Project Details
Projekt
A novel analytical framework for studying plastic particles in biological tissues
Applicant
Dr. Katharina Kronenberg
Subject Area
Analytical Chemistry
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566227872
The increasing prevalence of nano- and microplastics (NMP) in the environment poses a serious threat to ecosystems and health, yet the full extent of their impact remains largely unknown. A major obstacle in understanding the environmental behaviour and toxicity of NMP is the limitation of existing analytical methods. Conventional spectroscopic techniques detect larger microplastics from 1 µm, but do not characterise by polymer species and size. Without these essential data, risk assessments of NMP remain incomplete. Another challenge in studying NMP are suitable in vivo models, which are indispensable in toxicological research. However, increasing ethical concerns and regulatory restrictions have led to greater scrutiny of their use. The "3Rs principle" (replace, reduce, refine) aims to minimize animal testing, with the fertilized chicken embryo emerging as a viable alternative. In early stages, it is incapable of pain perception and therefore exempt from animal testing regulations, making it an ethically acceptable model. It enables the investigation of NMP distribution, toxicological effects, and tissue interactions, bridging in vitro and in vivo studies. Recent advances in elemental analysis allow the detection and characterization of NMP. New technologies and software solutions provide the required tools to address unresolved questions. This project enables, for the first time, a quantitative analysis of the translocation, accumulation, and biological effects of NMP by employing single particle laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spLA-ICP-TOFMS) to study the chicken embryo. To differentiate NMP from tissue, europium-labelled polystyrene particles will be used, permitting precise tracking and quantitative mapping through spLA-ICP-TOFMS. Further, TOFMS allows the detection of multiple elements to simultaneously localize particles and analyse biological responses to NMP exposure. The project consists of three phases. Initially, NMP detection in tissues will be optimized by refining LA settings, calibrating particle standards, and improving data processing. Next, the chicken embryo model will be adapted to investigate particle uptake and distribution, providing an ethical alternative. Finally, longitudinal studies will examine temporal effects of NMP accumulation, elimination pathways and organ retention. Additionally, molecular imaging techniques facilitate comprehensive analysis of biochemical reactions. This project will fundamentally advance the ability to analyse NMP in biological systems. It will enable precise risk assessments of NMP contamination and support regulatory measures. The combination of ICP-TOFMS and innovative in vivo models represents a transformative breakthrough regarding the interactions of NMP with living organisms. The acquisition of new insights and the development of a combined analytical and in vivo platform for NMP analysis will position me in a unique academic role.
DFG Programme
WBP Fellowship
International Connection
Austria
