THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCIENCE

NanoBreak is driven by a diverse group of scientists working across disciplines to address complex environmental challenges. Our researchers contribute specialized knowledge, innovative methodologies and collaborative perspectives to advance the understanding of nanoplastics and their real-world impacts.

DISCOVER THE RESEARCHERS

The NanoBreak team is composed of researchers from different scientific backgrounds, combining expertise in chemistry, biology, toxicology and omics data analysis.

This multidisciplinary approach allows us to address complex questions related to nanoplastics, from their environmental origin to their effects at cellular and organismal levels.

Marta Sendra Vega

Senior Scientific Associate

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Dr. Marta Sendra obtained her PhD from the University of Cádiz, Spain, conducting her doctoral research at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She is an expert in nanotoxicology, alternative in vitro models, and predictive toxicology. Her research focuses on developing 3R-aligned New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including 3D human cell models, mussel hemocytes, and zebrafish embryos, to create realistic replicas of exposure target tissues and uncover the biological effects of emerging contaminants. She integrates omics technologies, such as RNA-seq, to map Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and predict the molecular mechanisms and biological processes affected by environmental pollutants.

Katja Kološa

Scientific Associate

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology

Katja Kološa, PhD, is a researcher specialising in genetic toxicology at the National Institute of Biology (NIB). Her research primarily focuses on the development and application of advanced three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models for toxicological testing, with particular emphasis on environmental pollutants, nanomaterials, and emerging pharmaceutical compounds. She is dedicated to the development and implementation of innovative, high-throughput methodologies for assessing the adverse biological effects of chemicals and nanomaterials, contributing to more predictive, accurate and ethically responsible toxicological testing. Through her expertise, she actively participates in several European Union–funded and national research projects. In addition to her research activities, she is serving as a mentor to master’s and doctoral students.

Bojana Žegura

Head of Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology

Assoc. Prof. Bojana Žegura, PhD is a Scientific Counsellor and a Head of Department at NIB. She is an associated professor of Toxicology, University of Ljubljana. She is an internationally recognized lead expert in toxicology with > 25 years of experience in the field of genetic toxicology, nanotoxicology, environmental sciences, food contaminants and development of new approach methodologies and in vitro test systems. Within her group, she has developed an advanced methodological approach for the assessment of genotoxic activity of compounds, implementing classical genotoxicity assays on advanced human 3D in vitro models (permanent cell lines and human liver organoids developed from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)).

Alja Štern

Assist. Prof. Dr., Scientific Associate

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Alja Štern, PhD, is an expert in genetic toxicology at the National Institute of Biology (NIB), Slovenia, and Assistant Professor of Toxicology at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. Her research focuses on advanced in vitro methodologies and 3D cell models for safety assessment of nanoparticles, novel food and environmental pollutants. She is involved in several EU and national projects. Previously, she was employed at Lek d.d. (Novartis) in bioprocess development and optimization. Since joining NIB in 2019, she has published 28 SCI papers (Scopus H‑index: 13) and actively contributes to EU and national initiatives in toxicology and cancer research.

Erica Sparaventi

Scientific Associate

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology (NIB)

Dr. Erica Sparaventi obtained her PhD at the University of Cádiz, conducting her research activities at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain. Her research interest focuses on integrating the fields of environmental Ecotoxicology and marine Biogeochemistry, with an emphasis on assessing the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. Her research addresses both regulated (trace metals) and emerging pollutants, such as micro- and nanoplastics, exploring their environmental distribution, bioavailability and ecotoxicological effects on aquatic biota. She has contributed to multidisciplinary research projects in polar and temperate regions, applying advanced analytical techniques and experimental exposure designs.

Patricia Pereiro

Tenured Scientist

Immunology and Genomics Group – Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC)

Patricia Pereiro is a researcher primarily interested in infectious diseases and the immune system of fish, including both commercially important species and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Her work aims not only to identify novel immunological mechanisms but also to discover markers that may serve as therapeutic targets or inspire new strategies for disease prevention and control, building on the knowledge gained from immunological studies. In recent years, she has also focused on how environmental factors shape immune function and influence resistance to infectious diseases.

Matjaž Novak

Scientific Associate

National Institute of biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Matjaž Novak focuses on researching the genotoxicity of human-made pollutants and naturally occurring toxins, contributing to risk assessment and public health. He has published 29 peer-reviewed papers, mentored graduate students, and received the Miroslav Zei award for his outstanding PhD thesis at NIB. Matjaž coordinated a postdoctoral project and he is leading a research project on the genotoxicity of mycotoxin mixtures and a citizen science initiative to raise awareness about mycotoxin toxicity among the general population. He is also the principal investigator of a bilateral Slovenia–Croatia project and actively participates in major EU-funded projects. He also serves as a GLP-compliant Study Director for mutagenicity studies. His work bridges fundamental science and applied toxicology, supporting innovation in chemical safety assessment.

Magalí Rey-Campos

Specialized Technician

Immunology and Genomics group. Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC)

I carried out my PhD in the field of Marine Sciences. I have participated in projects that increased the knowledge about the genomic architecture and immune system of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Concretely, we could define the ability of mussel hemocytes (immune cells) to be genetically reprogrammed (innate immune memory), which significantly contributes to their high resilience. Moreover, these animals show a great immune gene expansion. We have characterized the full variability of some antimicrobial peptides (myticin and mytimycin) as well as one of the few known cytokines in mussels, interleukin-17. Furthermore, we have also worked in aspects related to the microbiome of molluscs. We have used metatranscriptomics to explore a dual-transcriptome approach, as well as to detect active microorganisms.

María Pilar Yeste Sigüenza

Associate Professor (Tenure)

Department of Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry (University of Cadiz)

Dr. María del Pilar Yeste Sigüenza conducts her research activity in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, with a focus on understanding how structural features and fabrication conditions determine their properties and applications. Her work includes the design and preparation of nanoparticles with precise control over size, morphology, and composition using advanced chemical methods. She employs characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a range of spectroscopic tools to investigate structure–property relationships in depth. In parallel, she has carried out research on microplastics, addressing their identification, quantification, and behavior in environmental matrices, as well as their interactions with contaminants.

Vito Ham

Young Researcher

Department for Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Vito Ham is a researcher at the National Institute of Biology, where he is currently working on his PhD. With a strong foundation in natural sciences, Vito completed his master’s degree at the Biotechnical Faculty, focusing on the use of advanced 3D cell models in genetic toxicology. His professional interests include various molecular techniques, hiPSCs, and the ever-growing impact of micro(nano)plastics on living beings. At the institute, he is part of a team of experts, who combine technical expertise with a commitment to scientific integrity and progress. Vito is driven by curiosity, precision, and a passion for advancing biological understanding.

Špela Rozman

Research Professional

Department for Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Špela Rozman is a research professional at the National Institute of Biology. During her master’s thesis, she investigated the environmental effects of bisphenols using 3D zebrafish liver cell models, allowing her to study toxicological mechanisms in a system that closely mimics real biological conditions. This work provided valuable insights into how plastic interact with living tissues and disrupt cellular processes. Through these experiments, she developed a strong interest in the emerging field of nanoplastic research, particularly their potential to accumulate in organs and influence metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Her thesis ultimately laid the groundwork for her continued scientific focus on understanding the complex biological effects of nanoplastics on aquatic organisms and beyond.

Martina Štampar

Research Associate

Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology

I am a toxicologist with a PhD in Ecotechnologies and expertise in genetic toxicology and cell biology. My work focuses on developing advanced in vitro models that better replicate in vivo conditions, strengthening human risk assessment and chemical classification. I have extensive experience designing, developing, and validating laboratory methods, including 3D cell models for toxicology applications. My skill set includes scientific research, project management, and data analysis, enabling me to oversee multiple projects, deliver high-quality results on time, and communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders. I currently lead national research project and contribute to several EU-funded initiatives. Recognized for my collaborative and communicative approach, I thrive in cross-functional environments and value open collaboration as a driver of innovation and scientific progress.