BTP
Developing an understanding the effect of microplastics on cellular function is important. This project will involve preparing microplastics from common commercial polymers (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyesters) and their thorough characterization. One aspect of this project will be to come up with a protocol to generate fluorescently tagged microplastics to allow them to be tracked as they are ingested by cells. Subsequently, cells will be exposed to these microplastics and their response will be studied.