My research line is very multidisciplinar. We study bacterial mineralization of carbonates and iron oxides. Lately, we are focused on the synthesis of biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles mediated by magnetosome proteins. We characterize those nanoparticles and functionalize them with a variety of molecules for a targeted chemotherapy, magnetic hyperthermia, photothermia and for environmental applications. We have patented this technology and we are collaborating with many researchers to apply that to the clinical sector, both in cancer therapy and in antibacterial treatments, plant diseases, enzyme immobilization and recycling, DNA extraction and water remediation.

Scientific impact.

I have published >80 scientific papers in highly cited journals in the area, 75% in journals in top 25% in their areas. I hold a relevant position (first, last or corresponding author) in 75% of these papers. I have a citation count of 2,180 and 29.9 citations per paper. In the last 10 years, I have published 45 scientific papers, 78% in journals in top 25% cited in their areas, 65.9% in the top 25% journals by CiteScore and 56.1% in the top 25% most cited documents worldwide (data from Scopus). 39.7% of these papers are published Open Access, and in 82% of these papers, I hold an author relevant position.I have been invited as a Keynote Speaker in national and international meetings and talks in universities in Europe and in USA,

My line of research is focused on bacterial biomineralization or how microorganisms, mainly bacteria, control mineralization processes to form minerals. Not only do I try to understand the basic science behind those processes, but I also work on the applications of these biominerals. In this context, a notable aspect of my CV is the high level of multidisciplinarity, myself having a background in Physics and holding a position of Full Professor in Microbiology. I collaborate with researchers from very different areas, both from national and international institutions. In fact, 68.3% of my published papers are co-authored with researchers in other countries/regions. I have spent almost 5 years in international stays in laboratories at USA (Fulbright Posdoctoral mainly), and in Italy, as invited Researcher.

Since 2004 I have initiated a new line of research at the Dpt. Microbiology at the University of Granada. I managed to obtain a space to set up a laboratory that is fully operational and consolidated. I have equipped this lab, which I have always managed, thanks to the continuous funding of (most important grants received): six projects from the Spanish Goverment, one from Junta de Andalucía and two FEDER Funds. I have directed 7 PhD Thesis (2 of them in progress) in iron oxide biomineralization, that have been performed in my laboratory.

Social impact.

I am an inventor in two patents: (1) E200602030 on the application of biomineralization processes to the consolidation of ornamental stone material, which since 2012 is being exploited by a company (KBYO Biological S.L). (2) The second, of which I am the lead inventor (P201831064, PCT/ES2019/070747) concerns the production and use of biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles as nanocarriers in targeted chemotherapy. My project is currently selected for an accelerator program for spin-off creation (Acexhealth). I disseminate the results of my research to the non-scientific community through the web page https://bionanomag.ugr.es/ . Also, I disseminate the results through ResearchGate, Linkedin and Academia. I have participated in projects to make science closer to the community (Ciencia y Sociedad) and in documentals and interviews for Universities (Universidad de Oviedo, Universidad de Granada) and regional TV programs (Con-ciencia, Canal Sur).

Mentoring.

I have mentored more than 20 students (national and internationals) in the last 15 years: one under Athenea (Marie Curie) contracts, two FPU (Formacion Personal Universitario) and four FPI fellows (Formacion Personal Investigador). I have also mentored three students in the Plan Garantia Juvenil (Junta de Andalucia), one student with a grant from the Asociacion Española contra el Cancer, five students with Research Initiation Grants and five with Research Collaboration grants.

I usually host both students (11 in the past 10 years) and Researchers (3) under the Erasmus program. I am active stablishing agreements with other Universities, having being directly involved in three in the past 10 years.

I have directed seven Doctoral Theses (two in progress). Most of my former PhD students have continued their career and are now hired as researchers in academic institutions (University of Las Palmas), research institutions (Biogune) or companies. I also direct Master Thesis (11 in the last 10 years) and Bachelor Theses (15 since 2014). I participate as a referee for scientific Journals for proposal revision of different agencies: MINECO (Spain, 7 evaluations), FONCYT (Argentina, 1 evaluation), ERC (1 evaluation), MWO (Netherlands, 1 evaluation).

Managing - Laboratory: I have managed the laboratory I initiated since 2004. - Projects and other grants. I have been the PI of 12 scientific projects and 11 mobility grants, so I have hold the responsibility of managing scientifically and with the associated funds. - Academic. I am currently the Coordinator of the Degree in Biochemistry at the UGR since 2020 (prior the Secretary for 6 years). I have been the Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Biotechnology at the UGR from 2019-2023 (prior Secretary for 7 years).

Biomimetic Magnetic Nanoparticles