Research topics
Nanomaterials functionalized with metal complexes as therapeutics. Non-classical Drug-delivery Systems
We are working on the preparation, characterization and study of the biological properties of non-classical drug-delivery systems based on the functionalization of nanomaterials with metallodrugs. We have observed that in most of the cases there is no need of a release of the metallodrug for getting a therapeutical effect of the studied materials. In addition, with our novel systems we are able to deliver a much higher quantity of metal inside the cancer cell. Our work is therefore focused on the study of several drugs that have been disregarded because of the lack of solubility in water or lack of activity in clinical trials. In addition, we are studying in detail the mechanism of anticancer action of the synthesized materials. See for example: Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 2016, 312,67-98
Nanostructured materials functionalized with therapeutic molecules. Classical Drug-delivery Systems
We are working on the preparation, characterization and study of the biological properties of classical drug-delivery systems based on the functionalization of nanomaterials with some novel or known metallodrugs. In this case the modification of the external surface area of the materials is crucial for tuning the delivery properties and therefore the therapeutical effect of the studied nanostructured systems. In addition, the biological study of these systems is focused on the elucidation of the mechanism of action as well as the influence of the textural properties of the materials in the anticancer activity. See for example: Biomater. Science 2016, 4, 448-459
Preparation of novel nanomaterials with catalytic and/or photocatalytic applications
We are working on the preparation of novel hybrid nanosystems based on silica, titania, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, magnetite, metal nanoparticles and some other materials with catalytic or photocatalytic properties. These systems are being successfully used in the photocatalytic production of hydrogen via methanol photoreforming, photocatalytic decontamination or elimination of pollutants of water and in some catalytic reactions such as C-C coupling, oxidation and polymerization. See for example: Science of the Total Environment. 2016, 563-564, 921-932
Phosphorus-rich compounds and metal phosphides
In collaboration with Prof. Evamarie Hey-Hawkins (Leipzig University) we are working on the preparation, characterization and reactivity of phosphorus-rich metal complexes which are being used as precursors for the preparation of metal phosphides in mild conditions. See for example: Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 2011, 255, 1360-1386