Dr. José Manuel Pérez-­Donoso (Professor Jota) is associate professor at the Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB) and is the principal investigator of the BioNanotechnology and Microbiology lab.

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Jota is a Biochemist with a PhD degree in Microbiology (Universidad de Santiago de Chile) and two post doctorates (Western University Canada and Universidad de Santiago Chile). He has experience in Molecular Microbiology combining Nanotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, and experimental approaches to study different cellular mechanisms, particularly those related with the interaction of bacteria with metals.

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His work is related to elucidating molecular mechanisms in bacteria, specifically those involved in bacterial resistance to metals used in the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles (Cu, Li, Cd, Te, Se, Ag, In, among others), with special emphasis in fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots). One of their research goals is to understand the resistance mechanisms associated to the biomineralization process allowing the bioproduction of nanocrystals of Biotechnological interest in bacteria (particularly extremophile bacteria).

In addition, part of their fundamental research focuses on generate biotechnological applications using biological or biomimetic nanoparticles, such us; use of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents, fluorescent detection of specific antigens (multiplexing), photodynamic therapy, cell targeting in biomedicine, manufacturing of third and fourth generation solar cells (QDs Sensitized Solar Cells and “Biological Solar Cells”).

He is also an entrepreneur that has successfully developed nanotechnology applications for commercial use. 

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Finally, Jota's most important and rewarding job is to be the father of two beautiful and energetic children, Emi and Viole. This work is successful thanks to the contribution of his most important collaborator / partner, his great love "Piñe" who run this small research group named Family Pérez.

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