My research activity is dedicated to the study of the propagation of ultrasound mechanical waves in different media and materials, mainly in liquids, as well as the development of instrumentation for the analysis of processes in the field of health, microbiology, biochemistry. and food science. This has led me to study different phenomena such as microbial growth, its associated metabolism or the enzymatic reactions induced both by pure enzymes and by enzymes of the microorganisms themselves; from a new point of view: that of the mechanical properties of biological media. In this way, a new sensory dimension is provided to processes which were traditionally analysed using electromagnetic (microscopy, spectrophotometry, etc.) and chemical techniques. This work has involved developing new instrumentation based on ultrasound to adapt conventional acoustic characterization techniques to the requirements of biological tests.
On the other hand, and in the health area, I work on the development of new diagnostic techniques based on ultrasound imaging. Some of these techniques are based on the measurement of the concentration of cells, from the analysis of ultrasound scattering coming from them at high frequencies (> 15MHz). This research line allowed introducing myself into QUS (Quantitative UltraSound) methodologies. These techniques provide quantitative data from images of biological fluids and tissues, by using spectral, envelope statistics and deep learning algorithms.
The similarity of mathematical formulations and instrumentation made it possible to combine these applications with others in the field of non-destructive testing in civil structures (energy sector, aeronautical sector, etc.), mainly, through guided waves analysis.
In this context of applied research, there are three guidelines that articulate my way of projecting and carrying out the work. The first consists of generating new ideas and knowledge from the theoretical and experimental research, seeking new connections between physical and biological phenomena based on the analysis of the interaction of mechanical waves with the environment. The second of these guidelines is the transfer of this knowledge to our society through the development of new technologies and patents, collaborations with the business sector and participation in the creation of technology-based companies. The third consists of the training of new researchers either through doctoral, master and grade thesis supervision; the training of university students through masters courses and, in general, the education of the public through scientific outreach activities.
