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Unraveling the Biological Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials from a Mitochondrial Perspective

Award Number: R15ES038685
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: 04/20/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/19/2029

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Unraveling the Biological Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials from a Mitochondrial Perspective - Project Summary/Abstract Despite their widespread presence in our modern life, the biological effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) under exposure conditions that more accurately reﬂect real-world human experiences (low doses over extended periods) remain poorly understood. Our preliminary data using primary human dermal ﬁbroblasts demonstrate that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), one of the most promising ENMs for biomedical applications, modulate key mitochondrial-health parameters at the molecular, cellular, and functional levels following chronic, low-dose ex- posure. These effects are closely associated with the speciﬁc physicochemical properties of the AuNPs used. Mitochondria are central to cellular homeostasis, and mitochondria dysfunction is associated with the develop- ment and progression of chronic diseases. Building on our preliminary ﬁndings, we hypothesize that ENMs, even at low, subtoxic concentrations, modulate mitochondrial health through distinct mechanisms that vary based on their physicochemical characteristics in the long term. Depending on the nanoparticle properties and cellular context, both harmful and beneﬁcial outcomes may occur. To test this hypothesis, we will systematically char- acterize the acute and chronic effects of well-deﬁned AuNPs on mitochondrial health using low-dose exposures in relevant in vitro approches, including healthy and disease models associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. By integrating molecular, cellular, and functional analyses, this research will advance our understanding of how ENMs inﬂuence mitochondrial function under realistic exposure scenarios. The proposed work will provide foun- dational insights linking ENM properties to biological outcomes, supporting the design of safer nanotechnologies and informing future therapeutic strategies. This project will also provide meaningful research opportunities for undergraduate students, building research capacity at Auburn University in alignment with the goals of the NIH R15 AREA program.


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 = $571,566 )
2026	2026	AUBURN UNIVERSITY	321-A INGRAM HALL	AUBURN	AL	36849	LEE	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	4/21/2026	NEW	$571,566
														Subtotal = $571,566

Grand Total All Awards = $571,566

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Unraveling the Biological Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials from a Mitochondrial Perspective

Award Number: R15ES038685

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: 04/20/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/19/2029

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