Micro-pollutants in the human body

Young girl undergoing analysis in a laboratory

Description and objectives

As part of the Framework Agreement between Acea Infrastructure and the Gastroenterology Division of the Department of Translational Medicine of La Sapienza University, a joint research project was launched. This activity aims to develop advanced and sustainable methodologies for the treatment of biological fluids.

The project aims to optimise the subsequent analytical phases and develop advanced procedures to improve the ability to investigate complex biological matrices. These developments target a wide range of chemicals potentially toxic to humans, including emerging organic micropollutants such as PFAS (PerFluorinated Alkylated Substances) and PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

Project details

The project focuses on:

Evaluating and quantifying the presence of PFAS and PAHs in the bloodstream of subjects with MAFLD metabolic dysfunction;

Investigating the dietary habits of the subjects examined to understand how diet and exposure to these pollutants may interact and influence lipid dysmetabolism.

Details

Scientific partners	Department of Translational Medicine of La Sapienza University (Rome)
Sites	Laboratories of Acea Infrastructure Spa (centre of Grottarossa - Rome) Division of Gastroenterology of the Department of Translational Medicine of La Sapienza University of Rome
Project timeline	May 2023 - Ongoing
Service performed	Analytical activity

Key numbers of the service

Service execution quota: 50% Acea Infrastructure SpA
An analytical method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human serum
An analytical method for the determination of PFAS in human serum
An analytical method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in adipose tissue

An analytical method for the determination of PFAS in adipose tissue
An analytical method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in liver tissue
An analytical method for the determination of PFAS in liver tissue
Dissemination of research results through publications in prestigious scientific journals, workshops, seminars, in which the role of Acea Infrastructure will be highlighted