Mrs. Alba López Palacios | Biosensor | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Alba López Palacios, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain

Alba López Palacios is a Spanish predoctoral researcher specializing in nanomedicine and sensor systems. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at the Joint Unit of Nanomedicine and Sensors, a collaboration between La Fe Health Research Institute and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, supported by an FPU predoctoral fellowship since December 2021. Her research focuses on the development of molecular gate-based sensor systems for the detection of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and dengue virus, as well as biomarkers like CDK4 associated with melanoma. She holds an M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics from Complutense University of Madrid (2020) and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (2019). Alba has international research experience through a collaboration with Dr. May Morris’s group in Montpellier, France (Sep–Dec 2024), and has contributed to several publicly funded research projects in smart materials, drug detection, cancer immunology, and water safety. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, including Sensors and Actuators Reports, and has taught undergraduate laboratory courses in chemistry and analytical chemistry at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Her technical expertise includes CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, molecular biology, and fluorescence detection. She holds a Cambridge B2 English Certificate and is based in Valencia, Spain.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award – Alba López Palacios

Alba López Palacios demonstrates strong potential and notable achievements as a candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Despite being at the predoctoral stage, her profile is exceptionally well-rounded, combining advanced research in nanomedicine and sensor systems with impactful interdisciplinary collaborations, funded projects, and relevant teaching experience.

🎓 Education

M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics
Complutense University of Madrid (2020)
B.Sc. in Biotechnology
Polytechnic University of Madrid (2019)

💼 Work Experience

Predoctoral Researcher – Nanomedicine & Sensor Systems
Joint Unit of Nanomedicine and Sensors, La Fe Health Research Institute & Polytechnic University of Valencia (Dec 2021–Present)
– 🧪 Developing molecular gate-based sensors for detecting pathogens (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, dengue, Klebsiella) and cancer biomarkers (CDK4)
– 🌍 International collaboration with Dr. May Morris, Montpellier, France (Sep–Dec 2024)
Higher Technician – Same Institution (Feb–Dec 2021)
Teaching – Undergraduate lab courses in Chemistry & Analytical Chemistry
Polytechnic University of Valencia (2022–2024) 👩‍🏫

🏆 Achievements & Projects

🔬 FPU Predoctoral Fellowship (Spanish Ministry of Universities)
💰 Research Project Funding:
- Smart Materials for Antimicrobial Use – €239,580 (2022–2025)
- Drug Detection & Biomedical Sensors – €302,500 (2022–2025)
- Cancer Immunology for Vaccines – €221,425 (2020–2023, EU-funded)
- COVID-19 Diagnostic Systems – €190,158 (2021)

📝 Publications

SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection through oligonucleotide-capped nanoporous anodic alumina supports, Sensors and Actuators Reports 📄

Publication Top Notes:

Gated Nanosensor for Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria Detection

Aptamer‐Capped Nanoporous Anodic Alumina for SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein Detection

Prof Dr. stella girousi, anal.chem.lab, Greece

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi is a distinguished scientist in the field of analytical chemistry, currently serving in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the Chemistry Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She is renowned for her extensive research and development of innovative analytical methods, particularly voltammetric techniques for the determination of metals using various electrodes, including mercury, carbon, and mercury/bismuth thin film electrodes. Her research interests encompass the development and application of electroanalytical methods for analyzing biological, environmental, and food samples, as well as the detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and genotoxic compounds. Prof. Girousi has made significant contributions to the development of enzymic and electrochemical DNA biosensors, investigating drug-DNA interactions, DNA methylation, and the recognition of micromolar compounds using nanomaterials and screen printing technology. Throughout her career, Prof. Girousi has published numerous scientific articles in prestigious journals, showcasing her expertise in electroanalytical methods and biosensors. Her work has had a substantial impact on the fields of environmental analysis, pharmacology, and biotechnology.

Research Activity and Interests

Analytical Methods Development: Specializing in voltammetric determination of metals using mercury, carbon, and mercury/bismuth thin film electrodes, and novel electrode surfaces with nanomaterials.

Electroanalytical Methods: Application in biological, environmental, and food samples, detection of nucleic acids and proteins, analysis of genotoxic and pharmacologically active compounds.

Biosensor Development: Creation of enzymic and electrochemical DNA biosensors at carbon and mercury electrodes to study drug-DNA interactions, detect methylation, and develop methods for epigenetic control using nanomaterials and screen printing technology.

Electrochemical Biosensors: Study of compounds of biological concern, focusing on innovative approaches in the development and application of these biosensors.

Publication top Notes:

Bismuth Film along with dsDNA-Modified Electrode Surfaces as Promising (bio)Sensors in the Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils

Novel Aspects in the Voltametric Determination of Heavy Metals: A Minireview

Validation of modified electrode surfaces as Sensitive Analytical Tools in Soil Analysis; Detection of Total Concentration of Zn (II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II)/Cu (I) along with Handling Complicated Sample Matrices

Preparation of a glassy carbon electrode modified with saffron conjugated silver nanoparticles for the sensitive and selective electroanalytical determination of amoxicillin in urine samples