Research Projects

The main aim of the proposal is to develop biophysical assays to understand the influence of micro and nano plastics (MNPs) and plastic leachable materials (e.g., bisphenols, and phthalates) with different biomembrane models and membrane associated proteins. We will evaluate different kinetic parameters associated with the binding, association and penetration of MNPs and leachates within the membranes. These environmental toxicants are currently widespread in the oceans, freshwater bodies, land and even present in our food. It is essential to investigate the nature of a problem to find out the solution. Therefore, we will investigate how MNPs and their leachates influence different biomembranes associated with different parts of human organ, such as lung, kidney, liver, skin or blood–brain-barrier and other important organs. This can be achieved using various types of native membranes composed of different lipid compositions corresponding to specific organs. In this context, we will perform direct multimodal experimental investigations that will include photophysical and electrochemical techniques for molecular level understanding of the interaction between biomembrane and MNPs and leachates. These studies will provide insight into the different physical properties of biomembrane such as diffusion, rigidity, stability, resistance, capacitance and how they alter in presence of environmental toxicants. In this context, I will utilize the artificial membranes composed of different amphiphiles, liposomes and finally more complex native membrane vesicles. This will be useful to get better insight into the influence of MNPs and leachable materials in different conditions of membranes from simple to complex systems. Moreover, influence of MNPs on membrane proteins and ion channels (e.g., light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin, ATP-gated ion channel P2X receptors or aquaporin) will be investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). This project will bring an interdisciplinary perspective to understand how MNPs can act as vectors for harmful pollutants and affect biophysical properties of different membranes and associated proteins.