Investigating how plastics affect gut health using advanced models
Official title: Assessing the Effects of Plastics on Intestinal Health: A Comparative Study using 3D Human and Mouse Intestinal Models
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11139151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny plastic particles might affect your gut health by using special 3D models of the intestine, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these plastics could impact digestion and inflammation in both healthy and sick intestines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 12, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,229 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036573-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the health effects of environmental pollutants, particularly those with gastrointestinal issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gastrointestinal concerns or are not exposed to microplastics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on intestinal health by utilizing innovative three-dimensional (3D) mini-intestine models derived from human intestinal organoids. The study aims to simulate both healthy and diseased intestinal conditions to understand how these particles interact with gut cells and influence immune responses. By combining in vitro models with in vivo mouse studies, the research seeks to uncover the potential health consequences of plastic exposure on gut homeostasis and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how plastic exposure affects gut health, potentially informing public health guidelines and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of microplastics in health is emerging, this specific approach using 3D intestinal models is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Ying — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Chen, Ying
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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.