Tina Bürki and her team from Empa’s Particles-Biology Interactions laboratory are investigating how nanoparticles affect the protective mechanism of the placental barrier during pregnancy. Nanoparticles, found in a variety of products and produced through wear and tear as well as combustion processes, can potentially harm unborn babies by causing low birth weight, autism, and respiratory diseases. While the placental barrier can block or delay the transport of nanoparticles to the embryo, damage to fetal tissue can still occur even without the presence of particles in the fetus.
To study the long-range effects of nanoparticles on embryonic development, the Empa team collaborated with clinical partners and research institutions to analyze the consequences of common nanoparticles like titanium dioxide or diesel soot on the function of the placenta. Using human placental tissue obtained from planned caesarean sections, the team discovered that nanoparticles disrupted the production of messenger substances in the placental tissue. These altered messenger substances can lead to serious changes in embryonic development, such as disturbed blood vessel formation.
Experiments conducted on chicken eggs also revealed that nanoparticles indirectly inhibit the formation of blood vessels in the developing embryo by affecting messenger substances. The researchers are currently studying the secretome, which consists of all the messenger substances released by a nanoparticle-treated placenta. Initial results suggest that while the development of the nervous system does not seem to be affected, other disorders triggered by nanoparticles may emerge in the future. As such, these findings are important for the risk assessment of nanomaterials and their potential impact on the health of pregnant women and their children.
The Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, a clinical partner in the research, emphasizes the significance of a healthy placenta in child development. Thomas Rduch, a Clinical Research Fellow at Empa, highlights the importance of correct risk assessments of environmental pollution for pregnant women. The placenta, an organ that forms exclusively during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in supplying nutrients to the unborn child and acting as a filter for environmental influences.
Nanoparticles, which are only a few millionths of a millimeter in size, can enter the human body through various pathways such as the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or skin. Common nanoparticles like titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide are present in many everyday products and can also be produced through environmental pollution processes. While the placental barrier offers a degree of protection against harmful substances, certain nanoparticles, such as environmental estrogens, can cross the barrier and potentially contribute to various diseases. By studying how nanoparticles impact the placental barrier and embryonic development, researchers aim to better understand the potential health consequences and inform risk assessments for pregnant women exposed to nanomaterials.