LUIS MIGUEL BOTANA LOPEZ

Luis Miguel Botana Lopez is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology. He leads the FARMATOX research group, focusing on marine toxins, including their mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and detection methods. His work spans pharmacology, environmental toxicology, and food safety, with a strong emphasis on cyanotoxins, mycotoxins, and their impacts on human and environmental health.

Botana holds a PhD from the University of Santiago de Compostela (1985), specializing in adrenergic mediation of mast cell activity. His research integrates analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and toxicology to address toxin-related challenges in aquatic ecosystems, food production, and public health.

Key research interests include:

• Environmental and foodborne toxin detection and mitigation
• Neurotoxicology and mechanisms of toxin-induced cell damage
• Development of nanotechnology-based detoxification systems
• Interactions between toxins and cellular pathways (e.g., calcium signaling, mitochondria)
• Bioavailability and synergistic effects of mycotoxins and marine biotoxins

His recent work highlights advancements in magnetic nanoparticle applications for toxin removal, cyclophilin proteins' roles in inflammation, and the toxicological evaluation of emerging contaminants in dairy and seafood products. Botana collaborates internationally on methodological improvements for toxin analysis (e.g., QuEChERS, LC-MS/MS) and participates in regulatory discussions on food safety standards.

Botana has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on toxin detection, mechanisms of action, and mitigation strategies. His research often bridges basic science and applied solutions, addressing global challenges like climate-driven toxin proliferation and food chain contamination.