ABOUT
OUR FOCUS
Development and application of innovative techniques for biomarker in human diseases.
We believe that utilizing molecular imaging tools we can uncover abnormalities in cell metabolism and assess treatment efficacy.
OUR APPROACH
Combining principles from bioengineering, chemistry, and physics, we tackle biological challenges through innovative solutions. Application of Magnetic Resonance (MR) molecular imaging methods to investigate biochemical pathways and in vitro, in vivo and in innovative in bioengineered chip systems.
OUR METHODS
Hyperpolarised NMR (HP-NMR)
At the forefront of molecular imaging, our team specializes in hyperpolarized MR techniques, which amplify NMR signals over 10,000 times. This advancement allows real-time, non-invasive observation of molecular processes within a broad spectrum of biological systems, offering unprecedented insights into dynamic biological phenomena in real time. In our group we work with two HP methods: dissolution Dynamic nuclear polarization (dDDNP) and Parahydrogen Induced Polarization (PHIP).
Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging
Building upon the established clinical utility of MR imaging (MRI) for non-destructive tissue analysis, our work extends to MR spectroscopic imaging, which offers chemical specificity. This enables direct correlation between chemical compounds and biological events across various biological samples, including biofluids, cells, tissues, animal models, and clinical patients.
Microfluidic platforms
Microfluidic platforms, especially lab-on-a-chip devices, are revolutionizing the study of metabolism in disease by offering a compact and efficient means to analyze biological samples. These chips integrate intricate networks of microchannels and chambers, allowing for precise control and manipulation of small fluid volumes. A significant advantage of these platforms is their ability to accommodate multiple samples simultaneously for a single measurement, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This unique design not only enhances throughput and reduces sample consumption but also enables high-resolution and multiplexed metabolic analysis. Consequently, microfluidic chips are becoming indispensable tools in biomedical research, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and facilitating the identification of metabolic biomarkers.
Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the comprehensive study of metabolites, the small molecules involved in metabolic processes within a biological system. Analysis of metabolites using NMR spectroscopy reveals insights into the biochemical activities occurring in cells, tissues, or organisms. This field is particularly useful for biomarker identification associated with particular diseases. Identifying these biomarkers can improve disease diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of personalized treatment strategies.
Computer Modelling of biological systems
By using the law of mass action, it is possible to model different cellular processes in a deterministic manner, and hence, describe these systems at a population level. These models can describe a wide range of processes, from gene expression and regulation to enzyme kinetics and particles movements thanks to membrane transporters.
STAFF
All group members:
ibecbarcelona.euPROJECTS
| INTERNATIONAL PROJETCS | FINANCER | PI |
|---|---|---|
| BLOC · Benchtop NMR for Lab-on-Chip (2020 – 2022) | European Commission, FET OPEN | Irene Marco |
| NATIONAL PROJECTS | FINANCER | PI |
|---|---|---|
| Analisis metabolico en tiempo real de modelos de cultivo de celulas 3d de la enfermedad del higado graso no alcoholico: organos en un chip y resonancia magnetica nuclear (2020 – 2021) | MINECO, Acciones Dinamización Europa Investigación/EIN2020-112209 | Irene Marco |
| Junior Leader Programe (2018 – 2022) | Obra Social La Caixa, Junior Leader Program | Irene Marco |
PUBLICATIONS
For a list of publications prior to joining IBEC, visit the Google Scholar.
NEWS
Sensores atómicos revelan dinámicas ocultas en la polarización molecular
Investigadores del IBEC y el ICFO demuestran la capacidad de los sensores atómicos para monitorizar, medir y optimizar la hiperpolarización del espín nuclear de ciertas moléculas clínicamente relevantes en tiempo real y de forma no destructiva. Estas características, que han sido informadas en la revista PNAS, podrían mejorar y reducir los costes de los controles de calidad utilizados en la resonancia magnética clínica.
El IBEC y el Hospital West China refuerzan su colaboración en medicina de precisión
La semana pasada se celebró en Chengdu, China, la segunda Conferencia de Medicina de Precisión IBEC-WCH. Se trata de una alianza entre el Instituto de Bioingeniería de Cataluña (IBEC) y el Hospital West China (WCH) de la Universidad de Sichuan, que busca impulsar la colaboración científica entre ambos países.
La investigadora Irene Marco Rius galardonada con una prestigiosa subvención europea ERC Starting Grant
Irene Marco Rius, investigadora principal del IBEC, ha sido seleccionada en la convocatoria “Starting Grant” del Consejo Europeo de Investigación (ERC) para llevar a cabo su proyecto «LIFETIME». El proyecto se centra en el estudio del metabolismo del cáncer de manera individual, lo cual es crucial para diagnósticos tempranos menos invasivos y tratamientos personalizados.
El IBEC participa en dos proyectos de colaboración público-privada para avances biomédicos
IBEC y Vitala, una spin-off fundada por investigadoras del IBEC, participarán en tres proyectos de colaboración público-privada con una inversión total cercana a los 4 millones de euros. Estos proyectos, respaldados por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España y la Agencia Estatal de Investigación, buscan avanzar en la monitorización remota de la salud, desarrollar un fármaco oral para la Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal y mejorar la resonancia magnética 13C en investigación terapéutica. Estas iniciativas, impulsadas por enfoques tecnológicos avanzados, tienen como objetivo generar un impacto positivo en la medicina y la investigación biomédica.
Vitala, spin-off del IBEC, seleccionada para el programa WomenTechEU
Vitala, spin-off cofundada por las investigadoras del IBEC Irene Marco Rius y María Alejandra Ortega, ha sido una de las 134 empresas europeas seleccionadas para el programa WomenTechEU. Se trata … Read more
El investigador del IBEC James Eills asistirá a un encuentro con premios Nobel
El Dr. James Eills, investigador del IBEC, ha sido seleccionado para asistir al prestigioso Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting que reúne a destacados jóvenes científicos de todo el mundo con premios … Read more
Expertas y expertos en resonancia magnética se reúnen en Barcelona para el BIR Symposium
El Simposio sobre Resonancia integrativa de Barcelona, organizado por los CCiTUB, la UB y el IBEC, tuvo lugar el 20 y 21 de marzo. El evento reunió a unas 100 … Read more
Postdoctoral position / Senior Research Assistant at the Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine Research Group
Main tasks and responsibilities / The successful candidate will develop research involving: Design and fabrication of lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic devices Development and implementation of a microfluidic platforms to study the … Read more
El IBECer James Eills gana el Premio Erwin Schrödinger
Dr. James Eills, becario del programa BIST-FBA en IBEC, es parte de un equipo internacional que ha recibido el Premio Erwin Schrödinger. Eills, actual investigador postdoctoral en el grupo de Irene Marco en el IBEC, contribuyó en Alemania a una técnica que amplifica las señales de resonancia magnética.
JOBS
Postdoctoral researcher in NMR at the Research Group Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine
Ref: PD_IM // Deadline: 10/10/2024
Postdoctoral position / Research Assistant at the Research Group Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine
Ref: RA_IM // Deadline: 03/02/2023
Postdoctoral position at the Research Group Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine (Ref: PD-IM)
Ref: PD_IM // Deadline: 28/12/2022
Postdoctoral position / Senior Research Assistant at the Molecular Imaging for Precision Medicine Research Group
Main tasks and responsibilities / The successful candidate will develop research involving: Design and fabrication of lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic devices Development and implementation of a microfluidic platforms to study the … Read more