Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7186-9996
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Rebecca L. Heise, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Nastassja A. Lewinski, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Christopher A. Lemmon, Ph.D.
Abstract
As plastic pollution begins to multiply in the environment and the workplace, gradual degradation of these plastics creates an unseen threat to biological health: nanoplastics. These nanoplastics are common in day-to-day life, and have been found in various internal organs of the human body. The biological and health effects of these nanoplastics are still widely unknown, and only recently has research focused on the impacts of these particles on human health at the cellular level.
In this thesis, poly(methyl methacrylate) and three forms of polystyrene (carboxyl-modified, amine-modified, and neutral surface charge) have been tested on submerged primary C57BL/6 mouse alveolar type I cell cultures in vitro in order to study their effects on the cells' inflammatory response. After data analysis, the significant effects of these plastics onto cellular inflammation were assessed and evaluated.
Rights
© Eunice Pak
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-9-2024