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 collaborates 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.

Discover by playing

Microplastic Madness: Catching PlastikPunk is an educational videogame for kids and adults alike. Through a captivating journey of question-solving and coding challenges, players can test their knowledge about microplastics, discover the research carried out in Imptox and help the iconic character NanoNinja to catch PlastikPunk and free the world from plastic trash. Don’t hesitate and sign up for this exhilarating advenuture!

Highlights

07/10/2024
PROJECT PUBLICATION

Imptox Researchers Train Artificial Neural Network for More Efficient Microplastic Detection

By integrating the GEPARD software with a custom-trained machine learning model, Imptox researchers from HES-SO have made microplastic detection faster and more accurate.

04/09/2024
EVENT

Imptox Researcher Prof. Andreja Rajkovic Co-Directs FEMS Summer School, Bringing Micro and Nanoplastics into Focus

A global gathering of scientists in Croatia explores the impact of climate change and micro and nanoplastics, with top researchers collaborating on solutions for a healthier future.

26/07/2024
EVENT

IMPTOX Workshop: Navigating the Invisible Currents – Micro and Nanoplastics' Water Odyssey

On August 27th, 2024 Imptox researchers will discuss their latest findings on MNPs, and their effects on water environments. Register now and join the discussion!

18/07/2024
EVENT

Imptox scientist explores MNPs in food safety at IAFP Annual Meeting in California

Prof. Andreja Rajkovic of Ghent University delves into the complex interactions between microplastics, nanoplastics, and food safety.

The Imptox Team

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