The Bionanomechanics Group (http://www.imm-cnm.csic.es/bionano/en) develops ultra-sensitive analytical tools for biomedicine inspired by unique phenomena occurring at the boundary between optics and mechanics at the micro- and nanoscale. The group's research ranges from the discovery of new physical phenomena in bio-interface to their technological exploitation for a relevant biomedical problem. In this effort, the group has expertise in physics, optical instrumentation, biofunctionalization, mechanobiology and biophysics.

Group dedicated to the preparation and study of nanostructured metallic systems, focusing on novel physical properties and potential applications in the fields of communications (ICT), energy and health. We have vast and long experience both in the manufacture of microstructures and nanostructures using physical vapor deposition and micro- and nanolithography techniques, as well as in the characterization and modeling of their properties at the nanoscale.

The group is a well consolidated and internationally recognized team. It has pioneered several breakthrough developments in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of semiconductors and related techniques. Being active along the last 25 years in the field of optoelectronics, our laboratories are equipped with state of the art characterization and nano-fabrication facilities and are continuously updated with research tools to be able to keep at the forefront of the rapid evolution of optoelectronics and laser technology.

Our group has more than 30 years of experience in the study of intracellular calcium dynamics, especially at the level of intracellular organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum or secretory vesicles. Currently, our group is focused on the model of the nematode C. elegans, and our main interests are: Cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium dynamics in C. elegans worms in vivo and its relationship with the aging process. Study of the effect of modulators of intracellular calcium signaling on longevity and health in C. elegans worms.

Our research group is devoted to the research on calcium signalling, mitochondria and calcium channel remodelling in cell proliferation and cell death as well as its their contribution to proliferative and neurodegenerative diseases as cancer, restenosis and Alzheimers disease. On the other hand, we investigate the use of calcium channels as novel targets for the treatment of the above mentioned diseases. Particularly we study the role of calcium channels in the chemopreventive and neuroprotection mechanisms of aspirin and other NSAIDs against cancer and Alzheimer¿s disease.

Diabetes and obesity (metabolic diseases) are two major epidemics of the 21st century that constitute a major public health concern worldwide. The study of their pathophysiology can contribute to generate the novel knowledge for searching new treatments and therapies to counteract the impact of these chronic non-communicable diseases in patients.

Our research encompasses the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of tissue injury by immune-mediated mechanisms and the characterization of the main chemical mediators recruited upon engagement of receptors for both pathogen-associated molecular patterns and receptors for the Fc portion of IgG class antibodies. The cooperation between these receptors helps explain the current models of function of the immune system, where poorly soluble ligands and particulate stimuli are the driving force of the acute inflammatory reaction and the initiation of the adaptive immune response.

Numerous signal transduction processes involve lipids as signaling molecules. Many of these molecules are generated by phospholipases, enzymes which cleave ester bonds within membrane phospholipids. Cells contain multiple phospholipase forms. Our goal is to understand the cellular regulation of these phospholipases under pro- and anti-inflammatory conditions. In our laboratory we combine a range of chemical, biochemical, pharmacological, and molecular cell biology techniques to study lipid metabolism and signaling in physiology and pathophysiology.