Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

When Plastic Meets Flow: Mechanobiological Consequences of Microplastic Exposure on the Endothelium

Award Number: R15ES038679
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2029

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

When Plastic Meets Flow: Mechanobiological Consequences of Microplastic Exposure on the Endothelium - Project Summary Microplastic contamination represents an emerging environmental cardiovascular risk factor, with patients harboring detectable microplastics in atherosclerotic plaques exhibiting an increased risk of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke, yet the mechanistic pathways linking microplastic exposure to cardiovascular pathophysiology remain undefined. The vascular endothelium functions as the primary interface for microplastic-cardiovascular interactions and serves as a sophisticated mechanosensor maintaining vascular homeostasis through flow-mediated responses, but current research has focused on basic cytotoxicity using static culture conditions that fail to recapitulate the dynamic mechanical environment of the cardiovascular system. This investigation establishes the first comprehensive characterization of microplastic effects on endothelial mechanobiology under physiologically relevant flow conditions through three specific aims: Aim 1 investigates how microplastic exposure impairs endothelial cell mechanical integrity and cell-matrix adhesion using traction force microscopy and cell adhesion assays; Aim 2 characterizes disruption of shear stress-activated mechanotransduction signaling pathways through immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and gene expression studies under controlled flow; and Aim 3 evaluates endothelial barrier dysfunction and tests therapeutic interventions using clinically relevant antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The research employs human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics, utilizing innovative methodology including laminar and disturbed flow chambers, traction force microscopy, and comprehensive barrier function analysis. This paradigm- shifting investigation will provide critical scientific foundation for microplastic cardiovascular risk assessment guidelines, generate preliminary data that could compliment future clinical studies, and train undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research techniques combining environmental toxicology with cardiovascular mechanobiology, preparing them to address complex global health challenges while developing expertise in cell culture, quantitative microscopy, molecular biology, and data analysis essential for careers in biomedical research.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $442,580 )
2026	2026	THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA BOARD OF TRUSTEES	4000 CENTRAL FLORIDA BLVD	ORLANDO	FL	32816	ORANGE	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	8/31/2026	NEW	$442,580
														Subtotal = $442,580

Grand Total All Awards = $442,580

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

When Plastic Meets Flow: Mechanobiological Consequences of Microplastic Exposure on the Endothelium

Award Number: R15ES038679

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2029

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer