Nano]°[Biostructures
Research Group
Dr. Flavio F. Contreras-Torres
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Embedded Files
About Us
About Us
The Nano]°[Biostructures RG is part of the Unit of Experimental Medicine within the Institute for Obesity Research at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Our research group brings together expertise in artificial intelligence, cheminformatics, and multiscale modeling to support the prediction, identification, and prioritization of compounds with therapeutic potential. We focus on computational drug discovery for ligands targeting cell-surface and nuclear receptors, enzymes, ion channels, and transporters involved in metabolic regulation, mitochondrial function, and obesity-related disorders. We work closely with experimental teams to evaluate candidate compounds and to connect computational findings with translational research.
Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate researchers are an active part of the group, while students from other institutions can take part in workshops held during summer research programs.
We maintain an active GitHub presence to share practical resources, tutorials, and project portfolios that support our computational workflows and facilitate collaboration with the broader scientific community.
"Our research is the destination; our code is the path."
New Opportunities in 2025
New Opportunities in 2025
(For details, please refer to the call under Opportunities or access it directly through this LINK)
Ph.D. Fellowships Available Year-Round
Ph.D. Fellowships Available Year-Round
These doctoral programs are part of the National Graduate System (SNP) under SECIHTI (CONAHCyT).
They are a four-year and one-quarter direct doctoral program with 100% tuition coverage.
Accepted students are eligible for a maintenance scholarship.
Please send your CV with the subject line: "Doctoral Admission Application."
Maestría en Ciencias Biomédicas (MBC)
Maestría en Ciencias Biomédicas (MBC)
El programa de Maestría en Ciencias Biomédicas está dirigido a egresados de licenciatura en Medicina, Biotecnología, Ingeniería Biomédica, Química, Farmacia, Nutrición, así como a biólogos y bioquímicos del Tecnológico de Monterrey o de otras instituciones de prestigio en áreas afines, interesados en continuar su formación académica en investigación en medicina aplicada.
Accepted students are eligible for scholarships.
Please visit the MBC program website for more information.
NEXT-GEN SCIENTISTS 2025-2026
NEXT-GEN SCIENTISTS 2025-2026
Next-Gen Scientists is a program that promotes research among our undergraduate students by connecting them with professors who are making an impact. Through a structured mentorship model, students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields like AI-driven drug discovery, thereby democratizing high-impact research.
Become a Next-Gen Scientist with us!
More info: contreras.flavio@tec.mx
PROGRAMA DELFIN 2026
PROGRAMA DELFIN 2026
DELFÍN es un programa de movilidad estudiantil dirigido a estudiantes de todas las áreas del conocimiento, pertenecientes a Instituciones de Educación Superior que integran este Programa.
Los estudiantes seleccionados se incorporarán a proyectos de investigación de su interés en una estancia académica de 7 semanas.
La modalidad (presencial o virtual) la define el investigador, por lo que el estudiante debe revisar con atención lo ofertado.
FECHAS CLAVE
Registro y Recepción de Solicitudes
9 de Febrero al 13 de Marzo de 2026Cierre de Convocatoria
Viernes 13 de marzo de 2026Resultados
13 de abril al 4 de mayo de 2026Estancia
8 junio al 24 de julio de 2026
Research Spotlight
Research Spotlight
Cannabidiol arrests heart failure progression by modulating PPARg signaling
Cannabidiol arrests heart failure progression by modulating PPARg signaling
In a study led by García-Rivas and collaborators (JACC, 2025, 10, 800), we demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD) confers cardioprotection in a mouse model of heart failure (HF). Our findings suggest that CBD activates PPARg by directly interacting with its cannonical ligand-binding pocket, similarly to classical agonists such as Rosiglitazone (RGZ) and GW9662, but without elicinting their associated adverse effects.
The Risks of Graphene Oxide in Cardiac Health
The Risks of Graphene Oxide in Cardiac Health
In this recent study "Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertrophy in H9c2 Cells Reveals Severe Cytotoxicity of Graphene Oxide" ACS Omega (2025), we provide insights into the risks associated with carbon-based nanomaterials when interacting with compromised cellular models. We utilized the Angiotensin-II model to mimic hypertrophic conditions, offering a simple yet adaptable system for these investigations. Our findings reveal that under hypertrophic conditions, graphene oxide (GO) exhibits a 50-fold increase in cytotoxicity compared to healthy cells. These results suggest that vulnerable populations predisposed to cardiac damage may face an elevated risk of toxicity associated with GO particles in potential bioapplications, particularly in drug delivery and vaccine formulation.
Plant-origin compounds for cancer
Plant-origin compounds for cancer
Published: 22 May 2024
Plant origin extracts were evaluated as potential treatments for breast and cervical cancer. Cytotoxic effects were assessed and demonstrated their efficacy when extracts are loaded onto nanovectors. This paper is published in the journal Toxicon.
MnCo2O4 spinel particles
MnCo2O4 spinel particles
Published: 19 Oct 2024
The spinel MnCo2O4 was syntheiszed and characterized using the Bertaut method and Rietveld refinement to assess the evolution on the degree of inversion. This research is published in the journal Materials Chemistry & Physics,
CB1 antagonists
CB1 antagonists
Published: 22 Dic 2024
The cannabinoid ligands were identified using Virtual Screening and cheminformatics, to be further evaluated through Molecular Dynamics. It was identified arachidin-2 as a natural compoud with the ability to modulate CB1 in its inactive state. This paper is now published in Biophysical Chemistry.
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