Nucleic acids (messenger RNA, DNA, etc.) are biomolecules that have great therapeutic potential, although they need to be complemented with technologies that facilitate their controlled arrival at their site of action within cells. This research program aims to deepen the efforts started 8 years ago in the research group towards the discovery of new artificially based molecules that can transport these nucleic acids both in vitro and in vivo. Pioneering strategies for the transport of nucleic acids will consist of using amphiphilic peptides, inorganic clusters and new formulations of simple chemical precursors that exploit the concept of chaotropicity to cross biological membranes, the main barrier experienced by these biomolecules.
The objective of this research program is to deepen into how the transition between purely chemical processes and complex biological processes occurred in the initial stages of life development. Using a bottom-up approach, experiments will be carried out in protocell models where specially designed single molecules will be able to self-assemble in a controlled manner to facilitate understanding of two principles that govern the definition of cellular self-sustainability. In particular, novel helical peptides will be designed to access supramolecular architectures of super-coiled helices that facilitate a substantial increase in cellular complexity without requiring great synthetic effort, or that will facilitate achieving the objectives of the program.
The remarkable results of the basic and applied research developed in the research group have allowed the identification of new technologies related to the delivery of proteins and other biomolecules of biological and therapeutic interest that have the potential to solve some critical needs of the current pharmaceutical industry. . Therefore, the objective of this research program is to carry out the last stages of the process of valorization and technology transfer to bring these technologies to a stage of greater maturity that allows their commercialization. Successful implementation of this program will result in the establishment of a spin-off company that will make validated and fully functional biomolecule delivery technologies accessible to companies and the general population.