Mario Contreras-Dueñas

Mr. Mario Contreras-Dueñas

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 February 2026 in Applied Biosciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OTOlivia Torres-Bugarín
Olivia Torres-Bugarín
IFIsaac Gomez Ferreyra
Isaac Gomez Ferreyra
MCMario Contreras-Dueñas
Mario Contreras-Dueñas
MRMaría Luisa Ramos-Ibarra
María Luisa Ramos-Ibarra
RBRafael Bello-Bedoy
Rafael Bello-Bedoy
Maria Evarista Arellano GarcíaMaria Evarista Arellano García
Maria Evarista Arellano García
Background: The Allium cepa test is a widely used, cost-effective, and versatile model for assessing cytogenotoxicity. Cytotoxicity is determined through changes in root growth and the mitotic index, while genotoxicity is identified through chromosomal aberrations such as breaks, bridges, and micronuclei. Objective: To synthesize the methodological principles, applications, and interpretation of the assay’s endpoints, with emphasis on environmental monitoring, nanotoxicology, and the evaluation of emerging materials. Methods: An exploratory analytical approach was applied to identify and compare studies employing the Allium cepa assay across different contexts. The literature, selected from scientific databases, was organized to highlight methodological diversity and biomarker performance. Conclusions: Compared with other models, Allium cepa stands out for its simplicity, the availability of multiple cytogenotoxic markers, and its minimal ethical constraints, making it especially suitable for research in low-infrastructure settings. Future studies should work toward the international standardization of methodologies, the integration of this model with molecular and omics-based approaches, and its incorporation into predictive frameworks for environmental and human health risk assessment. In an increasingly complex toxicological landscape, Allium cepa emerges as a pivotal tool for enhancing toxicological surveillance and safeguarding biological systems.