I'm in charge of the group “Synthetic methodologies based on unsaturated systems”. I have a very close scientific relation with several researchers of the Departamento de Química Orgánica I of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) through the Unidad Asociada al CSIC “Lactamas y Heterociclos Bioactivos”. As an example, I'm the principal investigator of research projects funded by MINECO, but people from the UCM are participant members. Recently (may 2017), a predoctoral fellow has been incorporated to the IQOG-CSIC.

We investigate the synthesis, structure, biological activity and technological properties of peptides, heterocycles and aromatic compounds; using experimental and computational approaches. We study the toxicity and pharmacological potential (antimalarials, antivirals, protease inhibitors, neuroprotectors, etc.). We investigate the technological properties of ionic and eutectic liquids, especially for applications such as ionic liquid electrolytes and nanostructured materials applications.

The group is focused on the study of the molecular, structural and cellular basis of protein conformational multiplicity and of its physiopathological impacts. The models used are 1) PrP and its related neurodegenerations, 2) food proteins and their linked type-I food allergies, and 3) the biotechnological use of peptide assemblies.

Structure, dynamics, interactions and reactivity of biomolecules, using advanced methods of laser-induced fluorescence with high temporal (ps-s) and spatial (nm-µm) resolution: fluorescence micro-spectroscopy (FLIM, FLIM-Phasor, FRET, TRA-IM, FCS) and second harmonic generation (SHG). Applications to native and synthetic macromolecular systems, cellular organules and living cells

The group works on the development and study of materials with chemical functionality (photo-catalysts) in powder form, or in the form of coatings or films on different substrates, with the aim of their use in environmental photocatalysis applications.

The research activity of the Colloidal Materials Group is focused on the synthesis and surface modification of new colloidal functional materials with controlled characteristics (particle size and shape, crystallinity, composition, specific surface area), their characterization and the evaluation of their properties for application in biomedicine, ceramics and optoelectronics.

The group develops catalytic systems for production and purification of hydrogen from renewable sources, addressing all the steps necessary for its complete development. For the synthesis of these, soft chemistry methods are used to control the most relevant parameters in this respect: particle size, compositional homogeneity, surface morphology. On the other hand, systems are characterized using advanced methods with the highest possible resolution at spatial and / or temporal levels, paying particular attention to techniques that allow such characterization under operating conditions.

This research group is a one of recent creation (2009). After working since 1988 in several areas of biocatalysis, under the supervision of Dr Guisan, and a postdoctoral stand in UCL under supervision of Dr Cowan (1993-1996) the leader research has a wide experience in the study of the interactions between biomacromolecules and activated solids, both to purify or immobilize/stabilize these biomacromolecules. Moreover, he has expertise in the chemical and physical modification of these biomacromolecules, both to improve their properties or to improve their immobilization performance.

The research activity is focused on the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas by natural gas and biogas valorization, on the preparation and characterization of nanostructured carbon materials and their application in energy and environment fields,.