The Expoquimia R&D&I prize goes to a project on the maintenance of multiple biological cultures

Researchers from the UAB, the UPC and the ASCAMM Foundation have collaborated in the biotechnology field A group of researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the ASCAMM Foundation have been awarded the 1st Expoquimia Research, Development and Innovation Prize of 10,000 euros for a project on the maintenance of multiple biological cultures.

The project named “Modular System of Multiple Automated Mini Bioreactors for Multifunctional Screening in Biotechnology” was selected by the Judges for its innovativeness and the improvements it brings. 

The Project and the Researchers

The work in the biotechnology field consists of the development of a method and an apparatus to achieve and maintain multiple biological cultures with environmental conditions similar to those of larger bioreactors with a degree of measurement automation like that of microplates.

The context of the project is the application of technology based on genomic, proteomic and combinatorial chemistry techniques, which are currently helping to develop new and improved organisms, as well as new substances and processes.

The creators of this innovation are a team of researchers coordinated by the chemical engineer Albert Soley, from the UAB, in collaboration with the scientists Jordi Joan Cairó and Francesc Godia - Grupo de Ingeniería Celular y Tisular (Cell and Tissue Engineering Group) of the UAB; Andreu Fontova and Ramón Bragós, from the UPC, and Xavier López, from ASCAMM.

Aims of the Prize

EXPOQUIMIA hosted the first Expoquimia R&D&I Prize in recognition of the research work done by Spanish scientists in the field of chemistry and with the aim of promoting the application of chemistry and technological know-how.

This is especially relevant at a time when representatives from the chemistry-related industrial and scientific sectors continue to request more support for R&D&I in Spain. 
 
EXPOQUIMIA is a trade show of Fira de Barcelona, the leading organiser of industrial and professional exhibitions in Spain and one of the first four in Europe in number of events.

Barcelona, 16th November 2005