Biomedical & Biological Applications
Biomedical & Biological Applications
At the NanoMag Laboratory, we bridge the gap between fundamental physics and applied biomedicine. Our research focuses on the rational design of smart nanoplatforms capable of diagnosing and treating diseases through external physical stimuli, with a special emphasis on thermal oncology and regenerative nanomedicine.
Custom-Built Hyperthermia & Photothermia Setups
Unlike laboratories that rely exclusively on commercial standard equipment, we have developed our own custom instrumentation for magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal therapy assays.
Led by Dr. Guillermo Iglesias, our experimental setups allow for absolute control over the magnetic field frequency and amplitude, as well as laser irradiation power. This capability enables us to characterize heating efficiency (SAR/ILP) with superior calorimetric precision, adapting the device to the specific needs of biological or colloidal samples.
Advanced Nanoparticle Synthesis
The foundation of efficient therapy lies in material excellence. Our team synthesizes and functionalizes a wide range of "à la carte" magnetic and plasmonic nanoparticles:
- Magnetite (Fe3O4): From simple cores to multi-core clusters to maximize magnetic response.
- Nanorods & Anisotropic Structures: Gold (Au) synthesis and hybrid materials with elongated shapes to optimize optical response for photothermia.
- Janus Particles: Dual-faced nanostructures combining magnetic and plasmonic properties in a single entity.
We rigorously control Zeta potential and colloidal stability to ensure viability in physiological fluids.
Therapeutic Applications & Drug Delivery
Our ultimate goal is clinical translation. We leverage the thermal response of our nanomaterials to develop innovative dual therapies:
1. Hyperthermia & Photothermia: Controlled local temperature elevation to induce apoptosis in tumor tissues without damaging surrounding healthy cells.
2. Controlled Drug Release: Based on the work of researchers like Marina Lázaro, we design thermo-responsive polymer coatings that act as "smart valves." Therapeutic agents remain encapsulated until the external field is applied, triggering the polymer to open and release the drug in situ.
Open for Collaboration: Material Characterization
Do you synthesize your own nanoparticles but need to evaluate their thermal performance?
At NanoMag Lab UGR, we actively collaborate with national and international research groups. We offer our custom equipment and expertise to perform comprehensive characterization of your samples:
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) assays at variable frequencies.
- Magnetometry and colloidal stability analysis.
- Photothermal efficiency studies under laser irradiation.
- Photothermal and magnetothermal treatment for cells.
Not sure how to start? Choose the option that best fits your situation:
First contact or exploratory collaboration
Contact Guillermo IglesiasOngoing or well-defined collaboration
Submit Collaboration Details