Nanoprobes and nanoswitches Archives - Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia

October 1, 2025

Scientists discover a key role of protons and superoxide ions in the respiratory chain

A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has revealed that protons and reactive oxygen species mediate long-distance charge transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain — a fundamental process in cellular respiration in organisms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial, given that mitochondria are the powerhouses of all cells and alterations to them are associated with numerous diseases.

March 27, 2025March 26, 2025

ARA: “Es pot escoltar el cervell d’un ratolí?”: trobar la vocació científica al Saló de l’Ensenyament

Universitats i centres de recerca han unit esforços sota el paraigua de la Fundació Catalana per a la Recerca i la Innovació (FCRI) per aconseguir que la ciència al Saló de l’Ensenyament literalment es pugui viure i tocar.

December 20, 2024

Biosensors based on olfactory receptors to decipher the human sense of smell

A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the CIBER’s Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) describes a method that mimics the physiological response to smell. The system makes it possible to discriminate between odours with very similar characteristics based on the binding interaction with the receptor, which causes a change in the capacitive response of the receptor. The application of this methodology opens the door to the development of highly selective olfactory biosensors.

February 14, 2025December 12, 2024

IBEC and SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital strengthen their collaboration with a day of translational innovation

The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and the Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital have held a joint conference to strengthen collaboration in bioengineering and translational medicine. The event, held this morning at the IBEC, highlighted innovative projects, presented a joint PhD programme and encouraged the exchange of ideas between researchers from both institutions.

September 27, 2024

Ultrafast 2D spectroscopy probes charge separation in the plant photosystem

A team of researchers led by IBEC and ICFO has developed and validated a novel photoelectrochemical electron spectroscopy technique to probe charge separation dynamics, a crucial step for photosynthesis, in photosynthetic complexes.

July 12, 2024

Light-activated drugs against neuropathic pain

A team of researchers led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed light-activated derivatives of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine to treat neuropathic pain. These compounds, which show analgesic effects when activated by light, can inhibit nerve signals locally and on demand. Photopharmacological treatments offer precise action at the site of application, thus reducing systemic side effects.

August 1, 2024May 23, 2024

La Vanguardia: El Bist apoya con ayudas económicas y ‘coaching’ a 9 investigadoras madres en Catalunya

May 22, 2024

Marina Giannotti and Nina Kostina receive the BIST Mothers of Science Grant

The IBEC senior researchers were two of the winners of the fourth edition of the call for applications. Through this initiative, BIST recognises and supports scientist mothers working to reach a leading position and advance the research in their fields.

November 21, 2023

Luminescent Nanoparticle-based Implants for Pain and Epilepsy Treatment

The IBEC is set to lead the coordination of the PHOTOTHERAPORT project, which will be developed with funding from the European Innovation Council’s Pathfinder Open programme. The project focuses on the development of luminescent implants and light-activated drugs for innovative neuromodulation therapies. PHOTOTHERAPORT will comprise an international consortium of 8 institutions and will receive €3 million over 3 years for the preclinical study of these implants.

October 25, 2023

Researchers induce brain activation using infrared light-controlled drugs

A pioneering study led by IBEC in collaboration with ICFO has unveiled a method to control brain activity in living organisms using drugs activated by infrared light. This cutting-edge technique activates a specific neurotransmitter receptor using light that can penetrate deep into tissue and offers unparalleled pharmacological and spatiotemporal precision in three dimensions. The findings open new frontiers for neurobiology research and the development of light-based noninvasive neuromodulation therapies.