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Toxicity assessment and detection of PVC nanoplastics in reproductive cell models by μ-XRF and extension to endometrial cells
Summary
Researchers are extending synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy to map PVC nanoplastic distribution across spermatozoa, cumulus cells, and endometrial cells, tracking cadmium and chlorine as elemental tracers to assess how plastic particle accumulation may interfere with fertilization and embryo implantation.
The proposed project aims to extend our investigations on the cellular interactions of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) within the human reproductive system by combining synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy with in vitro exposure models. Building on our preliminary findings, we intend to increase the statistical robustness of analyses on spermatozoa and cumulus cells, while expanding the scope of the study to include endometrial cells. This approach will allow us to assess the distribution of plastic-associated elements (e.g., Cd from quantum-dot labels and Cl from PVC particles) across distinct reproductive cell types, and to explore how their presence may affect fertilization and embryo implantation.