (BNCf) as a functional dietary fiber using C. elegans as a model. BNCf were safely ingested and excreted without harming survival, reproduction, or aging, though a slight reduction in worm length was noted. BNCf showed lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects, particularly in worms with neurological-related mutations, and activated genes related to immunity and lipid metabolism. These findings support BNCf’s potential as a safe dietary fiber that benefits metabolic and neurological health. This work was framed in the thesis of Dr. Amanda Muñoz, who successfully defended her thesis and achieved an excellent cum laude mark.
D. Abol-Fotouh, O. E.A. Al-Hagar, A. Roig
In the continuous evolution of bacterial cellulose research, this study presents a method to grow BC within agarose gel molds shaped using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to produce intricate designs. Analysis showed that agarose has little impact on BC's properties. As proof of concept, BC was molded into detailed shapes like a doll's ear and face, showing precise replication and favorable mechanical properties similar to collagen. This technique opens new possibilities for advanced prosthetics and soft tissue engineering.
C. Tian, S. Zhang, V. Lloveras, J. V. Gancedo
This study introduces a new class of metal-free MRI contrast agents using organic radical dendrimers, featuring a simplified synthesis of highly water-soluble dendrimers with up to 192 TEMPO radicals—achieving record-high relaxivity. The method improves ease of preparation and tunability. Experimental and computational analyses reveal key structure-relaxivity relationships, while in vivo tests show promise for glioblastoma imaging with renal excretion. The findings advance the development of safe, effective alternatives to gadolinium-based agents (10.1016/j.actbio.2024.12.006).
The recent progress in developing fully organic MRI contrast agents by functionalizing dendrimers with surface-bound radicals was reviewed.
In this line of research, we also introduce a novel dendrimer-based bimodal probe that combines magnetic and fluorescent properties for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging (FI). The complementary dual modality enhances detection sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy while this metal-free approach minimizes toxicity risks. Its efficient cellular internalization and fluorescence properties were confirmed using nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy, offering promising applications for improved disease diagnosis (10.1021/acsami.4c13578).
E. Pérez Del Río, S. Rey-Vinolas, F. Santos, M. Castellote-Borrell, F. Merlina, J. Veciana, I. Ratera, M. A. Mateos-Timoneda, E. Engel, J. Guasch
Cellular immunotherapy offers promising treatments for cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases, but the associated manufacturing processes are costly and time-consuming. Researchers have designed PEG–heparin hydrogels inspired by the lymph nodes to improve T cell manufacture. By successfully scaling up production through 3D printing, they increased T cell proliferation rates of relevant cell phenotypes. This advancement brings them closer to improving the efficiency and scalability of cellular immunotherapy manufacturing.