Research outline
The Karlsson group mainly works with exploring toxic effects, underlying mechanisms, and human health risks of various particles in the air. Current projects focus on nanoparticles from different transport modes (), particles from welding and 3D-prtinting () as well as nano- and microplastics. Other aspects include modelling of particle retention in the lung (), air-liquid interface exposures, and investigating skin sensitizing properties of chemicals ().
Projects
Toxic effects of nanoparticles from different types of transport
In the EU project "", we study nanoparticles that are formed by different modes of transport (road traffic, subway, shipping, etc.). The project includes comparing toxic effects of nanoparticles from different sources using different cell methods such as exposure of cells in the "air-liquid interface" and to develop “toxicity scores”. We also model the retention of nanoparticles in the lung.
Read this review:
Toxic effects of welding particles and particles from 3D printing
In projects performed in collaboration with KTH and several industrial partners, we study the toxic effects of welding particles and of powders used in so-called "3D printing". New welding wires have been developed by industry partners, and we have shown that particles formed during welding with these release significantly less hexavalent chromium and they are less toxic compared to those generated from welding with the traditional wires (see e.g ). In studies on powders used in 3D printing, or particles formed in the process, we have so far seen limited toxicity (see e.g. ).
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Read about modellig here:
Effects of nano- and microplastics
In society today, there is a lot of focus on so-called nano- and microplastics – small plastic fragments that are found in air, water and in the food we eat. In an ongoing project, we are studying whether nano- and microplastics can cause harmful effects on cultured cells. The first results show low toxicity in short-term studies.
Read more about the project here:
Skin sensitizing properties of chemicals and mixtures
Anyone who has skin contact with allergenic substances can develop contact allergy (sensitisation) and those who have become allergic develop eczema after subsequent contact with the substance. Chemicals from ̽ѡ devices and textiles are studied in on-going projects. We are working with KeratinoSens assays as well as with a co-culture of skin cells and immune ().