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New Publication in Nanomaterials: Modular Dendron Particles (March 27, 2026)
We are pleased to announce our latest publication in the journal Nanomaterials, where we report the development of modular dendron-based particles derived from bis-MPA.
These supramolecular systems demonstrate the ability to self-assemble in aqueous media and form well-defined nanostructures with potential applications in drug delivery.
Notably, these particles show promising anticancer activity and can act as structure-directing agents for the formation of complex flower-like morphologies.
This work highlights the versatility of modular dendron systems in tuning physicochemical and biological properties for biomedical applications.
- New Publication in ACS Applied Bio Materials: Supramolecular Particles for Drug and Gene Delivery (June 19, 2025)
We are pleased to announce our latest publication in ACS Applied Bio Materials, where we report the development and biological evaluation of guanosine-based supramolecular particles for drug and gene delivery applications.
In this work, we investigate a unique class of colloidal systems known as supramolecular hacky sacks (SHS), which self-assemble from guanosine derivatives and form highly tunable nanostructures in aqueous media.
These particles demonstrate structure-dependent cellular uptake, with specific compositions showing selective internalization and intracellular trafficking in neuroblastoma and HEK cells.
Importantly, SHS particles function as effective delivery platforms for both small molecules and genetic material. We show successful encapsulation and intracellular release of doxorubicin, leading to enhanced cytotoxic effects, as well as plasmid transfection with sustained protein expression.
These findings highlight the potential of supramolecular systems as modular and biocompatible platforms for biomedical applications, bridging the gap between traditional polymer-based carriers and small-molecule precision.
The figure above illustrates the hierarchical self-assembly process from molecular building blocks to microscale particles, as well as their application in drug and gene delivery.
🔗 Read the full article:
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.5c00201
- Student Presentation at PRISM & ACS Junior Technical Meeting (March 26, 2025)
We are pleased to highlight the participation of our undergraduate researcher, Waldemar A. Rivera Burgos, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, in the 43rd Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting (PRISM) and the 58th ACS Junior Technical Meeting.
The presentation took place on March 26, 2025, and showcased research conducted as part of the Negrón Research Group.
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Alginate-Lipid Dendrimer Nanocomposites for the Development of Versatile Nanomaterials for Water Purification
This work focuses on the development of hybrid nanomaterials combining alginate-based systems with lipid dendrimer architectures, aiming to create versatile and efficient platforms for environmental remediation applications, particularly in water purification.
Undergraduate participation in scientific meetings such as PRISM and ACS provides valuable training in research communication and contributes to the development of the next generation of scientists.
This work was conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Luis M. Negrón as part of ongoing research efforts in supramolecular and nanostructured materials.
- Invited Graduate Seminar at UPR Río Piedras – Department of Chemistry (September 25, 2024)
On September 25, 2024, Dr. Luis M. Negrón delivered an invited seminar at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, hosted by the Department of Chemistry Graduate Program.
The seminar took place at the College of Natural Sciences (Amphitheatre A-211) and was coordinated by faculty members as part of the graduate seminar series.
Seminar Title: Novel Approaches for the Construction of Lipid Dendrimer Nanoparticles and pNIPAM Hydrogels Used for the Formation of Nanocomposites
During this presentation, ongoing research from the Negrón Research Group was discussed, focusing on the synthesis and self-assembly of lipid dendrimer nanoparticles and their integration into polymeric hydrogel systems for the development of nanocomposite materials.
The seminar highlighted key concepts in supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and stimuli-responsive materials, emphasizing their potential applications in biomedical and advanced materials research.
This invited talk reflects continued collaboration and scientific exchange between UPR-Cayey and UPR-Río Piedras, strengthening interdisciplinary research efforts within the University of Puerto Rico system.
- Participation at ACS Fall Meeting in Denver, Colorado (August 18–22, 2024)
From August 18 to August 22, 2024, Dr. Luis M. Negrón participated in multiple scientific symposia held during the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall Meeting, hosted at the Colorado Convention Center and the Sheraton Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
As part of this international conference, Dr. Negrón presented research from the Negrón Research Group focused on the design and development of advanced nanostructured materials.
Presentation Title: Design and synthesis of stimuli-responsive cross-linking lipid dendrimer nanoparticles for the construction of pNIPAM hydrogel nanocomposites
The presentation highlighted ongoing efforts in the development of lipid dendrimer-based nanoparticles and their integration into polymeric hydrogel systems to form nanocomposite materials with tunable properties.
This work emphasizes the role of supramolecular and polymer chemistry in understanding molecular interactions within complex matrices and advancing applications in nanomaterials and biomedical systems.
Participation in ACS national meetings provides an important platform for engaging with the broader scientific community, sharing research findings, and establishing collaborations in the field of materials chemistry.
The research presented also outlines future directions, including the development of libraries of lipid dendrimer nanoparticles and further evaluation of nanocomposite systems.
- Invited Seminar at UPR Medical Sciences Campus – School of Pharmacy (May 16, 2024)
On May 16, 2024, Dr. Luis M. Negrón delivered an invited seminar at the University of Puerto Rico – Medical Sciences Campus (RCM), School of Pharmacy, held in Room 311.
This seminar was hosted as part of the PHSC 8102 course and provided an opportunity to present ongoing research efforts from the Negrón Research Group to a multidisciplinary audience in pharmaceutical sciences.
Seminar Title: Novel Approaches for the Construction of Lipid Dendrimer Nanoparticles and pNIPAM Hydrogels Used for the Formation of Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
The presentation focused on the design and synthesis of lipid dendrimer-based nanoparticles and their integration into polymeric hydrogel systems to form nanocomposite materials with tunable physicochemical properties.
Key topics included supramolecular self-assembly, stimuli-responsive materials, and the role of molecular interactions in complex nanostructured systems.
This invited seminar highlights ongoing collaborations and research dissemination efforts between the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey and the Medical Sciences Campus, contributing to interdisciplinary exchange in the fields of nanotechnology and biomedical materials.
- Presentation for QUIM4999 – Undergraduate Research Symposium
Date: November 30, 2023
- Presentation at ACS 46th Senior Technical Meeting (November 4, 2023)
On November 4, 2023, Dr. Luis M. Negrón delivered a research presentation at the 46th Senior Technical Meeting of the American Chemical Society, held at the Costa Bahía Convention Center in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico.
Presentation Title: Novel Approaches for the Construction of Lipid Dendrimer and pNIPAM/PVA Hydrogels Used for the Formation of Nanocomposites
This presentation highlighted preliminary results from ongoing research focused on the development of nanocomposite hydrogels based on lipid dendrimers and pNIPAM-derived polymer systems.
The work contributes to the broader field of organic materials chemistry, with applications in the design of advanced functional materials for biomedical and environmental use.
Participation in ACS meetings provides an important platform for the dissemination of research findings and engagement with the scientific community.
- Seminar Presentation at UPR Cayey RISE Program (March 29, 2023)
Synthesis and Development of Lipid Dendrimer Nanoparticles and Molecular Imprinting Polymers for Biomedical Applications
This seminar was delivered during the development phase of a research proposal focused on lipid dendrimer-based nanocomposites.
The presentation covered the design, synthesis, and potential applications of dendrimer-based nanostructures and molecularly imprinted polymer systems, with emphasis on their use in biomedical applications.
These activities reflect ongoing efforts to develop innovative supramolecular and polymer-based materials within the research group.
- Faculty Symposium Presentation at UPR Cayey (March 29, 2023)
On the afternoon of March 29, 2023, Dr. Luis M. Negrón participated in the Faculty Symposium on Research, Creative Work, and Community Service at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
During this institutional event, research efforts related to the development of lipid dendrimer-based nanocomposites were presented to the academic community.
This symposium provided an opportunity to share ongoing research initiatives, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and highlight the integration of research, teaching, and service.
Activities such as these are essential for strengthening the research culture and academic engagement within the university.
- Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award – NIH Academic Enrichment Program (NAEP)
Date: June 14, 2021
Congratulations to our former lab member José González Dalmasy for his well-deserved fellowship in the POSTBAC IRTA from NAEP!!!
- Negron’s Research Group Outstanding Research Award
Date: May 28, 2021
Congratulations to our lab member Ariana de Jesús Hernández.
We recognized her effort with our “Outstanding Research Award“, with appreciation for her dedication to research of excellence!!!
- Virtual Presentation for QUIM4999 – Undergraduate Research Symposium
Date: May 19, 2021
Hour: 1:00 pm
Our students Ariana, Renis and Alondra presented their research progress reports at the QUIM 4999 virtual symposium!
Congratulations in your excellent presentations!!!
- 8th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community Service of the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Date: May 18, 2021
Hour: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Our research students Renis, Ariana and Alondra presented at the 8th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community Service of UPRC. Congratulations for this great achievment!!!
Renis J. Agosto Nieves
Ariana De Jesús Hernández
Alondra López Colón
- 8th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community service of the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Date: May 18, 2021
Hour: TBA
Our research students will be presenting their projects at the 8th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community service of the UPR Cayey Interdisciplinary Institute.
Registration deadline: May 10, 2021
- 54th ACS Junior Technical Meeting (JTM) & 39th Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting (PRISM)
Date: April 24, 2021
Congratulations Ariana, Renis and the other research students from UPR Cayey on their outstanding virtual research presentations at the 54th ACS Junior Technical Meeting!!!
- 1st Puerto Rico IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Town Hall Meeting
Date: April 16, 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Negrón on his outstanding virtual research presentation at the first Puerto Rico IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Town Hall Meeting!!!
He was the only researcher from the University of Puerto Rico presenting!! Congratulations for this great achievement!!!!
- Summer Internships 2021: Center of Sustainable Nanotechnology
Alondra got accepted to the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience 2021 at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She will work at the Dr. Catherine Murphy’s Research Laboratory. Congratulations for this great achievement!
- ABRCMS 2020: Outstanding ePosters Presentations Awards!!!
Date: November 16, 2020
Congratulations Alondra, Mariela and the students from UPR Cayey on their ABRCMS 2020 Presentations!! Alondra and Mariela WON Outstanding Presentation Awards!!!
- “A Novel Route to Neuroprotection in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury” – By Edwin Vázquez Rosa, Ph.D.
Date: November 12, 2020
Platform: Zoom Meetings
Hour: 10:30 am
Chronic neurodegeneration, major cause of the long-term disabilities that afflict survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is linked to an increased risk for late-life neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Dr. Vázquez, current researcher from the Louis-Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, offered a conference about his research experience in the finding of the restoration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) structure and function by P7C3-A20 when administered 12 months after TBI. This pharmacotherapy was associated with cessation of chronic neurodegeneration and recovery of normal cognitive function, benefits that persisted long after treatment cessation. Pharmacologic renewal of BBB integrity may this provide a new treatment option for patients who have suffered a remote TBI, or other neurological conditions associated with BBB deterioration.
- Our Research work was on the News!!!
Date: October 26, 2020
El Nuevo Día
Noticentro
University of Puerto Rico Magazine
- “The natural compound 4R-cembranoid and memantine share similar cholinergic pathways to induce neuroprotection” – By Yancy Ferrer Acosta, Ph.D.
Date: October 13, 2020
Platform: Zoom Meetings
Hour: 10:30 am
Dr. Ferrer is an expert in neurobiology; she studies the function and regulation of astrocytes in ischemic strokes.
She offered a conference about her research group investigation of the role of astrocytes in the neuroinflammation process. Some of the studies and techniques performed in her laboratory are primary cell cultures of astrocytes, mouse models of ischemic stroke, western blots, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, among other molecular biology techniques.
Currently, Dr. Ferrer is studying the neuroprotective properties of natural compound 4R-cembrenoid for the development of treatments for ischemic strokes.
- ABRCMS 2020: Abstracts accepted for Virtual Experience!!
Date: September 24, 2020
Alondra and Ariana, current research assistants, got accepted to the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students 2020 (ABRCMS 2020) to present their research projects.
- “A Novel Approach of Organic Nanomaterials for Current Challenges in Medicine” – By Luis M. Negrón Ríos, Ph.D.
Date: September 10, 2020
Platform: Zoom Meetings
Hour: 10:30 am
Dr. Negrón talked about his research. His interests are the synthesis and study of stimuli-responsive organic molecules called lipid dendrimers that self-assemble in nanoparticles for drug-delivery applications. He is interested in understanding how lipid dendrimers can form these nanoparticles in order to develop a new alternative for therapeutic agents for neurological applications.
His research group apply concepts of organic chemistry (synthesis and characterization), analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, supramolecular chemistry, among other interdisciplinary areas. He is currently working in lipid dendrimer derivatives used for the encapsulation and delivery of drugs that induce neuroplasticity to treat brain strokes.
- PR-LSAMP 2020 Fellowship: Renis and Ariana received PR-SLAMP Award for Academic Year 2020-2021
Date: August 2020
Current research assistants Renis and Ariana received PR-LSAMP Fellowship for their research projects for academic year 2020-2021. Congratulations for this great achievement!
- Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (RISE) Program Fellowship: Alondra was accepted to the RISE Research Group Fall 2020 Cohort
Date: August 3, 2020
Alondra, current research assistant that studies the hydrophobic formation of lipid dendrimers nanoparticles used as a potential strategy to encapsulate statins drugs for drug delivery applications, received RISE award for her research project funding during Fall 2020. Congratulations for this great achievement!
- 7th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community Service
Date: June 19, 2020
Hour: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Ariana and Alondra presented their research projects at the 7th Student Meeting of Research, Creations, and Community service of the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Excellent work!!!
- Virtual Presentation for QUIM4999 – Undergraduate Research Symposium
Date: May 14, 2020
Platform: Google Meets
Hour: 10:30 am
Congratulations to Ariana, Alondra and all chemistry students that presented their progress reports at the Undergraduate Research Virtual Symposium of the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
- Summer Internships 2020: Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology
Date: March 2, 2020
Alondra got accepted to the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She will work at the Dr. Catherine Murphy’s Research Laboratory. Congratulations for this great achievement!
- Activity of Professional Development at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Date: February 14, 2020
Hour: 11:00 am
Place: NEC Amphitheater
Professor Negrón gave an oral presentation about his research as a faculty member from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
- Presentation for QUIM4999 – Undergraduate Research Symposium
Date: December 10, 2019
Place: 311 MMM
Hour: 10:30 am
The undergraduate students from the chemistry department, Alondra and Ariana, gave oral presentations for the end of semester at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Excellent work!
- Poster presentations at the PR-Neuroscience Symposium
Date: December 7, 2019
The undergraduate students Alondra, José, and Ariana gave poster presentations at the 27th Puerto Rico Neuroscience Conference hosted by ”Universidad Central del Caribe in Bayamón, PR”. Nice work, and best wishes for the next adventure!
- Negron’s Research Laboratory received three grants on Fall 2019!!!
Date: December 2019
Place: University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Congratulations on your well-deserved success Dr. Negrón!!!
- PR-LSAMP 2019 Fellowship:
Date: September 11, 2019
Ariana received PR-LSAMP Fellowship for their research projects for academic year 2019-2020. Congratulations for this great achievement!
- Fluorescent Light Microscopy Seminar- By Lic. Bismark Madera
Date: February 27, 2019
Hour: 10:30 am
**NEW PLACE**: NEC Amphitheater
Lic. Bismark Madera from the Neuroimaging and Electrophysiology Facility (NIEF) will be offering a fluorescent light microscopy seminar at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Don’t forget to register for this great opportunity!
Link for Registration
Lab Activities
- End of semester laboratory activity
Date: May 28, 2021
Congratulations to our group members for all their hard work and achievements during the semester!! We wish you a great and well-deserved summer vacation!!
- Christmas lunch
Date: December 16, 2019
Negron research group wishes you a merry christmas, and a happy new year! Cheers!
Negron Research Group 