Organizing Committee Member
Fernandez-Lafuente
Professor and Lead Researcher
ICP-CSIC
Spain
Biography
Professor Fernandez-Lafuente works in biocatalysis with special expertise in relation to immobilization and optimization of stability of enzymes, Dr. Fernandez-Lafuente holds a degree in Biology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, a Ph.D in Sciences from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and a Post doctorate from University College London. He is presently the lead researcher responsible for the group "Optimization of bioprocesses and biocatalysis" at ICP-CSIC and have a position as Full Professor. Professor Fernandez-Lafuente has experience in the study of the interactions between biomacromolecules and activated solids, either to purify or immobilize/stabilize these biomacromolecules. Moreover, he has expertise in the chemical and physical modification of these biomacromolecules, either to improve their properties or to improve their immobilization performance. He also has experience on the integration of other technological tools to have a better biocatalyst, such as microbiology (using enzymes from thermophiles) molecular biology (purification by affinity, directed immobilization/rigidification). The prepared biocatalysts are used in diverse processes, from oxidations to hydrolysis, from biodiesel production to hydrolysos pf proteins, etc. He has coauthored over 370 papers and 20 patents, and has supervised 18 doctoral theses, presenting a H-index of 65 (see scopus @ http://bit.ly/1TYceES) or 76 (see https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=es&user=GeGN-JoAAAAJ).
Research Area
His research interests are in the development of strategies for the control of the interactions between solids and biomacromolecules, and that will be used in the preparation of biocatalysts and biosensors: enzyme purification, immobilization or stabilization. He has also experience in bioprocess design.