Research lines

This line of research began in 2000.

It is the most active line at the moment.

His interest comes from the wide research possibilities that phytomelatonin has presented in various fields of study.

Plant melatonin, also called phytomelatonin, is present in all the photosynthetic organisms studied.

Our group has been a pioneer in research on phytomelatonin and is currently a world reference group in physiological aspects of plants and in obtaining it as a possible nutraceutical.

Objectives.

Physiology of Plants.

• Role of phytomelatonin in some aspects of vegetative and reproductive development, especially germination, growth, photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, senescence, fruiting and post-harvest.
• Effects of phytomelatonin in situations of abiotic stress (drought, high and low temperatures, high solar radiation, salinity, heavy metals, mineral deficit, etc.) and biotic stress (herbivores, bacteria, fungi and viruses).
• Use of melatonin as a safener against pesticides.
• Relationship of phytomelatonin with plant hormones, especially with: auxin, gibberellins, cytokinins, ABA and ethylene. Also with salicylates, jasmonates and polyamines.
• Integrated genomic and metabolomic vision in aspects of plant production and post-harvest conservation. Role in the adaptation of plants to climate change.

Human and Animal Nutrition..

• Technology for obtaining phytomelatonin rich extracts from plants and algae.
• Screening of hundreds of plant species and varieties on the content of phytomelatonin and derivatives applied in nutrition.
• Phytomelatonin analysis in plant foods and derivatives.
• Use of phytomelatonin as a nutraceutical in dietary supplements and functional foods.
• Use of phytomelatonin in dietary supplements for farm animals and pets.
• Detection of residues of the chemical synthesis of melatonin. Adulterations in supplements.

Other apps.

• Use of melatonin in phytoremediation of contaminated soils and waters.
• Analysis of hyper-accumulative plants of heavy metals and other toxins.
• Use of plants rich in phytomelatonin in the decontamination of soils.
• Melatonin effect on terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna.
• Melatonin in microalgae: levels and beneficial effects on biomass and biolipids.

This line of research began in 1984 by Prof. M. Acosta.

Its interest comes from the wide research possibilities that plant hormones present in the physiology of plants and their application in plant production and conservation.

Plant hormones play a key regulatory role in multiple physiological processes, both in plants and in other photosynthetic organisms such as algae and microalgae.

Our group accumulates a great experience in studies on phytohormones and processes such as: germination, growth, rooting, tropisms, fruit ripening and flower senescence.

At the same time, the action of many synthetic plant regulators is well known.

Objectives.

Physiological in Plants.

• Hormonal profile in the rooting process.
• Hormonal profile during fruit ripening.
• Hormonal profile in abiotic stress situations: salinity, drought, pollutants.
• Hormonal profile in tropisms and nastias.
• Relationship between phytohormones and phytomelatonin.

Applications.

• Analysis of phytohormones in plants and cultures in vitro
• Analysis of phytohormones in post-harvesting of fruits and vegetables.
• Rooting in carnation and other cuttings.
• Effect of phytohormones and plant regulators in various crops such as lettuce, soybeans, lupins, tomato, wheat, barley, oats, broccoli, etc.
• Biotechnological culture of plant cells and organs. Role of plant regulators.
• Hormonal profiles in microalgae.

This line of research began in 1990.

It is one of the most active lines.

His interest comes from the wide research possibilities that antioxidant systems, both enzymes and metabolites, have in many aspects of plant and human physiology.

Our group has developed its own methodologies for estimating Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA).

Our methods allow to measure the Hydrophilic Antioxidant Activity (HAA) due to water-soluble components and the Lipophilic Antioxidant Activity (LAA) due to fat-soluble components. The sum of both configures the TAA, obtaining a very precise profile of the antioxidant capacities of the plant material.

Our proven training in phytochemistry and enzymology allows us to cover studies of plant redox systems and their regulatory role in development.

Extensive knowledge of plant antioxidants such as vitamins, polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, etc.), carotenoids, tocopherols, indolic compounds, and other secondary metabolites of interest.

Objectives.

Physiology in Plants.

• Role of antioxidants in plant development. Redox homeostasis.
• Relationship of antioxidant potential with oxidative stress caused by physico-chemical and biological agents.
• Role of antioxidants during fruit ripening.
• Tolerance to stress in plants and its relationship with antioxidant systems.
• Secondary metabolism and redox network.

Applications in Human and Animal Nutrition.

• Technology for obtaining extracts rich in natural antioxidants.
• Screening of hundreds of plants and varieties on antioxidant content for their application in human and animal nutrition.
• Analysis of antioxidants in fresh and processed plant foods. Conservation.
• Analysis of antioxidants in animal feed. Stability and conservation.
• Use of natural antioxidants as nutraceuticals in food supplements and functional foods.
• Use of antioxidants in food supplements for farm animals and pets.

Other apps.

• Measurement of Antioxidant Activity in human and animal biological samples.

This line of research began in 1980.

His interest comes from the wide research possibilities that these enzymes possess.

Peroxidases in general and, especially those of plant origin, have been and are one of the most studied groups of enzymes throughout scientific history.

Its complex mechanism of action, with a multiplicity of substrates and regulators, has served us as an excellent field of training in biochemistry and kinetics of catalysis.

In plants, peroxidases are of great interest in multiple cellular aspects such as growth, redox balance, responses to stress, etc.

In the 1990s we developed several kinetic models to explain the mechanisms of suicide inactivation of the enzyme and its protection by the substrate.

We also study various isoenzymes and variants obtained by directed mutagenesis of plant and fungal peroxidases.

Our participation in the European Peroxidase Network, made up of 9 European labs, allowed us to collaborate and publish at the highest level (see publications).