Research lines

  • Detection, isolation, identification and typing of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts and fungi).
  • Development and optimization of cellular assays for the evaluation of toxicity of emerging biotoxins using neuroblastoma cells (N2a)
  • Development and validation of chromatographic and electrophoretic methods (LC, GC, CE, CEC), including their couplings with Mass Spectrometry, for the analysis of natural organic pollutants (aquatic biotoxins and others) and anthropogenic
  • Development and validation of methods for the determination and confirmation of emerging biotoxins (eg tetrodotoxins, ciguatoxins, cyclic imines, palitoxins, brevetoxins)
  • Development and validation of sample treatment methods for the determination of organic contaminants present at trace level in complex matrices
  • Development of extraction strategies by immunoaffinity.
  • Evaluation of neurochemical effects of different groups of pesticides present in food (glyphosate, glufosinate, paraoxon, neonicotinoids) and the possible protection of the effects by antioxidant substances.
  • Evaluation of possible protective effects of active principles present in medicinal plants in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Evaluation of the presence and possible neurochemical effects of microplastics and nanoplastics present in the food chain.
  • Improvement of the germination capacity of seeds of high agricultural and food value under adverse environmental conditions.
  • New functional properties in autochthonous and organically grown foods, providing added value and contributing to the sustainability of the local agri-food sector.
  • Presence of contaminating pesticides in food.
  • Process optimization for the food industry and improvement of its quality, functionality and organoleptic characteristics.
  • Search, characterization, selection and improvement of new microorganisms for the production of conventional foods, functional foods and probiotics. Starter cultures or starters.
  • Search, identification and determination of new bioactive compounds in foods of plant origin.
  • Search, selection and improvement of new microbial enzymes of interest to the food and pharmaceutical industry, recycling and/or revaluation of waste and as biocontrol agents. Enzymatic biocatalysis.
  • Selection and production of new bioactive and bioprotective substances, synthesized by microorganisms, particularly with antimicrobial activity.
  • Study of biomolecules with antioxidant properties in dietary vegetables and their derivatives (seeds, fruits, juices, fermented beverages) of interest to the food industry.
  • Study of the presence of melatonin in plants, its functions and its application for a more efficient and sustainable agricultural production