Nanoplastic-cell interactions: spectroscopic analysis and potential toxicity

• Grant number: 24/07778-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Rômulo Augusto Ando
• Grantee: Bárbara Rani Borges
• Supervisor: Alke Fink
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Université de Fribourg, Switzerland
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/15586-0 - Monitoring and characterization of microplastics photoaging combining vibrational spectroscopy approaches and toxic potential evolution, BP.PD

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of nanoplastics (< 100 nm), coupled with their environmental abundance, present one of the most pressing challenges of current days. Compared with meso- and microplastics, nanoplastics exhibit enhanced bioavailability, potentially increasing ecological and human risks. To comprehend their transport dynamics, interaction and sorption of contaminants, environmental accumulation, and additive release, among numerous other inherent issues linked to these materials, specialized techniques, and monitoring approaches are urgently needed. The detection and characterization of nanoplastics within biological systems, particularly within cells, is a challenging task. In this project, we propose a novel approach utilizing spectroscopic techniques to detect and analyze nanoplastics within eukaryotic cells. We intend to employ colloidal metallic nanoparticles-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to enhance the vibrational signals of nanoplastics, enabling their detection and localization with high sensitivity and specificity. Also, the cellular functionality in the presence of nanoplastics will be assessed to determine any potential adverse effects. This project will provide a better understanding of nanoplastic-cell interactions and an optimized tool for assessing nanoplastic exposure and its possible impacts on cellular function and health.