MOFs provide a highly adaptable platform for constructing nanoscale devices capable of transporting, sensing, and activating molecules inside living cells. In this seminar, I will present how we integrate plasmonic nanoparticles, porous MOF architectures, and biomimetic surface engineering to overcome key intracellular barriers and achieve controlled and efficient molecular delivery.

Plasmonic Au@MOF hybrids enable near-infrared (NIR) heating and real-time molecular sensing through surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), offering a powerful route to monitor and modulate biochemical transformations in situ. In parallel, stimuli-responsive and membrane-coated MOFs enhance cytosolic access, promote targeted interactions, and allow the on-demand activation of therapeutic molecules or catalytic reactions within complex biological environments.

These multifunctional nanodevices operate through complementary mechanisms, including light-triggered release, catalytic activation, enhanced internalization, and protection from degradation, providing precise spatiotemporal control over therapeutic and diagnostic functions. Overall, this work illustrates how the convergence of materials design, photonics, and cell-inspired engineering enables next-generation platforms for intracellular therapy and diagnostics.

Pablo del Pino co-leads, together with Beatriz Pelaz, the BioNanoTools (BNT) Lab and is a Pi of the CIQUS (University of Santiago de Compostela). He graduated in Physics from the University of Sevilla (2002) and completed his PhD in Molecular Biophysics at the Technische Universität München (2003–2007). He continued his work in Parak’s group as a postdoctoral researcher at CeNS@LMU> (2007–2009), followed by a postdoctoral position in Prof. Jesús M. de la Fuente’s lab at INA (University of Zaragoza) (2009–2012). He subsequently held an ARAID research position at INA (2013) and later joined Parak’s group at CIC biomaGUNE as a research associate (2013–2015).

In 2016, Pablo joined CiQUS as a PI with a Ramón y Cajal fellowship, and since 2021 he has been an Associate Professor at the USC (Department of Particle Physics / Condensed Matter). He is also an Associate Editor of the Journal of Nanobiotechnology (since 2016). 

His research focuses on the design of multifunctional nanomaterials for intracellular delivery, sensing, and therapeutic applications.