IBEC
About Us
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is an interdisciplinary research centre focused on bioengineering and nanomedicine, based in Barcelona.
IBEC was established in 2005 by the Ministries of Innovation, Universities and Enterprises and Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Autonomous Government of Catalonia), the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Today, IBEC’s relationship with the UB and UPC researchers continues to operate under a framework agreement signed in 2008. IBEC's mission is to conduct high quality research that, while creating knowledge, contributes to a better quality of life, improves health and creates wealth. The institute establishes close links with international research centres, universities, hospitals and industry to exchange talent and develop and execute projects.
The institute currently has 16 research groups and 250 researchers and staff from 20 different countries. IBEC's groups and their activities are organised into six research programmes:
- Cellular Biotechnology
Microbial biotechnology, health biotechnology, processes of production of biomolecules, neurobiotechnology, axonal regeneration, prion biology, regeneration of complex structures, biotechnology of cell reprogramming and directed differentiation of stem cells.
Groups: Control of stem cell potency; Molecular and cellular neurobiotechnology; Microbial technology and host-pathogen interaction; Bacterial infections: antimicrobial therapies
- Biomechanics and cellular biophysics
Mechanical properties at the cellular and molecular level, cellular biophysics.
Groups: Cellular and respiratory biomechanics; Nanoprobes and nanoswitches; Integrative cell and tissue dynamics
- Nanobiotechnology
Nanostructures and surface functionalization, hybrid nanostructures, microfluidics, biosensors, bio-chips, lab-on-a-chip, microarrays and biomimetic systems, nanoscale bioelectricity; nanophotonics, single molecule fluorescence techniques, and superresolution optical nanoscopy.
Groups: Nanoscale bioelectrical characterization; Nanobioengineering; Nanomalaria (joint unit with CRESIB)
- Biomaterials, implants and tissue engineering
Development of materials and structures for biocompatible replacement, tissue formation and technologies for repairing or replacing tissues and organs.
Groups: Biomechanics and mechanobiology; Molecular dynamics at cell-biomaterial interface; Biomaterials for regenerative therapies
- Medical signals and instrumentation
Biomedical signal processing, control and monitoring systems for both treatment and prevention.
Groups: Signal and information processing for sensing systems; Biomedical signal processing and interpretation
- Robotics and biomedical imaging
Support systems for minimally invasive surgery and surgical assistance. Obtaining and processing biomedical images at the level of organs, tissues and cells or biomolecules.
Groups: Robotics
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The location of IBEC in the Parc Científic de Barcelona offers a highly stimulating biomedical environment in which the institute can work closely with organisations from the public and private sector interested in the biomedical application of nanotechnology. IBEC manages the Nanotechnology Platform, which offers services in nanofabrication, nanomanipulation and nanocharacterization.
