About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Bio-Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Biomolecular Recognition at Microplastic-Sperm Cell Interfaces: Elucidating Structure-Function Relationships in Environmental Reproductive Toxicology |
| Author(s) |
Jeffrey S. Bates |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jeffrey S. Bates |
| Abstract Scope |
Microplastic particles interact with biological cells through molecular recognition processes that require systematic characterization. We investigate three particle properties that govern these bio-solid interfaces: chemical functional groups, morphological characteristics, and particle size distributions. Our ongoing experiments identify biochemical signaling cascades triggered when synthetic polymer surfaces encounter cellular membranes.
We utilize sperm cells as a model system due to their straightforward characterization protocols and well-defined viability metrics. Initial spectroscopic analyses reveal distinct functional group signatures across microplastic types. Morphological examinations show that particle shape heterogeneity affects membrane contact patterns. Size-dependent experiments are demonstrating differential cellular uptake mechanisms.
These interfacial studies expose molecular-level recognition patterns between artificial polymers and biological membranes. We plan to expand this work to additional cell types to explore how microplastic-induced biochemical signaling contributes to diabetes, obesity, infertility, and other endocrine-related diseases. Our work will inform both human health and environmental risk assessment and guide polymer design. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Polymers, Nanotechnology |