Maria Dolores Ramirez Alba

Maria Dolores Ramirez Alba is a Researcher in the Department of Physics at the School of Engineering of Barcelona East, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), actively contributing to the DRAM Doctoral Program in Polymers and Biopolymers. Her work bridges materials science and biomedical innovation through advanced hydrogel research.

Her primary research focuses on designing responsive biomaterials, particularly hydrogels that react to electrical stimuli, pH changes, and environmental triggers. She specializes in developing multifunctional polymer systems for tissue regeneration and biosensing applications, with emphasis on skin, cardiac, and nerve repair. Her methodology integrates polymer chemistry, biocompatibility testing, and electroactive material engineering to create precision biomedical solutions.

Recent publications (2023-2024) reveal a concentrated trend toward electro-responsive hydrogel platforms with dual functionality—combining sensing capabilities (e.g., hydrogen peroxide detection) with regenerative properties. Her work increasingly explores adhesive hydrogels for wound healing and conductive polymer integration for neural interface applications, demonstrating rapid translation from fundamental polymer science to biomedical implementation.

She received the Jornades de Recerca del Departament de Física (UPC) award in 2022. Her research is supported by competitive national funding, including the 2022 PLAN ESTATAL project on multifunctional hydrogel platforms for cardiac, cutaneous, and nerve tissue restoration.

Dr. Ramirez Alba operates within the Centre de Recerca en Ciència i Enginyeria Multiescala de Barcelona (CCEM) and the IMEM-BRT research group (Innovation in Materials and Molecular Engineering - Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies), collaborating closely with Prof. Carlos Enrique Aleman Llanso's team on polymer-based regenerative therapies.