NANOPLASTICS AS EMERGING POLLUTANTS: Investigating Risks to Reproductive Health of Terrestrial Mammals

Start date: 01/09/2024

End date: 31/08/2028

Project PID2023-150392OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/EU

Project PID2023-150392OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/EU.

Plastic pollution is a growing global environmental challenge. In the environment, plastics break down creating massive amounts of smaller particles: microplastics (MPLs, <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPLs, <1 µm). Their widespread distribution, persistence, and small size make them highly bioavailable, raising serious concerns about their potential harmful effects on wildlife and human health. Given that reproductive function is highly sensitive to pollutants, MPLs and NPLs may impact fertility of the exposed individuals and pose risks to future generations. Nonetheless, the consequences of MPLs and NPLs exposure on mammalian reproduction remain unclear

This project aims to investigate the effects of multigenerational chronic NPLs exposures on the reproductive function and fertility of terrestrial mammals, using the laboratory mouse as a model.

Our research focuses on:

  1. Evaluating the potential toxicological effects of NPLs exposure on reproductive function, including:
    • Female and male gonadal function.
    • Gametes and preimplantation embryos.
    • Placentas and developing fetuses.
    • Fertility of the exposed individuals.
  2. Investigating the mechanisms of NPLs toxicity, particularly oxidative stress, inflammation and genotoxicity in the reproductive system.
  3. Identifying fertility biomarkers associated with NPLs exposure.

This project addresses critical gaps in our understanding of NPLs’ impact on mammalian reproduction. Our findings will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the environmental and health impacts of NPLs, informing future risk assessments and policy decisions. This information will also be instrumental in developing effective biosurveillance strategies for these pervasive pollutants, including the use of biomarkers to evaluate NPLs-induced reproductive damage. A deeper understanding of NPLs’ effects on reproduction may guide the development of protective and mitigative measures to reduce their impact.

To learn more: ABOUT THE PROJECT