Project R-10235

Bio-imaging and size determination of combustion-derived particles to assess their toxicity following transplacental translocation from mother to fetus. (Research)

Every single one of us is constantly exposed to polluted air and this is no different for pregnant women. Considering the association between prenatal exposure and various birth defects, the question arises if air pollutants - of which it is known that soot particles are particularly toxic - are able to transfer from the mothers' lungs across the placenta to cause toxic effects. In this context, the research groups involved in my project developed novel optical techniques enabling the label-free detection of soot particles in relevant biological samples such as urine and blood. In the proposed interdisciplinary project, the technique is further developed for the differential detection of various particle sizes and aggregation states since these characteristics are relevant in translocation potential and biological effects. Besides contribution in the field of science and technology, this project aims to benefit the disciplines of biological and medical sciences. Accordingly, in vivo animal models are used to study the predisposition and action of soot particles following prenatal exposure. Lastly, in vivo translocation following inhalation of soot particles is further defined in the real-life context using biobanked samples to understand the developmental origin of diseases linked to prenatal air pollution exposure.

01 November 2019 - 31 October 2021