María Moros Caballero Lab
Magnetic nanoparticle–biomolecule conjugates for targeted delivery, mechanosensing, and tissue regeneration.
Lab summary
Overview
My research focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles with different biomolecules to create highly active nanoparticle–biomolecule systems that can be used to develop innovative applications, including targeting strategies and controlled drug release methodologies.
We are exploring the possibility of activating intracellular signalling pathways connected to mechanosensors using magnetic nanoparticles. To this end, we produce engineered fragments of proteins such as cadherins to be functionalised on the magnetic nanoparticles. Once attached selectively to the mechanosensors, they are activated by custom-made magnetic field applicators, inducing intracellular signalling pathways. To date, we are using these approaches as novel tools to understand how mechanosensors work, and also to enhance wound healing and modulate stem cell fate with spatio-temporal control.
Moreover, we are also interested in studying the reactive oxygen species that magnetic nanoparticles can produce for different applications such as tissue regeneration. The use of the invertebrate model Hydra vulgaris, which is able to fully regenerate, is a powerful model for these purposes.
Contact
- Address: Edificio I+D+i. C/ Mariano Esquillor, 50018, Zaragoza.
- Phone: 976 76 10 00; ext: 845647
- Email: mamoros@unizar.es
- Web: morosmaria.com
Lab quick facts
- ORCID: 0009-0002-0657-2918
- Focus: Magnetic nanoparticle–biomolecule conjugates, mechanosensor activation, tissue regeneration
- Application areas: Wound healing, stem cell fate modulation, regenerative medicine
Research lines
- Magnetic nanoparticles to activate mechanotransduction pathways Engineering magnetic nanoparticles functionalised with biomolecular fragments (e.g. cadherins) to selectively target mechanosensors and trigger intracellular signalling under custom magnetic field applicators.
- Magnetic nanoparticles and reactive oxygen species for tissue regeneration Studying how magnetic nanoparticles generate reactive oxygen species and leveraging invertebrate models such as Hydra vulgaris to explore tissue regeneration strategies.
Team
- María Moros Caballero
- Ana Cristina Flavian Lazaro
- Lucia García Recaredo
- Julia Slaby
- Khaoula Ben Jeddou
- Marisa Conte
- Pablo Martínez Vicente
Latest publications
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Synthesis, characterization, and sol-gel kinetic studies of colloidal silica particles using Stöber’s method: a teaching laboratory activityJournal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology · September 30, 2025
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Antifungal Action of Metallic Nanoparticles Against Fungicide-Resistant Pathogens Causing Main Postharvest Lemon DiseasesJournal of Fungi · November 11, 2024
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On the properties of NiO powders obtained by different wet chemical methods and calcinationJournal of the American Ceramic Society · July 1, 2024
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Solar absorbers based on electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotubes using pyrocatechol violet as a charging agentThin Solid Films · January 1, 2023
Instrumentation & methods
- Custom magnetic field applicators for mechanosensor activation
- Platforms to characterise magnetic nanoparticle–biomolecule conjugates
- In vitro and in vivo models for tissue regeneration and mechanobiology