Speaker: Professor Philip Demokritou, Rutgers University, USA
Micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants generated through the environmental degradation of plastics across their life cycle. Growing evidence of widespread contamination of our air, drinking water, food systems, and ecosystems highlights the inevitability of human exposure. Even more concerning, recent human biomonitoring studies have identified MNPs in human tissues and organs, including the placenta, blood, lung, brain, and liver.
This seminar will highlight ongoing research efforts at the Rutgers Environmental Health Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center (NAMC) focused on understanding the environmental fate, biological interactions, and potential health impacts of environmentally relevant “real-world” MNPs. Topics will include MNP interactions within the gastrointestinal tract, mechanisms of intestinal uptake, impacts on nutrient digestion and absorption, modulation of innate immune responses, interactions with co-existing environmental pollutants, effects on edible plants and nutrition, and emerging evidence on in-utero exposures and transgenerational impacts. The seminar will also discuss innovative translational approaches and solutions aimed at addressing this rapidly evolving environmental and public health challenge.
(Funding sources: NIH/NIEHS, USDA/NIFA, BARD)
