The NANOBIOMEM Group in the  University of Oviedo gathers together physicists, chemists, chemical engineers, and biologists in a multidisciplinary network, complementing each other. 

The synthesis, characterisation and application of materials in the nanoscale is the central line of investigation of our research group.  We are specialized in:

• Sensors based on Lateral FLow Immunoassays
• Signal Amplification Systems by Organic/Inorganic Nanoparticles
• Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
• New Antimicrobial Agents
• Electrochemical Sensors
• Emulsions, Nanovesicles and Bioanalysis

Pat Unwin is world-leading in the development and application of high resolution electrochemical imaging techniques to physiochemical systems of interest. Julie Macpherson is internationally known for her work on electrochemical sensor development particularly involving the electrode material boron doped diamond.

Since 2001, we develop advanced materials based on transition metal nanoparticles (Ag, Cu, ZnO) which are carefully designed as nano-reservoirs undergoing spontaneous corrosion and hence providing a controlled ionic release. Releasing ions from active nanophases which are encapsulated into insoluble dispersing matrices paves the way for the so-called 2nd generation nanoantimicrobials (NAMs). NAMs have been successfully used as additives for several industrial formulations/products, including biomedical, non-woven & textile goods, food packaging, coatings for cultural heritage, materials for automotive & public transportation, etc.

The Dairy Research Institute of Asturias (Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias – IPLA) forms part of the Food Science and Technology Area of the Spanish Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – CSIC). CSIC is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe.

The IPLA is organized in two Departments, named Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products and Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, which make up the research groups. The centre is currently composed of 14 staff members: two Research Professors, 7 Scientific Researchers and 5 Scientists.

The mission of the IPLA is to generate knowledge through scientific research in the area of Dairy Product Science and Technology. The improvement of dairy products quality and safety is a main subject of research. This includes the positive and negative impact of microorganisms on dairy products, the design of new starter cultures, as well as new strategies for food biopreservation. Additionally, in the area of food and health, the research is focused on functional products, the microbiota of the gut, and its influence on human health.

The aim is to develop foods of high sensorial quality to improve the health and wellbeing of consumers. In addition, the Institute purpose is to contribute to advancement of knowledge and economic, social and cultural development.

ASINCAR is an Agrifood Technology Centre recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Economy. Moreover, ASINCAR is also a Bussiness Cluster (awarded with Bronze label of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative) formed by more than 85 companies (>95% SMEs) coming from the whole value chain. Under any of the roles, main mission is to contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Agrifood companies, and their adaptation to future market scenarios, through innovation, cooperation, knowledge and technology transfer as well as support for accessing to new markets. Under the cluster role main activities refer to boosting the Agrifood sector generating and catalyzing opportunities for a group of enterprises, while technological capacities are more focused in the development and implementation of specific research and innovation solutions for specific companies.