Ongoing projects

Deciphering the role of freshwater phytoplankton in metallic nanoparticle transformations (DEEPEN)

In the present project we address a major research gap in the environmental nanoscience concerning the possible controls of phytoplankton on nanoparticle transformations in freshwater environments underpinned by taking advantage of the combined use and enhanced analytical capabilities of hyphenated AF4-UV-Vis-FL-ICP-MS technologies, stable isotope labeling and metabolomics.

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators: Mrs. Arin Kantarciyan, Mr. Rocco Gasco, Dr Ines Segovia Campos and Dr. Isabelle Worms
Partner : Prof. Arturo Keller, Mrs Weiwei Li, University of California Santa Barbara, USA

Unveiling the effects of engineered nanoparticles on freshwater phytoplankton communities

This project aims to explore how engineered nanoparticles could disturb metabolic processes freshwater phytoplankton and to assess their ecological consequences and implications for biogeochemical cycles, from multi-algae mixture to lake communities.

Funding: University of Geneva and Swiss National Science Foundation
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators: M. Rémy Millet
Partner : Prof. Arturo Keller, Mrs Weiwei Li, University of California Santa Barbara, USA

Evaluation of the impact of a mixture of engineered nanoparticles on freshwater phytoplankton

The project explores how freshwater phytoplankton species respond to mixtures of engineered nanoparticles, using cutting-edge single particle and single cell techniques to uncover the nano-bio interactions and harmful effects, as well as their underlying mechanisms.

Funding: University of Geneva and Swiss National Science Foundation
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators: Dr. Mariam Bakir Laso

Assessing the impact of nano- and microplastics on freshwater plankton

In this project we explore the impact of nano- and microplastics of different composition in freshwater ecosystems. The specific emphasis is on the understanding the nano-, microplastic-induced effects on the planktonic species at the base of the food web, such as phyto- and zooplankton and possible consequences for ecosystem services and biogeochemical cycles.

Funding: University of Geneva
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators: Mrs. Matea Marelja
Partner : Prof. Bas Ibelings, UNIGE

Toxic trace-metal nanocarriers stability in surface waters

This project aims to better address the interplays occurring between macromolecules and nanoparticles naturally present in natural waters on the dispersion of toxic trace-metals they associated. The accent is put on maximizing/validating the capabilities of AF4-MD-ICPMS to probe-out the thin changes occurring within this dynamic pool under changing climatic/seasonal conditions and different geographical sampling locations.

Funding: Foundation Ernst et Lucie Schmidheiny
UniGe Responsible : Dr. Isabelle Worms
Partners : NSERC Alliance International Catalyst Grant, lead by Prof. Chad Cuss (Memorial University of Newfoundland, CA), Dr. Michael Tharaud and Prof. Marc Benedetti (IPGP, Paris), Prof. Kevin. J. Wilkinson (University of Montreal, CA). Prof. Vera I. Slaveykova (UniGe)

Towards better understanding of the adverse outcome pathways of silver nanoparticles in freshwater gastropods (NANOPATHS)

This project aims to get deeper knowledge on the basic mechanisms governing the biological responses of aquatic invertebrates to nanoparticles exposure under freshwater settings and to propose adverse outcome pathways for freshwater gastropods.

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation
UniGe Responsible : Dr. Wei Liu
PhD student : Ting Wang
Partners: Prof. Vera Slaveykova, Dr. Mylène Docquier (Genomic platform iG3), Dr. Isabelle Worms, Dr. Emmanuel Castella.

Formation of HgS nanoparticles in Hg(II) exposed diatom and the involved mechanisms

The project aims to investigate whether and how diatoms facilitate the conversion of Hg(II) into HgS nanoparticles (NPs). It will examine the subcellular distribution of HgS NPs, the influence of thiol-containing biomolecules, and the expression of key enzymes in sulfur metabolism to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Funding: China scholarship council
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
PhD student : Dr. Xing Zhang

Exploring the interaction of mercury species with different diatoms

This project aims to attain insights about the role of diatoms (phytoplankton group) in the Hg cycle on freshwater systems. Bioaccumulation, kinetics and prevailing mechanisms of Hg biotic transformation pathways mediated by mainly Cyclotella meneghiniana under different conditions will be determined. Physiological endpoints will also be determined under different mercury concentrations and species to understand how it affects this organism. In parallel, transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques will be applied to explore the affected pathways.

Funding: University of Geneva and Swiss National Science Foundation
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
PhD student : M. João Santos

Green Breath Box : Insights into biogeochemical cycles, environment, and sustainability

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation - Programme AGORA
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators :Prof. Andreas Mueller, Dr Rémy Kopp et M. Philippe Jenni, Dr Giulia Cheloni,
Mme Elodie Moulin et Mme Sarah Fragnière
Contact: Prof. Vera Slaveykova - courriel

Interaction of nanoparticles with metalloproteins

The project studies the interaction of nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs) with metalloproteins by focusing on the formation of nanoparticles-protein corona (dynamic vs. static), the behaviour of the NPs and the related consequences for the protein in terms of conformation change and its biological function.
Funding : University of Geneva
UniGe Responsible : Prof. Vera Slaveykova
Collaborators : Dr. Wei Liu and Dr. Isabelle Worms

Research

Ongoing projects