The Nanobiotechnology for Diagnostics group (Nb4D) is a consolidated investigation group, recognised by the Catalan government (2014SGR1484), and also a member of CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine). It is made up of four research staff (1 Professor of Investigation, 1 Tenured Scientist, 1 Superior Specialised Technician and 1 CIBER-BBN Investigator), along with a variable number (approx. 10) of postdoctoral and predoctoral investigators.

The group has as an objective the study and preparation of biologically active molecules, medicinal chemistry and chemical support to projects in the biochemical, biological and biomedical fields. The specific objectives include research on photopharmacology, light control of protein activity by means of small-molecule photoswitches or photolabile caged compounds. The molecules developed have use as pharmacological tools in basic neuroscience and define novel and more precise potential therapeutic treatments for difficult-to-treat disorders.

The research group currently focuses its activities in the preparation and characterization of complex porous materials, obtained from colloidal surfactant systems, and the formation and properties of microgels, obtained from water-in-water (W/W) emulsions. This research is developed as fundamental and applied technology. The Surface Chemistry Group is leading public sponsored research projects (National Plan projects and Innpacto projects with industrial partners), and participates in European projects and in bilateral cooperative projects.

This research unit works on the discovery of small molecular weight molecules with activity on relevant biomedical and/or biological processes, with an emphasis on the metabolism and function of lipids, especially sphingolipids. Sphingolipids play crucial roles in the outbreak and progression of a wide range of diseases, from rare diseases (sphingolipidoses) to diseases of high socio-economic impact (cancer, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes type 2, etc.).

Global change impacts on the dynamics of Mediterranean forests. Plant-soil feedbacks in forests and agroforestry systems. Plant-animal and plant-microbe interactions. Soil ecology. Biogeoquemistry of nutrients and stable isotopes. Outreach of the ecological, social and economic implications of scientific results.

MOSS Group from IRNAS-CSIC represents an international reference laboratory in Organic Geochemistry and the first group in Spain in studying Humus Chemistry. The group have contributed decisively to the advance of knowledge in the molecular characterization of humic substances present in soils, water and sediments, as well as in fossil resources (peat, coals, kerogens, etc.) and residues with use in agriculture (composts, fertilizer humates, biochar, etc.).

Integrated studies of the soil‒water‒plant relationships and the use of organic wastes as fertilizers or amendments

The REC Group belongs to the area VIDA (LIFE). We are 8 PH.D., 1 biologist, 1 technician and 3 PHD students. The group was founded in 2008, although most of the members were working since long before at the IRNAS. We collaborate with national and international research institutions, universities and provate companies. We focus on the optimization of water use in agriculture, particularly irrigation. We study the crop response to the environment, mainly to water stress.

The group is focused on environmental microbiology (water, soil and subsoil), particularly in biodiversity and microbial ecology in subterranean and built environments, the taxonomy of bacteria and fungi, the follow-up of microbial invasions in rock art caves, the description of new microorganisms and their role in the biogeochemical cycles, the search for bioactive compounds, the impact of microorganisms colonizing buildings (air and materials) on the health of visitors, and the deterioration of the built Cultural Heritage (threats diagnosis and conservation recommendations).