Ignacio Delso

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Ignacio Delso

Dr

 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8355-2289

Accepting PhD Students

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):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

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
View all 14 research outputs
  • 3 Invited talk
  • 1 Research and teaching at external organisation
  • 1 Visiting an external academic institution