Investigating the Toxicological Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Pulmonary Cells Through Air-Liquid Interface Exposure Models

• Grant number: 25/11879-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Roberta Cerasi Urban
• Grantee: Gabriel Marcondes Ferraz
• Supervisor: Laura Rubio
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/06768-0 - Metabolic effects of atmospheric microplastics and nanoplastics collected in cities in the state of São Paulo, BP.DR

Abstract

The increasing detection of atmospheric micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) raises concerns about their potential toxicological impacts on human health, particularly in the respiratory system. This project aims to investigate MNP effects using an in vitro air-liquid interface (ALI) model of the human respiratory epithelium. Differentiated epithelial barriers will be established on Transwell® inserts using Calu-3 (pulmonary adenocarcinoma) and BEAS-2B (bronchial epithelial) cells. To simulate epithelial-immune interactions, Calu-3 cells will be co-cultured with THP-1-derived macrophages in the basolateral compartment. Cells will be exposed to polystyrene (0.05, 0.1, 0.5¿µm), polyethylene (0.2-9.9¿µm), and polyamide (<10¿µm, from 3D printing filament) at concentrations from 0 to 250¿µg¿mL¿¹, reflecting realistic inhalation exposure. Delivery will occur via direct pipetting or nebulization (Vitrocell® Cloud Alpha). Exposure durations include acute (24 h), sub-chronic (1-2 weeks), and possibly 4 weeks. Endpoints will assess barrier integrity (TEER, Lucifer Yellow), tight junctions and mucus (ZO-1, Alcian Blue), oxidative stress (DHE), internalization (flow cytometry), cell viability (Trypan Blue, LDH), and genotoxicity (alkaline Comet assay with FPG). This project offers a valuable opportunity to bring advanced methodologies into the growing field of atmospheric micro and nanoplastic toxicology in Brazil. Through the combination of realistic air liquid interface exposure and detailed toxicological analyses, in collaboration with a leading international research group, this exchange will help close a key methodological gap while contributing to the development of national expertise and strengthening research capacity in a highly relevant and still underexplored area of environmental health. (AU)