Mr Marco E. Franco PhD

Environmental Toxicologist, 

Switzerland

Citations
237
Languages
English, Spanish

Research Focus

In my line of research, I evaluate the effects of natural and anthropogenic pollutants on exposed organisms by the integration of in vitro and in vivo systems. I am interested in the development and applicability of cell-based models as alternatives to animal testing, while maintaining environmental relevance. I have led and participated in projects aiming to:

– Identify the presence and effects of emerging contaminants (e.g. endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals) in surface waters,

– Evaluate alterations to important metabolic processes from exposure to environmental chemicals in humans and wildlife, using cell-based models,

– Describe mechanisms of toxicity of harmful algae,

– Investigate mechanisms of adaptation to pollution in wildlife populations with different evolutionary and exposure histories

– Characterize the biotransformation potential and overall metabolic competence of in vitro systems using fish models and, more recently,

– Explore the “chemical defensome” in the context of biotransformation potential to describe species sensitivity to pollution and potential alterations to biodiversity.

Projects

  • BIOTRASNFORM: Organ- and species-specific biotransformation of aquatic micropollutants in fish
  • Metabolism and mechanistic toxicity of environmental pollutants: integrating in vitro and in vivo systems for (eco)toxicological studies

Positions

  • Environmental Toxicologist

Global goals

Target 6.3
Target 6.6
Target 12.4
Target 12.A
Target 14.1
Target 14.2
Target 14.A

Professional Organisations

  • Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
  • Society of Toxicology (SOT)

Countries

  • Switzerland
  • Guatemala

Find me online