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
Guotao Peng
Postdoctoral researcherTomas Malina
Postdoctoral researcherJasreen Kaur
Postdoctoral researcherThanpisit Lomphithak
Affiliated to researchFinancing
- Swedish Research Council
- Swedish Cancer Foundation
- Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (MISTRA)
- European Commission (Horizon 2020, Future Emerging Technologies/FET)
EU Projects
Publications
Cobalt nanoparticles trigger ferroptosis-like cell death (oxytosis) in neuronal cells: Potential implications for neurodegenerative disease.
Gupta G, Gliga A, Hedberg J, Serra A, Greco D, Odnevall Wallinder I, et al
FASEB J. 2020 Apr;34(4):5262-5281
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 07;13(7):537-543
Graphene Oxide Elicits Membrane Lipid Changes and Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Sourav P. Mukherjee, Beatrice Lazzaretto, Kjell Hultenby, Leon Newman, Artur F. Rodrigues, Neus Lozano, Kostas Kostarelos, Per Malmberg, and Bengt Fadeel
Chem 4, 334–358, February 8, 2018
Dichotomous roles for externalized cardiolipin in extracellular signaling: Promotion of phagocytosis and attenuation of innate immunity.
Balasubramanian K, Maeda A, Lee JS, Mohammadyani D, Dar HH, Jiang JF, et al
Sci Signal 2015 Sep;8(395):ra95