Innovation in research on micro- and nanoplastics and their effects on human health

We are a multidisciplinary team with expertise in a wide range of fields including food sciences & technology, allergy, immunology, biomedicine, biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, machine learning, paediatrics and others, cooperating across Europe to investigate the relationship among micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and allergic diseases.

The Project

Untangling the multifaceted relationship of exposure routes, risks and health impacts of MNPs.

Improving MNP detection

We plan to develop innovative tools to measure and characterize MNPs and potential contaminants in food, water and air.

MNPs combined with pollutants

We are committed to understanding the effect of MNPs combined with potentially harmful environmental contaminants adhering to their surfaces and finding their way into the human body.

The relationship with allergic diseases

We aim to examine a possible link between MNPs and their role in food allergy and allergic asthma.

CUSP Research Cluster

Imptox is one of five projects in the EU Horizon 2020 programme that will work together with the European Commission's Joint Research Center to form The European Research Cluster to Understand the Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics, CUSP. It is the cluster’s overall goal to contribute with new scientific knowledge and know-how to the European Strategy for Plastics.

Outreach & Guidance

Imptox partners plan to work closely with Non-Governmental Organizations, stakeholders from industry, business, scientists and policymakers. We plan to deliver data and its ramifications to help decision makers, risk assessors and regulators safeguard our air, water and food supply.

Highlights

06/06/2023
EVENT

Imptox Takes the Stage at SETAC 2023: Exploring the Potential Risks of Nanoplastics on Human Health

Miao Peng, a doctoral researcher collaborating with the UGent Imptox team, explores the bioenergetic effects of simulated weathered nanoplastics on human intestinal cells.

12/05/2023
CUSP NEWS

Don't miss the latest edition of CUSP NEWS

The fourth CUSP newsletter is out! Explore working group updates, project highlights, events, and inspiring scientist stories.

11/05/2023
EVENT

Imptox investigates micro- and nanoplastics in food safety: Join us in Brazil at Internacionaliza UFRJ 2030

Join Imptox researcher Andreja Rajkovic's talk on the microbial and toxicological aspects of pollutants and their implications for food safety.

03/05/2023
VIDEOS

Discover IMPTOX SHORTS featuring junior researchers!

Check out our first series of short video clips and discover what motivated our early-career scientists to pursue science, while gaining insight into their specific research tasks. Learn about their daily challenges and much more straight from their own perspectives.

The Imptox Team

Imptox is a multidisciplinary consortium of 12 partners from 8 European countries.