Cardiac effects of weathered microplastics on the heart
Official title: Cardiac Effects of Weathered Microplastics
Funded at Morgan State University · NIH-11424551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how weathered microplastics found in the environment might affect heart cells and heart function in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morgan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $142,399 |
| NIH project number | 1R16ES038835-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation in this stage; laboratory studies use human cell models.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation; study done in lab settings.
What this research studies
Researchers will study weathered microplastics that people are actually exposed to and test their effects on human heart cells in the lab. They will compare these weathered particles to pristine particles to see how aging changes toxicity, focusing on heart cell contraction, calcium signaling, and electrical stability. The study builds on prior work with simple PS particles, but uses more realistic, weathered samples to better reflect human exposure. Findings could clarify whether environmental microplastics pose a greater risk to heart health than previously thought.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could inform risk assessments and guidelines to protect heart health from environmental pollutants.
How similar studies have gone: Past work with pristine particles showed effects on heart cell functions, but weathered particles are less understood and this study is a novel step.
Where this research is happening
-
Morgan State University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yuejin — Morgan State University
- Study coordinator: Li, Yuejin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.