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Multimethod Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Multiple Brain Regions: Associations with Alzheimer’s Disease and Environmental Exposure Risk

Award Number: R21ES038336
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: 05/15/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/14/2028

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Multimethod Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Multiple Brain Regions: Associations with Alzheimer’s Disease and Environmental Exposure Risk - Summary Objective: This study aims to determine whether micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) accumulate in the human brain, evaluate their relationship with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, and explore whether environmental disadvantage, measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), is related to variation in cerebral MNP burden. Rationale: MNPs are widespread environmental pollutants with emerging evidence of human tissue accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Preliminary data show detectable MNPs in the brains of individuals with AD and progressive supranuclear palsy. Social disadvantage may increase exposure to environmental risks, potentially elevating MNP burden and susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Aims: 1. Quantify MNPs in the olfactory bulb (OB) and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) of 140 postmortem human brains (70 with AD pathology, 70 without AD pathology) using five complementary detection methods. 2. Assess associations between cerebral MNP burden and AD pathology, adjusting for age, sex, APOE genotype, postmortem interval (PMI), and other covariates. 3. (Exploratory) Examine the relationship between ADI and cerebral MNP burden, investigating whether MNP burden varies by level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Innovation: This study employs state-of-the-art environmental toxicology methods rarely applied to human brain tissue, integrated with high-resolution neuropathology and life-course social determinants data. It represents the largest and most methodologically rigorous study of cerebral MNPs to date, and the first to directly examine their links to AD and environmental disadvantage. Significance: Findings could identify a novel, modifiable environmental contributor to AD, inform targeted public health interventions, and advance our understanding of how plastic pollution and social disadvantage may shape brain disease. Impact: By bridging environmental science, neuropathology, and social epidemiology, this study could redefine how we think about environmental risks in neurodegeneration. Demonstrating a link between MNP accumulation, AD pathology, and social disadvantage would establish a new line of inquiry with major implications for public health, regulation, and disease prevention.


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 = $430,625 )
2026	2026	ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY	1475 N SCOTTSDALE RD STE 200	SCOTTSDALE	AZ	85257	MARICOPA	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	5/14/2026	NEW	$430,625
														Subtotal = $430,625

Grand Total All Awards = $430,625

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Multimethod Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Multiple Brain Regions: Associations with Alzheimer’s Disease and Environmental Exposure Risk

Award Number: R21ES038336

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: 05/15/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/14/2028

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