Esp
gperezh@cua.uam.mx
The resources of the Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory (QFMM) are a key component in the development of scientific research at the Cuajimalpa Campus. This infrastructure is essential to support the work of a substantial portion of the academic group in Physical Chemistry and Molecular Design of the Department of Natural Sciences (DCN), who use the laboratory as a platform for knowledge generation in critical areas such as supramolecular chemistry, functional materials design, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical technology.
In addition, the laboratory plays a central role in students’ hands-on training, serving as the space where experimental activities related to the Learning Units (UEA) of the Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology are taught and carried out. These UEAs allow students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge by directly applying chemical, analytical, and materials characterization techniques.
Likewise, the QFMM supports the graduate programs in Natural Sciences and Engineering as an advanced experimental environment for research projects requiring specialized equipment. In this way, the laboratory contributes to strengthening established research lines and training highly skilled professionals in chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences.
The laboratory's technological infrastructure complements the analytical and experimental capabilities required for its research areas in pharmaceutical chemistry, biomaterials, and the design of controlled release systems. This technology enables detailed studies of the developed materials' physical, chemical, and biofunctional properties.
The Monowave 200 microwave-assisted organic synthesis system (141243) allows for controlled chemical reactions at temperatures of up to 260 °C and pressures of up to 20 bar. This significantly accelerates the process of obtaining bioactive compounds and facilitates the exploration of new synthetic pathways.
The Brookfield DV3T rheometer (118016 and 118015) enables precise characterization of the viscosity and rheological behavior of liquid and semi-solid formulations—key aspects in the development of topical and transdermal drug delivery systems, as they directly influence the stability, applicability, and efficacy of the final product.
The laboratory is also equipped with Sartorius analytical balances (117334) and high-precision gravimetric balances (117318), which ensure accurate measurements with a resolution of up to 0.1 mg. This precision is essential for thoroughly formulating solutions, mixtures, and experimental compounds in educational and research contexts.
The digital incubator with rotary agitation (117663) provides controlled conditions for chemical reactions requiring constant temperature and agitation, which is particularly useful in studies involving sustained release and the stability of active ingredients.
The laboratory also features an automated low-pressure chromatography system (117544) used for the separation and purification of biomolecules in aqueous media. This system is especially relevant for characterizing and isolating bioactive components or functionalized excipients.
Together, these technologies and the core equipment support high-level research and advanced academic training for undergraduate and graduate students involved in projects at the Laboratory of Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Access to the Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory (QFMM) is governed by a policy that prioritizes safety, rigorous academic training, and the continuity of research lines. It is primarily intended for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and researchers from the Department of Natural Sciences at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Primary users include students from the Bachelor’s Program in Molecular Biology and the graduate programs in Natural Sciences and Engineering, who carry out capstone projects, theses, and experimental research under the direct supervision of their academic advisors. The laboratory is also used by faculty members leading research projects in chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine, as well as technical staff responsible for maintaining and operating specialized equipment.
The QFMM laboratory operates Monday through Friday, from 08:00 to 18:00. Access during weekends or vacation periods requires explicit written authorization. For undergraduate students, use of the facilities is contingent upon the presence of their thesis advisor.
Access is strictly limited to academic staff, technical personnel, authorized students, and maintenance personnel. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory as part of safety measures. Bringing food, drinks, or devices unrelated to research activities is strictly prohibited.
All users must complete prior training, which includes a safety course, knowledge of evacuation routes, waste management, reaction conditions, and specific training on the use of laboratory equipment.
Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory
Facility Location
Cuajimalpa Campus
Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering
Ground Floor, L-111
Contact Information
Dr. Gerardo Pérez Hernándezgperezh@cua.uam.mx
Introduction
Located on the ground floor (L-111), the Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory (QFMM) specializes in the development of advanced materials, biomaterials, and nanostructured systems for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biotechnological applications. In the materials area, the lab works with functionalized polymers as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance controlled drug release and bioavailability of active ingredients. It also designs and characterizes innovative biomaterials, such as protein-functionalized gold nanoparticles, modified cellulose, and biopolymers, with applications in bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, and biodegradable packaging.
In pharmaceutical formulation, the lab researches the design of topical and transdermal systems at the nanoscale, such as lyotropic liquid crystals, which optimize the delivered compounds' absorption, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. The laboratory employs advanced chemical and spectroscopic analysis techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential analysis.
The QFMM contributes to advancing knowledge in pharmaceutical chemistry, biomedicine, and materials design, serving as a hub for research and academic training within the Division of Natural Sciences at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Projects and Activities
The resources of the Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory (QFMM) are a key component in the development of scientific research at the Cuajimalpa Campus. This infrastructure is essential to support the work of a substantial portion of the academic group in Physical Chemistry and Molecular Design of the Department of Natural Sciences (DCN), who use the laboratory as a platform for knowledge generation in critical areas such as supramolecular chemistry, functional materials design, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical technology.
In addition, the laboratory plays a central role in students’ hands-on training, serving as the space where experimental activities related to the Learning Units (UEA) of the Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology are taught and carried out. These UEAs allow students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge by directly applying chemical, analytical, and materials characterization techniques.
Likewise, the QFMM supports the graduate programs in Natural Sciences and Engineering as an advanced experimental environment for research projects requiring specialized equipment. In this way, the laboratory contributes to strengthening established research lines and training highly skilled professionals in chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences.
Key Equipment
Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrophotometer Anasazi-Varian EM360 (117591, 102048, and 117264). The multinuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer enables the structural characterization of organic compounds and biomolecules via 60 MHz NMR. It supports ¹H and ¹³C experiments, including COSY and T₁/T₂ techniques, which are essential for molecular structure analysis. This equipment is critical in pharmaceutical chemistry research, excipient design, and developing new compounds at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Zetasizer Nano ZS (118070). This equipment characterizes nanoparticles and colloidal systems in solution. It measures particle size (0.3 nm to 10 μm), molecular weight, and Zeta potential—key parameters for designing pharmaceutical formulations and functionalized biomaterials. The system is widely applied in evaluating the stability, distribution, and behavior of nanostructured systems in health and biotechnology research using dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic analysis technologies.
Scanning Electron Microscope Hitachi TM3030Plus (117767). Provides detailed observation of biological samples, polymer surfaces, and nanostructures with up to 10,000× magnification. It is a key tool for morphological and surface characterization of organic and inorganic materials developed in the laboratory, including nanoparticles, biopolymers, and functionalized excipients. This equipment supports the structural evaluation of research systems, aiding the design and validation of materials in pharmacy, biotechnology, and materials science.
Atomic Force Microscope Nanosurf NaioAFM (117753). PEnables high-resolution topographic imaging at the nanoscale using cantilevers in dynamic and contact modes. Equipped with an anti-vibration base, it is used to characterize surfaces, functionalized materials, and self-assembled structures developed in the lab. It allows for fine surface texture, roughness, and morphology analysis in complex systems such as modified biopolymers or bioactive coatings, making it a key resource in materials chemistry and nanobiotechnology research.
Isothermal Titration Nanocalorimeter Microcal 200 (118144). Allows the study of molecular interactions in solution through direct measurement of thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. With an ultrasensitive 200 μL cell and automated injection capability for volumes as small as 0.1 μL, this equipment is ideal for investigating molecular complexes' affinity, stoichiometry, and stability. It is a crucial tool for analyzing drug–extipient binding and rationalizing pharmaceutical formulations.
Available Technologies
The laboratory's technological infrastructure complements the analytical and experimental capabilities required for its research areas in pharmaceutical chemistry, biomaterials, and the design of controlled release systems. This technology enables detailed studies of the developed materials' physical, chemical, and biofunctional properties.
The Monowave 200 microwave-assisted organic synthesis system (141243) allows for controlled chemical reactions at temperatures of up to 260 °C and pressures of up to 20 bar. This significantly accelerates the process of obtaining bioactive compounds and facilitates the exploration of new synthetic pathways.
The Brookfield DV3T rheometer (118016 and 118015) enables precise characterization of the viscosity and rheological behavior of liquid and semi-solid formulations—key aspects in the development of topical and transdermal drug delivery systems, as they directly influence the stability, applicability, and efficacy of the final product.
The laboratory is also equipped with Sartorius analytical balances (117334) and high-precision gravimetric balances (117318), which ensure accurate measurements with a resolution of up to 0.1 mg. This precision is essential for thoroughly formulating solutions, mixtures, and experimental compounds in educational and research contexts.
The digital incubator with rotary agitation (117663) provides controlled conditions for chemical reactions requiring constant temperature and agitation, which is particularly useful in studies involving sustained release and the stability of active ingredients.
The laboratory also features an automated low-pressure chromatography system (117544) used for the separation and purification of biomolecules in aqueous media. This system is especially relevant for characterizing and isolating bioactive components or functionalized excipients.
Together, these technologies and the core equipment support high-level research and advanced academic training for undergraduate and graduate students involved in projects at the Laboratory of Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Primary User Groups
Access to the Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacy, and Materials Laboratory (QFMM) is governed by a policy that prioritizes safety, rigorous academic training, and the continuity of research lines. It is primarily intended for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and researchers from the Department of Natural Sciences at the Cuajimalpa Campus.
Primary users include students from the Bachelor’s Program in Molecular Biology and the graduate programs in Natural Sciences and Engineering, who carry out capstone projects, theses, and experimental research under the direct supervision of their academic advisors. The laboratory is also used by faculty members leading research projects in chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine, as well as technical staff responsible for maintaining and operating specialized equipment.
Access Policies and Guidelines
The QFMM laboratory operates Monday through Friday, from 08:00 to 18:00. Access during weekends or vacation periods requires explicit written authorization. For undergraduate students, use of the facilities is contingent upon the presence of their thesis advisor.
Access is strictly limited to academic staff, technical personnel, authorized students, and maintenance personnel. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory as part of safety measures. Bringing food, drinks, or devices unrelated to research activities is strictly prohibited.
All users must complete prior training, which includes a safety course, knowledge of evacuation routes, waste management, reaction conditions, and specific training on the use of laboratory equipment.
Information Provided by the Division of Natural Sciences and Engineering