Hydrogel microparticles for bacterial encapsulation
Authorship
N.C.A.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
N.C.A.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives currently form the basis of most approved biological therapies, playing a central role in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although their production is primarily carried out using hybridoma technology, this method is costly and time-consuming, which has driven interest in alternative expression systems. Among these, Escherichia coli (E. coli) emerges as an attractive platform due to its simplicity and low cost, although it is not without limitations. Expression in this bacterium can induce metabolic stress and is constrained by the amount of protein produced per unit of culture volume, affecting both cell viability and protein yield. In this study, bacterial encapsulation in hydrogels was explored as a strategy to mitigate these limitations and promote a more stable and sustainable production system. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as the polymeric matrix, optimizing chemical crosslinking conditions and evaluating different techniques to generate microparticles with characteristics suitable for cell immobilization. Subsequently, a physicochemical and structural characterization of the hydrogels was performed, followed by an assessment of the viability of encapsulated E. coli and the efficiency of the encapsulation process. The results demonstrated that it is possible to encapsulate E. coli in PEGDA hydrogels for biotechnological applications; however, further optimization would be required to improve cell viability.
Monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives currently form the basis of most approved biological therapies, playing a central role in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although their production is primarily carried out using hybridoma technology, this method is costly and time-consuming, which has driven interest in alternative expression systems. Among these, Escherichia coli (E. coli) emerges as an attractive platform due to its simplicity and low cost, although it is not without limitations. Expression in this bacterium can induce metabolic stress and is constrained by the amount of protein produced per unit of culture volume, affecting both cell viability and protein yield. In this study, bacterial encapsulation in hydrogels was explored as a strategy to mitigate these limitations and promote a more stable and sustainable production system. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as the polymeric matrix, optimizing chemical crosslinking conditions and evaluating different techniques to generate microparticles with characteristics suitable for cell immobilization. Subsequently, a physicochemical and structural characterization of the hydrogels was performed, followed by an assessment of the viability of encapsulated E. coli and the efficiency of the encapsulation process. The results demonstrated that it is possible to encapsulate E. coli in PEGDA hydrogels for biotechnological applications; however, further optimization would be required to improve cell viability.
Direction
DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, PATRICIA (Tutorships)
DIAZ RODRIGUEZ, PATRICIA (Tutorships)
Court
SANCHEZ POZA, MARIA SANDRA (Chairman)
Souto Salom, Manuel (Secretary)
QUIÑONES TELLEZ, MARIA DEL MAR (Member)
SANCHEZ POZA, MARIA SANDRA (Chairman)
Souto Salom, Manuel (Secretary)
QUIÑONES TELLEZ, MARIA DEL MAR (Member)
Lithium measurement using suface modified, Ion Imprinted Polymer Quantum Dots
Authorship
P.G.E.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
P.G.E.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Lithium carbonate is a drug commonly used in bipolar disorder for both maintenance and prophylaxis of manic and depressive episodes. It presents a narrow therapeutic index, high interindividual variability and high toxicity, making strict monitoring of therapeutic lithium levels necessary, especially at the beginning of treatment. This work aims to explore an alternative method for Li quantification, using Quantum Dots as the recognition element, thanks to their optical properties and fluorescence. Work was conducted with a Mn-doped ZnS QD on which a specific surface polymerization was performed, using crown ether B12C4 to implement a particular recognition target for Li+. Emission fluorescence was used as the analytical technique, relying on the fluorescence quenching effect of the modified QDs to correlate emitted fluorescence levels with the analyte concentration in different standards. The IIP QD was characterized in terms of composition and morphology, and the method was optimized regarding equilibrium time, pH, and IIP QD concentration; as well as selectivity studies against potential interfering ions. The synthesized IIP QD exhibited both sensitivity and selectivity, enabling quantification of concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/L. This sensitivity allows the quantification of lithium between 0.36 and 1,44 mEq/L, encompassing values below the minimum effective dose, within the therapeutic range, and toxic levels.
Lithium carbonate is a drug commonly used in bipolar disorder for both maintenance and prophylaxis of manic and depressive episodes. It presents a narrow therapeutic index, high interindividual variability and high toxicity, making strict monitoring of therapeutic lithium levels necessary, especially at the beginning of treatment. This work aims to explore an alternative method for Li quantification, using Quantum Dots as the recognition element, thanks to their optical properties and fluorescence. Work was conducted with a Mn-doped ZnS QD on which a specific surface polymerization was performed, using crown ether B12C4 to implement a particular recognition target for Li+. Emission fluorescence was used as the analytical technique, relying on the fluorescence quenching effect of the modified QDs to correlate emitted fluorescence levels with the analyte concentration in different standards. The IIP QD was characterized in terms of composition and morphology, and the method was optimized regarding equilibrium time, pH, and IIP QD concentration; as well as selectivity studies against potential interfering ions. The synthesized IIP QD exhibited both sensitivity and selectivity, enabling quantification of concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/L. This sensitivity allows the quantification of lithium between 0.36 and 1,44 mEq/L, encompassing values below the minimum effective dose, within the therapeutic range, and toxic levels.
Direction
GOYANES GOYANES, ALVARO (Tutorships)
GOYANES GOYANES, ALVARO (Tutorships)
Court
SANCHEZ POZA, MARIA SANDRA (Chairman)
Souto Salom, Manuel (Secretary)
QUIÑONES TELLEZ, MARIA DEL MAR (Member)
SANCHEZ POZA, MARIA SANDRA (Chairman)
Souto Salom, Manuel (Secretary)
QUIÑONES TELLEZ, MARIA DEL MAR (Member)
Psilocybe hallucinogenic mushrooms and its active compound Psilocybin: A new therapeutic option?
Authorship
L.L.A.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
L.L.A.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
The interest in the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in Psilocybe mushrooms, in mental disorders is increasing. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of its therapeutic potential, mechanism of action, proposed indications, adverse effects, and limitations. A review of the scientific literature was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases between 2020 and 2025, according to the PRISMA method. Several studies report the efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of major depression, including treatment-resistant depression, as well as in anxiety disorders, and in existential distress associated with a life-threatening illness. Unlike conventional treatments, one or a few doses of psilocybin have shown to produce rapid and sustained effects, which represents a clinical advantage. The use of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy in a controlled clinical setting has been associated with improvements in emotional well-being and the patient's attitude toward the disease process. Its safety profile is favorable, with mild and transient adverse effects in most cases. Current research has significant limitations, such as small sample sizes, poor protocol standardization, and limited follow-up time. Even so, the available findings open the door to an innovative and integrative approach to the treatment of affective disorders, which places the patient's subjective experience at the focus of the intervention.
The interest in the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in Psilocybe mushrooms, in mental disorders is increasing. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of its therapeutic potential, mechanism of action, proposed indications, adverse effects, and limitations. A review of the scientific literature was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases between 2020 and 2025, according to the PRISMA method. Several studies report the efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of major depression, including treatment-resistant depression, as well as in anxiety disorders, and in existential distress associated with a life-threatening illness. Unlike conventional treatments, one or a few doses of psilocybin have shown to produce rapid and sustained effects, which represents a clinical advantage. The use of psilocybin in conjunction with psychotherapy in a controlled clinical setting has been associated with improvements in emotional well-being and the patient's attitude toward the disease process. Its safety profile is favorable, with mild and transient adverse effects in most cases. Current research has significant limitations, such as small sample sizes, poor protocol standardization, and limited follow-up time. Even so, the available findings open the door to an innovative and integrative approach to the treatment of affective disorders, which places the patient's subjective experience at the focus of the intervention.
Direction
SÁNCHEZ SELLERO, INÉS (Tutorships)
SÁNCHEZ SELLERO, INÉS (Tutorships)
Court
CORREIA PINTO CARVALHO DE MATOS, MARIA JOAO (Chairman)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Secretary)
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Member)
CORREIA PINTO CARVALHO DE MATOS, MARIA JOAO (Chairman)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Secretary)
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Member)
Immunotherapeutic potential of novel small molecules for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authorship
J.O.S.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
J.O.S.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystemic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetrical pattern. Currently, there is no prophylactic therapy for RA, and approximately 25% of patients do not respond to existing treatments. These therapies mainly target late stages of the inflammatory process, when the microenvironment is highly inflammatory, hindering therapeutic efficacy. Novel therapies aimed at the early stages of inflammation could have a positive impact on refractory RA. In this study, the potential of several low molecular weight compounds was evaluated and characterized in vitro and ex vivo, with the aim of identifying candidates with potential therapeutic interest in the early phases of RA.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystemic autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetrical pattern. Currently, there is no prophylactic therapy for RA, and approximately 25% of patients do not respond to existing treatments. These therapies mainly target late stages of the inflammatory process, when the microenvironment is highly inflammatory, hindering therapeutic efficacy. Novel therapies aimed at the early stages of inflammation could have a positive impact on refractory RA. In this study, the potential of several low molecular weight compounds was evaluated and characterized in vitro and ex vivo, with the aim of identifying candidates with potential therapeutic interest in the early phases of RA.
Direction
GOMEZ TOURIÑO, IRIA MARIA (Tutorships)
GOMEZ TOURIÑO, IRIA MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
CORREIA PINTO CARVALHO DE MATOS, MARIA JOAO (Chairman)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Secretary)
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Member)
CORREIA PINTO CARVALHO DE MATOS, MARIA JOAO (Chairman)
COUSO PEREZ, SEILA (Secretary)
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Member)
Medicinal plants for topical use for joint and muscle pain
Authorship
F.P.M.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
F.P.M.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Joint and muscle pain is one of the main causes of medical and pharmaceutical consultation, with a significant impact on the quality of life of the population. Although there are multiple pharmacological options for its treatment, topical preparations of vegetable origin have gained special relevance in recent years, both for their safety profile and their accessibility. This work reviews the scientific evidence on the use of topical formulations based on medicinal plants for the relief of joint and muscle pain. The main active principles of plant origin used are analyzed, including methyl salicylate, menthol, capsaicin and camphor, as well as extracts of Arnica montana L., Hypericum perforatum L., Calendula officinalis L. and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden et Betche) Cheel. Available preclinical and clinical studies show that these compounds exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects through rubefacient mechanisms, activation of cutaneous sensory receptors or modulation of inflammatory mediators. Thanks to their localized action, these formulations minimize systemic adverse effects and constitute a safe and effective option in the management of mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, their integration into commercial products demonstrates the transfer of traditional knowledge to current pharmaceutical practice.
Joint and muscle pain is one of the main causes of medical and pharmaceutical consultation, with a significant impact on the quality of life of the population. Although there are multiple pharmacological options for its treatment, topical preparations of vegetable origin have gained special relevance in recent years, both for their safety profile and their accessibility. This work reviews the scientific evidence on the use of topical formulations based on medicinal plants for the relief of joint and muscle pain. The main active principles of plant origin used are analyzed, including methyl salicylate, menthol, capsaicin and camphor, as well as extracts of Arnica montana L., Hypericum perforatum L., Calendula officinalis L. and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden et Betche) Cheel. Available preclinical and clinical studies show that these compounds exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects through rubefacient mechanisms, activation of cutaneous sensory receptors or modulation of inflammatory mediators. Thanks to their localized action, these formulations minimize systemic adverse effects and constitute a safe and effective option in the management of mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, their integration into commercial products demonstrates the transfer of traditional knowledge to current pharmaceutical practice.
Direction
GONZALEZ JARTIN, JESUS MARIA (Tutorships)
GONZALEZ JARTIN, JESUS MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)
False positives in roadside drug testing: evaluation of screening devices and associated factors.
Authorship
S.R.L.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
S.R.L.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Over the last three years, there has been a gradual increase in false positives in drug tests carried out on Spanish roads. This situation not only compromises the accurate detection of substance use but also calls into question the reliability of the screening devices used. In this Final Degree Project, 1.211 oral fluid samples sent to the Toxicology Service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences at the University of Santiago de Compostela between 2022 and 2024 were studied. In all of them, after analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, the substances detected on the road were not confirmed. Likewise, a subgroup of these samples that gave false positives for amphetamines were reanalyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry in search of possible causes of cross-reactions. The results showed a significant increase in the percentage of false positives, mainly for cannabis and with the Abbot Sotoxa screening device. Additionally, two amphetamine derivatives (MDA and PMA) and one cathinone (EMDP) were found in five of the samples processed. In conclusion, the data obtained suggests an increase in the detection of substances capable of generating cross-reactions with the screening devices used, as well as their insufficient sensitivity and specificity.
Over the last three years, there has been a gradual increase in false positives in drug tests carried out on Spanish roads. This situation not only compromises the accurate detection of substance use but also calls into question the reliability of the screening devices used. In this Final Degree Project, 1.211 oral fluid samples sent to the Toxicology Service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences at the University of Santiago de Compostela between 2022 and 2024 were studied. In all of them, after analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, the substances detected on the road were not confirmed. Likewise, a subgroup of these samples that gave false positives for amphetamines were reanalyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry in search of possible causes of cross-reactions. The results showed a significant increase in the percentage of false positives, mainly for cannabis and with the Abbot Sotoxa screening device. Additionally, two amphetamine derivatives (MDA and PMA) and one cathinone (EMDP) were found in five of the samples processed. In conclusion, the data obtained suggests an increase in the detection of substances capable of generating cross-reactions with the screening devices used, as well as their insufficient sensitivity and specificity.
Direction
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Tutorships)
DE CASTRO RIOS, ANA (Tutorships)
Court
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)
Heavy metals and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authorship
L.R.G.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
L.R.G.
Degree in Pharmacy (2nd edition)
Defense date
09.16.2025 10:00
09.16.2025 10:00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition whose prevalence has increased in recent decades. Its origin is multifactorial, resulting from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and epigenetic and environmental factors. The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to evaluate the role of the heavy metals lead and mercury as possible environmental risk factors that could contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. The sources of exposure, distribution, and effects of both metals in the body are described, and oxidative stress is proposed as the principal mechanism of toxicity. As Pearson’s “soft acids,” they coordinate with high affinity to cysteine and selenocysteine residues in peptides, proteins, and enzymes of the antioxidant defense system (GSH, GPx and SOD) and consequently may increase levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compromise mitochondrial function, and trigger neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Most of the publications report that Pb and Hg levels are significantly higher in biological samples from children with ASD compared with neurotypical children. However, other studies do not find that these levels necessarily correlate with a greater presence of the core ASD symptoms described in the DSM-5 criteria. Consequently, a conclusive causal relationship cannot currently be established, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition whose prevalence has increased in recent decades. Its origin is multifactorial, resulting from a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and epigenetic and environmental factors. The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to evaluate the role of the heavy metals lead and mercury as possible environmental risk factors that could contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. The sources of exposure, distribution, and effects of both metals in the body are described, and oxidative stress is proposed as the principal mechanism of toxicity. As Pearson’s “soft acids,” they coordinate with high affinity to cysteine and selenocysteine residues in peptides, proteins, and enzymes of the antioxidant defense system (GSH, GPx and SOD) and consequently may increase levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compromise mitochondrial function, and trigger neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Most of the publications report that Pb and Hg levels are significantly higher in biological samples from children with ASD compared with neurotypical children. However, other studies do not find that these levels necessarily correlate with a greater presence of the core ASD symptoms described in the DSM-5 criteria. Consequently, a conclusive causal relationship cannot currently be established, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
Direction
SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ, Mª ÁNGELES (Tutorships)
SÁNCHEZ GONZÁLEZ, Mª ÁNGELES (Tutorships)
Court
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)
BREA FLORIANI, JOSE MANUEL (Chairman)
BERGUEIRO ALVAREZ, JULIAN (Secretary)
DIAZ TAPIA, PILAR (Member)