معرفی
Ivana Čarapar is an Assistant Professor at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, specifically within the Laboratory for Marine Nanotechnology and Biotechnology under the Center for Marine Research. Her research focuses on the environmental and ecotoxicological impacts of nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles of metals like copper, silver, and rare earth elements, in marine ecosystems. She investigates how nanoparticle size, metal speciation, and environmental parameters (e.g., salinity, organic matter) influence toxicity in marine organisms such as sea urchins, microalgae, and other aquatic species.
Her work spans in vitro and in vivo studies, including embryotoxicity assays, cytogenetic analysis, and nanoparticle behavior in transitional aquatic environments. Key themes include understanding nanoparticle dissolution kinetics, metal ion release mechanisms, and their adverse effects on developmental processes and genetic integrity. Recent projects also explore synergistic effects of multiple nanoparticles (e.g., AgNPs, CuNPs, nanoplastics) and their ecological implications in food webs.
Dr. Čarapar collaborates with institutions like the University of Zagreb and the University of Primorska, mentoring students in doctoral and undergraduate research. Her publications span high-impact journals like Toxics and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, with conference contributions at SETAC Europe and the Croatian Meeting of Chemists. She holds a PhD in Marine Toxicology from the University of Zagreb (2024).
