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  Environmental micro/nanoplastic aging pathways and impact on human health


   Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change

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  Dr Khay Fong, Dr Jannis Wenk, Dr Antonio Jose Exposito  No more applications being accepted  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

The University of Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change is inviting applications for the following PhD project which is part of a joint PhD programme between the University of Bath and Monash University in Australia. 

This project is one of a number that are in competition for up to two funded studentships. 

 Home institution: Monash University

Supervisor(s) at Bath: Dr Jannis Wenk, Dr Antonio Jose Exposito

Supervisor(s) at Monash: Dr Khay Fong

The plastic paradox presents this generation’s urgent global challenge. While this revolutionary material transformed human progress, its environmental persistence has created an unprecedented crisis. As plastics fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), they infiltrate every level of our ecosystem.1–3 Unlike biodegradable materials, plastics persist indefinitely, breaking down through photo-oxidation and mechanical stress into increasingly smaller particles that now permeate our environment.

The scope of MNP contamination is staggering: humans inadvertently consume approximately 2,000 microplastic particles annually from salt alone,4 with additional exposure through seafood, drinking water,5 and airborne particles. More alarming still is the detection of these particles in human placentas6 and other tissues,7 raising critical concerns about their impact across all life stages. Emerging evidence links MNP exposure to cardiovascular disease, while these particles may also serve as vectors for pathogens and persistent organic pollutants.8,9

A critical parallel exists with nanomedicine, where particles below 100 nm are engineered specifically for cellular penetration to deliver therapeutic effects.10 While pharmaceutical scientists carefully optimise these nanoparticles' properties for controlled cellular entry, we face a troubling knowledge gap: the mechanisms governing MNP-cell interactions remain largely uncharted territory. This blind spot in our understanding poses significant risks given the ubiquitous nature of plastic pollution.

Elimination of MNP exposure is unrealistic in our plastic-dependent world. However, by identifying the specific properties that make MNPs harmful, we can develop targeted strategies to mitigate their risks – a key part of the proposed Global Plastics Treaty strategy.11 This research is fundamental to advancing circular technology and sustainable materials science: understanding how plastics interact with cellular systems will enable the design of safer alternatives that maintain functionality while minimising harmful characteristics. Our findings will bridge critical gaps between materials science, toxicology, and sustainable engineering, providing essential insights for developing the next generation of environmentally compatible materials.

This investigation addresses critical knowledge gaps in MNP toxicology through three interconnected research aims:

Primary Research Objectives:

  1. Physicochemical Characterisation of Environmental MNPs12
  • Quantitative analysis of size distribution, morphology, and surface properties
  • Development of analytical protocols for MNP isolation and characterisation
  • Correlation of physicochemical parameters with potential toxicological endpoints
  1. Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis
  • Investigation of size-dependent cellular internalization mechanisms
  • Quantification of surface chemistry effects on cellular interactions
  • Validation of preliminary findings indicating enhanced cellular penetration by consumer plastic-derived nanoplastics
  1. Dynamic Surface Evolution Analysis
  • Systematic investigation of MNP surface modifications in physiologically relevant conditions
  • Characterization of oxidative and biomolecular corona formation kinetics
  • Extension of our established nanomedicine protocols to environmental MNP systems

This research directly advances sustainable and circular technology development by providing crucial insights into the biological implications of plastic materials throughout their lifecycle. By elucidating the specific physicochemical properties that drive cellular interactions and potential toxicity of MNP, our findings will establish evidence-based design principles for next-generation sustainable materials. Understanding these structure-activity relationships is fundamental to developing truly circular plastics that maintain their functional properties while minimising harmful biological interactions. This knowledge will enable materials scientists and manufacturers to engineer safer alternatives that are inherently less toxic when they inevitably enter environmental cycles, thus supporting the transition from current linear plastic production to circular materials systems. Ultimately, this work bridges a critical gap between materials science and biological safety, providing essential guidelines for sustainable material design that considers end-of-life impacts from the outset of development.

To apply:

We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies. 

You may express an interest in up to three projects in order of preference. 

Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.

If this is your preferred project, please fill out the Monash Expression of Interest form.

Studentship eligibility

Funding for Monash-based projects, such as the one advertised here, is available to candidates of any nationality. 

Please see the Monash website for a full list of projects where Monash is the Home institution.

Chemistry (6)

Funding Notes

Bath Monash PhD studentships include tuition fee sponsorship and a living allowance (stipend) for up to 42 months maximum. Non-Australian nationals studying in Australia will be required to pay their own Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).


References

References: 1. Savoca, M. S., McInturf, A. G. & Hazen, E. L. Glob Chang Biol 27, 2188–2199 (2021). 2. Boots, B., Russell, C. W. & Green, D. S. Environ Sci Technol 53, 11496–11506 (2019). 3. Carbery, M. et al. Mar Pollut Bull 184, 114179 (2022). 4. Kim, J.-S., Lee, H.-J., Kim, S.-K. & Kim, H.-J. Environ Sci Technol 52, 12819–12828 (2018). 5. Qian, N. et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 121, (2024). 6. Weingrill, R. B. et al. Environ Int 180, 108220 (2023). 7. Jenner, L. C. et al. Science of The Total Environment 831, 154907 (2022). 8. Meaza, I., Toyoda, J. H. & Wise Sr, J. P. Front Environ Sci 8, (2021). 9. Bydalek, F. et al. Water Res 235, 119936 (2023). 10. Behzadi, S. et al. Chem Soc Rev46, 4218–4244 (2017). 11. Brander, S. M. et al. Science of The Total Environment 949, 174881 (2024). 12. Fong, W. K. et al. in NanoScience and Technology 101–150 (2019). doi:10.1007/978-3-030-12461-8_5. 13. Muff, L. F., Balog, S., Adamcik, J., Weder, C. & Lehner, R. Environ Sci Technol 57, 17201–17211 (2023).

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