Generation, diffusion, and reactivity of singlet molecular oxygen

Design, synthesis, and photophysical characterization of fluorescent probes

Physicochemical characterization of polymeric and microheterogeneous systems

Our Group

Welcome to the Laboratory of Surfaces, Kinetics, and Photochemistry at the University of Chile. We are a research group dedicated to deciphering the fundamental mechanisms that govern chemical reactivity in complex environments.

Our passion lies in the study of colloidal systems and surfaces. We combine advanced laser spectroscopy and chemical kinetics tools to understand how matter organizes itself at the nanoscale and how we can manipulate these structures to solve real-world problems.

Research Lines

Exploring molecular dynamics in organized systems and nanomaterials

Fotoquímica y Fotofísica

Design and characterization of fluorescent probes (e.g., phthalenone derivatives and LAURDAN) to ‘sense’ the microscopic environment (polarity, viscosity) in biological membranes or artificial systems.

Design and synthesis of sensitizers for the study of the generation and reactivity of singlet molecular oxygen.

Microheterogeneous systems and Colloid

Fundamental study of micelles, reverse micelles, and vesicles.

Special focus on systems formulated with biocompatible nonionic surfactants (carbohydrate/sugar derivatives).

Characterization of how these organized systems affect the chemical reactivity and photophysical properties of incorporated molecules.

Nanomaterials and New Materials

Polymeric Films (Thin Films): Development of thin films with ionizable groups and poly(ionic liquids) for enzyme immobilization (e.g., laccase) with environmental applications.

Nanorubbers and Nanosponges: Synthesis of cyclodextrin-based polymers for environmental remediation (pollutant capture) and detection of organic compounds.

NMetallic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of metallic nanoparticles (gold, silver, copper, iron), aimed at applications in controlled drug release and environmental remediation..

Technologic Applications

Probes

Development of molecules capable of acting as environmental sensors/probes (fluorescent probes, ratiometric oxygen sensors, or cellular viscosity probes).

Environmental Remediation

Sustainable systems (e.g., paper- and polymer-based) for detecting and removing organic contaminants from water.

Pharmacology and Biomedicine

Design of nanometric vehicles for drug transport and controlled release (Drug Delivery), improving the solubility and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Laboratorio de Superficies

Tecnología

Nuestro Equipo