Unit of Molecular Toxicology
Our research aims to identify and characterize molecular and biochemical processes that are induced by exposure to toxic substances including engineered nanomaterials. We are also engaged in studies of the process of inflammation and in cancer research.
The inflammation research focuses on mechanisms of clearance of apoptotic cells (programmed cell clearance) and implications for the resolution of inflammation.
Our nanotoxicological research focuses on the elucidation of mechanisms underlying toxicity of engineered nanomaterials and 2D materials including graphene, with a particular focus on hazardous effects on the immune system.
We are also engaged in the study of nanomaterials for drug delivery in cancer treatment (nanomedicine).
Our research has a strong international dimension, with participation in international research consortia funded by the European Commission (including the 10-year GRAPHENE Flagship project) as well as the national MISTRA Environmental Nanosafety consortium.
Head of Unit
Bengt Fadeel
ProfessorUnit members
Tomas Malina
Postdoctoral researcherJasreen Kaur
Postdoctoral researcherFinancing
- Swedish Research Council
- Swedish Cancer Foundation
- Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (MISTRA)
- European Commission (Horizon 2020, Future Emerging Technologies/FET)
EU Projects
Selected publications
Graphene oxide elicits microbiome-dependent type 2 immune responses via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Peng G, Sinkko H, Alenius H, Lozano N, Kostarelos K, Bräutigam L, Fadeel B. Nat Nanotechnol. 2022 Dec 12. doi: 10.1038/s41565-022-01260-8. [Epub ahead of print].
Biomarkers of nanomaterials hazard from multi-layer data.
Fortino V, Kinaret P, Fratello M, Serra A, Saarimäki L, Gallud A, et al. Nat Commun. 2022;13(1):3798.
Safety assessment of graphene-based materials: focus on human health and the environment.
Fadeel B, Bussy C, Merino S, Vázquez E, Flahaut E, Mouchet F, et al. ACS Nano. 2018 11;12(11):10582–10620.
Advanced tools for the safety assessment of nanomaterials.
Fadeel B, Farcal L, Hardy B, Vázquez-Campos S, Hristozov D, Marcomini A, et al. Nat Nanotechnol. 2018;13(7):537–543.
Graphene oxide elicits membrane lipid changes and neutrophil extracellular trap formation
Mukherjee S, Lazzaretto B, Hultenby K, Newman L, Rodrigues A, Lozano N, Kostarelos K, Malmberg P, Fadeel B. Chem. 2018;4(2):334–358.
Carbon nanotubes degraded by neutrophil myeloperoxidase induce less pulmonary inflammation.
Kagan VE, Konduru NV, Feng W, Allen BL, Conroy J, Volkov Y, et al. Nat Nanotechnol. 2010;5(5):354–359.