Project description:Microplastics represent a growing environmental concern for the oceans due to their potential capability to adsorb different classes of pollutants, thus representing a still unexplored source of exposure for aquatic organisms. In this study polystyrene (PS) microplastics were characterized for their capability to adsorb pyrene (PYR) as model compound for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and transfer this chemical to filter feeding mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis. Gene expression analyses of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to polystyrene (PS) microplastics and to polystyrene contaminated with pyrene (PS-PYR) have been performed trough a DNA microarray platform.
Project description:We use the zebrafish embryo model to study the innate immune response against polystyrene particles. Therefore, we injected 700nm polystyrene into the yolk at 2 dpf and took samples at 1 and 3 days post injection.
Project description:Concerns about the potential risks to human health due nanoparticulate pollution have been emerging. However, the risks to sensitive populations, such as pregnant individuals and their unborn children are poorly characterised. With increasing evidence of environmental particles passing the placenta, their potential adverse effects of on pregnancy and fetal development need to be assessed. Here, we investigated the impact of copper oxide (CuO) and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticle exposure on gene expression in ex vivo perfused human placental tissue.
Project description:We use the zebrafish embryo model to study the innate immune response against polystyrene particles. Therefore, we injected 700nm polystyrene into the yolk at 2 dpf and took samples at 1 and 3 days post injection. This deep sequence study was designed to determine the gene expression profile by polystyrene particle toxicity. RNA was isolated from embryos at 1 and 3 days post injection. Wildtypes zebrafish embryos were micro-injected into the yolk (2dpf) with 1nl of 5mg/ml of 700nm red fluorescent polystyrene particles suspended in PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) (n=3), mock injected with pvp (n=2), or Non-injected as a control (n=3). After injections embryos were transferred into fresh egg water and incubated at 28°C. At 1 and 3 days post injection 10 embryos per group were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and total RNA was isolated using TRIZOL reagent.
Project description:In this study the gene expression differences between two titanium surfaces produced at Maastricht University were investigated. These two surfaces were: flat titanium-coated polystyrene and a titanium-coated polystyrene surface imprinted with a pattern selected from an earlier screening study (Ti1018). This pattern was selected based on the osteoinductive properties observed. As a positive control cells on the flat surface were treated with dexamethasone.
