Researchers at the Centre for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) have made significant advancements in understanding nucleic acids in deep eutectic solvents. This research has opened new avenues towards sustainable formulations and biomolecular materials.
A team of scientists found that periods of darkness allow molecular assemblies to reorganize and evolve towards more stable structures. This process is faster and more effective than keeping the light on continuously.
Researchers from CiQUS introduce a prototype thermal memory device capable of switching between high and low thermal conductivity states through electrical stimuli. The device relies on ultra-thin ferroelectric films with precise regulation of thermal conductivity, enabling stable and non-volatile thermal states.
CiQUS researchers develop a flexible system to replicate cellular functions by leveraging reversible chemical bonds and dynamic covalent chemistry. The approach enables the creation of microscopic chemical factories capable of hosting multiple reactions and accelerating reaction kinetics.
Scientists have successfully constructed a phthalocyanine pentamer, a novel nanoarchitecture that integrates electronic and magnetic properties into a single molecule. The hybrid strategy combines solution chemistry and on-surface reactions on metal substrates, enabling the creation of complex molecular structures.
CiQUS researcher María Giménez López leads ZEST project to develop hybrid battery based on zinc, bromine, and manganese dioxide, offering safer and scalable solutions. The project aims to create stable, efficient, and cost-effective energy storage systems with industrial partners like Fraunhofer ISE.
A hybrid material combining vanadium cluster and carbon nanotubes acts as a molecular switch toggling between oxygen and hydrogen production. The 'switch' is controlled by the arrangement of organic cations, which modulate the local electrochemical microenvironment.
CiQUS researcher Julián Bergueiro's project ChiroPore aims to develop selective molecular transport across membranes, while Sara Abalde-Cela's OBSERVER project studies cell-cell communication as a dynamic process. Both projects have the potential to impact biomedicine, chemistry, and biotechnology
Researchers have developed an iron-based catalyst that tames the reactivity of methane, paving the way for natural gas to become a sustainable raw material for high-value chemicals. The method uses iron—a cheap, abundant, and far less toxic metal—and operates under mild temperature and pressure conditions.
A team of four scientists from European universities has been awarded €10 million to overcome the challenge of delivering biotherapeutics into cells. They plan to explore a novel approach using covalent chaotropic membrane transport to ferry impermeable molecules into cells.
Researchers at CiQUS developed a sustainable method using red light and recyclable COF catalysts to promote chemical reactions efficiently. The study highlights the potential of COFs as red-light-active heterogeneous photocatalysts, offering a significant step toward greener chemical methodologies.
A new strategy uses self-assembling peptide nanotubes to deliver doxorubicin into the nucleus of chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells, preserving antitumor activity. The approach utilizes cyclic peptides to stack and self-assemble into hollow cylindrical structures that facilitate drug delivery.
A team at CiQUS has created a molecule that self-assembles into fibrous materials, becoming active upon stimulation by cobalt ions. The molecule selectively binds to DNA three-way junctions, opening new opportunities for spatiotemporal control in targeted anticancer therapies.
Scientists have introduced an innovative approach to trap enzymes within nanoscale protein compartments, simplifying their use and extending their functional lifespan. This reduces costs and enhances reusability, offering a more sustainable pathway for PET recycling.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid catalyst that can toggle between active and resting states, improving hydrogen production efficiency and lifespan. The catalyst features controlled reversible activation through sulfur introduction, enabling on-demand control.
Researchers explore how plants use ubiquitination to fend off pathogens, developing molecular tools for disease resistance. The team aims to design synthetic E3 ligases that can switch on immune pathways and target pathogen proteins, enhancing crop resilience.
Manuel Souto received the Young Researcher Award from the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry for his leadership of the ElectroMolMat research group at CiQUS. The award recognizes his outstanding professional achievements and contributions to electroactive molecular materials.
The MEDiCS project, led by Prof. José Luis Mascareñas, aims to develop a new anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells using ruthenium-based metallic complexes. The €2.5 million funded project will progress the technology through preclinical phase and human clinical trials for pancreatic and colon cancers.
Researchers at CiQUS developed a new technique to create thermal circuits in certain oxides, enabling localized control of heat flow. By applying electric fields, they reduced thermal conductivity by up to 50% in micrometric regions, paving the way for efficient heat management in microelectronics.
A new study sheds light on the chemistry surrounding peptide helices, which are crucial for protein structure and function. The research details how different amino acid sequences influence helical structures, offering potential for designing new molecules in medicine and biotechnology.
The study reveals how the secondary structure of helical polymers influences their aggregation and size control. Researchers designed nanoespheres with varying densities and controlled their size by adjusting water-to-solvent ratios. Light-triggered release offers tailored solutions for targeted drug delivery.
Researchers from CiQUS have established the first set of rational design principles for chaotropic membrane transporters, governed by cluster size and polarizability. The study investigates the modulation of chaotropic transport by decoupling halogen composition from boron core size, revealing a window of carrier utility.
Scientists at CiQUS have developed a new study that modulates thermal conductivity in materials using electrical pulses. By applying appropriate voltages, researchers achieved a reversible increase or decrease in thermal conductivity, with a 20% modulation at room temperature.
Scientists at CiQUS integrate non-native photosensitizers into mammalian cells to induce artificial chemical reactions. This breakthrough showcases the feasibility of leveraging light to fabricate functional molecular products.
A team of scientists has developed a new type of anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells, which are difficult to eradicate. The compound, called Ru1, promotes a decrease in the expression of genes necessary for mitochondrial respiration, causing cancerous cells to lose their potential.
Researchers at CiQUS developed a novel cyclic peptide that forms nanotubes on demand when light-irradiated. This allows for precise control over the artificial cytoskeleton's structure and function.
Researchers at CiQUS developed biomimetic nanocarriers that fuse with host cell membranes to release drugs into cytosol. This approach enhances therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability by increasing selectivity and safety.
A new EIC project, CAR T-REX, will develop novel, scalable CAR T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. The consortium aims to overcome current limitations, including high manufacturing costs and limited efficacy, through a novel paradigm for generating improved CAR T cells.
Researchers have designed new light-responsive membrane carriers for the translocation of peptide cargos inside living cells, offering a promising strategy for remotely controlled delivery of large biomolecules. The light-triggered system utilizes azobenzene units to control the transport of cationic peptides across lipid membranes.
A team of scientists has engineered a new method for building carbon nanocircuits with adaptable bridges, allowing for the fine-tuning of electronic properties and enabling potential applications in advanced electronics and sustainable energy. The breakthrough could also lead to the development of thermoelectric materials with signific...
By doping liquid crystals with azobenzene molecules, researchers can induce reversible changes in thermal conductivity under ultraviolet light. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing materials with tunable thermal conductivity to address challenges in microelectronics.
Scientists at CiQUS have developed a methodology to quantify the folding degree of helical polymers, identifying the direction of helix rotation and its impact on structure-function relationship. The innovative approach allows for the estimation of folding degree and potential improvements in polymer performance.
TrafikGene, led by Prof. Javier Montenegro, develops a peptide-based technology for efficient delivery of nucleic acids with potential therapeutic application. The project aims to create vehicles that facilitate selective and non-toxic delivery of nucleic acids for applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers at CiQUS developed a new methodology for synthesizing chiral benzazepines, a highly interesting bioactive molecule. The method uses a palladium metal and a newly designed chiral ligand to activate specific C-H bonds, enabling the efficient production of these compounds.
An international team developed two methods to protect and deprotect graphene nanoribbons from atmospheric oxidation, enabling scalable applications of their unique characteristics. The new strategy allows for the integration of carbon nanostructures into devices.
Researchers from CiQUS and Karolinska Institutet develop a new immunotherapeutic approach against cancer by blocking adenosine A2B receptors. The study demonstrates that this blockade reactivates the immune system, restoring its effectiveness against tumors.
A new class of membrane carriers, based on halogenated dodecaborate cluster anions, has been discovered to facilitate the cell entry of impermeable molecules. These superchaotropic boron clusters interact with hydrophilic cargos without encapsulating or forming aggregates, allowing for efficient transport across biological membranes.
Researchers successfully carried out the first on-surface intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction, generating valuable intermediate molecules. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of the transformation's mechanisms and potential design of new reactions.
Scientists at CiQUS develop a self-assembled fibrillar network that mimics the structure of a possible cytoskeleton inside water droplets or protocells. The resulting system can induce complex responses such as nutrient uptake, membrane fusion, and molecular exchange.