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Àngels López

Olive oil offers two powerful weapons in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and the University of Granada have created two potent antimicrobials from oleanolic acid and maslinic acid, both of which are found in olive oil

The study, published in the journal ACS Infectious Diseases, has demonstrated the effect of these derivatives on the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main causes of infections in catheters and prostheses.
Liquid gold. This is how all Mediterranean cultures have referred to olive oil throughout history. Its captivating flavour, its texture and its role in gastronomy have been some of the qualities that have contributed to this. But olive oil is also a great ally when it comes to health: from antiinflammatory properties to benefits for the cardiovascular system, and even recently discovered antitumor effects. Now, scientists from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the University of Granada (UGR) have contributed new insights that increase the already well-known antimicrobial properties of olive oil.
To do this, they have synthesised two derivatives with enormous antimicrobial potential from two compounds present in olive oil—oleanolic acid and maslinic acid.

IBEC researcher awarded with an ERC Starting Grant to fight tuberculosis

IBEC researcher Loris Rizzello receives 1.5 million Euros from the prestigious ERC Starting Grant for his PANDORA project, focused on creating a new therapy to eradicate tuberculosis.

Last September 3rd the European Research Council (ERC) announced the projects awarded with an “ERC Starting Grant”. Among the 408 projects selected is the PANDORA project of Dr. Loris Rizzello, a researcher of the Nanobioengineering group of the IBEC led by Prof. Josep Samitier.
The PANDORA project of Dr. Rizzello aims to revolutionize the way we cure infections caused by intracellular pathogens, finding a universal therapy able to attack infectious diseases and, at the same time, avoiding antibiotic resistance. More specifically, the winning project of the prestigious ERC Starting Grant will seek solutions that help eradicate tuberculosis, one of the worst pandemics so far, identifying the molecular “barcode” of infected cells, in order to design polymeric nanoparticles that selectively attack infected cells, without affecting healthy cells.

Postdoctoral researcher at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Open Lab


Application Deadline: 20/10/2019
Ref: PD-SO

The Bioengineering in reproductive health group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher with experience in cell biology, stem cell technology and 3D culture. The project involves creating 3D organoids that mimic the endometrium (uterus tissue) to model the process of embryonic implantation in vitro.
Our laboratory is a multidisciplinary environment where biologists, biophysicists, clinicians and business developers synergize to create a unique environment shaped by science and entrepreneurship. Due to the high translational component of our research, we have established collaboration contracts with the pharma industry, hospitals and venture capital to bring our technology to the clinics and the market.

Research Assistant at the Smart Nano-Bio-Devices group

Application Deadline: 11/09/2019
Ref: RA-SS
The nanodevices group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is looking for a Research Assistant to develop a 3 month project on imaging of enzymes on nanoparticles using super resolution microscopy.. The contract will be within the framework of enzyme-nanomotors, whose objective is to quantify proteins on active nanoparticles.

Researchers at IBEC develop a bioengineering platform to detect pro-inflammatory molecules in muscular disorders

The Biosensors for bioengineering group led by Javier Ramón has developed a sensing platform for the in-situ detection of tissue-secreted pro-inflammatory molecules, the so-called cytokines. This new methodology opens a new door in the understanding of metabolic-disorders such those found in muscular diseases, as well as the development of drug-screening applications.

Although 40% of total body mass is skeletal muscle tissue, there is no specialized clinical doctor for the treatment of muscular diseases, according to the American Medical Association. The research group of Dr. Javier Ramón at IBEC works to fill this gap between muscle disorders and ad hoc therapies.

Predoctoral researcher at the Molecular Bionics Research group

Application Deadline: 15/09/2019
Ref:PhD-GB
The Molecular Bionics group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is looking for a Predoctoral researcher to develop their research thesis on a project focused on the the optomoisation, characterisation and study of nanoparticles for crossing the blood brain barrier.

The candidate will apply for a fellowship “Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores” associated to the “Severo Ochoa Mención de Excelencia” granted to IBEC by the “Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades”.

Nanovectors Could Improve the Combined Administration of Antimalarial Drugs

Nanovector_IBEC

Nanovector_IBECAccording to the study, the strategy has the added advantage of targeting the transmissible phase of the parasite- the gametocyte. Encapsulating two drugs with different properties into nanovesicles surrounded by antibodies can greatly improve their delivery and efficacy, according to a study led by Xavier Fernández Busquets, director of the joint Nanomalaria unit at the Institute for Bionengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by ”la Caixa”.

Combining two drugs that act through different mechanisms is one of the most efficient approaches currently used to treat malaria. However, differences in the drugs’ physichochemical properties (solubility, half-life, etc.) often affect treatment efficacy.

Embryologist at the Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Research Group

Application Deadline: 30/09/2019
Ref: LT-SO

The Bioengineering in Reproductive Health Group group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) offers a Laboratory Technician position for an experienced embryologist to develop a project in collaboration with the industry.

The project involves testing the effects of different culture media reagents on mouse and human embryos in culture.

Our laboratory is a multidisciplinary environment where biologists, biophysicists, clinicians and business developers synergize to create a unique environment shaped by science and entrepreneurship. Due to the high translational component of our research, we have established collaboration contracts with the pharma industry, hospitals and venture capital to bring our technology to the clinics and the market.

In our lab we use bioengineering methods to create 3D environments that support embryonic development outside of the mother uterus. Our systems are accessible to imaging tools which allow us to interrogate the genetics, metabolomics and mechanics of the embryo in a high throughput manner. Using our systems we are capable to (i) improve embryo culture conditions and (ii) diagnose embryos with improved implantation potential.

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