Project description
Rethinking the brain’s exposure to microplastics
The discovery of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human brain tissue has posed urgent questions about their potential effects on brain health. Scientists are unaware as yet of how the particles pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), or what damage they might cause once past it. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SMART project will develop a new BBB-on-a-chip model. This novel platform will allow researchers to track MNPs’ interaction with brain tissues through advanced imaging and mapping methods. The project will also explore associations between MNP exposure and neurological disease. By combining expertise from leading institutions, SMART is well-placed to shed new light on an emerging environmental health hazard.
Objective
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have recently been detected in human brain tissues, raising significant concerns about their potential role in brain health. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding how MNPs enter the brain, whether they can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the mechanisms involved in their interaction with brain tissues. Current studies have been limited by the absence of suitable BBB models and advanced analytical techniques.This project aims to address this gap by developing a novel BBB-on-a-chip model, combining advanced MNP analytical, labeling, quantification and mapping techniques, to systematically investigate these interactions. It will explore whether MNPs can penetrate the BBB, elucidate the mechanisms of translocation, and assess the biological impacts of MNPs on brain health, with a focus on long-term risks related to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Secondments at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) will focus on advanced MNP labeling and quantification techniques, while secondments at SynVivo (SYN) will involve developing the BBB-on-a-chip model, introducing cutting-edge 3D modeling capabilities. These secondments will provide critical expertise and resources, ultimately expanding the scope and impact of the research. The fellow will gain valuable skills in chip model development, material labeling, and toxicological risk assessment, which will enhance his future career prospects in interdisciplinary environmental health research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.