Research Teams

The "Aromas - Perfumes - Synthesis - Modeling" team focuses on the development of new constituent molecules of aromas and perfumes and on the description of the modes of action allowing their perception. Natural substances of plant origin inspire the design of new odorants. The team develops catalytic methodologies for the synthesis and biosynthesis of odorous molecules, methods for the extraction of natural products, analytical protocols and molecular modeling techniques towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of olfaction.

The "Bioactive Molecules" team is interested in the synthesis of molecules with antiviral or antitumor properties, as well as in the biological tools (inhibitors, fluorescence probes, diagnostic tests, etc.) necessary for the study of their activity in vitro. . In addition, part of these activities is dedicated to extracts of marine sponges, a natural source of secondary metabolites. The team is also developing new immunological analysis methods for the pharmacological study of molecules used in antiviral therapy, and multifunctional nanovectors used in particular to improve gene transfer (gene therapy) and/or cell therapy.

The team "Chemical and Radiochemical Mechanisms in the Environment" dedicates its researches to the fate and impact of stable and radioactive isotopes on the hydrosphere, biotope and human. The approach consists in combining analytical and molecular chemistry for a comprehensive description of the transfer processes, accumulation and internalization of radioisotopes including human nuclear toxicology. Concerning the human compartment, the major aim is the characterization of the interaction between radioelements and biomolecules or model biomolecules, combining analytical techniques such as radiometry and spectroscopic tools such as radiometry, IR-TF and XAS. The team is equipped with laboratories allowing work with Th, U in weighable amounts and transuranic elements in trace amounts.

The “Eco-Compatible Materials and Polymers” team is part of a sustainable development approach and the promotion of a bio-based economy. The activities under this theme concern the synthesis, development and characterization of biosourced and/or eco-compatible polymers, composites and nanocomposites. The aim is to find alternatives to compounds derived from petrochemicals, to develop sustainable processes for producing such materials, to valorize certain compounds derived from plant biomass, to valorize by-products from industry and biorefineries, to find alternatives to the use of compounds that are toxic and harmful to the environment, and to improve the properties of these new materials thanks to fillers or natural fibres. The compounds studied are derived from raw materials that do not compete with food. Materials based on biobased polymers, derived from renewable resources, are an emerging field, most of which are at early stages of development. Plant biomass therefore represents an inexhaustible and diversified source of raw material.