Nanoplastics and pollutants: how tiny plastic particles affect biology and DNA in a living 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-11378403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small animal model (C. elegans) is used to study how ingested nanoplastics carrying environmental chemicals may damage DNA and influence health.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $168,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150406-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to direct patient participation; findings may inform future human health risk assessments related to plastic pollution exposure.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or immediate clinical benefit in this grant.
What this research studies
This project uses a simple worm model to mimic how nanoplastics with absorbed pollutants accumulate in cells and potentially cause DNA damage. It aims to establish Caenorhabditis elegans as a practical system for studying nanoplastic chemical mixtures and their biological effects. The results could shed light on how everyday plastic pollution might affect human health through exposure to tiny particles and accompanying toxins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve understanding of environmental risks from nanoplastics and guide public health protections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests nanoplastics can interact with cellular processes, but combining with environmental chemicals in a whole-animal model is an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
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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.