Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Rebecca Heise
Second Advisor
Nastassja Lewinski
Third Advisor
Henry Donahue
Abstract
As global plastic production increases, so does the environmental and biological presence of nanoplastics (NPs), raising growing concerns about their potential impact on human health. These particles have been detected in various organs, including the lungs, yet their role in respiratory inflammation remains largely unexplored. Emerging evidence suggests that NP exposure may influence immune responses in the lungs, particularly in individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma. However, the specific ways in which these particles interact with allergen driven inflammation are still unclear.
In this study, a murine model of allergic airway inflammation was used to investigate how surface modified polystyrene nanoplastics may influence lung immune responses. The hypothesis is that exposure to NPs, particularly in this case those with amine modified surface chemistries and positive surface charge, will exacerbate asthmatic symptoms in mice. A combination of cytokine profiling, BALF analysis, and histological examination was used to assess markers of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Through this approach, the effects of allergen exposure, NP exposure, and their interactions were evaluated to have exacerbated the asthmatic response of sensitized mice. With NP exposure leading to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, increased eosinophil recruitment and worsened lung mechanics. These results have helped us to better understand how environmental plastics may affect the progression or severity of asthma like conditions.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-6-2025