Silvia Muro

Silvia Muro is a Group Leader and ICREA Research Professor at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), affiliated with the University of Barcelona. Her research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems using nanotechnology to overcome biological barriers and improve therapeutic outcomes. She leads the Targeted Therapeutics and Nanodevices research group, which investigates how to precisely deliver therapeutic agents to specific disease sites within the body.

Dr. Muro's laboratory specializes in understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate cellular transport of therapeutic agents. Her team has pioneered approaches to control biological events beyond receptor binding, enabling precise drug delivery through modulation of nanocarrier properties. The research focuses on three main areas:

• Biologically-Controlled Transport of Drug Carriers - studying how size, shape, targeting valency, receptor epitopes, and signaling molecules affect transport
• Transport Across Physiological Barriers - particularly the blood-brain barrier and epithelial barriers for neurological and gastrointestinal drug delivery
• Treatment of Lysosomal Disorders - applying nanotechnology to enzyme replacement therapy for diseases like Niemann-Pick, Fabry, and Gaucher

Analysis of Dr. Muro's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on ICAM-1 targeted nanocarriers for overcoming biological barriers. Her work demonstrates how nanocarrier properties can be engineered to control transport kinetics and destinations. A significant portion of her research addresses neurological disease treatment and lysosomal storage disorders through innovative DNA-built nanocarriers that enable cellular uptake and endosomal escape.

While specific awards aren't detailed in available information, Dr. Muro's position as an ICREA Research Professor represents a prestigious recognition of research excellence in Catalonia. Her publications in high-impact journals demonstrate significant research funding and international collaborations.

Dr. Muro leads an active research laboratory investigating drug delivery challenges for neurological diseases and genetic disorders. Current projects include developing nanocarriers that cross the blood-brain barrier and designing systems for enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage disorders, with considerable translational potential for treating conditions that currently lack effective therapies.