Nanotoxicology & Genetic Toxicology Research Group

Multidisciplinary research at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Chemistry and Biology (CICA), University of A Coruña, dedicated to understanding the biological behaviour, toxicological impact and safety of engineered nanomaterials and emerging pollutants.

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Meet the team

About the group

Bridging nanotechnology, molecular biology and toxicology

NanoToxGen was established in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Chemistry and Biology (CICA), University of A Coruña (Spain) in 2021, and was recognized as a Group with Growth Potential (GPC) by the Xunta de Galicia in 2025. Members come from Toxicology, Genetics, Chemistry and Cellular Biology.

Research focuses on the biological behavior, toxicological impact and safety profile of new compounds and emerging pollutants — with a particular emphasis on engineered nanomaterials. By combining in vitro, in vivo and computational approaches, the group works to identify the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-induced toxicity, biodistribution and long-term effects on consumers, patients and workers.

Areas of work

Research lines

Nanotoxicology

Interaction between nanomaterials and biological systems, biocompatibility assessment and the development and validation of new specific tools for biomonitoring studies and nanotoxicity evaluation.

Biomedical compounds

Synthesis, characterization and testing of vanadium and molybdenum complexes — catalytic activity and biological evaluation of their potential as enzyme-mimetic compounds and antitumor agents.

Biomarkers & risk assessment

Biomarkers, model organisms and cellular systems to assess the effects of environmental and occupational exposure to emerging pollutants, with a focus on frailty syndrome in older adults.

Research in detail →