CSIC scientists have developed a compact device for a rapid and simultaneous detection of several biomarkers in biological fluids. The design simplifies scalability and reduces production costs, which is especially important for the obtention of ‘point-of-care’ diagnostic devices. Industrial partners from the biomedical industry are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement.

The CSIC has developed an immunochemical technique for the diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. It detects the main signalling molecules that the bacteria use to communicate (Quorum Sensing). The test is very specific and has high sensitivity, as well as a high capacity for sample processing, which ensures diagnostic efficiency. It can also be easily implemented on point-of-care (PoC) devices.

Scientists at the CSIC and the University of Zaragoza have developed a new formulation to achieve a controlled and sustained release of different drugs inside the eyeball. Industrial partners from the ophthalmic or pharmaceutical industry are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement.

Scientists at the Microelectronics Institute of Barcelona have developed a device based on nanogenerators for the electrical stimulation of cells, without the need of bulky electrodes or instruments. The advancement has applications in health for bone regeneration in prostheses or the rehabilitation of muscular atrophy.

Scientists from the Institute of Organic Chemistry of the CSIC in Madrid have developed the first fluorescent probe to be introduced in the mitochondria to monitor its function in living cells. A discovery that can have applications in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes, as well as other mitochondrial diseases.

The CSIC has developed a peptide capable of inhibiting the signaling of interleukin 13 mediated by the IL13Rα2 alpha receptor, one of the pathways that contribute metastasis according to recent studies. The synthetic peptide, alone or encapsulated, could be used for the control of metastasis of colon cancer and other tumours such as glioblastoma, as well as in pathologies such as asthma, atopic dermatitis or fibrosis, related to the same receptor, although more assays are required to confirm its efectivity in humans.

The Instituto de la Grasa of the CSIC and the University of Sevilla have developed a method for analysing oral tolerance to lipids (triglycerides) from the diet, in humans, in only 4 hours. The method is easier and faster than the current ones.

Scientists at the Instituto de Óptica have developed a new intraocular lens, which changes shape to focus on distant and near objects in order to imitate the crystalline lens function. It is the result of the Presbyopia project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC).