AIMS and OBJECTIVES

Main Aim: To comprehensively understand the biological impacts of environmental nanoplastics (eNPs) and their leachates.

Specific Objectives (SOs)

SO1: To investigate the transformation, degradation, and metabolism of eNPs and their leachates in biological systems.

SO2: To assess the adaptive and resilient capacity under eNP and leachate exposure, considering intraspecific variability.

SO3: To study epigenetic and transgenerational modifications during the early developmental stage of zebrafish induced by eNPs exposure.

SO4: To integrate findings across zebrafish embryo and liver organoids for comparative toxicology induced by eNPs exposure.

Research Objectives (ORs)

RO1: Identification of metabolites and degradation pathways using spatial imaging; expanding knowledge about the biochemistry of leachates.

RO2: Generation of transcriptomic maps associated with adaptive capacity and resilience.

RO3: Identification of critical pathways for epigenetic and transgenerational damage.

RO4: Development of predictive toxicology frameworks linking eNP exposure to potential non-communicable diseases.

 

The Problem

Plastic pollution has become a global threat to ecosystems and human health. Beyond visible microplastics, there are even smaller particles: nanoplastics.

Due to their size, they can cross biological barriers, interact with proteins, lipids and DNA, and accumulate in key organs such as the liver or the brain. However, the most realistic and potentially hazardous forms — environmental nanoplastics and the chemicals they release — remain poorly understood.

This lack of knowledge limits our ability to assess real-world risks and to design effective policies to protect human health and the environment.

 

We are open for collaborations, if you’re interested please contact Marta Sendra Phd.