Effect of Nanoplastics on the Migration and Invasion Capacity of Ovarian Cancer Cells: An Approach Using 2D and 3D In Vitro Models.

• Grant number: 25/15214-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: February 05, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Flávia Karina Delella
• Grantee: Geovanna Carla Amaro da Silva
• Supervisor: Joana Pinto de Figueiredo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade do Porto (UP), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/04120-5 - Influence of nanoplastics on the response of ovarian tumor cells to chemotherapy treatment, BP.MS

Abstract

Polystyrene plastics have become an integral part of human life, and their accumulation represents a major environmental problem. The fragmentation of this material due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, weathering processes, natural mechanical forces, and even biological degradation results in plastic particles of all sizes, ranging from microplastics (MPs, 0.1 ¿m-5 mm) to nanoplastics (NPs, <0.1 ¿m). Due to their small size, NPs are more likely to cross biological membranes, potentially reaching different organs and causing more severe consequences than MPs. Recent studies have demonstrated the influence of these materials on inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and increased cell survival, suggesting they may play a role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, exposure to NPs has been shown to promote chemoresistance in ovarian cancer (OC) by modulating signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and JAK/STAT.In this context, resistance to conventional chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin (CB) is a significant challenge, and disease recurrence is associated with invasion and metastasis formation. However, the impact of NPs on the migratory and invasive capacity of cancer cells remains unclear. Our hypothesis is that NP exposure alters cytoskeletal organization and extracellular matrix adhesion, promoting cell plasticity and invasive behavior. In this project, we propose to evaluate the effect of these particles on cell extrusion, their interaction with the extracellular matrix and subsequent invasive properties, and cellular morphology during migration. To achieve this, we will employ functional collagen extrusion assays, transwell systems, and 3D microchannel devices.The results of this project will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms regulating ovarian cancer dissemination and open new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. (AU)