Leitat Technological Center

Founded in 1906, Leitat is one of the reference entities at state and European level in technology management. It has a team of more than 400 professionals, experts in applied research, technical services and management of technological and innovation initiatives. Leitat provides social, industrial, economic and sustainable value, offering comprehensive solutions in multiple sectors and areas: development of new materials, eco-sustainable production, occupational health prevention systems, revalorization of waste and efficient use of natural resources, interconnectivity and digitization of industry, green energy and maximization of energy efficiency. Leitat is recognized by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and is one of the main entities participating in the Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe program of the European Union. Main activities are divided in 5 main department with the following knowledge divisions: 

Applied Chemistry and Materials:

We carry out projects in applied chemistry and new materials, from synthesis and formulation to scaling and validation, including stability, efficacy and mechanical property tests, with a comprehensive approach and holistic vision. We carry out comprehensive projects in the field of applied chemistry and new materials, encompassing the entire value chain from the synthesis of new molecules, the formulation of raw materials, scaling of manufacturing processes at the pilot level and validation of new technologies including accelerated aging, stability and efficiency or mechanical properties. Our main research lines are:

• Synthesis
  • Synthesis of organic molecules by conventional techniques and flow chemistry.
  • Study and synthesis of polymers and biopolymers, resins, organic compounds, surfactants and oils.
  • Synthesis of micro and nanocapsules.
  • Synthesis and surface modification of metallic nanomaterials, ceramics, nanofibers and carbonaceous structures.
  • Study and modification of surfactants, oils and greases.
• Design and formulation
  • Formulation of paints, inks and functional coatings.
  • Formulation of detergents and cosmetic products.
  • Development of polymer composites (nanocomposites, biocomposites) by extrusion and reactive extrusion.
  • Electrospinning of nanofibers, nanomesh and hollow fibers.
  • Formulation of cutting fluids, coolants, lubricants and greases.
• Processing and application
  • Transformation of polymers using conventional techniques (injection, extrusion blow molding and injection blow molding).
  • Manufacture of hollow fibers for filtration from microfiltration to reverse osmosis.
  • Plasma treatments and application of coatings and paints (spray, spin coating, padding, scraper).
  • Ink printing (screen printing, inkjet, pad printing).
  • Washing processes in textiles and on surfaces.
  • Application of tribochemical products on metal surfaces.
  • Sol-gel treatments and application of nanofibers by electrospinning on substrates.
  • Chemical recycling of polycondensation polymers.
• Characterization and validation
  • Characterization of materials (mechanical, impact, barrier, antimicrobial, hardness, scratch resistance, adhesion, fire resistance).
  • Chemical characterization: HPLC, GPC, UV-VIS, FTIR, ICPMS, etc.
  • Validation tests on detergents and cleaning products.
  • Formulation stability studies
  • Lubricity, corrosion and foaming studies for tribochemicals.
  • Consumer tests.
  • Olfactory and ecolabel evaluations.
  • Accelerated aging tests.

Circular Economy & Decarbonization:

We provide highly innovative technological and strategic solutions that ensure safe and sustainable production, fostering the transition towards the circular economy, the bioeconomy and decarbonization. Innovative technologies and strategies for safe and sustainable production, the efficient management of natural resources and energy, the valorization of waste streams, the incorporation of biotechnology and bioeconomy in the industrial environment, and the decarbonization of production processes. Our main research lines are:

• Zero pollution
  • Water treatment and reuse
  • Recycling and waste recovery
  • Air/gas treatment
  • Soil restoration
  • Nature-based Solutions
  • Membrane, physicochemical and electrochemical processes
• Bioeconomy and biotechnology
  • Bioprocesses and biocatalysis for sustainable production
  • Microbiome-based solutions
  • Renewable resources and biorefinery to obtain ingredients and assets
  • Agri-food technologies
• Energy transition and decarbonization
  • CO2 capture, conversion and utilization
  • Energy storage systems
  • Hydrogen and biofuel production
  • New photovoltaic devices
  • Bio-electrochemical and photo-electrochemical systems
• Safety and sustainability
  • Sustainable production and new circular business models
  • Environmental, economic and social impact
  • Risk analysis and impact on the environment and human health

Digital Industry:

Development, technology transfer and comprehensive support in the industrialization and adoption of advanced technology and innovative solutions, driving the transition towards a more digital, sustainable, efficient and competitive industry. Our technological capabilities are positioned at different points along the value chain and technology maturity levels for key enabling technologies of the digital transition: digital manufacturing, advanced data and sensors, connectivity and information, and the development of smart products. Although our activity has a cross-cutting impact on multiple sectors, the main areas of action focus on the health and industrial sectors (manufacturing, transport, MedTech and energy). Our main research lines are:

• Digital manufacturing:
  • Design and engineering of advanced applications in additive manufacturing.
  • Development of innovative materials and processes in additive manufacturing.
  • Post-processing strategies and functionalization of 3D components.
  • Development of new robotic technologies and processes.
• Advanced Data and Sensors:
  • Development, testing and validation of new industrial, health and environmental monitoring sensors.
  • Development of microfluidic devices and diagnostics.
  • Development of new photonic systems and advanced vision.
• Connectivity and Information:
  • Development and application of new IoT device connectivity protocols.
  • Security and embedded intelligence in devices.
  • System interoperability and heterogeneous data integration.
  • Applied AI and software engineering.
• Intelligent Product Development:
  • Product design and engineering.
  • Testing, experimentation and validation of target applications.
  • Support and accompaniment to industrialization.

Health & Biomedicine: 

At Leitat, we offer innovative scientific-technological solutions for the chemical, veterinary, biotechnological and pharmaceutical sectors, driving the transformation and advancement of the industry with experience and commitment.Our main research lines are:

• In vitro cell models to study the efficacy, safety, mechanism of action, screening, ADME-Tox, bioanalysis, metabolomics, etc., of drugs, cosmetics, regenerative health products and food supplements.
• In vivo models to study efficacy, combi-therapy, immuno-oncology, biodistribution, pre-Tox and Maximum Tolerated Doses (MTD), pre-PK, histology, etc. (oncology, inflammation, dermatology, neurodegeneration, cell and tissue regeneration, angiogenesis).
• Generation of on-demand polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for basic research, diagnosis and therapeutic treatments.
• Antibody engineering: Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), VHH single domain (nano) antibodies, Bispecific Antibodies, Chimerization, Humanization, Antibody fragments (Fab, scFv), Phage Display Libraries and biosimilars.
• In vivo models for microbiome, dysbiosis and human microbiota transplant studies. Collaboration in the development of probiotics and prebiotics for nutrition and treatment of diseases.
• In vivo models of osteoarticular injuries – musculoskeletal, cartilage, tendon, ligament, small and large animals, combined with imaging studies (CT, MRI).

Advanced Technology Services: 

We focus on characterization, detailed behavioral analysis and technical validation of materials, parts and components, supporting our customers in innovation, development and regulatory compliance. Leitat's Advanced Technological Services (ATS) Department focuses its activity on the characterization, determination of behavior and validation of materials, parts and components from a wide variety of sectors. We have more than 30 years of experience as an accredited center according to UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 for different types of tests and materials. Our team's mission is to provide reliability and guaranteed results to our customers, adding value to their products while maintaining a close approach that fosters smooth and honest communication. We offer adaptation and flexibility, and we put our knowledge at the service of our customers, in order to help them solve problems and improve their efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Our main services are:

• Fire Behaviour including Flame propagation, Convective, radiant and contact heat, Molten metal splashes, Persistence and characteristics of the fluids flame and Combustibility resistance of the materials inside of vehicle. 
• Materials Aging including Radiation aging, Solar simulation, Climate aging, Natural climatic aging, Corrosion and Heat shock. 
• Materials certification including Individual protective equipment, Sports protective equipment and Construction materials. 
• Microscopy & Colorimetry including Optical and electronical microscopy, Photomacrography, Defect and degradation studies and Appearance/Color/ Aspect.
• Physical & Mechanical Properties including Mechanical resistance, Abrasion, weathering and scratch tests, Impact resistance, Hardness, Rheometry/ Viscosity, Solid and liquid density, Air permeability and liquid absorption, Electrostatic charges and Color fastness and wash behaviour.