Tracking micro- and nanoplastics in the body with PET imaging
Harnessing PET to Study the In Vivo Fate and Health Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11145943
This project uses PET scans to follow tiny plastic particles in mammals so we can learn where they go and whether they harm health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11145943 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will label micro- and nanoplastic particles so they can be seen with positron emission tomography (PET) and then expose mammalian models to those labeled particles. PET imaging will be used over time to map where particles travel and accumulate in the body. The team will pair imaging results with tissue analysis and biological markers to look for signs of organ or cardiovascular effects. The work is primarily preclinical and aims to build methods that could be translated to future human studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If the project advances to people, ideal participants would be adults willing to travel to the study site and undergo PET imaging or donate biological samples for analysis.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or clinical benefit should not expect one because this project is mainly preclinical imaging research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal where tiny plastics collect in the body and guide future ways to monitor, limit exposure, or protect people from harm.
How similar studies have performed: Imaging of labeled nanoparticles has been done in animals, but applying PET specifically to track environmental micro- and nanoplastics is a relatively new and emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KEINAENEN, OUTI MARIA — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: KEINAENEN, OUTI MARIA
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 below.