General Information

We are a young, vibrant research team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of nanomedicine and chemical biology. The group is affiliated to the Department of Pharmaceutical and Organic Chemistry of the University of Granada. At the BIONIC Lab, we design and implement innovative bioorthogonal chemical probes to visualize, understand, and ultimately modulate disease-relevant immune responses. By merging cutting-edge chemistry with precision medicine, our mission is to develop next-generation tools for the targeted treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Our research interests are focused on three major themes:

1 | Biocompatible Nanomaterials

We design and engineer advanced biocompatible nanomaterials to serve as versatile platforms in nanomedicine and chemical biology.

Advanced Nanotechnology | Bio-interfacing | Precision Medicine

 

2 | Bioorthogonal Chemistry

We expand the chemical repertoire of living systems by developing bioorthogonal catalysts that operate independently of native biological processes. Our research focuses on harnessing transition metal catalysis to perform non-natural chemical reactions in situ.

Prodrug Activation | In Situ Activation | Chemical Biology

 

3 | Interrogación Bioortogonal

Our research harnesses the synergy between biological targeting and transition metal catalysis to perform site-specific chemistry on critical biomolecules. These tools are designed to interrogate and manipulate the tumor microenvironment, enabling real-time biomarker detection and the controlled release of drugs, thereby pushing the boundaries of current cell-based immunotherapy.

Hybrid Catalysis | Therapeutic Activation | Cell-based Therapies

 

Our research is supported by a strong network of national and international collaborations. The BIONIC Lab is a growing and dynamic community of scientists, currently including Mario Blazquez (MSc student), Aurora Soto Arroyo (BSc student), and Hugo Perez Salas (BSc student). We also take great pride in the success of our alumni, including Natalia Izquierdo (PhD student from the University of Zaragoza) and Beatriz Guerrero (MSc student), who contributed to the lab’s mission during their time with us in 2025.

 

Scientific and social impact

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with aggressive subtypes such as triple negative breast cancer posing a significant clinical challenge due to limited treatment options and poor prognosis. While advanced immunotherapies like CAR-T cells have revolutionized oncology, their application in solid tumors is often hindered by safety concerns and the complex tumor microenvironment. To help address this global health burden, the BIONIC Lab is focused on developing a pioneering technological platform that hybridises the specificity of immune cells with the power of bioorthogonal nanochemistry. Our scientific impact lies in the creation of unprecedented tools to probe and manipulate biological processes in situ with molecular precision. By improving the efficacy and safety of targeted therapies, our mission is to contribute to the design of next generation treatments that can reduce the suffering of cancer patients, improve survival rates, and alleviate the socio-economic pressure that oncological diseases exert on public health systems.

Alignment with current and future research activity at GENyO

The activity of BIONIC team synergizes with other groups at GENYO working on different aspects of genome regulation in cancer and autoimmunity, both scientifically and technically. Our research program is fully aligned with the Center’s strategic goals, reinforcing its position at the forefront of biomedical research in Spain/Europe. By creating unprecedented nanochemical tools, we aim to uncover complex molecular details of biological processes in situ. Our approach allows for the precise study of biomolecules within their native habitats, providing transformative tools for the next generation of therapeutic applications.

Members

Principal Investigator - R4

Mari Carmen Ortega Liébana

Pre-doctoral researchers - R1

Rocío López González

Projects
Smart CAR-T Cell-mediated Bioorthogonal Nanocatalysis for Enhanced Immunotherapeutic Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Nanoengineering CAR macrophages enable precise live-cell Bioorthogonal Chemistry.
Tumor-Targeting Nanoengineered Technologies for In Situ Activation of Small Drug Molecules to Fight Cancer.
Nanoengineering CAR-T cells enable precise live-cell Bioorthogonal Chemistry.
Publications

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