February 19, 2026

The Nanomedicine Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) had the honor of hosting Dr. Luis Exequiel Ibarra, Adjunct Professor and Researcher at the Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (Argentina), as part of the Latin American Academic Exchange Program (PILA).

Dr. Ibarra conducted an extensive international search for leading research groups in medical nanotechnology before selecting our group at UACJ as the host institution for his research stay. His decision was based on the scientific output, ongoing translational research projects, and the interdisciplinary structure of our team.

Dr. Ibarra holds a PhD in Science and Technology and has developed his research career in nanomedicine and therapeutic compound design for cancer treatment, including research in Argentina, Spain, and Italy.

During his stay, he will:

• Engage in collaborative research discussions with faculty from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IIT) and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.

• Deliver seminars and workshops on nanomedicine and nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.

• Explore joint research proposals and future institutional agreements.
  
  

This visit strengthens international collaboration between Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and partner institutions in Latin America, reinforcing our commitment to high-impact translational nanomedicine research.

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February 04, 2026

In the context of World Cancer Day, researchers from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) report a recent scientific publication addressing innovative approaches in cancer-related drug delivery. The study, published in the journal Polymers, presents the development of polymer-based microparticle systems designed for the co-release of a chemotherapeutic agent (cytarabine) and a polyphenol-rich extract derived from pecan nuts.

The research was carried out through a multidisciplinary collaboration involving the Laboratory of Nanomedicine (Institute of Engineering and Technology), the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, the Department of Physics and Mathematics, and the Department of Veterinary Sciences.

This work aligns with the objectives promoted by the First University Forum “UACJ vs Cancer: Learning to Prevent and Support”, reinforcing the University’s commitment to scientific research, student training, and the generation of knowledge aimed at addressing pressing public health challenges such as cancer.

🔗research paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030394

🔗forum: UACJ abre el diálogo contra el cáncer - COMUNICACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA 

January 15, 2026

The Nanomedicine Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) highlights the successful development of a biomaterial-based skin patch created by Cintia América Pérez Vázquez, an undergraduate student in Nanotechnology Engineering from the Universidad Tecnológica de Ciudad Juárez (UTCJ), during her professional research stay in our laboratory.

The project focuses on the fabrication of electrospun hyaluronic acid nanofibrous membranes incorporated with ellagic acid, a bioactive polyphenol derived from pecan nut by-products. These highly porous structures enable controlled release of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, with potential applications in scar reduction, skin regeneration, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and diabetic foot treatment.

This work demonstrates the value of interinstitutional collaboration and early involvement of undergraduate students in applied nanomedicine research. The project has reached the in vitro release testing stage and has already received state-level recognition in the area of Materials Engineering and Science.

At UACJ, we remain committed to mentoring young talent and translating nanotechnology-based research into solutions with biomedical and social impact.

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January 12, 2026

Dr. Christian Chapa González, head of the Nanomedicine Research Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ), was invited as a plenary speaker at SAiNTS 2026, an international conference hosted by CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bengaluru, India. The conference brought together researchers from multiple disciplines to discuss scientific advances aligned with sustainability and emerging technologies.

During the plenary lecture, Dr. Chapa presented recent advances from a SECIHTI-funded research project focused on the development of bioactive compound-loaded polymeric nanostructures. The work addresses the design and fabrication of polymer-based nano- and microstructured systems capable of delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in a controlled manner.

These nanostructured platforms are being explored for biomedical applications such as skin regeneration, tissue engineering, and advanced drug delivery systems. The research integrates polymer science, nanotechnology, and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources, with an emphasis on functionality, biocompatibility, and translational potential.

Participation in SAiNTS 2026 contributed to the international visibility of research carried out at UACJ and enabled direct interaction with leading scientists in the fields of biomaterials and nanomedicine. The event also opened opportunities for future collaboration and publication, reinforcing the global presence of SECIHTI-supported research developed within the Nanomedicine Research Group.

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