Pau Rocas, PhD
es.linkedin.com/in/paurocas • researchgate.net/profile/Pau_Rocas
Arenys street 24, apt. 16 (08860); Barcelona, SPAIN ***.*****@*****.***
Polymer chemist/Nanobiotechnologist
MOTTOS: Observation - Understanding - Innovation
SUMMARY
Chemist with 5-year industrial experience on synthesis of polymer nano-systems, their characterization and further bio-application in controlled release. He has developed a patented methodology to produce biocompatible and biodegradable polyurethane- polyurea nanoparticles in quantitative yields, using cheap precursors at industrial scale. His scientific achievements facilitated the entering of Ecopol Tech company in Nanobiotechnology market segment. Has peer-reviewed proficiency in surface coating techniques, green polymer-peptide conjugation approaches, holistic drug delivery and patent writing and processing. Seeks for a long term research experience in USA to take a step further in his professional career and has immediate availability to obtain J-1 visa. Motivated to drive forward challenging projects. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Easily connecting with people. Problem-solving. Entrepreneurial mentality. Used to multi-tasking in a laboratory environment. Experience
Research associate in Nanobiotechnological Polymers - Ecopol Tech Tarragona, Spain Specialty polymers for micro, nano and nanobiotechnology • ecopoltech.com (Sep 2011-Present)
- Boosted Ecopol Tech company entrance into Nanobiotechnology market segment.
- Managed and processed authored patent WO2014114838A3.
- Developed novel biocompatible amphiphilic Polyurethane-Polyurea polymers for smart drug delivery and cosmetics.
- Oversaw polymer chemistry area in Polysfera project for cancer treatment (IPT-090000-2010-1, INNPACTO). Master & PhD student in Nanoscience - IRB Barcelona Barcelona, Spain Biomedical research center of excellence • irbbarcelona.org/en/profile/pau-rocas (Jan 2012-Dec 2015)
- Self-managed to diversify bio-applicability of Polyurethane-Polyurea nanoparticles.
- Promoted successful academic-industrial collaborations.
- Published peer-reviewed high impact factor publications.
- PhD Project 1: Development of multifunctional self-stratified polyurethane-polyurea nanoparticles for cancer treatment.
- PhD Project 2: Coating of implants with smart nanoparticles for bone regeneration with antibacterial properties.
- PhD Project 3: Immune-modulation of human-derived primary dendritic cells with polyurethane-polyurea nanoparticles. Research internship in Medicinal Chemistry - Almirall Barcelona, Spain Pharmaceutical industry • almirall.com (Jun-Sep 2011)
- Performed organic synthesis, characterization and purification of CRTh2 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases. Research internship in Nanobiotechnological Polymers - Ecopol Tech Tarragona, Spain Specialty polymers for micro, nano and nanobiotechnology • ecopoltech.com (Jun-Sep 2010)
- Developed a new pipeline of nanobiotechnological amphiphilic polymers for controlled release of encapsulated molecules.
- Laid the foundation for the patent WO2014114838A3. Education
University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
Doctorate in Nanoscience (Nanopharmacotherapy) (Oct 2012-Dec 2015) University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
International Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Sep 2011-Jul 2012) University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
Bachelor in Chemistry specializing in Organic Chemistry (Sep 2006-Jun 2011) Relevant Coursework: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Structural Determination, Natural Products, Nanobiotechnology, Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Colloidal Systems, Nanoscopic Systems for Controlled Drug Delivery, Microscopy Techniques.
Pau Rocas, PhD
2
Scientific contributions
PATENTS
- (co-author)
Method for producing a microencapsulate and corresponding reactive amphiphilic compound, microencapsulate and composition, 2013, WO 201-***-**** A3.
PUBLICATIONS
Polymer nanoparticles:
- (First and corresponding author)
Multifunctionalized Polyurethane-Polyurea Nanoparticles: Hydrophobically Driven Self-Stratification at the o/w Interface Modulates Encapsulation Stability (Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/C5TB01345C)
- (First author, co-author)
Improved Pharmacokinetic Profile of Lipophilic Anti-Cancer Drugs Using ανβ3-targeted Polyurethane-Polyurea Nanoparticles
(Under revision in Journal of Controlled Release, 2016)
- (Second author, co-author)
Nanoencapsulated Budesonide in Self-Stratified Polyurethane-Polyurea Nanoparticles is Highly Effective in Inducing Human Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells (Under revision in International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2016) Polymer nano-biomaterials:
- (First and corresponding author)
Installing Multifunctionality on Titanium with RGD-decorated Polyurethane-Polyurea Roxithromycin Loaded Nanoparticles: Toward New Osseointegrative Therapies (Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2015, DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500245) CONFERENCES
- Frontiers in Polymer Science 2013, Sitges (SPAIN). Highly Tunable Amphiphilic Polymer Nanocapsules for Cancer Treatment
(Poster)
- International Symposium in Polymer Therapeutics 2014, Valencia (SPAIN). Self-Stratified Polyurethane-Polyurea Crosslinked Nanocapsules for Specific Drug Delivery (Poster&Talk)
- European Society of Biomaterials 2014, Liverpool (UK). Installing Multifunctionality on Titanium with RGD-Decorated Polymeric Nanocapsules: Towards New Osteointegrative Therapies (Poster&Talk)
- American Peptide symposium 2015, Orlando, FL (US). Multifunctional RGD-Decorated Nanoparticles as Novel Approach to Bioactivate Titanium. A Step Forward in Regenerative Medicine (Poster) Personal
- Languages: Fluent in English, Spanish & Catalan. Intermediate in German. Beginner in Italian. Proficient scientific writing style of peer-reviewed publications and patents.
- Skills: FT-IR, NMR, DLS, DSC, TGA, ZPotential, SEM-XPS, TEM, GPC, contact angle, HPLC, Mass spectrometry, Fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Automatic titration, AFM nanomechanics, Fluorescence microscopy, Immunohistochemistry, MTT assays.
- Software: MestreNova, ZetaSizer, MassLynx, Omnic, ImageJ, GraphPad, PDFArchitect, Microsoft Office.
- Interests: Mountaineering, fishing, travelling, volunteering and food&science&art. References
Prof. Fernando Albericio Palomera, IRB Barcelona. *********@**.*** Dr. Carlos Mas Moruno, Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC). ******.***.******@***.*** Dr. Daniel Benítez Ribas, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona-IDIBAPS. ******.*******@********.*** Dr. Pilar Calvo Salve, Pharmamar SA. ******@*********.*** Dr. Simó Schwartz Navarro, Vall d’Hebron Hospital (CIBBIM Nanomedicine). ****.********@****.***