Ultrafine particles (UFP) penetrate deep into the lungs and are suspected of affecting health. However, the effects of these ultrafine particles on the environment and human health have not yet been sufficiently researched. The project "Measurement, Characterization, Assessment of Ultrafine Particles" will contribute to the closing of existing research gaps, so that a risk assessment for ultrafine particles (UFP) can be carried out.

The studies will include the use of an artificial lung model (UltraLung) to investigate the biological response to particles as well as a nasal mucosa model for toxicological and functional evaluation. For this purpose, the scientists around Professor Stephan Hackenberg will develop and use in vitro models from human nasal mucosa cells in co-culture with fibroblasts as a three-dimensional construct.

The research network is funded by the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment with 2.9 million euros.

Sources:
https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/aktuelles/einblick/single/news/ultrafeinstaub-und-seine-wirkungen/
https://www.stmuv.bayern.de/themen/luftreinhaltung/verunreinigungen/feinstaub/ufp_projektverbund.htm
https://www.stmuv.bayern.de/themen/luftreinhaltung/verunreinigungen/feinstaub/tp_2_biolog_antwort_lungenmodell_ufp_pv.htm
https://www.stmuv.bayern.de/themen/luftreinhaltung/verunreinigungen/feinstaub/tp_6_toxikokolg_funktionelle_bewertung_ufp_pv.htm