Toxicology
At the Toxicology chair group, led by Nico van den Brink, we train the toxicologists of the future. Our research develops new tools and strategies to assess the human and environmental health risks of foodborne chemicals. We aim to do so in a more predictive, mechanistic and animal-friendly manner.
Research themes
Food toxicology
We quantify the levels of natural toxins in food products to help regulatory agencies with risk assessments.
Advanced in vitro models
Researchers in this theme develop and implement human cell models to study the effect of harmful chemicals.
Environmental toxicology
In this theme we investigate the effect of low, yet constant, exposure to contaminants.
Toxicokinetics
We develop and use tools to predict how chemicals from food and the environment affect the body and accumulate in organs.
Education
Education by this Chair Group
Toxicologists are highly sought-after professionals. The Toxicology chair group provides onsite and online training in toxicology and related subjects at BSc, MSc and postgraduate level in different study programmes in and outside Wageningen University.
Publications & Projects
The Toxicology chair group develops new ways to test how chemicals in food and the environment can affect health. The projects range from investigating the effect microplastics and pesticides, to developing organs-on-a-chip.
Highlighted publications
- Absorption and intracellular accumulation of food-borne dicarbonyl precursors of advanced glycation end-product in a Caco-2 human cell transwell model
- Investigating nanoplastics toxicity using advanced stem cell-based intestinal and lung in vitro models
- Immune response accelerated telomere shortening during early life stage of a passerine bird, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Chair Holder
Nico van den Brink is chair of Toxicology. He studies how human-made chemicals, such as pesticides, influence the behaviour and immune systems of wild animals, focusing primarily on birds and small mammals like mice. He also develops tests to analyse whether chemical substances pose environmental risks. As chair, he seeks to connect toxicology of humans and the environment through the OneHealth approach.
prof.dr.ir. NW (Nico) van den Brink
Chair Holder
People of Toxicology
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people of Toxicology.
