During this section I will post things that are happening or about to happen, that are relevant to me:)
Isabel has been nominated for the Young Talents Awards (Comunidad Valenciana)
Isabel is one of the four nominees for the Young Talent in Science, awarded by CaixaBank and Levante. The results will be known this 28th of February, during a gala.
This is an achievement by itself, the other candidates are outstanding!!!
Isabel has been invited to the Young Investigators Simposium of MOF2024 conference in Singapore!
This is a unique opportunity to showcase the research that Isabel has been doing throughout her career, and especially now as an independent researcher!
Book your date for 13-14 of July!
The group goes to ALBA Synchrotron!
Only two months after starting her PhD, Carmen was measuring in-situ and ex-situ techniques at ALBA synchrotron!! Congrats for being such a fast learner and a hard worker Carmen!
Great results coming soon!!
Isabel was awarded the ‘Impulso a Jóvenes Talentos’, by COPE Castilla la Mancha.
The best things of prizes, is being able to celebrate them with family and friends
Isabel was awarded a Ramón y Cajal Fellowship
The purpose of this fellowship (5 years) is to promote the incorporation into research organizations of research personnel with an outstanding career for them to acquire the skills and abilities that allow them to obtain a stable position in a research organization of the Spanish System of Science, Technology and Innovation. Carmen Joins the group!!
Carmen Rosales Martinez has just joined the group this September 2023 to start her PhD under the direction of Isabel, in the Junior Leader la Caixa Fellowship frame! Carmen has a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Granada, and will be studying the growth of defective multivariate modulated MOFs!
Wellcome Carmen!!
invited talks for Jun 2023…
Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain (14th of June, 2023)
NanoSeries2023, Madrid, Spain (21st of June, 2023)
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
This contribution is based on the design of mesoporous MOFs for selective delivery of the macromolecular drug paclitaxel (PTX).
Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapeutics, but due to its reduced solubility has associated side effects, which leads to the urgency of finding alternative formulations. MOFs have been considered as encapsulating PTX materials, but given the notable molecular size of this drug, the number of reported studies of PTX@MOF formulations remains limited.
With this contribution we present the synthesis of nanostructured MUV-2 (MUV stands for Materials of University of Valencia), a hierarchical mesoporous iron-based MOF that can store high payloads of the macromolecular drug paclitaxel (ca. 23% w/w), increasing its selectivity towards HeLa cancer cells over HEK non-cancerous cells. Moreover, NanoMUV-2 permits full degradation under simulated physiological conditions while maintaining biocompatibility, and is amenable to specific surface modifications that increase its cell permeation, efficient cytosol delivery and cancer-targeting effect, further intensifying the cancer selectivity of paclitaxel.
ISABEL WAS AWARDED THE JUNIOR LEADER LA CAIXA FELLOWSHIP (RETAINING)!!!!!!!
Isabel was one of the 15 candidates among the 292 applicants that obtained a Junior Leader Retaining Fellowship in the 2022 call. This fellowship (292500€ for 3 years) will allow Isabel to establish her independent research career (she is hiring a PhD!!).
The project, entitled »Coding Multivariate Modulated MOFs’ composition, structure and adaptability for enhanced applications» is focused on the most fundamental understanding of the MTVM approach to control heterogeneity, structural arrangement and adaptative response of MOFs through defect engineering.
ISABEL WAS AWARDED AN HONOUR MENTION BY CIUDAD DE ALGEMESÍ
ISABEL WILL BE GIVING AN INVITED TALK AT TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN (IRELAND)
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
This contribution is based on the design of ultramicroporous MOFs for selective gas separation. Their reduced pore space (<4Å) decorated with pendant pyridines from tangling isonicotinic ligands enables the combination of size-exclusion kinetic gas separation (their small pores allow the adsorption of CO2 molecules and forbids N2) with thermodynamics (due to the interaction of the linker with CO2 molecules). This results in efficient materials for dynamic breakthrough gas separation with infinite CO2/N2 selectivity in a wide operando range and with complete renewability at room temperature and ambient pressure. This positions these materials as some of the best candidates for CO2/N2 separation, with complete selectivity, and energy-free complete renewability.
ISABEL ATTENDS THE 71ST NOBEL LAUREATE LINDAU MEETING ON-SITE!!!
This experience was unique, allowing her to meet with her Sciathlon friends, and get to know amazing young scientists and Nobel Laureates, leading to science discussions but also hearing about their personal lifes and difficulties.
I really encourage any young scientist to apply for this opportunity.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
Among multivariate metal–organic frameworks, multivariate modulated (MTVM) MOFs offer the possibility of introducing multiple functionalised units into the MOFs as defect-compensating ligands promoting porosity among other defect-related properties. However, there are no studies that rationalise the incorporation of multiple functionalised modulators and their resultant properties, hindering their molecular design and multi-applicability. In this manuscript, we introduce up to five functionalised modulators bearing NO2, F, tBu, OH and NH2 units in significant quantities (up to ca. 31 mol%) into the Ti heterometallic MOF MUV-10 in one-pot synthesis, increasing the porosity by up to ca. 1.3-fold in comparison with the pristine material. We have rationalised the incorporation ratios of the different combinations of modulators among other properties. As a proof-of-concept, we have shown that there is up to a 1.7-fold enhancement in the catalytic activity of MTVM MOFs for the regioselective opening of epoxides, anticipating that this protocol can be used to produce multi-functionalised materials with a wide range of applications.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
The influence of composition and textural characteristics of a family of ultra-small isoreticular UiO-type metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with different functionalized and extended linkers on their catalytic performance is evaluated. Two direct amide bond formations across four different substrates (benzylamine + phenylacetic acid and aniline + formic acid) are employed as proof-of-concept reactions to test the activity of the Zr-MOF nanoparticles. The reaction rates of amide bond formation are evaluated against physico-chemical properties such as crystallinity, porosity, particle size or linker functionality, alongside the Lewis acid and hydrophobic properties of the MOFs, in order to gain insights into the catalytic mechanism and optimal properties for its enhancement.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
FIRST IN PERSON CONFERENCE for almost two years!
WISC, CAGLIARY, ITALY!
September 2021
Defect Engineering of Titanium MOFs for enhanced catalytic applications
Isabel will be presenting at mof2022!!
Dresden, Germany!
September 2022
Isabel will be giving an oral presentation at the prestigious Global conference MOF2022 to showcase her results regarding the innovative multivariate modulation approach to produce multifunctionalised Titanium structures through defect engineering, enhancing the catalytic performance of the materials and opening the doors for this approach to be used for any applications!
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
The Ti–Ca heterometallic MOF MUV-10 exhibits good dispersibility in phosphate buffer and low phosphate-induced degradation in comparison to other MOF systems. It induces no cytotoxicity towards cells of the immune system and no inmune response, making it an attractive candidate for biomedical applications and demonstrating its safe use for other applications.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
We show that the molar percent of defects, either as missing linkers or as a part of missing cluster defects, is related to the acidity of a modulator and its subsequent incorporation into the UiO-66 structure. Modulators with strong acidity and small size result in a considerable defect induction that causes an increase in the external surface area and mesopore volume, which is beneficial for the ring-opening of epoxides with amines, using UiO-66 defect-modulated MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
We report a systematic study on the ability of mono- and dicarboxylic modulators (benzoic and isophthalic acid) to promote defect creation in the heterometallic Ti-MOF of the MUV-10 family. Our results indicate that both acids behave as capping modulators at high concentrations, but isophthalic acid is a more efficient defect promoter, yielding defective phases with nearly 40% of missing linkers. Our computational results suggest that this difference cannot be solely ascribed to relative changes in acidity but to the ability of this bidentate linker in compensating the structural distortion and energy penalty imposed by breaking the connectivity of the underlying framework.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
We describe the preferential formation of missing cluster defects in heterometallic titanium–organic frameworks of the MUV-10 family when synthesised in sub-stoichiometric linker conditions. Correlation of experiment with computational models reveals the dominance of missing cluster vacancies in the pore size distribution of defective MUV-10. These same models were used to investigate the correlation of defects by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The diffraction at low reflection angles is dominated by diffuse scattering that is indicative of short-range order and cannot be indexed to the defective structural models generated. In addition to the low atomic scattering factor of titanium, these results confirm the need for high-resolution electron microscopy methods for modelling nanoscale disorder in titanium MOFs.
Isabel meets diana morant, the Spanish minister of science and education
Isabel had the opportunity to meet Diana, discuss matters that concern scientists and speak about the future of science in Spain, especially regarding funding and tools to stop unprofessional behaviour in academia.
Isabel attends the open science days (70th Nobel laureate Lindau meeting online version) and participates in the sciathlon!
Although due to the covid pandemic the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting had to be online the experience was beyond any expectations, full of meaningful conversation with young scientists and Nobel Laureates, inspiring talks and much more! If you want to know more about it please read the interview below 🙂
ISABEL IS INTERVIEWD BY CHEMISTRYVIEWS
During this interview, Isabel speaks with Vera Koester about her views on the Lindau meeting, her expectations and what she wants to do in the future.
stemfartes wins the second prize of wisibilizalas!!!
STEM Fartes is an association of high school students working -together with their teacher Laura Vilar- on a project to give visibility to women in STEM. Isabel had the pleasure to be interviewed by them and talking about science and gender equality.
Science is for everyone!!!
The 11deFebrero association organises talks in high schools aiming to overcome the gender imbalance in STEM!
CREATIVE SCIENCE WEBINAR
The seminar creative science introduces scientific careers beyond research, with, as the title introduces, a significant amount of creativity!!
Don´t miss it!! You can also watch it online!
12th November 2020
During this event, four Women in STEM will give short dissemination talks (10 min) related to the work they are performing. These talks are directed at adults, especially to teachers.
NEW PAPER PUBLISHED!!
Women in Research
Ulrike Boehm performs interviews with young female scientists attending the Nobel Laureate Meetings.
- What inspired you to pursue a career in Chemistry?
- Who are your role models?
- How did you get to where you are in your career path?
- What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?
- What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself / your work?
- What is a “day in the life” of you like?
- What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?
- What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?
- What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?
- In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in in your discipline?
- What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and female professors in your discipline?
Isabel has been interviewed regarding her attendance to the 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (Interdisciplinary) by eldiario.es, Castilla La Macha Media and UAH.
Isabel is one of the ca. 600 young scientists who will attend the 70th Nobel Laureate Lindau meeting, an inspiring week with around 70 Nobel Laureates to exchange experiences and establish contacts in science and beyond. The meeting will cover the areas of Chemistry, Physics and Physiology or Medicine.
Due to the events of Coronavirus the event has been postponed to next year, with the posibility of an online event during this summer.
12th May 2020
Participation in the PhD course entitled ´A career in research´ at by Universitat Jaume I
Marie Curie Fellows from different areas will lead a colloquia based on research opportunities after the PhD , especially focused on the MSCA program. The colloquia will be followed by questions and discussion with the PhD students.