Projects per year
Personal profile
Key Research Interests
DelsoLab’s research primarily focuses on the comprehensive study of intermolecular interactions and their fundamental role in governing molecular recognition, self-assembly, and function in both chemical and biological systems. By employing and developing advanced NMR methodologies, the lab investigates non-covalent interactions—such as hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and van der Waals forces—across a wide range of environments including biomolecular complexes, eutectic systems, and supramolecular architectures. These studies are not only critical for understanding molecular behaviour in solution but also for guiding the rational design of ligands, inhibitors, and advanced molecular systems. The lab applies these insights to problems in chemical biology, such as deciphering the molecular basis of glycosylation processes, modulating protein-ligand binding, and designing tailored solvents for biomolecular manipulation. Intermolecular interactions also underpin the group's work on molecular liquids, host–guest systems, and dynamic assemblies, where the goal is to uncover principles of structure–function relationships and exploit them in applications ranging from drug discovery to solvent engineering.
With our research work we aim to contribute both foundational understanding and innovative tools to address challenges in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and molecular medicine.
Areas of Expertise
The main areas of expertise in the research group include:
- NMR-based structural elucidation of organic, organometallic, and biological molecules
- Synthesis of complex small molecules including carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleotides
- Design and characterization of deep eutectic solvents (DES, NADES, hDES, THEDES)
- Study of non-covalent interactions in molecular liquids and aggregates
- Protein-ligand and protein-protein interaction modeling via docking and molecular dynamics
- Development of ligands for glycosylation studies and therapeutic inhibition
- Advanced kinetic and diffusion studies for dynamic molecular systems
- Expertise in chromatography and mixture analysis
DelsoLab actively welcomes collaborations across disciplines that intersect with chemistry, biology, materials science, and molecular modelling. Our expertise in the design and characterization of eutectic solvents, advanced NMR techniques, and the analysis of intermolecular interactions can provide valuable insight and tools for solving complex structural and mechanistic problems. We are particularly interested in joint efforts involving molecular recognition, ligand design, protein-ligand interaction studies, and the development of functional molecular systems. Whether you're working in academia, industry, or interdisciplinary initiatives, we are open to exploring complementary research goals and co-developing innovative approaches. If your project involves dynamic systems, supramolecular assemblies, or requires specialized NMR-based structural elucidation, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss potential synergies.
Research Group or Lab Membership
PhD Students
Jack Lea - October 2023 ([email protected])
Previous members
Dr Thomas Hicks (PhD 2018-2023)
Postgraduate Research Opportunities
Postgraduate students in DelsoLab will engage in interdisciplinary projects that bridge synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, and molecular biology. Opportunities are available to develop novel solvent systems, perform in-depth structural analysis using NMR, and explore molecular recognition phenomena in biological and supramolecular systems. Students with interests in chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, molecular modelling, and biomolecular interaction studies are particularly encouraged to apply. The research group welcomes motivated candidates eager to solve complex structural and mechanistic problems while developing broad technical expertise in cutting-edge chemical biology.
Biography
I was appointed Lecturer in NMR at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in September 2022, after being a MSCA fellow at the same university since January 2021.
Previously, I developed my career in Spain at a joint research institute (ICMA, then ISQCH) between the University of Zaragoza and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), first for my PhD in Organic Chemistry, under the supervision of Prof Pedro Merino and Prof Tomás Tejero. Afterward I was appointed NMR platform manager (2008-2018), and for a short period researcher.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy, Organic Chemistry, University of Zaragoza
Award Date: 5 Jun 2009
Master of Chemistry, University of Zaragoza
Award Date: 7 Jul 2003
External positions
Researcher, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
1 Jul 2018 → 31 Dec 2020
NMR manager, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
1 Jul 2008 → 6 Dec 2018
Keywords
- Chemistry
- Chemical biology
- Molecular Dynamics simulations
- Spectroscopy
- Molecular interactions
- Structure Elucidation
- Carbohydrates
- NMR
Projects
- 1 Active
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Spectroscopic and synthetic facilities for supramolecular and macromolecular systems
Le Brun, N., Beekman, A., Bidula, S., Bradley, J., Butt, J., Cammidge, A., Cheesman, M., Crack, J., Delso, I., Ganesan, A., Gates, A., Hamilton, C., Sachdeva, A., Searcey, M. & Wallace, M.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/01/25 → 30/06/26
Project: Research
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Rational design of dual-domain binding inhibitors for N-acetylgalactosamine transferase 2 with improved selectivity over the T1 and T3 isoforms
Compañón, I., Ballard, C. J., Lira-Navarrete, E., Santos, T., Monaco, S., Muñoz-García, J. C., Delso, I., Angulo, J., Gerken, T. A., Schjoldager, K. T., Clausen, H., Tejero, T., Merino, P., Corzana, F., Hurtado-Guerrero, R. & Ghirardello, M., 23 Sept 2024, In: JACS Au. 4, 9, p. 3649-3656 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)8 Downloads (Pure) -
Geraniol and hydrophobic geraniol:thymol eutectic mixtures: Structure and thermophysical characterization
Esfahani, M. H., Bergua, F., Delso, I., Lafuente, C. & Artal, M., 15 Dec 2024, In: Industrial Crops & Products. 222, Part 3, 119781.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)3 Downloads (Pure) -
Geraniol:l-menthol eutectic mixtures; thermophysical properties and drug solubility
Esfahani, M. H., Bergua, F., Delso, I., Lafuente, C. & Artal, M., Aug 2025, In: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy. 46, 102070.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Characterization of camphor:thymol or dl-menthol eutectic mixtures; Structure, thermophysical properties and lidocaine solubility
Padilla, N., Delso, I., Bergua, F. & Lafuente, C., 1 Jul 2024, In: Journal of Molecular Liquids. 405, 125069.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)24 Downloads (Pure) -
Investigating hydrophobic eutectic systems from the NMR perspective
Delso, I., 2024.Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
Activities
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University of Calabria
Ignacio Delso (Visiting researcher)
20 Jun 2025 → 26 Jun 2025Activity: Visiting an external institution › Research and teaching at external organisation
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Unveiling Molecular Interactions by NMR. When Chemical Biology inspires Material Science
Ignacio Delso (Speaker)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Invited talk
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XV International NMR Summer School "Manuel Rico"
Ignacio Delso (Speaker)
19 Jun 2023 → 23 Jun 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Invited talk
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XIV Manuel Rico NMR Summer School
Ignacio Delso (Speaker)
20 Jun 2022 → 24 Jun 2022Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Invited talk
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University of Zaragoza
Ignacio Delso (Visiting lecturer)
8 Feb 2022 → 26 Apr 2022Activity: Visiting an external institution › Visiting an external academic institution