Micro-XRF analyses to drive Micro- and Nano plastics in Human Placenta
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Micro-XRF analyses to drive Micro- and Nano plastics in Human Placenta and other samples
IRAS ID
359695
Contact name
Lorella Pascolo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
IRCCS Burlo Garofolo -Obstetrics and Gynecology department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 21 days
Research summary
Plastic pollution, particularly in the form of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), poses significant risks to environmental and human health, with alarming detections of MNPs in human placental tissues raising concerns about maternal-fetal exposure. It is well-accepted that exposure to MNPs, especially those containing metal additives, negatively impacts fetal development by inducing oxidative stress and immune dysregulation in placental tissues. We propose a combined approach utilizing XRF microscopy and Raman spectroscopy to analyze full-term placental samples from women undergoing natural deliveries and cesarean sections. We intend to map the elemental distribution of metals as potential markers of MNPs and further characterize the polymeric materials within the tissues, revealing how and which contaminants accumulate in the placenta.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0804
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion