Usefulness of new-model invertebrates in conservation biology: a multi-level approach evaluation of threats to biodiversity by nano-plastics of emerging concern (NANOPIN; NANOPlastics in INvertebrates)
ProgettoProject Description
The PRIN 2022 project “NANOPIN” (Usefulness of new-model invertebrates in conservation biology: a multi-level approach evaluation of threats to biodiversity by nano-plastics of emerging concern) addressed the ecological threat posed by nanoplastics in water bodies, which are fragments smaller than 100 nm capable of crossing biological barriers. The research evaluated the impact of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) on six species of aquatic invertebrates used as sentinel organisms. In this context, the Research Unit of the University of Insubria (UniVA), coordinated by Annalisa Grimaldi, carried out experimental and coordination activities on the Hirudo verbana model, contributing transversally to the different Work Packages. The unit coordinated the production and physico-chemical characterization of PET nanoparticles, participated in developing methods for their detection in biological tissues, and conducted acute and chronic exposure trials on the animals.
Objectives
In line with EU directives on water protection and biodiversity, the project aimed to validate standardized methodologies to quantify nanoplastics in the environment and in biological matrices. By employing invertebrate models exclusively, NANOPIN actively promoted the ethical principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) as an alternative to mammalian testing.
Expected and Achieved Results
Through histological and ultrastructural analyses (TEM/SEM), the UniVA unit localized the nanoparticles, evaluated tissue and subcellular damage, and performed immunotoxicity and oxidative stress assays on H. verbana immunocytes and tissues. Furthermore, the unit developed the work package dedicated to regeneration, demonstrating the effects of these contaminants on wound healing and tissue reconstitution processes through advanced microscopy, enzyme histochemistry, and immunofluorescence. At the network level, the coordination managed the work of research fellows and PhD students, oversaw the drafting of scientific reports, and disseminated the results through publications and conferences, ensuring the transparency and visibility of the European Union (NextGenerationEU) funding.
The PRIN 2022 project “NANOPIN” (Usefulness of new-model invertebrates in conservation biology: a multi-level approach evaluation of threats to biodiversity by nano-plastics of emerging concern) addressed the ecological threat posed by nanoplastics in water bodies, which are fragments smaller than 100 nm capable of crossing biological barriers. The research evaluated the impact of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) on six species of aquatic invertebrates used as sentinel organisms. In this context, the Research Unit of the University of Insubria (UniVA), coordinated by Annalisa Grimaldi, carried out experimental and coordination activities on the Hirudo verbana model, contributing transversally to the different Work Packages. The unit coordinated the production and physico-chemical characterization of PET nanoparticles, participated in developing methods for their detection in biological tissues, and conducted acute and chronic exposure trials on the animals.
Objectives
In line with EU directives on water protection and biodiversity, the project aimed to validate standardized methodologies to quantify nanoplastics in the environment and in biological matrices. By employing invertebrate models exclusively, NANOPIN actively promoted the ethical principle of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) as an alternative to mammalian testing.
Expected and Achieved Results
Through histological and ultrastructural analyses (TEM/SEM), the UniVA unit localized the nanoparticles, evaluated tissue and subcellular damage, and performed immunotoxicity and oxidative stress assays on H. verbana immunocytes and tissues. Furthermore, the unit developed the work package dedicated to regeneration, demonstrating the effects of these contaminants on wound healing and tissue reconstitution processes through advanced microscopy, enzyme histochemistry, and immunofluorescence. At the network level, the coordination managed the work of research fellows and PhD students, oversaw the drafting of scientific reports, and disseminated the results through publications and conferences, ensuring the transparency and visibility of the European Union (NextGenerationEU) funding.