Investigating the effects of ingested nanoplastics on health using a model organism
Official title: A whole animal model for investigation of ingested nanoplastic mixtures and effects on genomic integrity and health
Funded at St. Mary's University · NIH-10907635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny plastic particles, called nanoplastics, might harm our health by carrying harmful chemicals into our bodies, using a small worm called C. elegans to help understand the risks, especially since these plastics are showing up in human tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Mary's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150406-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals concerned about the health impacts of environmental pollutants and microplastics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to environmental pollutants or microplastics may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles, affect health by using a model organism called Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The study aims to explore how these nanoplastics can carry harmful environmental chemicals into biological systems and potentially cause DNA damage. By examining the interactions between nanoplastics and chemicals, researchers hope to uncover the risks associated with their ingestion. This work is crucial as microplastics are increasingly found in human tissues and may pose significant health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the health risks posed by nanoplastics and inform public health policies regarding plastic consumption.
How similar studies have gone: While research on microplastics is emerging, this specific approach using C. elegans as a model for studying the effects of nanoplastics and chemical mixtures is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Mary's University
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harr, Jennifer — St. Mary's University
- Study coordinator: Harr, Jennifer
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.