Main Research Interest
- Investigation of aluminum in biological systems
- Anticancer drug design
- Study of conformational changes of proteins
- Study of enzymatic reactions
- Study of nanoclusters
Scientific Career
12/09/2018-today: Associate Professor, Physical Chemistry Department at the University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country.02/01/2017-11/09/2018: Postdoctoral fellow in the Theoretical Chemistry Group, Donostia, Basque Country.02/01/2014-01/01/2017: Postdoctoral fellow in the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Basque Country.02/01/2011-01/31/2014: Postdoctoral fellow at the Universita della Svizzera Italiana and ETH Zurich, Lugano, Switzerland.07/01/2010-01/31/2011: Postdoctoral fellow in the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the University of the Basque Country, Donostia, Basque Country.06/25/2010: PhD in the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the University of the Basque Country, Donostia, Basque Country.
Advisor: Xabier Lopez
2009-06/30/2010: Researcher position in the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the University of the Basque Country, Donostia, Basque Country.2005-2009: PhD position (FPI fellowship) in the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the University of the Basque Country, Donostia, Basque Country.
Publications
- 25.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Theoretical Study of Indenoquinolinylphosphine Oxide Derivatives as Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Antiproliferative Agents
ChemMedChem , 2026 , 21 (5)
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-cmdc-202500751, title = {Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Theoretical Study of Indenoquinolinylphosphine Oxide Derivatives as Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Antiproliferative Agents}, author = {Alba Rodriguez and Elena Formoso and Birgitta R. Knudsen and Cinzia Tesauro and Maria Fuertes and Concepcion Alonso}, journal = {ChemMedChem}, year = {2026}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1002/cmdc.202500751}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202500751}, } - 24.
Hydrogen-bond networks and proton transfer in choline geranate: insights from IR spectroscopy
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics , 2026 , 28 (28) , 17605-17614
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{loizate-2026-hydrogen-bond-networks-and, title = {Hydrogen-bond networks and proton transfer in choline geranate: insights from IR spectroscopy}, author = {Mikel Loizate and Trân Ngọc Khanh Lê and Matias L. Picchio and Jon Zubeltzu and Elena Formoso and Tom Frömbgen and Barbara Kirchner and Thierry Tassaing and Elixabete Rezabal}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, year = {2026}, volume = {28}, number = {28}, pages = {17605-17614}, doi = {10.1039/d6cp01217e}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/d6cp01217e}, } - 23.
Choline–geranate (CAGE) ionic liquids potentiate the anticancer activity of platinum-based drugs
Chem. Commun. , 2025 , 61 (65) , 12167--12170
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-d5cc02226f, title = {Choline–geranate (CAGE) ionic liquids potentiate the anticancer activity of platinum-based drugs}, author = {Marta Costa Verdugo and Giulia Sierri and Laura Hernandez-Fernandez and Elena Formoso and José I. Miranda and Francesco Saverio Sica and Alejandro H. Orrego and Alba González and Elixabete Rezabal and Francesca Re and Luca Salassa}, journal = {Chem. Commun.}, year = {2025}, volume = {61}, number = {65}, pages = {12167--12170}, doi = {10.1039/d5cc02226f}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cc02226f}, } - 22.
One‐ and Two‐Electron Reductions in MiniSOG and their Implication in Catalysis**
ChemPhysChem , 2023 , 24 (15)
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-cphc-202300091, title = {One‐ and Two‐Electron Reductions in MiniSOG and their Implication in Catalysis**}, author = {Oksana Azpitarte and Ane Zudaire and Jon Uranga and Xabier Lopez and Luca Salassa and Elena Formoso and Elixabete Rezabal}, journal = {ChemPhysChem}, year = {2023}, volume = {24}, number = {15}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.202300091}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.202300091}, } - 21.
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Conversion of Pt(IV) Substrates by Flavoprotein Engineering
Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters , 2021 , 12 (19) , 4504-4508
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1021-acs-jpclett-1c00802, title = {Enhancing the Photocatalytic Conversion of Pt(IV) Substrates by Flavoprotein Engineering}, author = {J. Gurruchaga-Pereda and V. Martinez-Martinez and E. Formoso and O. Azpitarte and E. Rezabal and X. Lopez and A. L. Cortajarena and L. Salassa}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters}, year = {2021}, volume = {12}, number = {19}, pages = {4504-4508}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00802}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00802}, } - 20.
Theoretical characterization of Al(III) binding to KSPVPKSPVEEKG: Insights into the propensity of aluminum to interact with key sequences for neurofilament formation
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry , 2020 , 210
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-jinorgbio-2020-111169, title = {Theoretical characterization of Al(III) binding to KSPVPKSPVEEKG: Insights into the propensity of aluminum to interact with key sequences for neurofilament formation}, author = {R. Grande-Aztatzi and E. Formoso and J. I. Mujika and D. Sancho and X. Lopez}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, year = {2020}, volume = {210}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111169}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111169}, } - 19.
Lignin solvation by ionic liquids: The role of cation
Journal of Molecular Liquids , 2020 , 303
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-molliq-2020-112588, title = {Lignin solvation by ionic liquids: The role of cation}, author = {J. Zubeltzu and E. Formoso and E. Rezabal}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Liquids}, year = {2020}, volume = {303}, doi = {10.1016/j.molliq.2020.112588}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2020.112588}, } - 18.
Tetravalent Oxygen and Sulphur Centres Mediated by Carborane Superacid: Theoretical Analysis
CHEMPHYSCHEM , 2019 , 20 (19) , 2443-2450
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-cphc-201900687, title = {Tetravalent Oxygen and Sulphur Centres Mediated by Carborane Superacid: Theoretical Analysis}, author = {Slawomir J. Grabowski and David Casanova and Elena Formoso and Jesus M. Ugalde}, journal = {CHEMPHYSCHEM}, year = {2019}, volume = {20}, number = {19}, pages = {2443-2450}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.201900687}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201900687}, } - 17.
One pot stimuli-responsive linear waterborne polyurethanes via Diels-Alder reaction
Progress in Organic Coatings , 2019 , 130 , 31-43
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-porgcoat-2019-01-008, title = {One pot stimuli-responsive linear waterborne polyurethanes via Diels-Alder reaction}, author = {J. Aizpurua and L. Martin and E. Formoso and A. Gonzalez and L. Irusta}, journal = {Progress in Organic Coatings}, year = {2019}, volume = {130}, pages = {31-43}, doi = {10.1016/j.porgcoat.2019.01.008}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2019.01.008}, } - 16.
Does phosphorylation increase the binding affinity of aluminum? A computational study on the aluminum interaction with serine and O-phosphoserine
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry , 2019 , 192 , 33-44
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-jinorgbio-2018-12-004, title = {Does phosphorylation increase the binding affinity of aluminum? A computational study on the aluminum interaction with serine and O-phosphoserine}, author = {E. Formoso and R. Grande-Aztatzi and X. Lopez}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, year = {2019}, volume = {192}, pages = {33-44}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2018.12.004}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2018.12.004}, } - 15.
Tuning the affinity of catechols and salicylic acids towards Al(III): characterization of Al-chelator interactions
DALTON TRANSACTIONS , 2018 , 47 (29) , 9592-9607
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-c8dt01341a, title = {Tuning the affinity of catechols and salicylic acids towards Al(III): characterization of Al-chelator interactions}, author = {Gabriele Dalla Torre and Jon I. Mujika and Elena Formoso and Eduard Matito and Maria J. Ramos and Xabier Lopez}, journal = {DALTON TRANSACTIONS}, year = {2018}, volume = {47}, number = {29}, pages = {9592-9607}, doi = {10.1039/c8dt01341a}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/c8dt01341a}, } - 14.
Aluminum's preferential binding site in proteins: sidechain of amino acids versus backbone interactions
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry , 2018 , 181 , 111-116
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-jinorgbio-2017-10-014, title = {Aluminum's preferential binding site in proteins: sidechain of amino acids versus backbone interactions}, author = {J. I. Mujika and G. D. Torre and E. Formoso and R. Grande-Aztatzi and S. J. Grabowski and C. Exley and X. Lopez}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, year = {2018}, volume = {181}, pages = {111-116}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.10.014}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.10.014}, } - 13.
The role of non-covalent interactions in the self-healing mechanism of disulfide-based polymers
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics , 2017 , 19 (28) , 18461-18470
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-c7cp03570e, title = {The role of non-covalent interactions in the self-healing mechanism of disulfide-based polymers}, author = {E. Formoso and J. M. Asua and J. M. Matxain and F. Ruiperez}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, year = {2017}, volume = {19}, number = {28}, pages = {18461-18470}, doi = {10.1039/c7cp03570e}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/c7cp03570e}, } - 12.
A computational study on interaction of aluminum with D-glucose 6-phosphate for various stoichiometries
Rsc Advances , 2017 , 7 (10) , 6064-6079
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-c6ra27037a, title = {A computational study on interaction of aluminum with D-glucose 6-phosphate for various stoichiometries}, author = {E. Formoso and X. Lopez}, journal = {Rsc Advances}, year = {2017}, volume = {7}, number = {10}, pages = {6064-6079}, doi = {10.1039/c6ra27037a}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/c6ra27037a}, } - 11.
Structural and optical properties of the naked and passivated Al5Au5 bimetallic nanoclusters
Journal of Chemical Physics , 2016 , 144 (11)
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1063-1-4943129, title = {Structural and optical properties of the naked and passivated Al5Au5 bimetallic nanoclusters}, author = {R. Grande-Aztatzi and E. Formoso and J. M. Mercero and J. M. Matxain and S. J. Grabowski and J. M. Ugalde}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Physics}, year = {2016}, volume = {144}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1063/1.4943129}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4943129}, } - 10.
Phosphorylation promotes Al(III) binding to proteins: GEGEGSGG as a case study
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics , 2016 , 18 (10) , 7197-7207
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-c5cp06379e, title = {Phosphorylation promotes Al(III) binding to proteins: GEGEGSGG as a case study}, author = {R. Grande-Aztatzi and E. Formoso and J. I. Mujika and J. M. Ugalde and X. Lopez}, journal = {Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics}, year = {2016}, volume = {18}, number = {10}, pages = {7197-7207}, doi = {10.1039/c5cp06379e}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp06379e}, } - 9.
Energetics and Structural Characterization of the large-scale Functional Motion of Adenylate Kinase
Scientific Reports , 2015 , 5
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1038-srep08425, title = {Energetics and Structural Characterization of the large-scale Functional Motion of Adenylate Kinase}, author = {E. Formoso and V. Limongelli and M. Parrinello}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, year = {2015}, volume = {5}, doi = {10.1038/srep08425}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08425}, } - 8.
Aluminum interaction with 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid. A computational studyle
Rsc Advances , 2015 , 5 (78) , 63874-63881
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1039-c5ra06796k, title = {Aluminum interaction with 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid. A computational studyle}, author = {N. Luque and J. I. Mujika and E. Formoso and X. Lopez}, journal = {Rsc Advances}, year = {2015}, volume = {5}, number = {78}, pages = {63874-63881}, doi = {10.1039/c5ra06796k}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/c5ra06796k}, } - 7.
Aluminum and its effect in the equilibrium between folded/unfolded conformation of NADH
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry , 2015 , 152 , 139-146
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1016-j-jinorgbio-2015-08-017, title = {Aluminum and its effect in the equilibrium between folded/unfolded conformation of NADH}, author = {E. Formoso and J. I. Mujika and S. J. Grabowski and X. Lopez}, journal = {Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry}, year = {2015}, volume = {152}, pages = {139-146}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.08.017}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.08.017}, } - 6.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Bovine Pancreatic Ribonuclease A-CpA and Transition State-like Complexes
Journal of Physical Chemistry B , 2010 , 114 (21) , 7371-7382
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1021-jp909004y, title = {Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Bovine Pancreatic Ribonuclease A-CpA and Transition State-like Complexes}, author = {E. Formoso and J. M. Matxain and X. Lopez and D. M. York}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, year = {2010}, volume = {114}, number = {21}, pages = {7371-7382}, doi = {10.1021/jp909004y}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/jp909004y}, } - 5.
Magnetic Endohedral Transition-Metal-Doped Semiconduncting-Nanoclusters
Chemistry-a European Journal , 2008 , 14 (28) , 8547-8554
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-chem-200800376, title = {Magnetic Endohedral Transition-Metal-Doped Semiconduncting-Nanoclusters}, author = {J. M. Matxain and E. Formoso and J. M. Mercero and M. Piris and X. Lopez and J. M. Ugalde}, journal = {Chemistry-a European Journal}, year = {2008}, volume = {14}, number = {28}, pages = {8547-8554}, doi = {10.1002/chem.200800376}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.200800376}, } - 4.
Endohedral stannaspherenes Mn@Sn-12 and its dimer: Ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic?
Chemphyschem , 2007 , 8 (14) , 2096-2099
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-cphc-200700428, title = {Endohedral stannaspherenes Mn@Sn-12 and its dimer: Ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic?}, author = {J. M. Matxain and M. Piris and E. Formoso and J. M. Mercero and X. Lopez and J. M. Ugalde}, journal = {Chemphyschem}, year = {2007}, volume = {8}, number = {14}, pages = {2096-2099}, doi = {10.1002/cphc.200700428}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.200700428}, } - 3.
Endohedral (X@ZniSi)(i=)(0,+/-)(4-16) nanoclusters
Journal of Physical Chemistry C , 2007 , 111 (9) , 3560-3565
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1021-jp0668697, title = {Endohedral (X@ZniSi)(i=)(0,+/-)(4-16) nanoclusters}, author = {J. M. Matxain and L. A. Eriksson and E. Formoso and M. Piris and J. M. Ugalde}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry C}, year = {2007}, volume = {111}, number = {9}, pages = {3560-3565}, doi = {10.1021/jp0668697}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/jp0668697}, } - 2.
Sandwich complexes based on the "All-Metal" Al-4(2-) aromatic ring
Chemistry-a European Journal , 2006 , 12 (17) , 4495-4502
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1002-chem-200600106, title = {Sandwich complexes based on the "All-Metal" Al-4(2-) aromatic ring}, author = {J. M. Mercero and E. Formoso and J. M. Matxain and L. A. Eriksson and J. M. Ugalde}, journal = {Chemistry-a European Journal}, year = {2006}, volume = {12}, number = {17}, pages = {4495-4502}, doi = {10.1002/chem.200600106}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.200600106}, } - 1.
Reaction mechanism of the acidic hydrolysis of highly twisted amides: Rate acceleration caused by the twist of the amide bond
Journal of Physical Chemistry B , 2006 , 110 (30) , 15000-15011
DOIBibTeX
BibTeX@article{10-1021-jp0604037, title = {Reaction mechanism of the acidic hydrolysis of highly twisted amides: Rate acceleration caused by the twist of the amide bond}, author = {J. I. Mujika and E. Formoso and J. M. Mercero and X. Lopez}, journal = {Journal of Physical Chemistry B}, year = {2006}, volume = {110}, number = {30}, pages = {15000-15011}, doi = {10.1021/jp0604037}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/jp0604037}, }
