On going project funding
Embedded Files
Funding. 120 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, PI (Sara H Mejias)
Duration. October 2025 -October 2028
Project reference. PID2024-160991NA-I00 (Generación de conocimiento program, research grant)
Title. Facing challenges in protein crystallization: BIOphysical insights into engineered protein interaction for 2D nanoarRAY generation (BioRay)
Short description. The BioRay project aims to develop engineered scaffolds that organize proteins into 2D arrays with controlled orientation. Using CTPR modules for assembly and TRAP modules for recognition, we aim to optimize their interface, improve surface interactions, and build stable chimeras. This approach will boost XFEL signals, enabling structural studies under physiological conditions and advancing research on protein dynamics, drug interactions, and photo-induced changes.
Funding. Total 700 k€ (For the consortia)
Type and role. Researcher Consortia, PI (Sara H Mejias), Coordinator (Prof. Fernando Martín, IMDEA)
Duration. September 2025-December 2028
Project reference. SYG-2024/TEC-815 (Ayudas a proyectos sinérgicos de I+D)
Title. Attosecond control of ultraviolet and X-ray induced biological damage for potential medical application (ACXIOM-CM)
Short description. The ACXIOM-CM consortium will investigate how extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray radiation damage biological molecules such as DNA and proteins. Using cutting-edge attosecond science and technology to simplify photosystem development, the researchers in the consortium will study the ultrafast processes that trigger this damage—work that has so far only been conducted on simple molecules. By utilizing the control to modify existing systems, the project aims to develop strategies that prevent harmful effects or, in the context of cancer treatment, make radiation more precise and effective.
Funding. Total 1.2 M€ (For the consortia)
Type and role. Researcher Consortia, PI (Sara H Mejias), Coordinator (Prof. Luis Bañares, IMDEA)
Duration. January 2025-December 2028
Project reference. TEC2024/TEC85 (Ayudas I+D en Tecnologías)
Title. Matter in Action with Ultrafast Optical and X-ray Lasers (MATRIX-CM)
Short description. The MATRIX-CM consortium aims to develop and implement advanced ultrafast optical and X-ray free-electron laser methodologies and technologies. Its goal is to explore light-matter interactions and responses across timescales ranging from attoseconds to micro- and milliseconds, capturing both electronic and nuclear dynamics. Participating groups include PIs from the Comunity of Madrid (IMDEA, UAM, UCM, CSIC) and from large European and international facilities (SLAC, European XFEL, ELI, LaserLab Europe).
Funding. 400 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, PI (Sara H Mejias)
Durantion. July 2024-July 2029
Project reference. Ref 2023-T2/ECO-28965 (César Nombela atracción de Talento)
Title. Bio-hybrid engineering as a basis for photocatalysis.
Short description. This project explores a bio-inspired approach that combines engineered proteins with redox-active molecules to create bio-hybrids. These bio-hybrids feature chromophores embedded within optimized protein environments, specifically designed to generate a stable charge-separated state, which is crucial for efficient light energy conversion. The research aims to deepen our understanding of how protein amino acids contribute to the stabilization of charge separation, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their potential for efficient photocatalysis.
Grants awarded to our group members
PhD Fellowship
Funding. 105 k€
Type and role. PhD Fellowship, (Adhil Kabeer)
Duration. September 2024-September 2026
Project reference. ID 101034431 (MSCA COFOUND)
Title. Engineered proteins for TADF modulation
Short description. In this proyectm, Adhil explores the effects of polarized protein environments on the Thermally Activated Delayed Emission (TADF).
Postdoctoral grant
Funding. 140 k€
Type and role. Postdoctoral grant, (Atikur Rahman)
Duration. July 2024-July 2026
Project reference. ID 101034431 (MSCA COFOUND)
Title. Modulating photophysical properties of engineered photoactive bio-hybrids for visible/NIR Light-driven photocatalysis (ArtPhotoZymes)
Short description. In this project, Atikur is developing artificial photoenzymes by using a bottom-up approach where we first study the photophysical and photochemical properties of the chromophores at engineered protein pockets and match the suitable reactivities accordingly.
Postdoctoral grant
Funding. 54 k€
Type and role. Postdoctoral grant, (Angelo Alonzo Beratto)
Duration. March 2024-March 2026
Project reference. CONICYT
Title. Encoded protein self-assembly for hierarchical assembly generation
Short description. In this project, Angelo uses engineered proteins to generate nanostructured hierarchical assemblies.
Finished projects
Funding. 40 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, PI (Sara H Mejias)
Durantion. September 2023-March 2025
Project reference. LEO23-2-9635 (Leonardo grant program, research grant)
Title. Optimized photochemical conversion based on a strategic combination of engineered proteins and redox-active molecules.
Short description. This project shows a strategy to generate bio-hybrid assemblies that favor stable charge accumulation, making it possible to perform challenging photochemical reactions, including solar fuel generation. The proposed approach takes advantage of a deep structural control of engineered bio-hybrids to perform mechanistic studies that have been impossible to perform up to date, filling a knowledge gap in light-induced charge separation mechanisms. These studies will provide valuable insights and inform the development of subsequent generations of bio-hybrids with enhanced capabilities.
Funding. 172 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, Co-PI (Sara H Mejias)
Duration. January 2023 -November 2024
Project reference. 131906A-100 (Transición ecológica resilience program, research grant)
Title. Sustainable H2 production with photocatalysts based on Earth abundant and environmentally friendly resources (MOSES)
Short description. This project develops a new class of photoactive bio-hybrids where the exciton dissociation and photoinduced electron transfer reactions are controlled by the protein enviroment. The final goal is to combine the optimized bio-hybrids with catalytically active 2D materials in collaboration with Dr. Vega. Combining our engineered bio-hybrids with the 2D materials will allow us to generate hydrogen as solar fuel with unprecedented efficiency to pave the way for its use as a clean fuel.
Funding. 300 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, PI (Sara H Mejias)
Durantion. October 2022-July 2024
Project reference. 117694 (La Caixa Junior leader program, research fellowship)
Title. On-demand photochemical energy conversion in biohybrids with proteins and nanoclusters in synergy
Short description. We show a strategy to generate bio-hybrid assemblies that favor stable charge-separated states. Our designs will allow coupling catalysis to charge accumulation, making it possible to perform challenging photochemical reactions, including solar fuel generation. The proposed approach takes advantage of a deep structural control of engineered bio-hybrids to perform mechanistic studies that have been impossible to perform up to date, filling a knowledge gap in light-induced charge separation mechanisms. These studies will provide valuable insights and inform the development of subsequent generations of bio-hybrids with enhanced capabilities.
Funding. 163 k€
Type and role. Individual grant, researcher (Sara H Mejias)
Duration. December 2021 - October 2022
Project reference. T2/IND19937 (Atracción de Talento, research fellowship)
Title. Senior postdoc grant.
Short description. We developed bio-optoelectronic devices for applications ranging from solid-state bio-lasers to light-to-energy conversion applications. These devices stem from hybrid protein-chromophore systems. We selected different chromophores ranging from small conjugated molecules to few-atom metal nanoclusters to tune the optoelectronic properties of the protein-based molecular systems. This strategy enabled us to overcome technological challenges for instance in the development of tunable bio-compatible lasers or LEDs for medicine or in the development of low-cost energy harvesting sources.
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