University of Twente Student Theses
Investigating the influence of micro-and nanoplastics on CaLu-3 cells using a lung-on-chip microfluidic device
Kooten, S.L.C. van (2024) Investigating the influence of micro-and nanoplastics on CaLu-3 cells using a lung-on-chip microfluidic device.
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| Abstract: | Since the 1950s, plastics have been used extensively for all kinds of purposes, like food packaging and clothing. This has resulted in a lot of plastic waste, of which 90% is not properly disposed. Therefore these plastics end up in landfills and environments, resulting in the formation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) through degradation due to the environment. Humans come into contact with these MNPs by consuming food and drinks contaminated with MNPs, or by inhaling air containing MNPs. There is little known information about MNP exposure in the lungs as there are currently no models that accurately represent the in vivo environment of the lungs. This research focuses on the influence of MNPs on lung epithelial cells by using a novel lung-on-a-chip system in comparison with the Transwell system, the standard model. This was done by firstly investigating the optimal cell seeding density within a well plate and a static lung-on-a-chip (StatLoC) covered with Gelatin methacrylate and comparing the difference in cell characteristics. This is done with the goal of optimizing cell culturing within the StatLoC, which will be compared to the Transwell system. Finally, the influence of micro-and nanoplastics is studied by adding MNPs to the Transwell and StatLoC systems and comparing the results. Results show that the optimal cell seeding density within the StatLoC system is 5*105 cells/cm2 and that MNPs with 0.2 μm diameter have the greatest potential of crossing cell membranes. However, these results have limited relevance as the StatLoC chip needs more optimization, specifically regarding Gelatin Methacrylate fragmentation and detachment, before it can reliably be used to replace the Transwell system for lung-on-chip research. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | TNW: Science and Technology |
| Subject: | 42 biology, 44 medicine |
| Programme: | Biomedical Technology BSc (56226) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106291 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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