Polymers & Nanotechnology Research Group
The Polymers and Nanotechnology research line focuses on the rational design, synthesis, modification, and physicochemical characterization of advanced polymeric, bio-based, and hybrid materials. This work integrates chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials science, and surface functionalization with computational approaches such as molecular docking to elucidate structure–property relationships at the molecular level. These strategies enable the development of functional materials with tailored properties for applications in sustainable energy materials, medicine, food packaging, environmental technologies, and emerging fields.
Research Interests
Dr. Enrique Delgado-Alvarado’s research interests center on the molecular-level design and physicochemical understanding of functional materials and bioactive systems. His work combines experimental and computational approaches including chemical synthesis, asymmetric catalysis, polymer chemistry, peptide chemistry, and molecular docking to understand how molecular interactions govern the macroscopic behavior of polymers, composites, and hybrid materials.
1. Applied Materials & Sustainable Chemistry
This research line focuses on the development of polymeric, bio-based, and hybrid materials for sustainable energy, medicine, food packaging, and environmental technologies. Strong emphasis is placed on physicochemical characterization and structure–property relationships. Sustainable chemistry principles guide material design and processing strategies. The integration of synthesis, modification, and characterization allows optimization of material performance. This line aims to translate fundamental materials research into practical and scalable technological applications.
2. Medicinal Chemistry & Peptide Therapeutics
This line addresses the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of bioactive molecules and peptide-based systems with therapeutic and biomedical potential. Molecular docking and computational modeling are employed to support structure-based design and mechanistic understanding. Experimental synthesis is complemented by physicochemical and biological evaluation. The objective is to correlate molecular structure with biological function and material performance. This approach enables the development of innovative peptide-based and hybrid therapeutic platforms.
3. Advanced Asymmetric Synthesis & Catalysis
This research line focuses on the design and development of high-precision asymmetric catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of functional and bioactive molecules. Emphasis is placed on selectivity, efficiency, and molecular control during synthesis processes. These methodologies enable the preparation of chiral compounds with potential applications in materials science, medicine, and sustainable chemistry. The work integrates fundamental organic chemistry with applied perspectives. This line provides molecular tools essential for the development of advanced functional systems.
Research Vision
The overarching goal of this research is to advance scientific and technological innovation through the development of functional and sustainable materials that address critical challenges in energy, health, and environmental protection. Strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary research, molecular-level understanding, and the practical translation of scientific knowledge into real-world applications. I aim to continue contributing to scientific and technological advancement in these areas, working individually and collaboratively. I believe in the importance of interdisciplinary research and the practical application of the results to address the most pressing challenges of our society.