Taking place on April 30th and spearheaded by Prof. Andreja Rajkovic (UGent), the session will showcase a series of insightful talks from various Imptox researchers. 

This year, the International Association for Food Protection's (IAFP) 19th European Symposium on Food Safety, to be held from 30 April to 2 May in Geneva, Switzerland, includes a notable addition to its agenda – the Imptox session on “Pathogens in the Plastisphere – Toxicity, Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance.” The session promises to offer valuable insights into current research and future directions in the field of food safety and environmental health.

Further Details on the Session 

Organized by Prof. Andreja Rajkovic, a renowned Imptox researcher from Ghent University, the session is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 April, from 10:30 to 12:00 at the Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Centre, Room 1. It features a series of presentations from Imptox researchers - experts in the field - each delving into different aspects of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics:

• The session begins with Prof. Rajkovic and Elien Alderweireldt discussing the broad-ranging impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on human cells.
• Stephanie Bedhomme from CNRS, Montpellier, France, will explore the role of microplastics in biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance.
• Mirjana Andjeklkovic of Sciensano, Belgium, will present her work on assessing the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
• The workshop concludes with Prof. Rajkovic examining the uptake of nanoplastics in plants, with a focus on cyanobacterial toxins in basil.

Understanding the Plastisphere and its Implications

The session aims to shed light on the concept of the "Plastisphere" – an ecosystem formed by microbes that have adapted to live on plastic surfaces in our environment. It seeks to address the role of micro- and nanoplastics as carriers of harmful substances, including pathogens, and their potential impact on human health and food safety.

The Role of the Imptox Project

The session is intricately aligned with Imptox's ongoing mission to investigate the impacts and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, especially when intertwined with environmental contaminants. Central to our efforts is the development of advanced methodologies for understanding the health risks associated with these particles. The workshop provides an ideal platform to explore these critical issues further, enhancing the dialogue that is fundamental to the research endeavors of Imptox.

Join Us for an Informative Session

The Imptox session at the IAFP European Symposium represents a significant opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts in the fields of environmental science and food safety to gain a deeper understanding of these emerging issues. We encourage you to join in, engage with experts, and gain insights into this critical area of research. For more information and registration details, please visit the Symposium website and the registration page. This workshop is a valuable chance to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Keywords: microplastics - nanoplastics - health - environment - pollution - European Union - Horizon 2020