Plastics are synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels or biomass, which is a renewable organic material originating from plants and animals. The use of plastic products has grown exponentially because of their many advantageous qualities. However, the increase in the production and use of plastic products has resulted in a substantial amount of plastic waste, which is now accumulating in every environmental compartment.
During their life cycle, plastics can fragment into micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). In recent years, MNPs have become a growing concern for human health due to our constant contact with polymeric materials such as textiles, food packaging, and car tyres. Little is known about the fate of MNPs once they enter the human body. MNPs have been reported in various human organs, demonstrating their potential to migrate from their points of entry into the general circulation. Studies have found that MNPs can penetrate the cells that form important biological barriers, such as the intestinal mucosal barrier. Animal exposure studies have also reported MNPs in other vital organs, including the brain, suggesting that the blood–brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances, was breached.
The process by which MNPs cross these barriers is complex and depends on several factors, including particle size, shape, surface chemistry, and the type of cell with which they interact. This study aims to use human cell cultures to investigate the behaviour and fate of MNPs at and across the intestinal barrier and the blood–brain barrier, thereby expanding our understanding of the potential health risks associated with MNPs.
Research Outcomes
Nanoplastics with difference functional groups are able to permeate through in vitro blood-brain barrier and intestinal barriers, but the rate of permeation and uptake are different.
Industry Placement
Completed a 3-month placement with Tangaroa Blue Foundation.
Conference Abstracts
Pan, Y., Janjua, T.I., Thomas, K.V., Shepherd, C.E. & Rauert, C. Assessing the permeation of surface-modified nanoplastics (NPs) across in vitro human gut-blood and blood-brain barrier models, Plastics2026, Brisbane, Australia, 1-4 March 2026.
Pan, Y., Khan, K.J., Thomas, K.V., Shepherd, C. & Rauert, C. Assessing the permeation of surface-modified nanoplastics (NPs) across in vitro human gut-blood and blood-brain barrier models, SETAC Australasia, New Zealand, 25-28 August 2025.
Pan, Y., Khan, T.J., Thomas, K.V., Shepherd, C. & Rauert, C. Assessing the translocation of nanoplastics (NPs) across in vitro human gut-blood and blood-brain barrier models, 2nd Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 20-21 March 2025.
Pan, Y., Thomas, K.V., Khan, T.J., Shepherd, C. & Rauert, C. Assessing the potential for micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) to cross human biological barriers, International Mass Spectrometry Conference 2024, Melbourne, Australia, 17-23 August 2024.
Research Outputs
Awards
- 2026 HyTECH Biannual Meeting, 2nd Place Best Student Presentation on "Human exposure to micro/nanoplastics".
- 2025 QAEHS Annual Research Forum, 2nd Place for Best Student Presentation on "Assess the effects of functionalised nanoplastics on human cell models".
- 2025 HyTECH Biannual Meeting, Best Student Poster for "Challenges in setting up a 2D in vitro cell barrier model: Assessing the permeability of nanoplastics using Pyrolysis-GC-MS".
