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

- 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.
Exploring the interaction of mercury species with different diatoms

- 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