The research teams and lines of research are associated with the four traditional branches of chemistry, in addition to food chemistry and technology, due to the existence in our center of PDI who teach in the degree of Food Science and Technology. They are listed below.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH GROUP: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY OF COMPOUNDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL, CLINICAL AND ZOOSANITARY INTEREST.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Analytical study of different species by separation techniques coupled to optical detectors and mass spectrometry in order to perform quantitative determinations of these species in different real matrices, as well as the determination of their metabolites, enantiomers and speciation.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Enantiomeric separations by capillary electrophoresis.
- Analysis of active principles of clinical and/or animal health interest and their metabolites in biological fluids.
- Speciation of mercury in samples of environmental interest.
- Degradation of pharmaceuticals and antioxidants in food.
RESEARCH GROUP: NEW ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGIES FOR COMPOUNDS OF PHARMACOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: New luminescent methodologies are developed based on total fluorescence and phosphorescence, chemiluminescence both from the kinetic and spectroscopic point of view and in three dimensions and laser-induced fluorescence that allows measuring spectral relaxation kinetics as well as its resolution in time. As a large amount of data is usually used, chemometric methods are often used.
The fields of application are to clinical analytical chemistry, forensic, environmental and food safety.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Direct analysis of drugs by synchronous fluorescence and by phosphorescence in solution at room temperature in biological fluids, milk and alcoholic beverages.
- Analysis of compounds of environmental impact in phytosanitary products, soils, water and plant products by fluorescence and phosphorescence.
- Application of multivariate calibration techniques to luminescent data.
- Time-resolved chemiluminescence determinations of products of pharmacological interest and environmental impact.
- Laser-induced fluorescence.
- Time-resolved fluorescence and phosphorescence.
RESEARCH GROUP: SIMPLIFICATION, AUTOMATION AND MINIATURIZATION OF ANALYTICAL PROCESSES.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:Development and validation of analytical methodologies that affect the simplification, automation and miniaturization of measurement processes. Innovation in the stages of sample treatment, measurement and information processing, both quantitative and qualitative. Application to the agri-food, environmental and bioanalytical fields.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Analytical screening systems.
- Analytical nanoscience and nanotechnology.
- Microfluidics and capillary techniques.
- Metrology of qualitative analysis.
- Analytical quality.
CHEMISTRY-PHYSICS
RESEARCH GROUP: CHEMISTRY AND ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This research group is led by Professor Dr. Beatriz Cabañas Galán. Currently, it is composed by Ernesto Martínez Ataz (University Professor, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, CR), M. Sagrario Salgado Muñoz and M. Pilar Martín Porrero (Full Prof., Faculty of Chemical Sciences, CR), Florentina Villanueva García (INCRECYT Researcher, Institute of Combustion and Atm Pollution, CR). It focuses on studies of measurement and control of atmospheric pollution, simulation of atmospheric degradation processes in smog chambers, and studies of reactivity and characterization of particles from combustion processes.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Study of atmospheric degradation processes of different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in simulation chamber.
- Study of different reactions of atmospheric interest using an absolute method: kinetics, products and mechanism.
- Characterization of diesel engine emissions with biofuels.
- Passive sampling and analysis of air pollutants in urban and rural areas.
- Study of heterogeneous processes on particles from combustion processes.
RESEARCH GROUP: ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY, AIR QUALITY AND PHOTOCHEMISTRY.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This research group is led by Prof. José Albaladejo. Currently, it is composed by Elena Jiménez, Bernabé Ballesteros (Prof. Titulares, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, CR), Andrés Garzón (Prof. Contratado Doctor, Faculty of Pharmacy, AB) and Iván Bravo (Prof. Ayudante Doctor, Faculty of Pharmacy, AB). It focuses on the study of the reactivity of atmospheric gas-phase processes initiated by OH radicals, Cl atoms and sunlight, as well as on the measurement of pollutants, the dynamic and structural study of proteins using theoretical methodology and experimental techniques to aid in the subsequent design of drugs.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Kinetic study of the reactivity of the hydroxyl radical, OH, with volatile organic compounds using the technique of pulsed laser photolysis and laser-induced fluorescence.
- Determination of the absorption cross sections and quantum yields of photolysis of volatile organic compounds in the UV-visible region.
- Study of the reactivity of Cl atoms with volatile organic compounds by FTIR and GC-MS in atmospheric simulation chamber and by laser photolysis and resonant fluorescence detection.
- Measurement of atmospheric pollutants in Castilla-La Mancha by remote sensing techniques and point analyzers.
- Kinetics of reactions at very low temperatures by supersonic expansion (Laval Nozzle) of atmospheric and astrophysical interest.
- Physicochemical study of processes of biological interest by means of fluorescence techniques and theoretical methods.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH GROUP: CHEMISTRY OF ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES: LABORATORY EXPERIMENTATION AND FIELD MEASUREMENTS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The goal of our research group is to improve the understanding of the atmospheric processes that underlie pollution and the influence these processes have on climate change, both regionally and globally. Our research deals with the kinetics, mechanisms and products of gas-phase reactions and heterogeneous conditions of organic compounds emitted to the atmosphere from anthropogenic and biogenic sources.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Study of gas-phase chemical oxidation of atmospheric trace species through their reactions with photochemical radicals.
- Study of the contribution of heterogeneous processes to the atmospheric degradation of long-lived species.
- Evaluation of the environmental impact of new substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Measurement of atmospheric lifetimes, atmospheric reaction products and calculation of global warming potentials (GWP).
- Field measurements of atmospheric pollutants in remote and urban areas.
RESEARCH GROUP: ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY AND CATALYSIS (I), QUIMORCA.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Consolidated research group that develops its different research lines in the fields of synthesis and structural characterization of organometallic compounds and their application as homogeneous catalysts in different types of catalytic processes to prepare high added value chemical products, "fine chemicals".
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Design of multifunctional ligands.
- Preparation and characterization of organometallic entities of metals of the first transition groups, lanthanides and main groups.
- Development of catalytic processes with organometallic catalysts: polymerization of cyclic esters, hydroamination, heterocyclization, etc.
RESEARCH GROUP: ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY AND HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS (II).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The research theme of our Group is the synthesis and characterization of new organometallic and coordination complexes, in order to apply them as catalyst precursors in both homogeneous and solid supported processes.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Synthesis, structural characterization and chemical reactivity studies of organometallic derivatives of elements of the first transition groups, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium and tantalum.
- Design and synthesis of new polyfunctional nitrogenous ligands.
- Synthesis of catalysts for olefin polymerization processes and biodegradable polymers.
- Studies of activation and modification processes of small organic molecules.
RESEARCH GROUP: APPLIED COORDINATION CHEMISTRY.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Preparation of coordination and organometallic compounds, mainly from metals of the last transition groups, applicable in homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysis processes and in obtaining supramolecular materials. Recently, we are designing complex compounds that can participate in systems for the photocatalytic obtaining of hydrogen from cheap and sustainable substrates such as water.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Catalysis processes, including enantioselective, in homogeneous phase using transition metal complexes.
- Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from water with transition metal complexes.
- Preparation of new polydentate N-dador ligands and their use in Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis.
- Theoretical calculations of molecular modeling.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
RESEARCH GROUP: MICROWAVES IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Our group has studied since its creation the application of environmentally benign techniques, which can be framed within Sustainable Chemistry. We have addressed the application of microwave radiation in organic synthesis, and currently other techniques, such as mechanochemistry, flow techniques and NMR microbine detection techniques. These techniques have been applied to the preparation of organic compounds with applications in materials science and supramolecular chemistry, including heterocyclic systems (triazole and triazines) and allotropic carbon derivatives (nanotubes, nanohorns and graphene).
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Applications in Sustainable Chemistry.
- Selectivity modifications under microwave irradiation.
- Study of the so-called microwave effect.
- Development of a theoretical model to explain the effects of acceleration and selectivity modification.
- Cycloaddition reactions of heterocyclic systems.
- Synthesis of heterocyclic systems with application in supramolecular chemistry.
- Applications in materials chemistry, donor-acceptor systems and carbon nanotube chemistry.
- Functionalization of carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes and nanohorns.
- Preparation of new nanostructures as non-viral gene transfection systems.
- Application of mechanochemical treatments to the modification of nanocarbon structures.
- Design of new microwave systems adapted to chemical synthesis.
- Applications of microwave radiation in continuous flow systems.
- Coupling of microwave systems with NMR for in situ detection.
RESEARCH GROUP: DENDRIMERS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The group has been developing in recent years several lines of research in synthesis dendritic structures based on m-phenylene vinylene units (m-PPV) and the study of their photophysical properties. N-heterocyclic metallocarbene units have also been incorporated into dendritic systems and their catalytic properties have been studied. The group is currently developing a line of using mixed m-PPV-PAMAM dendrimers, as well as nanoparticles, to perform RNA transfection in neurons.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Synthesis and study of the optical properties of dendrimers based on m-phenylene vinylenes.
- Synthesis and catalytic properties of dendrimers carrying N-heterocyclic metallocarbenes.
- Use of dendrimers and nanoparticles in gene transfection.
FOOD CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH GROUP: OENOLOGY AND NATURAL PRODUCTS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: This Research group is dedicated to the characterization of grapes, wines and derivatives, and other natural products such as juices, honeys and spices based on their chemical and sensory composition. Especially the effect of technological innovations in winemaking, storage and packaging conditions and effect of raw material on the quality of the final product, especially on the chemical compounds responsible for aroma, color and sensory evaluation.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Technological innovations for obtaining quality wines and their chemical and sensory characterization.
- Analytical characterization of the aromatic and color potential of native and newly introduced grape varieties.
- Chemical characterization of spices and condiments native to Castilla-La Mancha and improvement of drying and packaging technologies.
- Characterization of honeys based on their chemical and sensory composition.
- Dehydration of grape products and study of their composition and industrial uses.
- Characterization of oak woods and other origins for oenological use and their influence on aging processes.
- Descriptive sensory analysis, consumer studies.
RESEARCH GROUP: RESEARCH IN OLIVE OIL AND EDIBLE FATS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The interests of the Group are focused on deepening the chemical composition, sensory profile and quality control of edible oils and fats, studying the influence of the elaboration process, together with oxidative stability and the role of antioxidants and natural minority compounds of interest. Recently, topics related to the development of convenience foods and healthy eating have been addressed.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Chemical composition, sensory profile, stability and quality of edible oils and fats.
- Study of the elaboration process, identifying natural minority chemical components of interest and product development in edible oils and fats.
- Food development and healthy eating.
RESEARCH GROUP: DAIRY PRODUCTS/LACTIC ACID BACTERIA.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The studies have focused on "Manchego" D. O. cheese and goat cheeses, fundamentally on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of artisanal and industrial Manchego cheeses, as well as the identification and technological characterization of the autochthonous microbiota (lactic bacteria) present in them. The group is in contact with several companies in the region and very particularly with the Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Origin Manchego Cheese.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Proteolysis and lipolysis in cheese during ripening.
- Chemical and sensory analysis of cheese.
- Chemometric models for predicting the ripening time of Manchego cheese.
- Identification of lactic microbiota present in sheep and goat cheese.
- Molecular characterization of lactic bacteria and study of their properties of technological interest.
RESEARCH GROUP: YEAST BIOTECHNOLOGY.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Characterization of yeasts for biotechnological use. Study of microbial biodiversity and biotechnological properties of special interest in different ecosystems: wine, oleic and distillery environments.
THEMATIC LINES OF RESEARCH:
- Selection of autochthonous strains as starter cultures in oenology.
- Study of population dynamics during the winemaking process.
- Relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting vitality.
- Optimization of fresh biomass production.
- Exploitation of by-products by solid-phase fermentation.
- Scale-up of fermentation processes for enzyme production in a bioreactor using low-cost substrates.
- Stabilization of enzymes by immobilization techniques.
RESEARCH GROUP: CARNIS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Physicochemical and sensory quality of meat and meat products. Proteolysis, lipolysis, lipid oxidation, color, rheological properties and microbiological aspects of cured products (cured ham, sausages and salted meats of game species), cooked products (cooked ham), canned and fresh meat from white pigs, Iberian pigs, beef and game deer.