Dr. Joaquin Seras Franzoso

I performed my PhD at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB, 2012). There, I focused on the development of first-in-class biomedical uses for bacterial Inclusion Bodies (IBs). IBs are recombinant protein deposits, between the nano- and micro scale, historically discarded as waste by products of protein production. My research studied the IB-exerted stimuli on mammalian cell interfaces when producing complex nanotopographies for tissue engineering. After my PhD I devoted myself to expand the catalogue of biomedical uses for IBs, as high added value biomaterials. I engineered IBs to be used as depots for the slow release of therapeutic proteins, polyvalent coatings and immunomodulatory particles.
I moved to Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in 2015 awarded with an AECC post-doctoral fellowship. Here, I have continued my work in the nano-sphere. Particularly, I have participated in the development of Polymeric Micelles (PM) for the PM-mediated intracellular delivery of therapeutic antibodies, targeting cancer stem cell intrinsic drug resistance. In parallel, I started to explore the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs). First, as central mediators of intercellular communication with roles in cancer cell plasticity regulation and premetastatic niche conditioning. Secondly, exploiting EVs capacity as protein delivery systems. In this regard, I focused on the generation of protein therapeutics loaded in vivo into EVs. This approach combines protein production and NP functionalization in a single step with intended applications in rare diseases and cancer therapy.

I have participated in >20 competitive projects with an accumulated funding of > 3 Milion euros (PI of two). This activity rendered >50 articles (hi=25) in international journals and >60 contributions to congresses. Complementing this activity I engaged teaching undergraduates (2010-2012 & 2021 - , AQU Lecturer accreditation) at UAB and mentoring master and PhD students.