Characterisation of molecular and histological effects of MP particles in tissue (sections) of aquatic and terrestrial model organisms (A03)

• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391977956

A03 investigates within the CRC 1357 changes in the tissue of terrestrial and aquatic model organisms caused by chemically complex and realistic microplastic (MP) particles. In the 1st funding period (FP), far-reaching methodological advances were made, combining imaging mass spectrometry (MS imaging) with complementary methods, particularly Raman and FTIR imaging. By linking these data with histology in the same slice, morphological and molecular changes can be directly correlated, allowing conclusions to be drawn about MP's different processes and mechanisms of action with different physical and chemical properties. In the 2nd FP, the spectrum of methods will be expanded again, e.g. through tissue clearing, the direct analysis of proteins and procedures with higher spatial resolution. In addition to tissue sections A03 examines in this FP also cells and tissue models. A03 thus represents within the CRC 1357 the link between the organismic (A01, A02, A06) and cellular (A04, A05) subprojects.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1357: MICROPLASTICS - Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bayreuth
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Laforsch; Professor Dr. Andreas Römpp