A review article in the frame of PHOTOTHERAPORT project has been recently published shedding new light on the cholinergic system. The article, titled «Light-Activated Pharmacological Tools for Exploring the Cholinergic System», highlights how photopharmacology is reshaping the landscape of neurological drug research. The cholinergic system, which plays essential roles in cognitive function, neuromuscular activity, and inflammation, is mediated by two receptor families: nicotinic (nAChRs) and muscarinic (mAChRs) acetylcholine receptors, along with two enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), responsible for

On 27 September 2024, researchers from all over Europe took part in the European Researchers’ Night. Among them, Rossella Castagna, Esther Berrocoso and Núria Camarero presented PHOTOTHERAPORT and discussed the science behind the project. Additionally, PHOTOTHERAPORT was also highlighted on the event’s Catalan website. European Researchers’ Night is a major public event that takes place simultaneously in different cities across Europe. During the event, researchers present different scientific fields and their impact on everyday life through engaging and interactive activities.

Researchers from PHOTOTHERAPORT Project have developed light-activated derivatives of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine to treat neuropathic pain. These compounds, which show analgesic effects when activated by light, can inhibit nerve signals locally and on demand. A team of PHOTOTHERAPORT researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the University of Cádiz have developed photoswitchable derivatives of carbamazepine, a widely used anti-epileptic drug in medicine for treating certain types of neuropathic pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia. The study was

The Youth and Science program from Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation in Barcelona puts together 15–16-year-old students with scientists from different fields and allow them to perform a small research project. Nayeli Pérez took part in this activity and hosted Iva Comar for 2 weeks at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). Nayeli Pérez, researcher at the Nanoprobes and Nanoswitches group from IBEC, led by Pau Gorostiza, coordinator of a PHOTOTHERAPORT, hosted Iva Comar, a 15 year-old student who spent two

The 17th Science Party (“Festa de la Ciència” in Catalan) took place last 7th – 9th of June in Barcelona, and researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Institute of Biomedical research from Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC) proposed a series of hands-on activities to explain PHOTOTHERAPORT project to a non-specialized public and to bring photopharmacology closer to the society.

Valērija Groma, principal investigator of PHOTOTHERAPORT at Riga Stradins University (RSU) in Latvia, together with several members of her team, hosted a group of students during the “Shadow day”.

Students of the Secondary School Angeleta Ferrer in Barcelona had the occasion to know the PHOTOTHERAPORT project and learn about light-emitting implants and light-controlled drugs.

PHOTOTHERAPORT researchers met together in Barcelona last January to lay the first stone of this promising photobiomodulation project. The kick-off meeting was held at IBEC, the coordinator of the consortium.