When Plastic Meets Flow: How Microplastics Might Harm the Blood Vessel Lining
Official title: When Plastic Meets Flow: Mechanobiological Consequences of Microplastic Exposure on the Endothelium
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-11360537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at whether microplastics in the bloodstream could disrupt the lining of blood vessels and contribute to heart and stroke risks, and tests possible antioxidant or anti-inflammatory therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,580 |
| NIH project number | 1R15ES038679-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for or with atherosclerosis, who could benefit from therapies that protect the blood vessel lining or reduce microplastic-related risk.
✕Less likely to help
People without cardiovascular risk factors or existing vascular disease may not directly benefit from this mechanobiology-focused work.
What this research studies
Microplastics are becoming a potential cardiovascular risk, and people with atherosclerosis may have microplastics present in plaques. The study will examine how these particles affect endothelial cells under realistic blood-flow conditions, moving beyond simple lab dishes. It will use specialized flow systems, imaging, and molecular analyses to see how microplastics change cell mechanics, adhesion, and signaling, and whether antioxidants or anti-inflammatory treatments can protect the vessel lining. The work aims to connect environmental exposure to concrete cellular changes that could drive cardiovascular events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform strategies to reduce microplastic-related vascular risk and guide therapies to protect the endothelium.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows endothelial cells respond to mechanical and environmental stress, but this project uniquely studies microplastics under physiologic flow and tests concrete therapeutic options.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steward, Robert — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Steward, Robert
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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.