Unravelling Microplastic Behaviour and Cardiotoxic Impacts with Heart-on-a-Chip Models

Objective

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants recently detected in human tissues, including the heart, raising urgent concerns about their uptake by cardiomyocytes and disruption of cardiac physiology. However, current animal models lack predictive power for human health, and existing analytical methods cannot reliably detect or map MNPs at environmentally relevant levels. This project aims to systematically investigate the behaviour, distribution, and toxicity of MNPs in cardiac tissue, and to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving cardiotoxicity. To achieve this, advanced MNP labelling and high-resolution quantification will be integrated with a dynamic, multi-layered heart-on-a-chip model replicating ventricular structure and turbulent flow. Complementary omics analyses will reveal molecular pathways underlying stress responses, toxicity, and long-term cardiac effects. Planned secondments to Leiden University will provide training in MNP characterization and behaviour tracking, while collaboration with SynVivo will deliver expertise in organ-on-chip development and industrial translation. The project will generate innovative methodologies for cardiotoxicity testing, reduce reliance on animal studies, and produce regulatory-relevant evidence for EU frameworks. For the fellow, it will provide advanced interdisciplinary training in toxicology, nanoscience, bioengineering, and cardiology, enabling the development of an independent research profile and future leadership in environmental health sciences.