Investigating the health effects of nanoplastics from plastic waste
Official title: Synthesis of Environmentally Relevant Nanoplastics and their Toxicological Consequences Mediated by Environmental Pollutants and Biomolecule Adsorption
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11055675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny bits of plastic, which come from broken-down plastic waste, might affect our health when they get into our bodies through eating, breathing, or skin contact, so we can better understand the risks they pose to everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $428,387 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES036308-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to environments with high levels of plastic pollution or those concerned about the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to plastic pollution or who do not have health concerns related to environmental toxins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how micro- and nanoplastics, which are tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of plastic waste, affect human health. The study will explore how these particles interact with biological systems and their potential toxicity when they enter the body through various routes such as ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. By creating environmentally relevant nanoplastics from common plastic waste, the research aims to assess their effects on human cells and tissues using advanced laboratory techniques. This approach will help clarify the health risks associated with exposure to these ubiquitous pollutants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of health risks posed by nanoplastics, ultimately informing public health policies and safety regulations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on microplastics is emerging, this specific approach to studying environmentally relevant nanoplastics is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shannahan, Jonathan Henry — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Shannahan, Jonathan Henry
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.