BIOPHYSICS OF LIPIDS AND INTERPHASES
Group Leader: Olga López
The group of Biophysics of Lipids and Interphases addresses scientific objectives that consider biophysical, biochemical, physical-chemical and technological aspects related to biological membranes and complex tissues. The research of the group is based on the study and biomedical application of colloidal systems in which lipids and other amphiphiles have a relevant role such as liposomes, micelles, bicelles, bicosomes and other arrangements. In addition, research related to the knowledge, behavior and treatment of tissues such as the skin, mucosal membranes and the hair are also among our objectives.
During recent years, within the framework of our projects, the group has proposed different phospholipid systems for the treatment of the skin, with special emphasis on the use of these systems for the transport and delivery of antioxidants. A new strategy based on lipid systems that mimic epidermal biological structures has been proposed for the treatment of skin diseases. Lipid systems have been developed for the transport and improvement of antibiotic efficacy and efforts have been made to obtain adequate membrane models where certain proteins and peptides maintain or even improve their activity. All this is addressed through the application of high resolution technologies such as cryoelectron microscopy and techniques based on Synchrotron radiation.
We emphasize that the purpose of the group’s activities is to have a medium-term impact in the industry and to solve society’s problems. Due to the novelty of the topics that are addressed, we need to undertake basic research in order to obtain knowledge that allows adequate applicability.
Group Leader: Olga López
The group of Biophysics of Lipids and Interphases addresses scientific objectives that consider biophysical, biochemical, physical-chemical and technological aspects related to biological membranes and complex tissues. The research of the group is based on the study and biomedical application of colloidal systems in which lipids and other amphiphiles have a relevant role such as liposomes, micelles, bicelles, bicosomes and other arrangements. In addition, research related to the knowledge, behavior and treatment of tissues such as the skin, mucosal membranes and the hair are also among our objectives.
During recent years, within the framework of our projects, the group has proposed different phospholipid systems for the treatment of the skin, with special emphasis on the use of these systems for the transport and delivery of antioxidants. A new strategy based on lipid systems that mimic epidermal biological structures has been proposed for the treatment of skin diseases. Lipid systems have been developed for the transport and improvement of antibiotic efficacy and efforts have been made to obtain adequate membrane models where certain proteins and peptides maintain or even improve their activity. All this is addressed through the application of high resolution technologies such as cryoelectron microscopy and techniques based on Synchrotron radiation.
We emphasize that the purpose of the group’s activities is to have a medium-term impact in the industry and to solve society’s problems. Due to the novelty of the topics that are addressed, we need to undertake basic research in order to obtain knowledge that allows adequate applicability.
- Development of lipid systems mimicking the composition and structure of the epidermal lamellar bodies.
- Lipid systems for the treatment of skin diseases.
- Lipid systems to improve the effectiveness and stability of antibiotics, antifungals and antioxidants.
- Lipid systems for the skin protection in front of UV-vis and IR radiation.
- Development of membrane models for insertion of proteins and peptides.
- Study of the microstructure and functionality of the skin.
Scientific staff
Olga López
Scientific Researcher
olga.lopez@iqac.csic.es
Mercedes Cócera
Scientific Researcher
mercedes.cocera@iqac.csic.es
Gelen Rodríguez
Scientific Researcher
gelen.rodriguez@iqac.csic.es
Lab people
Ana Isabel Fernandez
Technician
ana.fernandez@iqac.csic.es
Noelia Loza
Predoctoral Researcher
noelia.loza@iqac.csic.es
- GELISOME: Formulación nanostructurada para cicatrización del tejido cutáneo (GELISOME: A nanostructured formulation for healing of skin tissue).-
Coordinator: Lucyanna Barbosa (BICOSOME, SL) i Olga López (IQAC)
Grant: Colaboración público-privada 2021 - CPP2021-008954 funded by MCIN
Period: 01/09/2022-31/08/2025
Funding: 199.312,00€ (Total: 220.595 €)Proyecto CPP2021-008954, financiado por MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR”
