AURORA scientists joined for the fifth edition of the scientific conference in Spain; event attracts over 800 plastic pollution researchers from around the world; provides a constructive platform to exchange insights and share the latest knowledge on nano, micro, and macro plastic pollution
Author archives: Justin Boucher
AURORA publishes scientific protocol outlining research
Peer-reviewed article published in JMIR Research Protocols presents background, goals, and methodologies of the entire AURORA Horizon 2020 project; project is developing and refining exposure assessment techniques to measure MNPs and associated chemicals in human tissues; includes enhancing methods for high-resolution and large-scale toxicological assessment, exposure assessment, and epidemiological studies
Chronic PS nanoplastics exposure found to impact mitochondrial health, impairing cell metabolism
New study examines long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on mitochondrial health under realistic exposure conditions; Repeated exposure to PS nanoplastics impaired mitochondrial function and cell differentiation process, possibly linked to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity; Other recent studies found that PS micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect immune function, pregnancy outcomes, and gut health in various models
Study finds microplastics impact colon cancer cells, could increase metastasis
Study of colon cancer cell lines finds polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) can be absorbed into cancerous cells in experimental settings; the more aggressive cell line absorbed the most MNPs and presence of MNPs increased cell movement; evidence of persistence and bioaccumulation; authors argue MNPs fit criteria as substance of concern under REACH
AURORA partners discuss research progress going into fourth year
Project partners reunite in Prague for third in-person meeting; work packages share updates on research progress and current challenges; celebrate milestones in passing the project’s half-way mark; outline research efforts for coming year
Studies review human exposures and effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Three studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics – source, organ deposition, and reproductive effects; detect up to 240,000 plastic particles/L in bottled water with 90% being nanoplastics; find microplastics in human lung, intestine, and kidney tissues; polyethylene particles found to affect placental function in mice
Review summarizes current picture of ‘human-centric’ micro- and nanoplastics research
Scientists review and briefly summarize available scientific literature on each step of microplastic exposure from source to effect in humans; includes sections on sources of microplastics, exposure routes, levels, deposition in the body, and confirmed health effects; highlight current shortcomings
AURORA study reviews available human placenta models
Scientists analyze available models that can be used to understand the transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in the placenta during fetal development; identify key knowledge gaps and recommend approaches for adapting methods; emphasize need to expand testing to longer-term exposures and additional polymer types
AURORA scientists review techniques to study nanoplastics
Published review assesses analytical challenges posed by detecting and characterizing nanoplastics (NPs); small size and chemical similarity to sample matrices being studied renders existing methods very challenging; authors recommend future studies should use both particle imaging and correlative or direct chemical characterization
Study examines uptake, transport, and toxicity of MNPs in placenta cells
Scientists examine toxicokinetics and toxicity of pristine and weather micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles using in vitro cell model of human cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts using nondifferentiated and differentiated BeWo b30 choriocarcinoma cells; find all particles up to 10 μm taken up by cells, pristine particles more chemically complex
