The main objective of our research work is the development of new methodologies that allow us to access new chemical entities (NCE= new chemical entities; structural skeletons capable of interacting with a therapeutic target). The generation of NCEs is currently one of the most important constraints in the drug discovery process. In this context, our research activity addresses the application of new methodologies recently incorporated into the arsenal of tools of organic chemistry to the preparation of new chemical structures of interest. The rise of organocatalysis and photoredox catalysis in the last decade has been extraordinary, due among other things to the operational simplicity of both methodologies, and to the incorporation of new ways of activating molecules through different mechanisms that allow new transformations to be carried out very efficiently. Both techniques are being studied in our working group. Specifically, we implemented enantioselective desymmetrisation processes using the intramolecular aza-Michael reaction. This gives us access to a new family of disubstituted piperidines, skeletons that are considered privileged structures given the wide range of biological activities they induce. Also within the framework of organocatalysis, we designed new organocatalytic tandem processes where one of the individual processes in an intramolecular aza-Michael reaction. This allows us to obtain new families of polycyclic nitrogenous systems with simultaneous generation of several stereocentres.
The combination of organocatalytic processes with dipolar cycloadditions is also being studied in our group. On the basis of iminic activation, organocatalytic nucleophilic addition on ortho-substituted cinnamaldehydes with a trifluorovinyl unit will give rise to the corresponding conjugated addition product, capable of undergoing an intramolecular (3+2) nitrone reaction. This process will allow us to generate quaternary centres containing a trifluoromethyl unit. The generation of such stereocentres is a major synthetic challenge, only partially solved by conjugated additions.
Finally, we intend to enter the field of photo-redox catalysis. Given our previous experience with fluorinated substrates, and the wide variety of fluoroalkyl radicals generated by this methodology, we intend to extend the generation of this type of radicals to difluorobromo propargyl systems and imidoyl halides. Therefore, the feasibility of these intermediates will be studied, as well as a preliminary evaluation of their reactivity, in insertion reactions on various unsaturated systems. As an application of this methodology, the synthesis of fluorinated gamma amino acids will be carried out.
Our main goal is the study of fractional evolution equations, under appropriate initial and boundary conditions, posed on a Banach space. Such problems have their origin in different fields of science and engineering, such as linear viscoelasticity, diffusion processes in materials with memory, electrodynamics with memory or in the approximation of non-linear conservation laws. On the one hand, we are interested in analysing under what conditions it can be assured that the problem is well proposed in the sense of Hadamard, the maximal regularity property, etc., and on the other hand, we are interested in studying possible techniques for approximating the solution.
The HRI group focuses its research on the development of intelligent systems and algorithms for human-robot interaction in the fields of mobile, industrial and collaborative robotics.
The main objective is to learn the fundamental principles for carrying out tasks of different natures (driving vehicles, manipulating objects, surface treatment, etc.), predict human intentions in situations where there is shared control and provide personalised assistance capable of adapting to the changing conditions of the environment and of the human operator, regulating the level of autonomy of the intelligent assistance system.
It is worth highlighting the lines of research in assisted teleoperation using optical and audiovisual feedback (HAV feedback), advanced driver assistance systems (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ADAS) in vehicles and intelligent transport systems (ITS), as well as active cooperation and shared control between a human operator and a robotic system in industrial applications.
In modern society, the use of the cosmetics covers a large number of products used by the consumers at daily rate or, at least, very frequently. For this reason, the people are motivated to carry out a careful production control to ensure the quality and efficacy of the product as well as the safety of the consumer.
The European regulation on cosmetic products ensures the protection of the consumer through prohibition and restriction of the availability of certain substances in the manufacture and marketing of cosmetic products. Nonetheless, official methods of cosmetic product analysis are rare and some of the existing methods need to be modernised in line with advances in regulations and analytical chemistry, so the needs of the sector are not yet covered. Therefore, it’s important to develop methods that can be used for the determination of components in both raw materials and cosmetic formulations of all kinds.
It has also been demonstrated that some cosmetic ingredients can be partially absorbed through the skin of consumers. Therefore, analytical methods with appropriate characteristics are required for application in studies of percutaneous absorption and excretion of cosmetic ingredients to assess the current ingredients and, if necessary, to prohibit or restrict the use of some of them and replace them by others, if deemed appropriate for the safety of consumers. In addition, there are also studies indicating that some cosmetic ingredients are emerging pollutants and there is a need to develop analytical methods that can be applied for environmental studies to assess the impact of existing ingredients and, if necessary, to take appropriate decisions to preserve the relevant ecosystems.
Since its foundation (1999), our research group has been working on the design, development, validation and application of methods for the analytical control of cosmetic products and raw materials, as well as their impact on humans and the environment, determining the concentration of authorised, restricted and prohibited components.
Chirality is a property related to the three-dimensional shape of molecules. Chiral molecules can exist in two forms (enantiomers) that are mirror images of each other. This subtle difference has tremendously important implications in chemistry, as two enantiomers can exhibit completely different or even opposite biological or pharmacological properties. Similarly, the mechanical, magnetic or electrical properties of many materials can vary completely depending on whether they are made up of a single enantiomer or mixtures of enantiomers.
As a consequence of all this, there is a real need at both laboratory and industrial level for synthetic procedures that allow chiral compounds to be obtained selectively in a defined enantiomeric form. Among the different methodologies available for this purpose, those using chiral catalysts are the most suitable, as they allow minimising the consumption of chiral starting materials and reducing waste production, contributing to more efficient, more economical and more environmentally friendly chemical processes.
In this context, the asymmetric catalysis group investigates the development of new chiral catalysts based on both metal complexes and organocatalysts and their application in various enantioselective C-C bond formation reactions aimed at the synthesis of enantiomerically enriched chiral organic compounds of pharmacological interest. These reactions include functionalisation reactions of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds (Friedel-Crafts reactions), carbanion addition reactions (aldol reactions, Henry reactions), addition reactions of organometallic reagents (alkylation and alkynylation) or cycloaddition reactions (Diels-Alder reactions, 1,3-dipolar addition) etc.
We have recently incorporated the use of photoredox catalysis in C-C bond formation reactions.
Our group has a long research history of 11 years, from our first national project BJU2003-07935 Contractual development of franchising networks, funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, to the current CELDEFCOM Licit business coordination in competition law of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and PROMETEU/ 2015/019/FASEII Business networks and competition law of the Consellería de Educació Generalitat Valenciana. During this period we have obtained and developed a total of five national projects, two Prometeo projects, two contracts with the European Commission for the training of national judges in European competition law and we have also participated in two European research projects or contracts Inter-firm networks in the wine industry in Europe, VI Framework Programme, European Commission, led by Fabrizio Caffaggi (European University Institute), and 'Study on the legal framework covering business-to-business unfair trading practices in the retail supply chain' Tender MARKT/2012/049/E, DG-V OF THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.
The main focus of our group is, on the one hand, the legal analysis of business collaboration from a multi-faceted perspective, covering contract law - distribution, agency or franchise contracts -, company law - economic interest groupings, joint ventures, clusters or so-called coordination groups -, intellectual property rights - technology transfer or software licensing -, insolvency law - insolvency of a franchisee or car manufacturer and effects on its network of subcontractors or dealers - and competition law - legal framework for business cooperation, cumulative network effects in block exemption regulations, taking into account business networks in merger cases -.
During these years we have published a total of eight collective books, in addition to the six monographs by members of the group, and more than two hundred articles in national and international journals, not to mention the countless commentaries on European and national judgments, as well as the participation of our members in university activities of the EUIPO and the EIPTN. We have also organised a total of 23 national congresses or symposiums, as well as organising countless cycles of conferences and courses with the participation of speakers from other Spanish and foreign universities.
The members of our group have also been regularly invited by other European and American Universities and research groups, as well as having been speakers at more than one hundred conferences and symposia held in other Universities, Institutions or research centres and professional or business forums in our country or abroad.
Our members have spent several stays in prestigious foreign scientific institutions such as the European University Institute of Florence, the Max Planck Institute of Munich and Hamburg, the London School of Economics, Harvard University, Oxford University, the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Humbolt University of Berlin, Trinity College of Dublin, or the Università degli Studi di Firenze. Two of our members have received scholarships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. During this period, we have also read six doctoral theses supervised by members of our group.
Our research aims to generate applied knowledge in the areas of organic chemistry, catalysis and materials science. We seek to generate scientific knowledge through originality and multidisciplinarity.
As specialists in Organic Chemistry we aim to bring our vision to the creation of molecular complexity, all geared towards sustainability and efficiency in coherence with sustainable development goals. Specifically, our study focuses on:
- The design of new functional materials and the development of alternative applications in catalysis and energy.
- The use of MOF/COV-type systems that can generate high-density functional interfaces resistant to extreme environments.
- The development of new synthetic pathways for obtaining molecular complexity through processes in line with green chemistry.
- The use of hydrogen self-transfer processes to activate diols and generate new structures.
- The development of new structures for photovoltaic systems.
- The development of original methodologies to access polyaromatic compounds from simple structures and with catalysis.
The main objective of our research is the synthesis of new compounds with potential biological activity. Therefore, our work focuses on the development of new methodologies that lead to these molecules in a simple and selective way. In this context, the preparation of new organofluorine compounds has been one of the hallmarks of the group, since it is well known that the introduction of fluorine atoms in organic molecules often improves their chemical and pharmacological properties. In addition, we are interested in the design and synthesis of new peptidomimetics and other small molecules capable of activating or inhibiting specific therapeutic targets. The main lines are described below:
- Design, synthesis and reactivity of new fluorinated chemical entities containing the alkyne function.
- Study of the differential reactivity of fluorinated propargylic amines in gold-catalysed hydroamination and hydroarylation processes. Extension to tandem processes mediated by electrophilic fluorination agents.
- Synthesis of fluorinated propargylic acetates and preliminary evaluation of their reactivity towards gold salts (I).
- Development of a catalytic process for the synthesis of 1-fluoroalkynes from terminal alkynes.
- Diversity-Oriented Synthesis (DOS): application to the asymmetric synthesis of fluorinated and non-fluorinated benzofused compounds as new molecular entities in drug discovery.
- Asymmetric synthesis of benzofused compounds by tandem or one-pot processes.
- Application of fluorinated 2-iodo(bromo)benzyl 2-iodo(benzyl)amines as building blocks in the synthesis of optically pure fluorinated nitrogen heterocycles.
- Development of new enantioselective processes using organocatalysis, metal catalysis or a combination of both.
- Extension of the intramolecular aza-Michael intramolecular (AMI) organocatalytic reaction to conjugated esters as acceptors.
- Study of the asymmetric AMI reaction applied to desymmetrisation processes of prochiral compounds.
- Design of new organocatalytic tandem processes: aza-Henry-AMI and aza-Morita Baylis Hillman-AMI.
- Asymmetric synthesis of alcohols and cyclic amines using organocatalyst/transition metal binary systems (relay catalysis).
- Study of the catalytic enantioselective intramolecular catalytic allylation reaction.
- Target Oriented Synthesis (TOS): design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new generation of peptidomimetics capable of inhibiting the RRE-Rev interaction of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
The research activity of the group is currently focused on the development of these projects: MAT2012-33483 (IP Andrés Cantarero, CSD2010-0044 (Coordinator Clivia Sotomayor, from the ICN) and the ITN Nanowiring (Coordinator Angela Rizzi, from the University of Göttingen, Germany).
Within the framework of these projects, we study the applications of semiconductor nanowires in the fields of energy and photonics. The studies range from the fundamental level, through the study of their structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties, to their application in thermoelectric or optoelectronic (in particular solar cells) devices or in integrated photonics.
The theoretical support is oriented towards the development of semi-empirical methods for the design and modelling of semiconductor nanostructures. A wide variety of techniques have been implemented to exploit existing experimental results and those obtained by first-principles techniques. Semi-empirical methods facilitate the synergy between theory and experiment. These methods also allow the design of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis and characterisation of conductive, thermostable and thermoplastic polymers.
The crystal growth group of the Universitat de València focuses its activity on the growth and structural and morphological characterisation of semiconductors, both in volume and in the form of layers and nanostructures. This activity has been carried out mainly within the framework of different research projects in the area of materials for optoelectronics and spintronics. The results obtained have been reflected in a significant academic contribution both in articles in journals of wide scientific dissemination and in congresses and workshops.
The approach to the technological sector has been carried out in two areas: solar energy and humidity and infrared sensors. For the development of this research activity, a laboratory has been set up in which different crystalline growth techniques have been installed: Bridgman, Physical Vapour Transport, Travelling Heater Method, MOCVD, Spray Pyrolysis, Hydrothermal; as well as different preparation techniques and post-growth treatments, which provides a wide range of infrastructures and development possibilities.
In relation to structural and morphological characterisation, the members of the group have proven expertise in high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The correlation of material properties with growth conditions has allowed a better understanding of growth processes and structural defects and is the focus of the main part of the group's work. At present, a large part of the activity is focused on the oxides of group II materials (ZnO, CdO and MgO) and their alloys.
Within this framework was the leadership of the European SOXESS project as well as the organisation of Symposium IX at the E-MRS on this topic. The group collaborates on a regular basis with national groups (Uno.Valladolid, Uno. País Vasco, Instituto Jaume Almera, (ISOM) UPM, as well as with foreign groups (CNRS-Bellevue, France; University of Warwick, UK; National Renewable Energy Lab. in Golden, Colorado, USA).
At the beginning, our group was dedicated to the study and characterisation of gastrointestinal disorders related to acid production and motility, becoming an international reference group in this field due to the large number of high-level publications in the area of basic or experimental pharmacology.
New applications for the study of drug effects, such as genetics or molecular biology, have led to a broadening of the topics to be studied.
The most important characteristic of our group from a research point of view is the desire for our different lines of research to be focused on the study of physiological and pathological processes with a broad clinical impact. That is why our lines of research address diseases of particular relevance in today's society: Crohn's disease, NSAID gastroenteropathy, AIDS, diabetes and obesity. Since its foundation in 2007, our group has been part of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), whose function is to promote research of excellence at both clinical and basic levels. In addition, we have been recognised by the Valencian Government as a group of excellence within the PROMETEO 2010 call.
Our group has published more than 200 articles and reviews in international journals including, among others, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, PNAS, Circulation, Immunity, Circulation Research, British Journal of Pharmacology and Trends in Pharmacological Sciences.
The Digital Systems Design and Communication Group (DSDC) is a consolidated research group attached to the Escola Técnica Superior d'Enginyería of the Universitat de València since 1996. It is currently made up of four teachers and researchers with doctorates and four pre-doctoral researchers. It has two 100m2 laboratories fully equipped for the design and development of electronic demonstrators.
He has extensive scientific experience, with more than 70 articles in high-impact international journals and more than 90 participations in scientific congresses. It also has an extensive track record in the development of research projects, having participated in more than 15 projects funded by public calls for proposals, and has a long tradition in technology transfer, having collaborated as a scientific partner in matters related to electronics, computing and telecommunications through more than 30 contracts and agreements with major players in different sectors and business areas.
Areas of research:
- Customised electronic design (hardware and firmware). Reconfigurable Logic (CPLDs, FPGAs, PSoC). Microcontrollers (AVR, ARM, 8051, etc.). RTOS.
- Sensor networks (WSN). Wireless communications technologies (Wifi, Zigbee, CyFi, Bluetooth, Sigfox LoRA, etc.)
- Applications for mobile devices (IOS, Android)
- High-speed electronic design (Altium, etc.).
- Internet of Things (IoT). Motes. Concentrators. Embedded electronic developments, with special emphasis on aspects such as low power consumption, energy harvesting and miniaturisation.
- Project management. Development of pre-commercial prototypes, including cost analysis and CE pre-certification.
Sectors of application:
- Energy (smartgrids, smartmetering, renewables).
- Environment (climate change, smartcities, smarthome and building automation).
- Industry (process analytical technologies - PAT).
- Biomedical engineering (implantable devices, nuclear medicine PET).
- High-energy physics detectors (ATLAS-CERN).
- Consumer Electronics (wereables).
Collaborating organisations, associations and foundations in the areas of interest (excluding RTD, LI, SME):
Climate-KIC. European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Spanish Technological Platform for Energy Efficiency. Spanish Geothermal Technology Platform The Valencian Association of Energy Sector Companies (AVAESEN). InnDEA Foundation (Valencia City Hall). Spanish Home Automation Association (CEDOM). Multisectoral Association of Electronics, Information and Communication Technologies, Telecommunications and Digital Content Companies (AMETIC). Spanish Association for the Internationalisation and Innovation of Spanish Electronics Companies (SECARTYS). Building Institute of Valencia (IVE). Valencian Association of Habitat Technologies (AVATHA). Professional bodies and associations (COIT, COITT, FENITEL, FENIE). TECMA-RED communication group.
The group has developed different research projects, both public and private, which endorse its trajectory. As visible results, in the last 5 years, 15 articles have been published in first quartile journals in the area of Pharmacy and Pharmacology of the JCR.
The research activity has focused on studies of drug absorption through different routes (eye, intestine and skin, fundamentally), both from the point of view of the underlying mechanism and the possibilities of modifying it. In this sense, tools have been investigated to increase bioavailability (drugs that are not very soluble or have a significant first-pass effect) and, more recently, resources have been developed to reduce bioavailability by increasing the topical effect, in order to reduce the systemic toxicity of the drug.
To achieve these objectives, several strategies have been tested, including the use of solubility-enhancing excipients, microneedles, polymeric films and nano- and microparticles of different structure. Studies have been developed using in silico (computer modelling and statistical techniques) and in vitro (cell culture, diffusion cells and legal reference models) techniques to reduce the use of animals. Also, infrastructure and training is available to evaluate in vivo results in mice and rats.
Deteriorating environmental conditions, mainly caused by human activities, are a major health risk. Pollution, environmental degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss are not only affecting ecosystems and climate, but also have serious consequences on the production of safe and quality food and on the population.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the safety of the food we consume and the environment where we live in has become a top priority for consumers and public authorities alike. The Research Group on Food and Environmental Safety (SAMA-UV) is dedicated to research in environmental and food sciences and provides state-of-the-art technology and analytical services for the determination of contaminants and natural compounds, focusing its activities in the areas of environmental health, food quality and safety as well as risk assessment and human exposure studies. The pollutants with which the research group works and for which it has advanced analytical methodology include both regulated and emerging pollutants and their degradation products (ex. pesticides, drugs of abuse, human and veterinarian medicines, perfluorinated compounds, flame retardants, etc…).
The results of this activity has enabled the research group to interact and collaborate with other national and European teams researching similar topics through the attendance and paper presentation at numerous international meetings and conferences and articles in scientific journals. As a whole, the research activity carried out has generated 15 book chapters and more than 180 publications in international CSI journals with a high impact rate such as Analytical Chemistry, TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Chromatography, Analytica Chimica Acta, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Food Chemistry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, etc.
The group’s research is mainly funded through research projects within the framework of grants for R&D projects at both regional and national level, and also within the framework of various integrated actions with the cooperation of other research groups in the European Union. The group also has collaborations and agreements with companies in the food and environmental sector.
The research activity will focus on the following lines of research:
- Development and implementation of Food Quality and Safety.
- Elucidation, research and study of extracts and/or bioactive compounds of food origin.
- Development of new food products.
- Basic and applied research through the development and study of clinical trials in the field of pathologies associated with nutrition.
- Development of new tools based on information and communication technologies (ICT) for use in food education at teaching and care level.
- Anthropometric and nutritional assessment and ergogenic aids in sport.
The characterisation of drug release, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion processes has a major impact on medicine design and provides rational criteria for selecting the most appropriate dosage form, route and method of administration. These aspects are particularly important for drugs with bioavailability problems and/or high pharmacokinetic variability.
The research group is dedicated to pre-formulation studies of medicine (and cosmetics), characterisation of drug release and/or absorption processes from the medicine containing them and evaluation of the pharmacokinetic profile after its administration to the organism.
Materials science and technology covers a wide range of disciplines, techniques and methods designed for the development of materials in the service of society’s new challenges.
In this context, the INNOMAT group, integrated in the Institute of Material Science of the Universitat de València, focuses its research around two subjects with a clear complementarity. The first deals with the development of innovative protocols for preparing porous, mesoporous or nanostructured materials with characteristics that allow its use in a wide variety of applications: sensors, catalysts, coatings, analysis, restoration and preservation of historical heritage, etc. These materials are specifically designed either to amplify some of the physical or chemical properties of their components, or to devise new ones from an intelligent design. This goal requires the monitoring of many parameters related to the physical, chemical and structural nature of the compounds obtained. Thus the use of the appropriate characterisation techniques is needed, as well as the development of other techniques of innovative nature, distinguished by their specific properties and high added value: high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, versatility or portability. The analysis of the physical and chemical properties of materials and the development of new characterisation techniques is therefore the second main activity of the group. This double purpose on characterisation and development combines the collaborative effort of physics and chemistry researchers, by whom it is integrated. Then, it provides the group with a clear multidiscipliinary nature. More specifically, the group develops the following activities:
- Design and synthesis of innovative materials:
- Oxidic and non-oxific materials: preparation and characterisation of oxidic materials with variable-sized particles.
- Massive and porous nanoparticles with the incorporation of several multifunctional groups for applications in diagnosis and drug delivery.
- Mesoporous nanocomposites containing gold nanoparticles for the catalytic decomposition of CO and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- • Silica-polymer nanocomposites for controlled delivery applications, remediation (CO2 capture) and sensors.
- Porous silica modified with inorganic species, organic groups and coordination complexes, as heterogeneous catalysts for green chemistry.
- Hybrid functionalised silica for detecting VOCs.
- Materials for the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage.
- Development of material characterisation innovative techniques
- Adaptation of a spectrometer Ramar to use it on the research of cultural heritage items, allowing measures in situ, without simple taking.
- Adaptation of a portable spectrometer EDXRF to use it on the research of cultural heritage items, allowing measures in situ, without simple taking.
- Adaptation of an atomic force microscope for the optical and electric characterisation of high spatial resolution nanomaterials.
The main purpose of IDAL is the study and application of intelligent methods of data analysis for pattern recognition, with applications that struggle with prediction, classification or trend determination.
Its members apply classic statistical methods and automatic learning techniques to large databases: statistical hypothesis testing, linear models, feature selection and extraction, neural networks, clustering algorithms, decision trees, support vector machines, probabilistic graphical models, manifold visualization, fuzzy logic, reinforcement learning, etc.
The ultimate goal of the application of these methods is to generate mathematical models which enable the optimization of processes and resources, as well as to reach the optimal decision making stage. A clear example of this is the area of health, where IDAL has developed clinical decision support application based on data analysis. These applications make it possible to improve the patient’s quality of life (establishing optimal clinical guidelines) while reducing healthcare costs.
Complementing this knowledge, the group has extensive experience in signal processing (spectral analysis, digital filter, adaptive process, etc.) due to their work of over 10 years in biosignal processing (mainly ECG and EEG). With all this background, IDAL is able to analyse a wide range of data and signals. This fact is backed up by the large number of both private and public contracts it has developed in different areas of knowledge. Furthermore, most of the practical work carried out has been displayed in important scientific publications with high impact parameters and in a large number of communications to international congresses within the area of data analysis.
Among the developed applications, (outside the health area already mentioned) are the following, i.a: web recommendations, models for optimal incentive management to gain customer loyalty, measurement-based shoe recommendations, and other data analysis consultancy works. In addition to its practical work IDAL, it develops new data analysis algorithms improving the performance of the existing ones. This research work is also reflected in a wide dissemination in the form of different publications in journals of impact and in congresses of data analysis relevant to the scientific community.
Research into the processes of drug release, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and response. Development and testing of drug microparticles and nanoparticles.
Fundamental studies and development of analytical applications in liquid chromatography in all modalities (conventional, capillary and nano), electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography and mass spectrometry. Studies on high-temperature chromatography. Development of new stationary phases with and without nanoparticles through chromatography, capillary electrochromatography and for pre-concentration in capillary electrophoresis. Fundamental studies on the design and manufacture of new monolithic stationary phases. Methods of analysis of industrial products: cleaning products, cosmetics, vegetable oils and others. Methods of analysis of industrial waste in the aquatic environment. Methods of analysis of chiral pharmaceutical compounds. Methods of analysis of biological samples.
The research activity is focused on the design, modelling, advanced characterisation and integration of microsensors and microelectronic circuits. In this sense, and in close collaboration with other groups in our immediate environment, at national and international level, we have developed capabilities in the design of sensors based on nanostructured layers for the sensing of physical magnitudes such as the magnetic field or the concentration of gases. We have also demonstrated skills in the design of polarisation circuits for these sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition.
Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) has recently been proposed as a new theory for the study of reactivity in organic chemistry.
Within MEDT, reactivity in organic chemistry is studied through the quantum-mechanical analysis of the changes in electron density along the reaction path, as well as the energies required to reach the transition state structure, in order to understand the experimental results. The studies carried out in the context of MEDT allow the rejection of most of the concepts introduced in the last half century based on the analysis of molecular orbitals, and the introduction of new concepts that allow a modern rationalisation of reactivity in organic chemistry.
In the present line of research, some theoretical models of reactivity such as the frontier molecular orbital theory and the distortion/interaction model, as well as several significant organic reactions such as cycloaddition reactions, are being reviewed and analysed within the context of MEDT, based on the only observable physical entity: the molecular electron density.
The Optoelectronic Molecular Devices Group focuses on the development of optoelectronic devices such as electroluminescent devices (organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) and photovoltaic devices for the lighting and signalling sectors, as well as in the solar energy sector. Using the same molecular semiconductors, biosensors are also being developed for the detection of human indicators.
Our research consists of the design of new chemical compounds, especially new drugs, using topological descriptors. The main task of our group has been the use of topological indices in reverse to the conventional, i.e. instead of predicting properties of molecules already existing, our group generates new molecules just from the existing properties, obtaining, thus, molecular fingerprints which enable the search for new compounds with improved features. Currently we use a large number of topological indices -most of them original- which allowed us to design and select new lead compounds in the following fields: Analgesics, antibacterials, hypolipidemics, hypoglycaemics, bronchodilators, antivirals, antihystaminics, antimalarials, antineoplastics and anti-Alzheimer. Moreover, good results have been obtained also in Green Chemistry by predicting reaction pathways, yields and times, which allows designing more sustainable and profitable chemical processes. These results demonstrate the great effectiveness of the topological method used, to the point that it could be considered as an alternative and independent way of describing molecular structures. The results of our research have also been reflected in more than 100 research articles published in international journals, book chapters, patents, conferences, congresses, etc.
Our current research interests can be reasonably covered by the following topics:
- Effects of reticulation in phylogeny reconstruction.
- Phylogeny of angiosperm groups using morphological and molecular data.
- Biogeography (and specifically, phylogeography) of plant groups in the Mediterranean region.
- What is the relation between high diversity (in terms of morphologically and ecologically distinguishable entities) and extensive hybridization in two angiosperm genera like Armeria (and Limonium (Plumbaginaceae)?
- Is there a biogeographical pattern at all in a disturbed region like the Western Mediterranean that we may seek to discover by conducting phylogeographic studies in angiosperm groups?
- Molecular Evolution in asexual plant lineages.
- Molecular and organismal evolution in islands, with an emphasis in the contrast betwween continental and oceanic islands.
- Detection of food adulteration using molecular markers.
- Biological identification using molecular and cytogenetic markers.
Research and study of the activity of products of natural origin, mainly plant-based, in in vivo experimental models of dermatitis and intestinal inflammation. Study of the mechanism of action in different in vitro models. Measurement of inflammatory mediators in cell cultures.
Research area: Photochemistry Design, synthesis and study of the photophysical and photochemical behaviour of molecular and supramolecular materials.
- The group has studied the photophysical and photochemical behaviour of organic chromophores and bichromophores, inter- and intra-molecular energy and electron transfer processes induced by light, as well as the application of chromophores as photocatalysts in transformations of organic compounds. Nanoparticles Design, synthesis and application of photoactive nanosystems
- Since 2008, the group's research has focused mainly on semiconductor and metallic nanoparticles. Thus, nanoparticles dispersible in aqueous and organic media have been prepared, their optical properties and photostability have been studied, as well as the modification of their shape and size in processes induced by light in the presence or absence of a photocatalyst. The nanoparticles initially used were CdSe, CdSe/ZnS semiconductors and gold nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have been and are being used, after their specific functionalisation, as chemical sensors and to prepare fluorescent gels.
- In recent years, the group has synthesised and is synthesising other nanoparticles of interest for biomedical applications. These so-called "up-conversion" nanoparticles are of interest for bioimaging, photodynamic therapy, controlled drug release, etc. Their most outstanding feature is related to their ability to absorb light in the IR (high penetration in tissues) and emit in the visible. In vitro studies with nanoparticles of this type, suitably functionalised for their intended purpose, are being carried out in collaboration with Prof. Verdugo of the University of Valencia.
- In addition, we have recently prepared perovskite nanoparticles that allow us to obtain colloidal solutions of these nanoparticles. These semiconductor materials are of interest, among other applications, for obtaining electroluminescent devices. The application studies for devices are being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Henk Bolink of ICMol, UV.Fields of application: The molecular and nanohybrid materials developed by the group have applications such as photocatalysts, sensors, solar filters, optical devices, drug detection, etc.
The PHOTONICS AND SEMICONDUCTORS (FOSE) group focuses its research activity on the preparation and characterisation of devices and materials, covering fundamental aspects and the development of applications, mainly in photonics. The group is structured in three main lines of research.
- SEMICONDUCTORS AND EXTREME CONDITIONS. This line develops several topics of work, in materials science, linked by the use of spectroscopic techniques under extreme conditions (high pressures and high temperatures) for the understanding of the synthesis, crystal structure and electronics of the following materials:
- Wide gap semiconductors for optoelectronic applications, including materials derived from ZnO and its alloys and delafosites (CuMIIIO2), prepared by thin film deposition techniques.
- Materials of geophysical interest due to their role in the composition of the earth, such as MgO or quartz.
- Materials for green technologies such as photocatalysis (rare earth vanadates) or CO2 sequestration (zeolites and different forms of porous silica). The team of this line has specialised in the use of a wide variety of devices for the generation of high pressures and temperatures that are used in-situ in laboratory spectroscopic equipment (optical absorption, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, transport) or in large synchrotron radiation facilities, of which its members are regular users.
- OPTICAL FIBRES. The research and technological activity of this line of research focuses on the manufacture of fibre optic components, their modelling and their applications. The Laboratory has four techniques for the manufacture of fibre optic components based on:
- the manufacture of photonic crystal fibre optics,
- the recording of fibre Bragg networks,
- the assembly of acousto-optical devices in fibre, and
- the preparation of optical fibres narrowed by melting and stretching. The fields of application of the laboratory's research activity include the development of fibre optic lasers, new light sources (photon pairs, supercontinuum spectrum white light, etc.), sensors and optical communications. The work team of the fibre optics laboratory maintains stable collaborations with numerous research groups in Latin America and Europe, as well as an intense activity of collaboration with companies and transfer of research results.
- OPTOELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES works on the chemical-physical synthesis of nanomaterials (metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, multi-functional polymers), their processing in the form of thin films, as well as the study of their structural, electronic and optical properties. This work is the starting point for developing photonic/plasmonic/optoelectronic structures and devices, as well as developing applications in the fields of sensors, photovoltaics and telecommunications. Moreover, research is also being carried out on the optical properties of III-V quantum dots at the isolated level, including the quantum nature of the light they emit, its origin and control, for its future impact in the field of quantum computing and communications. More recently, other types of two-dimensional, atomic-thick, semiconducting nanostructures are starting to be prepared and characterised for their great potential in future electronic/optoelectronic nanotechnology in combination with two-dimensional metallic nanostructure electrodes such as graphene.
Functional conjugated organic oligomers and polymers constitute an interesting group of materials for their application in optoelectronic devices. The combination of the mechanical properties (i.e. plasticity and processability) with their tuneable electrical and optical properties (conductivity, photo- and electroluminescence) makes them very attractive components, allowing for low-cost flexible thin films light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, displays, photovoltaic cells, detectors or field-effect transistors (FETs). In the last 20 years, something that emerged as a promising field for new materials and applications has evolved to real industry with commercial products on the market.
The performance of the organic-based devices relies on several complementary processes which take place in the active layer, such as optical absorption, energy migration and emission as well as charge generation, transport and recombination. In order to understand these processes, it is necessary to acquire a deep knowledge in the nature and properties of the materials in the active layer. This concerns the intrinsic molecular properties, i.e. nature and (torsional) flexibility of the molecular backbone, effective conjugation length and substitution pattern, but also the specific arrangement of the molecules in the layer, which in turn is controlled by their intrinsic properties. The systematization of the relationship between the molecular structure, and their electronic and optical properties is thus the starting point in the rational design of new materials with improved properties. The design of materials prior to synthesis has become an important subject in material science, where theory works hand in hand with chemistry, physics, and device technology in a multidisciplinary approach. The last 10 years saw a rapid evolvement of quantum-chemical methods for the reliable prediction of material properties together with increasing computing capabilities. However, meaningful results require a profound knowledge on the possibilities and limits of the different quantum-chemical methods, only provided by specialists, but working in an interdisciplinary environment. My methodological toolbox ranges from cost-efficient semi-empirical methods, via density-functional based approaches, to different ab-initio methods, making use of various quantum-chemical packages to exploit the full spectrum of reliable theoretical description.
With the knowledge of the appropriate quantum-chemical method at hand, it is possible to determine accurately neutral and charged species of conjugated organic molecules in their ground and excited state. This concerns the molecular geometry and conformation, IR and Raman vibrational spectra, orbital energy and topology, electron affinity and ionization potentials, energy as well as the intensity and vibronic properties of electronic transitions. Similarly, intermolecular effects can be treated to extract excitonic and electronic couplings for modelling solid state spectra, and energy and charge transport properties, thus becoming an indispensable instrument in material design.
Radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic and diagnostic use: study of drug labelling conditions and stability of the complexes formed.
Radioimmunoanalytical techniques: obtaining a kinetic model for some reactions used in the assessment of different hormones, antigenic substances or antibodies, used in human clinical practice, by developing speed equations for the overall process. establishing the possible reaction mechanism.
Study of the influence of different variables such as temperature, viscosity, dielectric constant or ionic strength of the medium.
Application of topological methods to the design of new structures with pharmacological activity, using artificial neural networks as methods of discrimination and prediction of properties, allowing the best candidates to be selected for subsequent in vitro experimental trials.
The proposed Research Group is created to carry out research, development and innovation activities in the field of Medical Physics, Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Instrumentation in Medicine, and whose main lines to be developed are the following:
- Clinical and physical dosimetry.
- In vivo dosimetry.
- Clinical applications in Brachytherapy and external beam Radiotherapy.
- Development of Monte Carlo techniques for clinical applications.
- Instrumentation for detection and dosimetry with ionising radiation.
- Design of applicators for use in radiation oncology.
- Study and design of solutions in the field of proton therapy.
The research activity of the members of this group can therefore be divided into a number of sections:
- The Radiation Detector Technology Laboratory develops its research activity in all technological aspects related to the reading, conditioning, processing and transmission of data from both ionising and non-ionising radiation detectors. These include the development of discrete and integrated front-end electronics for the conditioning of signals from photomultipliers and photodiodes, the design and implementation of systems for the acquisition and processing of digital data from radiation detectors and the transmission of data in both electrical and optical media. The application of these developments focuses on experiments in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics and medical physics, as well as on the technology transfer of those useful in the industrial sector.
- Algoritmos de cálculo de avance de dosis basados en modelos. At present, thanks to a research agreement signed between La Fe Hospital, the University of Valencia and the company Nucletron-Elekta, La Fe has the ACE system integrated into the Oncentra Brachy planner at the facilities of the Radiation Oncology service. This system, a pioneer in Spain, represents one of Nucletron-Elekta's main commitments in the field of high-rate brachytherapy dosimetry. Furthermore, Professors Facundo Ballester and Javier Vijande are members of the joint AAPM-ESTRO-ABG working group in charge of the study and characterisation of these systems, so the synergy between the clinical work carried out at La Fe with the use and development of this system and the theoretical study carried out by the UV professors will allow for a long-term study aimed at replacing the current dosimetric formalisms.
- Characterisation of electronic brachytherapy systems. As an example of electronic brachytherapy systems, it is important to mention the Esteya system, which is the result of a collaboration between La Fe Hospital, the UV and the company Nucletron-Elekta. A full characterisation is currently being developed using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Other electronic brachytherapy systems, such as Intrabeam systems, are also being studied by this research group.
- Study of new algorithms for the treatment of prostate tumour lesions using permanent brachytherapy implants. A dosimetric correction system is currently being developed at the UV with the aim of being implemented within a real planner.
- Development of planning systems based on Monte Carlo codes. A major effort is currently underway in the field of UV computing to develop Monte Carlo codes that can be implemented within a planning system.
- Renewal of TSR-398. Under IAEA mandate, the UV is to carry out the Monte Carlo simulation and the corresponding clinical measurements of several ionisation chambers under different radiation beams.
Study of regio- and stereoselective organic reactions of interest in synthesis from the preparative and mechanistic points of view. The research focuses mainly on catalysed processes with organometallic systems for the construction of complex molecules, thermal and photochemical reactions of carbon dioxide functionalisation, reactions in carbon dioxide in the supercritical state, and the design of reagents and catalysts on inert solid support applicable in flow processes with conventional solvents and in supercritical carbon dioxide. The study focuses on the design of transformations with high synthetic interest, and on their mechanisms, paying attention to the impact on the efficiency of the reaction of the structural and electronic factors associated with the reagents and catalysts, and those derived from the medium and the reaction conditions.
The fundamental objective of the group is to produce new types of molecules with pharmacological activity and whose structure is based on that of known natural products, which are also bioactive. Of the many types of pharmacological activities described, the group's main focus is on cytotoxic, anti-angiogenic and telomerase inhibitory activities, because of the strong influence these activities exhibit on cell proliferation processes. This gives them potential interest in anti-cancer therapeutics. Another type of pharmacological action that will also be investigated is antimalarial activity.
The group was formed some years ago on the general line of synthesis of bioactive natural products. One of its members has been collaborating for years with another group at the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón, with which it has joint research projects. At the same time, the group collaborates with external groups to carry out and determine the biological activities of the aforementioned types.
One of these groups, led by Doctors Isabel Fernández and Fernando Díaz, carries out its scientific activity in Madrid at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), an entity included within the CSIC. The topics currently being addressed concern the stereoselective synthesis and biological evaluation of non-natural analogues of two bioactive natural products, combretastatin A4 and colchicine. Both show a strong inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, which makes them products of application in anticancer therapy. The aim is to create non-natural analogues of these compounds with improved pharmacological properties.
The other group is a unit within the multinational pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKlyne and is involved in malaria research. Our group has signed an agreement with this company that allows for the evaluation, both in vitro and in vivo, of the antimalarial properties of synthesised compounds. This is of particular importance as the evaluation of bioactive products on live animals is particularly costly and not normally possible in academic facilities.
The TAPEC group researches on hardware devices and architectures for computer perception, with a special focus on image processing and vision devices. In the field of perception architectures, research is carried out on the use of FPGAs for image and visual event processing. In recent years, architectures have been developed that work with pixel or event streams instead of typical image processing.
The most active field of research at present is the design and fabrication of event-driven vision cameras. The TAPEC group has developed a proprietary chip, in CMOS technology, that sends the pixel that has changed the most since it was last read, instead of sending the pixels in order as in conventional images. This technique has advantages such as selective reduction of the information to be processed, simple and synchronous interface, high processing speed and motion analysis, etc. As an example, the latest camera developed is capable of tracking objects with a temporal resolution of microseconds; to achieve the same with a conventional camera, it would have to operate at a rate of 500,000 images per second, with hardware capable of processing all that information in real time, which is not feasible today.
The group has extensive research experience in the field of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, as well as in the areas of grid computing and eScience. The research activity of the group has mainly focused on the application of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry techniques to systems of technological interest. The research focuses on the study of the electronic and optical properties of molecular and polymeric materials for use in molecular electronics and energy storage and includes the development of new methodologies for the study of chemical processes. On the more technical side, the group's efforts have also focused on the implementation of Grid technology, for the efficient and productive use and exploitation of computational resources through scientific grid computing and its application to eScience.
Synthesis of heterocyclic nitrogen compounds and subsequent study of their chemical reactivity. Study the ability of the prepared compounds to coordinate with different cationic and/or anionic species and study the possible applications of these interactions. Based on this knowledge, the possible pharmacological activity of the prepared compounds will be studied.
