What was the focus of your PhD research? Can you explain it to a non-scientific audience?

The focus of my research has been the use of hydrogels to imitate human tissues.  Hydrogels are 3D networks of molecules with a high-water content, and are therefore suitable to mimic human tissues. During my PhD, hydrogels made of poly(ethylene glycol) and heparin have been used for two main applications: to culture T cells for Immunotherapy (by mimicking the lymph node), and to establish organoid cancer models (by mimicking the tumor microenvironment).

Can you briefly summarize the main findings or contributions of your research? You can give us some examples.

The main findings, from my perspectives, have been, on one hand, the study of hydrogel physicochemical properties to improve the culture of CAR T cells. On the other hand, we found something very interesting regarding biological phosphate-containing buffers, which will be published soon.

Why do you think your research is important, and how could it impact your field or society?

Basic research creates the foundation for then applying science to improve people lives. I believe science should be a driver for equality and justice, although it is clearly not always the case. My research, specifically, has implications in the improvement of cancer therapy, which is one of the major medical challenges worldwide.

What was one of the most challenging aspects of your PhD journey, and how did you overcome it?

A PhD project is a journey full of uncertainties, and that is probably the hardest part. In many cases, people suffer a lot, from an emotional and mental health standpoint. In my case, I tried to keep a good life-work balance, doing a lot of sport (which is my main hobby) and fomenting a healthy and flexible work equilibrium also within my colleagues.

Why did you end up at ICMAB? And what do you think you will miss the most from this institute?

I ended doing my Master thesis here, since it is well connected with the UAB. Then, after working somewhere else, I had the opportunity to come back for the PhD, and the previous good experience made me decide.

What I will miss the most is the great environment with my colleagues.

What’s next for you after completing your PhD? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals?

I don’t know yet. I need some time to reflect on my next life projects.

How has completing this PhD changed you, either professionally or personally?

I would say a PhD in Science makes you a good problem-solving person, with a versatility of tools. I guess it is my case as well. I have also learned a lot of science and communication skills.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their PhD journey?

Don’t stress. Be patient. Try to learn as much as possible (read a lot of literature). Fight for better conditions for PhDs. And enjoy your life beyond work.

Why did you become a scientist? Which have been your role models that inspired you to pursue a PhD?

My parents are both medical doctors. And some of my aunts and uncles are too. I have had this influence of science and medicine within my family, that probably gave me a taste for science.

Who or what helped you the most during your PhD journey, and is there anyone you'd like to thank?

My director guided me scientifically. But my colleagues helped me during the stressful times, as well as my support network, composed of family, friends, and partner. I am grateful to all of them.

Miquel Castellote at ICMAB garden on the day of his thesis | ICMAB-CSIC

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of novel biohybrid hydrogels consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) – heparin as artificial extracellular matrices for applications in immunotherapy and cancer modelling. In particular, we focused on improving the ex vivo manufacture of CAR T cell products for cancer immunotherapy, and the establishment of both hematological and solid cancer organoid (tumoroid) models.

Supervisor

Judith Guach Camell, ICMAB-CSIC

PhD Committee

President: Carles Mas Moruno, UPC, Spain
Secretary: Julia Lorenzo Rivera, UAB, Spain
Vocal: Enrique Javier Arenas Lahuerta, Josep Carerras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain

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Miquel Castellote will defend his PhD thesis on 27 November 2025