Martin gained his PhD at Edinburgh Napier University in 2009 in Nanoparticle In Vitro Toxicolog. From 2008 to 2015, Martin spent his post-doctoral studies in Switzerland at the University of Bern and the Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg. Martin joined Swansea University Medical School in Dec 2015.
Martin’s core competence lies in particle and fibre toxicology. His research is of paramount importance and focuses on the nanoparticle-(mammalian)cell interaction. He aims to determine the mechanistic toxicological, immunological and genotoxic effects that nanoparticles, with varying physicochemical characteristics, may cause at the cellular level. He achieves this using advanced, next-level in vitro systems combined with state-of-the-art microscopy and bioanalytical approaches. His special interests include the ability of nanoparticle geometry and surface properties to interfere with the human immune system and bloodstream. Another clear ambition of Martin’s research is to create, study and promote alternative in vitro models that mimic in vivo environments to gain a mechanistic understanding of how nanoparticles may potentially adversely impact human health. Particular focus is also given to creating disease-based in vitro models and nanoparticles’ role in disease onset and/or exacerbation. Martin’s impactful research has led to over 100 publications in nanotoxicology and nanoparticle-cell interaction in vitro.