The activities within the research line “Organic and Biological Chemistry” are currently structured around three main axes. On the one hand, the development of efficient methodologies in asymmetric synthesis through stoichiometric and catalytic procedures (organometallic catalysts and organocatalysis) that are environmentally friendly, as well as their application to the preparation of molecules of biological and/or economic interest. On the other hand, the study of interactions involving carbohydrates (oligosaccharides, glycoconjugates, and glycomimetics) with other molecules and biomolecules (drugs, toxins, lectins, enzymes, nucleic acids) and their relevance to biological and pathological processes. Finally, research focuses on molecular recognition processes involving interactions between membrane proteins (ion channels and G protein–coupled receptors) and bioactive peptides (tachykinins), and their implications in the mechanisms of reproduction.

While the research line has a strong fundamental component, it also brings a vocation for the transfer of the generated knowledge into applications that currently cover areas such as catalytic processes, agrochemicals, glycodrugs, nanomedicine and functional foods.

 Research groups