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Prof. F. Javier Señoráns, Full Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Head of the Research Group on Bioactive Extracts and Healthy Lipids

Dr. F. Javier Señoráns is a Full Professor of Food Technology in the Department of Applied Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences of the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and has been Director of the Healthy Lipids Research Group since 2011. He is a renowned international expert, with an h-index above 50, in clean extraction processes for obtaining new bioactive ingredients, including polar lipids, carotenoids, antioxidants and DHA, aimed at developing healthier and more functional foods.

The group he leads specialises in sustainable sources such as microalgae, as well as in the enzymatic production of healthier lipids and phospholipids with neuronal and anti-inflammatory benefits. Dr. Señoráns has led major research projects and is currently the principal investigator at UAM for several projects on microalgae, including POLARALGA, and neuroprotective lipids through the Industrial Doctorate Programme of the Community of Madrid. He also oversees several research contracts with companies, including nine contracts between 2023 and 2026.

He is also the promoter and founder of three UAM spin-offs: Bioceanics, founded in 2023; NOVEPA Therapeutics, founded in 2025; and Foodsomes Exosome Technologies, founded in 2026. All three have been officially recognised as knowledge-based companies by UAM.

Professor Señoráns has led publicly funded research projects for more than 20 years, combining the creation of scientific knowledge with its transfer to industry and society. He has also carried out major privately funded contracts within consortia involving large companies, through programmes such as CENIT, CIEN and Misiones, to conduct research in these fields.

This work has produced significant scientific results, including more than 125 international publications, as well as patented developments that have already been transferred to industry.

His main research areas are:

1. Bioactive extracts.
Extraction and characterisation of new bioactive compounds from microalgae for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

2. Healthy lipids and enzymatic biotechnology.
Study and modification of new lipids with a high omega-3 concentration. Development of DHA-rich phospholipids and lysophospholipids with neuronal benefits, as well as EPA-containing lipids.

3. Sustainable processes and green chemistry.
Clean pressurised extraction processes using subcritical and supercritical CO₂, as well as ultrasound-assisted extraction using bio-derived, biodegradable and sustainable solvents.

4. Nanotechnology for the production of advanced ingredients.
Micro- and nanoencapsulation of active compounds, liposome development, and the isolation and concentration of natural exosomes for nutraceutical applications, among other technologies.

Some notable recent results include:

Article: Berzal, G.; García-García, P.; Señoráns, F.J. “Integrated Process for Schizochytrium Oil Extraction, Enzymatic Modification of Lipids and Concentration of DHA Fatty Acid Esters Using Alternative Methodologies.” Marine Drugs, 2024, 22, 146.
https://doi.org/10.3390/md22040146

Article: García-García, P.; Ospina, M.; Señoráns, F.J. “Tisochrysis lutea as a Source of Omega-3 Polar Lipids and Fucoxanthin: Extraction and Characterization Using Green Solvents and Advanced Techniques.” Journal of Applied Phycology, 2024, pp. 1697–1708.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-024-03233-x

Project: “Green Extraction and Fractionation of Polar Lipids from Microalgae for the Production of Nutraceuticals with Lipid Nanoparticles and Natural Exosomes” (POLARALGA). Funded by the Spanish State Research Agency. Project reference: PID2022-143229NB-I00. Faculty of Sciences, UAM. Duration: September 2023 to September 2026. Principal Investigators: Marín, F.R. and Señoráns, F.J.

Patent:
Inventors: Marín, F.R.; Señoráns, F.J.; Dávalos, A.; López de Hazas, M. Carmen.

Title: “Process for Obtaining Exosomes from Buttermilk, Exosomes Obtained and Their Applications.” Application number: P202330029. Priority date: 17 January 2023. Owners: UAM and IMDEA Food. Transferred to Foodsomes Exosome Technologies.

FUAM contracts under Article 60 with Bioceanics and Microalgae Solutions. Green extraction of bioactive compounds from algae for cosmetic applications. Period: 2024–2026. Principal Investigator: F.J. Señoráns.