The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is the largest public institution dedicated to research in Spain and the third largest in Europe. Belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the Secretary of State for Research, Development and Innovation, its main objective is to develop and promote research that will help bring about scientific and technological progress.
Research Group: Novel Materials and Nanotechnology Lab
The research group currently comprises 3 senior research scientists and over 5 PhD students, and conducts fundamental and applied research work in the areas of novel materials and active, bioactive and smart technologies and with special focus in the application of different nanotechnologies. Our main research areas are:
 Micro and nano-encapsulation of active compounds including antimicrobials, oxygen scavengers, antioxidants and phase change materials (PCM), etc.
 Micro and nanoencapsulation of added value food functional ingredients for the design of bioactive packaging and healthier foods.
 Characterization of packaging materials in terms of barrier, migration, thermal, mechanical and controlled release properties.
 Development of novel nanotechnologies, nanocomposites and nanobiocomposites based on layered and tubular phyllosilicates, silicates, synthetic layered double hydroxides, nanocellulose and electrospun nanofibers and electrosprayed nanobeads.
 Intelligent materials and active coating technologies for plastic and fiber based packaging.
 Formulation of new packaging materials, blends and coatings with enhanced barrier to gases and vapours, thermal and mechanical properties.
 Development and implementation of biodegradable and sustainable polymers for biopackaging applications.
 Rigid packaging and melt-mixing processing, particularly thermoforming and injection moulding.