Research Units

Microalgal Systematics and Applied Phycology Research Unit (MSAPRU)

The Microalgal Systematics and Applied Phycology Research Unit (MSAPRU) is an interdisciplinary subunit of CENSER that focuses on the biology, biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnological applications of microalgae. Its establishment was propelled by the expanding research initiatives on bio-energy in DLSU. It brings together the researchers within the College of Science who are also actively engaged in the establishment of the Algae BioInnovation Global Hub (Algae BIG Hub) being spearheaded by the College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department.

The MSAPRU shall embark on the identification of microalgal strains from both marine and freshwater habitats, maintain culture collection, conduct biochemical and biophysical studies, and explore various biotechnological applications of microalgae, particularly in-line with biofuel production, nutraceuticals and extraction of bio-active compounds.

Materials Science and Nanotechnology Research Unit (MANA)

The Materials Science and Nanotechnology Unit focuses on the synthesis, fabrication and characterization of Semiconductors, Superconductivity, Conducting Polymers, Biomaterials, Nanomaterials, and Other Smart and Functional Materials.

The research group studies how the large scale properties of solid materials result from their atomic-scale properties, we call nanomaterials. Our group has direct applications in nanomaterials, conducting polymers, solar technology, gas sensor, biomaterials, and other smart and functional materials.

Our group also provides technical support for companies and universities involved in the preparation and characterization of new materials, failure analysis of commercial products either manufactured locally and abroad. We also provide exclusive training for students and industry who intends to learn failure analysis, high vacuum technology, and different characterization techniques.

Applied Research For Community, Health, And Environment Resilience And Sustainability (ARCHERS)

ARCHERS is one of the Research Unit under the Center for Natural Science and Environmental Research (CENSER) of De La Salle University. The group is composed of researchers with a fervent desire of contributing towards the protection of the Earth’s fragile environment and resources. Researchers include basic/fundamental research, applied research, instrumentation development, computational modeling along with its application to human society.

Natural Products and Drug Development Research Unit (NPDDRU)

The Natural Products and Drug Development Research Unit aims to top and harness the rich, unique and indigenous flora of the country for novel compounds and test for bioactivities against human cancer cells, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activities against oxidative stress. These include phytochemical profiling of each plant, isolation, structure elucidation, individual testing of compounds for pharmacological applications, and synthesis and derivatization of bioactive constituents. The ultimate goal is to provide cheaper, accessible and on-toxic preparations for the treatment of degenerative human diseases especially for the marginalized and under-privileged people of the country.

Systems and Computational Biology (SComB)

SComB is a research Unit that integrates computational, mathematical and statistical modeling approaches to better understand the complexity of biological, medical and agricultural systems. To elucidate the causes and consequences of a system/network, models are built. Models provide an abstract representation of observable principles. These models are not a substitute for careful empirical observations, but instead are tools to assess hypotheses about the dynamic properties of a system and the mechanisms underlying the observations. Through the systematic approach that we will use, modeling the theoretical properties of a complex system/network is made more plausible.

Advanced Nanomaterials Investigation by Molecular Simulations (ANIMoS )

The ANIMoS focuses on the fundamental science in the physical and chemical processes in nanomaterials growth, unique properties, fabrication of novel devices, and their unique applications in materials for electronics, energy and biomedical science. Our research is in the following directions:

• Understanding of hydrogen surface and interface reactions
• Realization of the hydrogen-based economy
• Integration of nanosystems with biomedical science
• Materials design for emotion detection devices
• Understanding mechanisms and solutions for bio-energy/biofuel processing and production such as microalgae
• Designing nanomaterials for electrical and magnetic devices, optoelectronics, and gas sensors

Computational Materials Design Research Unit (CMDRU)

The research thrust of the Condensed Matter Laboratory is the development of new materials for solid oxide fuel cell applications, working electrodes for heavy metal detection, and new prototypes of batteries based on magnesium and its compounds. The research lab fabricates solid electrolytes like YSZ and Nafion-modified thin films using spin coating, dip coating, and drop coating techniques. The lab also fabricates electrodes for sensor applications, as well as, solid state rechargeable batteries based on magnesium and persulfate. Morphological characterization is done by Raman Spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, EDX, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Transport properties are measured by voltammetry methods. Real sampling analysis is done by stripping voltammetry. Results using statistical analysis are compared with those obtained from theoretical models.

Practical Genomics Laboratory (PRACGENOME)

Developing technologies to address issues for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture and aquaculture integrating genomics, image analysis, GIS mapping and low-cost tissue cultures.

Ms. Marigold Uba

Unit Head

Environmental Biomonitoring Research Unit (EBRU)

The Environmental Biomonitoring Research Unit is dedicated to conduct research using biomarkers to assess the levels of environmental pollution and come up with sustainable solutions that can be applied locally as well as globally. The EBRU will conduct studies involving standardization of existing and new assay methods and identification of efficient biomarkers for the short term and long term monitoring of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems to assess the toxicity levels of contaminants and pollutants. 

The goal of the EBRU is to contribute towards environmental sustainability by conducting research to arrive at effective and efficient strategies for environmental management there by reducing the impact of toxic levels of pollution on the human health and the overall environment. The program also aims to integrate biotechnology, toxicology, and molecular biology to provide solutions for mitigation of the toxicity using bioremediation processes. 

Organic Materials and Interfaces (OMI)

The Organic Materials and Interfaces unit is an interdisciplinary research laboratory of the Center for Natural Science and Environmental Research (CENSER) under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI). It focuses on the use of organic compounds for materials applications and in the interface with other disciplines. The research group designs new materials tuning the properties of organic compounds, both synthetic and natural, for interface with other fields. It includes synthesis of functional organic and polymeric materials, the design of drug and drug delivery systems, fabrication of organic electronic devices, preparation of nanomaterials, characterization of new materials, development of composites, valorization of biomass, and degradation of materials. These materials are used in interface with other filed through sensing, solar cells, catalysis, antimicrobial action, food fortification, plant growth promotion, packaging, among others.

Dr. Drexel Camacho

Unit Head

Inano Laboratory

Description- iNano is a DLSU Censer Research facility base that offers a wide array of testing and analytical services using globally certified equipment. Also offering R & D services, i-Nano is composed of a team of researchers under the leadership of Dr. Gil Nonato Santos

Environmental Biomonitoring Research Unit

The Environmental Biomonitoring Research Unit is a multidisciplinary research unit committed to assessing environmental pollution or contamination levels, advancing environmental health, and sustainability using biomarkers or bioindicators (i.e., plants, microorganisms, invertebrates, and aquatic organisms).  EBRU will conduct studies involving the standardization of existing and new assay methods and the identification of efficient biomarkers or bioindicators for short-term and long-term monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with the integration of biomonitoring, bioinformatics, molecular biology, microbial source tracking, and recommendations for environmental policy development.

The goal of EBRU is to contribute towards environmental sustainability by reducing the impact of toxic levels of pollution and contaminants on human health and the environment.  Additionally, EBRU aims to engage with local communities through citizen science initiatives, enabling residents to contribute to environmental monitoring efforts in their areas. The long term monitoring and surveillance efforts would include tracking of pollution trends, assessment of ecosystem resilience and environmental risk assessment using predictive models. These commitments of EBRU align with UNSDGs, particularly on #3 health (reducing environmental health risk), #6 clean water and sanitation (enhancing water quality monitoring and remediation), and # 13 climate action (developing nature-based solutions for ecological resilience).

Innovative Healthcare Analytics for Yielding Advanced Gadgets in Sensing- Optics/Photonics Technology, Instrumentation and Conservation Science ( IHAYAG -OPTICS)

The I-O Research Unit derives its name from a combination of the group’s former and current identities—”I” from IHAYAG (Innovative Healthcare Analytics for Yielding Advanced Gadgets in Sensing) and “O” from OPTICS (Optics/Photonics Technology, Instrumentation, and Conservation Science).

The unit is dedicated to advancing the development and application of cutting-edge sensing technologies across diverse fields, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial processes. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates expertise across various fields, including, but not limited to, biosensors, microfluidics, and nanotechnology, as well as radiation sensing, optical detection, and electrochemical analysis. Through collaborative and pioneering research, it aims to deliver transformative solutions that address critical societal and industrial challenges.

The I-O Research Unit envisions becoming a leader in biosensor and sensing technology innovation in the Philippines and beyond. Joining the unit means contributing to groundbreaking discoveries, building strong collaborative networks, and fostering professional growth to drive meaningful scientific and technological advancements.

DLSU PhytoHealth

Description- The Plant and Soil Health Research Unit (DLSU PhytoHealth) encompasses key disciplines in plant and soil health, protection, and physiology disciplines. The unit is dedicated to developing effective and sustainable management strategies to combat plant diseases, pests, and disorders through fundamental, applied, and multidisciplinary research. Its core research areas include but are not limited to: 1) investigating the etiology of plant diseases and disorders, 2) studying their impact on host plants and their interactions with other microorganisms, 3) advancing the development and application of plant disease diagnostic tools and techniques, and 4) identifying and optimizing various control strategies for plant diseases and disorders.

In addition to research, DLSU PhytoHealth strives to raise awareness and enhance public knowledge about the importance of plant health through extension programs and capacity-building activities. The unit collaborates with relevant industries, academic institutions, and research organizations locally and internationally to strengthen its initiatives and achieve its goals. DLSU PhytoHealth aims to contribute significantly to the country’s research landscape by addressing critical plant health issues. Furthermore, the unit is committed to nurturing the next generation of plant health professionals by providing mentorship and support for emerging plant health specialists and scientists, thus contributing to developing the country’s science workforce.

Natural Products and Drug Development Research Unit (NPDDRU)

The Natural Products and Drug Development Research Unit (NPDDRU) is dedicated to harnessing the country’s rich and diverse indigenous flora and fauna in the search for novel bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic values. Its core activities include phytochemical profiling, isolation, structure elucidation, and evaluation of natural compounds for pharmacological applications, alongside the synthesis and derivatization of promising bioactive molecules. Ultimately, NPDDRU seeks to develop safe, effective, and affordable therapeutic strategies for the treatment of relevant diseases, especially for the benefit of the marginalized and underprivileged communities.