STOMP Teaming Profiles
This page is designed to help facilitate connections between prospective proposers, which ARPA-H anticipates will be necessary to achieve the goals of the Systematic Targeting of MicroPlastics (STOMP) program. Prospective performers are encouraged (but not required) to form teams with varied technical expertise to submit a proposal.
If either you or your organization are interested in teaming, please create a profile via the ARPA-H Solutions site linked below. Your details will then be added to this page, which is publicly available.
Please note that by publishing the teaming profiles list, ARPA-H is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals or organizations included here. Submissions to the teaming profiles list are reviewed and updated periodically.
STOMP Teaming Profiles
To narrow the results in the Teaming Profiles List, please use the input below to filter results based on your search term. The list will filter as you type.
| Nathan Crook | North Carolina State University | nccrook@ncsu.edu | Raleigh, NC | We have developed strains of E. coli and V. natriegens that can metabolize PET monomers. We are interested in using these strains and high throughput directed evolution to rapidly select improved variants that can eat PET particles. E coli strains may be deployed in the gut environment to prevent microplastic absorption. | We are looking for someone to lead the proposal and for partners in TAs 1 and 2. | TA3: Removal |
| Alexandra Gurary | University of Hawaii, JABSOM | gurary@hawaii.edu | Honolulu, HI | Optimizing our methodology for high-throughput, cost-effective detection, quantification, and characterization of MNPs in biological samples, enabling large-scale evaluation in epidemiological studies. | We are seeking additional partners to independently validate our methodology through complementary approaches. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Peng Gao | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | pgao@hsph.harvard.edu | Boston, MA | Our research focuses on developing advanced analytical and computational methods to identify and quantify micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in biospecimens and environmental matrices. We leverage pyrolysis-GC-Orbitrap HRMS as targeted and untargeted exposomics analyses to characterize polymers and plastic-related small-molecule pollutants, while advancing exposomics methods to link complex exposures with human health. | We seek teaming partners with complementary expertise in biospecimen access, clinical studies, MNP reference materials, toxicology, bioinformatics, and scalable translation, as well as orthogonal MNP platforms such as microscopy- and spectroscopy-based methods. Ideal partners will strengthen cross-platform validation, improve biological interpretation, and accelerate robust, standardized measurement of MNPs and plastic-associated chemical pollutants in human samples. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yasser Khan | University of Southern California | yasser.khan@usc.edu | Los Angeles, CA | We have sensors that can measure microplastics in wearable and ingestible form factors. | Complementary capabilities | TA1: Measurement |
| Yide Zhang | University of Colorado Boulder | yide.zhang@colorado.edu | Boulder, CO | We develop optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, ultrafast photonic instrumentation, and computational sensing for translational biomedicine. For STOMP, we offer capabilities in sensitive detection and imaging of microplastics in complex biological tissues, quantitative mapping in organs and cells, and data analysis methods to study biodistribution, trafficking, and toxicity mechanisms. | We are interested in joining teams that need strengths in imaging, sensing, instrumentation, and quantitative analysis for STOMP. Our group can support lab-based microplastic measurement, tissue and organ imaging, mechanistic studies of trafficking and toxicity, and translation of measurement concepts toward scalable clinical microplastic-burden assessment systems. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Gang Fan | University of Rochester | gang.fan@rochester.edu | Rochester, NY | The Fan Lab at the University of Rochester focuses on bioinspired polymer science, using microbial engineering and synthetic biology to develop sustainable materials and next-generation environmental technologies. Current research interests include biopolymer production, microplastic detection, and enzymatic approaches to plastic degradation as part of a circular bioeconomy. | Our group is interested in collaborating with teams that bring expertise in computational methods, modeling, and analytical studies, as well as those working on imaging, materials characterization, and related techniques. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Jun Lin | University of Tennessee | jlin6@utk.edu | Knoxville, TN | We successfully developed specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed against representative plastic polystyrene (PS). These PS-specific antibodies enable sensitive, convenient, and easily standardized immunoassays for quantifying PS-MNPs, offering powerful antibody-based immunoassays to tackle challenging & fundamental questions in mechanistic research on the health impacts of MNPs. Our team also have expertise in sensor development and obesity research with mouse model. | Any partners who use animal model systems for various MNP-associated diseases. The PS antibody-based analytic technology is particularly suitable for biomedical research that is focused on health effects of PS MNPs (biodistribution and bioaccumulation), in which samples are usually collected from a well-controlled system, such as the animals treated with a uniform size of PS. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Adam Eldefrawy | Goodlabs | adam@hellogoodlabs.com | New York City, NY | Goodlabs gives people free blood tests with a blood donation, solving two critical needs: boosting America's blood supply through partnerships with Blood Centers and delivering preventive care for free to Americans. Critically, we see strong donor demand for microplastic and PFAS quantification — health-conscious donors are actively seeking these services, creating a self-selecting, motivated cohort for MNP biomonitoring studies and a natural on-ramp to apheresis-based removal interventions. | We bring lean clinical collection infrastructure, blood center partnerships, motivated donor populations, and apheresis access - as well as agile software partners. We're looking for: (1) teams with blood-compatible MNP assays or novel diagnostic approaches that can be deployed against blood samples at scale — particularly for TA1.1 and TA1.2. and (2) thought partners working on first-principles mechanisms of MNP trafficking, accumulation, and clearance to help generate hypotheses to test. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| McBride McBride | University of Pennsylvania | sammcb@seas.upenn.edu | Philadelphia, PA | Spectral fingerprinting for Micro- and nano-plastics chemical identification with AI, multi-modal and high-throughput MNPs analysis, and development of non-spherical MNPs standards of variable polymer chemistries. | Identification techniques and procedures that can augment our detection capabilities or improve throughput/validation. Experiments that would make use of MNPs standard materials. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Andrew Shoffstall | Case Western Reserve University | ajs215@case.edu | Cleveland, OH | Neuroinflammation related to micromaterial exposure in the brain; Nanoparticle anti-inflammatory drug delivery; Blood-brain barrier and particle clearance; In vivo small and large animal models; High throughput histology and immunohistochemistry; Bulk and spatial transcriptomics; Neuroimmunology; Novel high-resolution microscopy techniques. | TA1: Analytical chemistry, specifically expertise around pyGCMS techniques, measurement. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Tamer Mohamed | Baylor College of Medicine | tamer_1977@hotmail.com | Houston, TX | We have a biobank of human, mouse, rat, and pig tissues, which could be used to measure the microplastics | We are looking for partners on TA2 and TA3 | TA1: Measurement |
| Zhenhua Tian | Virginia Tech | tianz@vt.edu | Blacksburg, VA | Microfluidic Devices, Acoustic Separation and Filtration, Acoustic Removal of Microplastics from Fluids, Ultrasound Imaging | Interested in joining a team | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Eugene Chan | DNA Medicine Institute | eugene@rhealth.com | Bedford, MA, MA | DNA Medicine Institute is known for keeping astronauts healthy as they travel to Mars. We have achieved a TRL level of 9 for astronaut monitoring on the space station with NASA. We specialize in measurement of challenging items, including cells, small molecules, nucleic acids and now microplastics. Our organization is a proven performer with the US government as both a prime and sub-performer. Our particular measurement modality is our proprietary nanostrips and laser-based sensing. | We are looking for partners in TA2: Understanding and TA3: Removal. Unique partners in these areas should reach out. Ideally, you have experience in working on large programs and have a track record of success on challenging projects. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Zhenyu Tian | Northeastern University | z.tian@northeastern.edu | Boston, MA | We have analytical capability using py-GC-MS for MNP in environmental and biological samples, and deep expertise in polymer additives (e.g., plasticizers, antioxidants) analysis via LC-HRMS. These will enable comprehensive chemical profiling beyond particle identification alone. Our LC-HRMS further supports untargeted metabolomics and exposomics, linking MNP/additive exposure to disrupted biochemical pathways in support of mechanistic goals. | We seek partners with expertise in: in vivo or in vitro MNP exposure models (TA2.1); clinical sample access via surgery or biopsy for paired tissue/biofluid collection (TA1.3); and/or cell biology and mechanistic toxicology using organoids, 3D culture, or high-resolution imaging (TA2.2). | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Han Xiao | RICE UNIVERSITY | han.xiao@rice.edu | Houston, TX | The Xiao Lab has built strong expertise in plastic degradation through both PET-binding and enzyme-engineering efforts. We developed bioengineered sticky bacteria/proteins that increased PET binding by ~400-fold, creating a new route to PET degradation. We also created F-PEvoP, a high-throughput platform to evolve PETases on crystalline PET, and paired it with machine learning to identify improved variants with markedly higher thermostability and up to 40-fold greater PET product yield at scale. | TA1 | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Hongzhang He | Captis Diagnostics | simonhe@captisdx.com | Pittburgh, PA | Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) can accumulate within cells and be transported via extracellular vesicles (EVs), acting as a novel mechanism for spreading toxicity throughout the body. Captis developed a magnetic beads based lipid nanoprobe technology to isolate extracellular vesicles from blood plasma/serum samples. | TA3 | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Ed Rogers | Bonumose, Inc. | erogers@bonumose.com | Charlottesville, VA | We produce TAGATOSE, a "rare sugar" that is fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon and efficiently produces butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids -- relevant to alleviating harms of microplastics as well as detoxification. Tagatose does this while closely mimicing the taste and cookability of sugar (sucrose), and also have several other health benefits. | Companies and researchers developing detoxification products that would benefit from inclusion of tagatose. | TA3: Removal, TA3: Removal |
| Nikki Posnack | Children's National Hospital | nposnack@childrensnational.org | Washington, DC | Human plastic chemical exposures from environment and clinical procedures, including on-site biobank repository. Outcome measurements assessed directly using animal models, and association studies based on patient outcomes. | TA1: Microplastic measurements in biological samples (e.g., whole blood, plasma) | TA2: Understanding |
| Stephen Farias | Materic | stephen.farias@matericgroup.com | Baltimore, MD | Materic is an advanced materials development and manufacturing organization. Our team has specialization in chemistry and nanomaterials both in detection and mitigation. One of our core competencies is in separation technology for concentrating select micro and nanomaterials from a liquid stream. We believe this can be used for collecting samples for testing as well as a possible treatment method. | We are looking for partners with specific experience with human health and working with blood and blood plasma. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Chao Zhou | Washington University in St. Louis | chaozhou@yahoo.com | Saint Louis, MO | Optical imaging, spectroscopy, laser development, organoids, and animal models | We are looking for partners with expertise in chemical sensing and imaging, micro/nano plastics models, system integration, and in vivo/in vitro systems. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Kyle Doudrick | University of Notre Dame | kdoudrick@nd.edu | Notre Dame, IN | Our research area is on analytics, specifically we have developed a tool for the label-free identification, quantification, and sizing of micro- and nanoplastics down to 50 nm. | We are looking for a clinical partner to help with TA1.3; Experience with Py-GC/MS | TA1: Measurement |
| Jay Senkevich | Petilus Inc | jsenkevi@gmail.com | Madison, WI | Petilus has developed immunotherapy protocols to remove environmental toxins, including micro plastics, from the body. | My company is looking for phase I and II partners, measurement and mechanisms for micro plastics. | TA3: Removal |
| Steve Granick | Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst | sgranick@umass.edu | Amherst, MA | organoids, polymer fabrication & characterization, fluorescence imaging, cell culture, cell biology | smart, reliable partners who deliver what they promise~! | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Akua Asa-Awuku | University of Maryland, College Park | asaawuku@umd.edu | College Park, MD | We are interested in nanoplastic particle characterization (chemical composition and number measurement) in the vaginal microenvironment and their subsequent impact on vaginal function (e.g., vaginal biofilm production and the vaginal mucosal barriers). | We are interested in teaming up with those interested in understanding the plastic transport in mucosal barriers throughough the body and those interested in new technologies for detection and removal. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Christine McDonald | Cleveland Clinic | mcdonac2@ccf.org | Cleveland, OH | We are investigating the impact of microplastics on the intestinal mucosa and how this relates to inflammatory bowel disease development and pathogenesis. We have access to a broad range of well characterized human samples and preclinical models, as well as expertise in evaluating disease parameters and molecular analysis. | We are looking for partners with expertise in measurement of microplastics in tissues to complement our translational investigations into mechanisms of microplastics promotion of disease. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Vito Quaranta | Northeastern University | v.quaranta@northeastern.edu | Boston, MA | AI/ML applied to Cognition and Brain Health | Microplastic assay developers - Animal models - histology for brain tissue specifically (requires specialization compared to generic histology) | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Mehmet Dokmeci | Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation | mdokmeci@terasaki.org | Los Angeles, CA | Terasaki Institute’s organs-on-a-chip work appears to emphasize microfluidic, human-relevant tissue models, especially vascularized and immune-aware systems for transplantation and disease modeling. Their biosensor-related strength seems to be in integrating online sensing and monitoring into chip platforms so tissue behavior can be tracked in real time. Overall, they look strongest at combining organ-on-chip biology with sensing, especially for liver and transplant-focused applications. | Measurement partners. Clinicians with interest in liver and plastics exposure. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Ya Wang | Texas A&M University | ya.wang@tamu.edu | College station, TX | Specialized in physiological modeling and in vivo measurements of nano particles in organs, blood, tissues and brain. | Animal studies and organoid specialist | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Carlos Baiz | University of Texas at Austin | cbaiz@cm.utexas.edu | Austin, TX | Microplastics detection and classification using near-IR spectroscopy, machine learning, analytical methods, physical chemistry | microplastic-tissue interactions, cell biology, polymer-cell interactions, physiology, microscopy and imaging | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Loza Tadesse | MIT | lozat@mit.edu | cambridge, MA | My lab at MIT develops intlligent spectroscopy systems that integrate advanced optical sensing with generative AI and other machine learning approaches to enable rapid, onsite identification of materials in complex biological environments. Our platforms can span, Raman spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, multispectral and holographic imaging to extract high-dimensional molecular and structural signatures from biofluids, cells and synthetic materials in scalable and handheld device formats. | Looking for teams with complementary focus on microplastics chemistry, pathophysiology and/or removal techniques. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Matt Sigmund | SIA/LBG | Msigmund@lathambiopharm.com | Elk Ridge, MD | Sia/LBG provides full-spectrum support for federal funding, specializing in proposal development and post-award execution. Our subject matter experts in digital health bring deep domain knowledge in areas like health IT, AI-driven diagnostics, and data interoperability. We craft compliant, compelling proposals tailored to funder priorities and guide post-award reporting, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery to ensure lasting success. | SIA/LBG is seeking to partner with organizations developing innovative, breakthrough technologies with the potential to satisfy program requirements and that are interested in engaging an experienced partner to enhance proposal development and ensure disciplined, compliant post-award program execution. | TA1: Measurement |
| YU-JOU CHOU | Florida State University | yc24t@fsu.edu | Tallahassee, FL | Our research focuses on intestinal barrier models to study micro- and nanoplastic interactions, including cellular uptake, translocation, and barrier integrity. We use Caco-2 and co-culture systems, combined with TEER, permeability assays, fluorescence imaging, and biochemical analyses to investigate transport mechanisms, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. | We seek collaborators with expertise in in vivo models, advanced microplastic detection and imaging, and metabolomics or multi-omics analysis. Ideal partners can support bioaccumulation studies, systemic toxicity assessment, and cross-scale validation to integrate in vitro findings with organism-level and molecular responses. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Todd Herron | Greenstone Bioscience, Inc. | toddherron@greenstonebio.com | Palo Alto, CA | At Greenstone Biosciences we utilize patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for human centric in vitro studies. We generate 3D human organoids including heart, brain, intestine, pancreas and skeletal muscle. These patient 3D organoids are ideal for determining how microplastics enter human organs and impact physiological function leading to diseases. The organoids are also a robust system to develop microplastic clearing and detection approaches. | We are looking for partners developing anti microplastic measures and detection methods to be tested in vitro using human organoids. Our organoids can be used in high throughput screening systems to determine effectiveness of new microplastic detection and removal strategies. Importantly, we can generate organoids from patients of diverse genetic backgrounds, including those with rare diseases that may predispose to microplastic induced disease. We can provide organoids and screening services. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Donghoon Lee | Omphalos Lifesciences Inc | donghoon.lee@omphaloslifesci.com | Dallas, TX | We build advanced computational modeling and simulation technology for biosystems. Our platform enables mechanistic, multi-scale modeling of cells and organisms. We have developed proof-of-concept bacterial and human disease models, including chronic and infectious conditions, capable of predicting responses to drugs and other chemical perturbations. | We seek partners with (1) unique biosensor technologies for sensitive MNP detection in biofluids/tissues, (2) efficient human-relevant testing platforms for toxicity and trafficking studies, and (3) controlled small animal models for exposure, biodistribution, and clearance, with paired quantitative datasets for model calibration and validation. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Tengfei Luo | University of Notre Dame | luo.15@nd.edu | Notre Dame, IN | Our lab developed Shrinking Surface Bubble Deposition (SSBD), a technique for concentrating and detecting nanoscale particles from complex matrices. SSBD has been validated for nanoplastics identification (PET, PS, nylon) at sub-micron scales from environmental waters and proven as a biosensing platform for biomolecule detection. We combine SSBD with SEM, Raman, EDX, and TEM for comprehensive characterization, with experience in nanoparticle trafficking in biological tissues. | We seek partners with expertise in: (1) toxicology/pathology for characterizing microplastic trafficking and toxicity in animal organs and tissues; (2) in-vivo animal model capabilities for imaging microplastics in biological systems; (3) clinical/translational research experience for developing affordable patient-facing measurement systems; (4) advanced biological imaging (cryo-EM, mass spec imaging) to complement our nanoscale detection capabilities. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Shalini Prasad | The University of Texas at Dallas | shalini.prasad@utdallas.edu | Richardson, TX | Dr. Shalini Prasad’s Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Laboratory (BMNL) at UT Dallas has a set of field-deployable sensing and analytics capabilities that are directly applicable to micro‑/nanoplastics (MNP) measurement workflows, | Looking for characterization and clinical partners for sample procurement | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Stefan Stroh | Certified Nutra Labs L.L.C. | sales@certifiednutralabs.com | 1189 Mahogany Lane 33327, Weston Florida US, FL | Triple NSF-certified dietary supplement contract manufacturer (Certified for Sport, NSF/ANSI 455 Grade A, NSF GMP/ANSI 173) with 20+ years pharmaceutical-grade experience and 1,000+ validated formulations. Current R&D: microplastic binding and detox supplement development using chlorella, activated charcoal, modified citrus pectin, NAC, and zeolite. In-house HPLC and ICP-MS labs for identity, potency, and contaminant testing. FDA-registered facility, Hialeah FL (FEI 3014853673). | Seeking researchers, biotech firms, and clinical organizations conducting microplastic removal studies for STOMP Phase 2. CNL provides GMP manufacturing, formulation, and analytical testing to translate lab-proven removal compounds into FDA-compliant supplements at scale. Ideal partners: microplastic toxicology researchers needing a manufacturing arm, teams developing novel chelation or bioremediation agents for human use, and clinical groups needing GMP-manufactured products. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Cassidy Cantin | Sia/LBG | ccantin@lathambiopharm.com | Elkridge, MD | Sia/LBG offers a strong partner to support both proposal development and award execution. Sia/LBG provides full-spectrum federal funding support across the entire lifecycle -from consortium positioning, partner coordination, and compliant proposal development to post-award contract management, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery. Sia/LBG helps teams navigate and succeed in ARPA-H’s milestone-driven execution environment. | Sia/LBG is looking for teams with exciting technologies in this space to help create teams, develop solutions and deliver innovation. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Win Cowger | MOORE INSTITUTE | wincowger@gmail.com | Long Beach, CA | The Moore Institute is developing high throughout methods for microplastic detection. We are accredited by ELAP to measure microplastics in drinking water and we are experts in spectroscopic methods of detection and analytical software development. | Hardware fabricators, human health researchers | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Judah Ford | Independent Researcher | Jford574@yahoo.com | Amherst, WI | Therapeutic protein engineering for in vivo microplastic degradation and detection. Our primary project is a computationally validated recombinant fusion protein platform (PET-Scavenger) that combines nanomolar-affinity polymer binding (LCIM3/PSP tandem domains, Kd 64 nM on polystyrene), an allosteric autoinhibitory gate for polymer-surface-specific activation, and a thermostabilized PET-hydrolyzing catalytic core (LCC-ICCG, Tm ~94°C). | Seeking collaborators with wet-lab capabilities to advance this computationally mature platform into experimental validation. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| EV Voltura | Texas A&M University | evvoltura@tamu.edu | College Station, TX | We are a cross-disciplinary team spanning at least two institutions, with expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization, additive manufacturing, hyperspectral and MR/NMR-based detection, and translational biological models for studying micro- and nanoplastic measurement, biodistribution, bioaccumulation, and health effects. Additional institutional partners may join as the team develops. | We are open to collaboration and welcome potential partners with complementary expertise in toxicology, pathology, microscopy, imaging, exposure biology, omics, computational analysis/AI, clinical translation, and related areas that can strengthen measurement, mechanism, validation, and scalable interpretation in support of STOMP mission goals on tight timelines. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Aaron Esser-Kahn | University of Chicago | apekay@gmail.com | Chicago, IL | UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. Our team spans: (1) immunoengineering — materials for reprogramming innate immune responses, TLR ligand design, and vaccine adjuvant development (Esser-Kahn); (2) high-throughput single-cell analysis via microfluidics, computation, and optics, with expertise in NF-kB dynamics and immune signaling (Tay); (3) biomimetic polymer electronics and wearable biosensors for biological interfacing (Wang). | Seeking partners with: (1) clinical access to human biospecimens (blood, placental tissue, lung lavage) and biobank infrastructure; (2) in vivo imaging capabilities for particle trafficking studies; (3) polymer science and materials characterization expertise; (4) computational/ML expertise for spectral classification and risk modeling; (5) toxicology and regulatory science experience for risk framework development. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Ik-Jung Kim | Myriad Labs | ikjung@myriadlabs.bio | San Francisco, CA | Myriad Labs develops scalable, reproducible environmental micro- and nanoplastics to address current gaps in measurement and biological relevance. Our work focuses on controlled particle generation near the sub-micron range (~100 nm), defined size distributions, and tunable surface/corona states to enable standardized validation and realistic studies in complex biological matrices. | We seek partners studying biological interactions of micro/nanoplastics, including uptake, transport, and effects in complex systems. We aim to support teams with well-characterized, reproducible particle systems that enable realistic exposure models and improve consistency and comparability across studies. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Michael Atkinson | Aegelys LLC | michael.atkinson@aegelys.com | Mansfield, MA | Aegelys is developing a proprietary biopolymer platform for selective capture of of environmental toxins that prevents their systemic absorption while promoting elimination from GI, respiratory and dermal exposure routes. Our materials leverage molecular recognition principles to bind microplastic particles within physiological environments. Active research includes binding efficacy studies, biopolymer synthesis and scalable manufacturing development. | Aegelys seeks collaborators with expertise in: clinical toxicology or human biomonitoring; in vivo microplastic exposure modeling; GI, pulmonary or dermal pharmacology; analytical characterization of microplastics in biological matrices; and regulatory strategy for novel biomaterial-based interventions. Interest in partnerships with clinical epidemiologists. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Nam Joon Cho | Nanyang Technological University | ncho@stanford.edu | Centre for Cross Economy Global, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551 | The Centre for Cross Economy (cceglobal.com.sg) at NTU focuses on trasforming low-value materials and environmental waste into high-value functional materials. Our work integrates materials science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering process, and bioinspried design, including microplastic capture and transformation technologies, advanced membranes, bio-derived materials, desalination systems, and AI-enabled environmental monitoring. | We seek partners with coplementary expertise particularly welcome with groups experienced in field deployment, ocean or wastewater monitoring platforms, and data-driven environmental analytics to accelerate translation of microplatic capture technologies into real-world applications. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Xuan Wang | Virginia Tech | xuanw@vt.edu | Blacksburg, VA | Our work focuses on AI-driven image understanding and analysis through tool-integrated, reasoning-driven systems, enabling models to move beyond perception toward actionable decision-making. In our recent work, MedVISTAGym (https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.07107), we develop frameworks where AI systems can coordinate specialized visual tools, localize clinically relevant regions, and perform structured multimodal reasoning, forming closed-loop pipelines from perception to interpretation. | We are looking to join a prime team as a subcontractor, to provide technical support on AI-driven image analysis and understanding. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Beizhan Yan | Columbia University | yanbz@ldeo.columbia.edu | New York City, NY | We have a whole suit of research tools to measure microplastics and nanoplastics. We are the first group to measure nanoplastics in bottled water and now we are developing approaches in MS. | academics for understanding mechanism and solution based research groups | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Hao Chen | New Jersey Institute of Technology | hao.chen.2@njit.edu | Newark, NJ | My group at NJIT focuses on developing new mass spectrometry-based technologies for rapidly and accurately detecting environmental contaminants including microplastics and PFAS. | Our lab recently developed one mass spec method that can be used to detect microplastics and nanoplastics from water, juice and biological tissues in seconds. We are open to future collaborations with peers, to test real-world samples. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Abhinav Bhushan | Illinois Institute of Technology | abhushan@iit.edu | Chicago, IL | synthetic biology, microfluidics, organ-on-chips, AI models for design | team lead | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Wah Chiu | Stanford University | wahc@stanford.edu | Stanford, CA | I am developing cryognenic electron imaging for tissues, cells and macromolecules. One of our latest development of using focused ion beam scanning electron microscope allows us to visualize 3D structures of organelles in human tissue and blood sample. | I am look ing for clinical investigator who is doing research on pathology of microplastic on human tissues or samples. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Sriram Muthukumar | EnLiSense LLC | sriramm@enlisense.com | Allen, TX | EnLiSense's READ Innovations Suite is a handheld device for rapid analyte measurement in saliva, urine, and blood, using electrochemical methods. Its adaptable technology suits food safety, agriculture, and nutrition monitoring. READ tracks patient health, aiding disease management, and empowers users and providers for improved outcomes, blending innovation with actionable health data. | For STOMP, we would like to team with material science groups and analytical laboratories that have a strong foundations in polymers / plastics and who can help establish the threshold levels of the various microplastics and the form in which they are present in human body fluids. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Hadi Nia | Boston University | htnia@bu.edu | Boston, MA | We developed crystal ribcage (Nature Methods, 2023) that allows imaging microplastics in functional lungs at the single particle level, in real time. We recently discovered mosaic pattern, a patten composed of "tile" alveoli, in which airborne microplastics deposits vs "band" alveoli, with little or no microplastics (in press Nature Biomed. Eng.). More recently, we developed in vivo cytometry that allows probing the dynamics of airborne microplastic entry into the blood circulation. | We would be interested in partners with microplastic measurement expertise. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Tristan Clemons | University of Southern Mississippi | tristan.clemons@usm.edu | Hattiesburg, MS | School of polymer science and engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi with expertise in the synthesis of a range of polymeric materials and classes along with their characterization | Partnerships include assessment of polymer toxicology and high throughput methodologies for biological characterization and assessment. | TA3: Removal, TA2: Understanding |
| Drew Wilfahrt | University of Pittsburgh | wilfahrt@pitt.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | Our data show that chronic polystyrene MP exposure impairs antigen-specific immune responses. In vitro, dendritic cells that internalize MPs show impaired antigen presentation to T cells. In vivo, MP-exposed mice exhibit defective CD8⁺ T cell proliferation during viral infection and significant changes in systemic nutrient levels, suggesting that MPs disrupt both cell-intrinsic immune functions and systemic metabolism. Our current goal is to investigate the mechanisms through which this occurs. | Our organization does not have the technical expertise to directly measure or remove microplastic from our model systems, but we would be interested in collaborating with other organizations to broaden our impact and scope. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Joseph Cohn | ACCELINT | joseph.cohn@soartech.com | Falls Church, VA | SoarTech provides AI-driven causal modeling and data integration that fuses multi-modal experimental data to identify mechanisms of microplastic toxicity across biological scales. Our tools generate testable hypotheses, prioritize experiments, and enable cross-team insight sharing, accelerating understanding and reducing experimental uncertainty in complex biomedical systems. | We seek a prime with strong in vivo/in vitro experimental capabilities in toxicology, imaging, and multi-omics who can generate high-quality biological data across organ and cellular scales. The partner should value integrated modeling and data sharing, enabling us to provide a causal reasoning layer that translates experimental results into mechanistic insight and actionable hypotheses. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Trevor Klee | Grain Laboratories, Inc. | trevor@neutraoat.com | Boston, MA | We are creating a modified oat beta glucan supplement to sequester plasticizers and PFAS in the digestive tract and remove them from the bloodstream. We have in-vitro data and are moving to clinical. | 1. Companies that are measuring plasticizers in vivo so we can determine the efficacy of our product 2. Clinicians and investigators who'd like to help us test our product in a clinical trial | TA3: Removal |
| Haixun Guo | University of Louisville | haixun.guo@louisville.edu | Louisville, KY | My research focus areas are on utilizing radiochemistry and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed tomography (CT) imaging for studying the distribution of drug candidates, including microparticles, in live animal models and non-invasive and longitudinal monitoring of in vivo functions. | I am looking for partners who can synthesize microparticles precursors, with partially surface modification, for radiolabeling in my lab and further PET/CT imaging for real-time tracing their biodistribution in animals in my lab. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Rebecca Heise | VCU | rlheise@vcu.edu | Richmond, VA | My laboratory has experience with experimental models of lung injury and disease with both in vivo (rodent) and in vitro (cell and tissue engineering) methods. We have developed a mouse model of allergic asthma that is exacerbated by exposure to microplastics. | We are looking for partners that can help us source and characterize micro/nano plastics for use in our animal exposure models. We are also interested in any collaborative efforts in understanding lung clearance mechanisms of inhaled microplastics. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Anita Hjelmeland | University of Alabama at Birmingham | hjelmea@uab.edu | Birmingham, AL | brain tumors | other cancer researchers also investigating effects of microplastics | TA2: Understanding |
| Vicky Yao | Rice University | vy@rice.edu | Houston, TX | We develop ML and statistical methods to integrate diverse -omics data (platforms; bulk and single-cell), model tissue and cell type specificity, and decode molecular mechanisms in disease. Our relevant expertise spans interpretable embedding methods, systems biology/network analyses, and DNA methylation landscape mapping across tissues. We also build open-source tools and visualizations to make computational predictions accessible to experimental and clinical researchers. | We are a computational group without direct microplastics experience, looking to contribute as a supporting team member and contribute through methods development and data analysis. We could envision contributing ML pipelines for spectroscopic data analysis, modeling tissue MNP levels from biofluid measurements, or -omics integration and data harmonization with publicly available data to identify tissue and cell type-specific molecular mechanisms and connect them to disease phenotypes. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Karl Kaiser | Texas A&M University | kaiserk@tamug.edu | Galveston, Texas, TX | Our lab investigates the effects of MNPs in natural environments and biological organisms. We developed a new pyrolysis gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method that corrects for lipid interference. | We look for partners able to engage in STOMP TA1 and TA2 activities. | TA1: Measurement |
| Srivatsan Kidambi | NIH | srivatsan.kidambi@nih.gov | Bethesda, MD | NIH SOM develops standardized, human organoid systems to enable reproducible measurement and mechanistic understanding of environmental exposures, including microplastics. We integrate AI/ML with multi-omics and imaging to define tissue-level accumulation, toxicity pathways, and fit-for-purpose validation frameworks, supporting scalable, human-relevant platforms aligned with clinical and regulatory translation. | We seek partners in advanced measurement technologies, imaging, and analytical chemistry for micro/nanoplastic detection, along with experts in toxicology, bioaccumulation, and clinical correlation. Ideal collaborators bring robust datasets, mechanistic insight, and translational pathways. We prioritize teams aligned with standardization, cross-platform validation, and scalable clinical-readout integration. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Syeed Md Iskander | North Dakota State University | syeed.iskander@ndsu.edu | Fargo, North Dakota., ND | My group investigates human exposure to micro- and nano-plastics from diverse sources. We have strong expertise in the characterization and quantification of micro- and nano-plastics across a wide range of complex matrices. Beyond surface-level characterization, we can quantify ultra-trace mass concentrations of different polymer types in highly complex samples. My lab houses a Lumos II FTIR Microscope and a Pyrolysis-GC-MS instrument for such analyses. | Teaming partners interested to lead TA2: Understanding and TA3: Removal. I would be interested to lead TA1. My group expertise is micro FTIR and pyrolysis-GC-MS for micro- and nano-plastics characterization and trace level mass quantification in any complex media. TA1 would also need partners with advanced imaging techniques for micro- and nano-plastics detection within biospecimen. My groups publications: https://syeedmdiskander.wordpress.com/publications/ | TA1: Measurement |
| Kaitlyn Crawford | University of Central Florida | kcrawford@ucf.edu | Orlando, FL | Synthesis, characterization and use of soft materials (polymers) in flexible electronics for sensing and other applications | Expertise in optics/photonics, electronics, and analytical chemistry | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Margarida Barroso | Albany Medical College | barrosm@amc.edu | Albany and Troy, NY, USA; Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium., NY | Our team develops multiscale fluorescence lifetime imaging and quantitative optical analysis for biologically complex systems, spanning organoids, tissues, and in vivo models. Current focus areas include micro/nanoplastic detection and lifetime barcoding, receptor-mediated internalization and trafficking assays, organelle-resolved imaging, structured-light and time-resolved imaging platforms, and translational assay development for biological and clinical samples. | We seek partners in analytical chemistry for gold-standard MNP polymer identification and benchmarking in biological matrices; clinical/pathology partners for geographically distinct specimen collection sites and paired tissue-fluid studies; and commercialization/product-development partners to help translate a research-grade platform into a rapid, technician-operable clinical assay. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Javier Macossay-Torres | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | javier.macossaytorres@utrgv.edu | Edinburg and Los Alamos, TX | 1) Formation of different polymer fibers via electrospinning, 2) Depolymerization of PET bottles, 3) Capability to form micro and nanoparticles of different plastics, 4) Ultrasonic resonance spectroscopy to characterize materials properties | We are looking for colleagues with potential complementary techniques to identify and characterize plastics in cells and tissue. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Siyang Zheng | Carnegie Mellon University | siyangz@andrew.cmu.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | Our group develops microsystems and nanotechnology to study human-relevant responses to environmental exposures. Key capabilities include human organ-on-chips for controlled acute and chronic exposure studies; mechanistic analysis of nanoparticle toxicity, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage; cell-type resolved studies (epithelial, endothelial, immune interactions), biofluid and tissue sample processing, including sample preparation and downstream DNA/RNA/protein analyses. | Analytical measurement and quantification technologies (e.g., spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, imaging); in vivo exposure and validation models | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| John McNeil | University of Virginia | johnsmcneil@gmail.com | Charlottesville, VA | I am a cardiac anesthesiologist at the University of Virginia and am currently studying microplastics levels in human heart valves. I collaborate with surgeons across all specialties and am likely able to obtain tissue samples from most parts of the human body from patients undergoing surgery. | We are looking for partners who need access to human serum and/or tissue. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Vedant M | Vedas Engineering | mehta@vedasengineering.com | Los Alamos, NM | Vedas Engineering focuses on advanced modeling and simulation, specializing in multi-scale multi-physics, computational modeling, and custom software workflows. Our research involves developing predictive models, molecular dynamics, and fluid simulations to solve complex physical and chemical challenges. We also specialize in creating advanced software systems to process complex data and translate raw lab measurements into actionable digital models. | We seek a biomedical or toxicology “wet lab” to lead empirical STOMP Phase 1 (TA2) research. While Vedas provides multi-scale multi-physics modeling to predict microplastic-biomolecule interactions and potential clearance mechanisms, we need a partner to physically validate these models. Ideal partners possess infrastructure for in vivo/in vitro testing, animal models, and tissue imaging. Let’s combine our digital simulations with your physical biological data. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Dan Fu | University of Washington | danfu@uw.edu | Seattle, WA | My lab focuses on developing new optical spectroscopy and imaging tools to study living biological systems. We mainly use stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to quantitatively determine the location, quantity, and concentration of endogenous and exogenous molecular species in cells and tissue. We pioneered the development of hyperspectral SRS microscopy, which allows spectral unmixing of multiple molecular species, including microplastics. | We are looking for partners with expertise in organoid and mouse models of microplastic exposure, as well as toxicity evaluation. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Aydogan Ozcan | UCLA | ozcan@g.ucla.edu | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA | Label-free microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, computational imaging and sensing, AI-based virtual contrast, staining and sensing. | experts with TA2 and TA3 focus; clinical teams with access to surgical/biopsy tissue and paired biofluids; pathology and biobank teams with standardized specimen handling protocols; polymer chemists | TA1: Measurement |
| Courtney Chambers | Portal Biotechnologies | courtney@portal.bio | WATERTOWN, MA | Portal’s mechanoporation technology is a simple diffusion-based cell engineering system that can enable the ex vivo engineering of cell therapies designed to locate, identify, or degrade microplastics within the body. | We are seeking partners with the expertise to address TA1 and TA2 who are interested in using cellular therapies to remove toxic microplastics from the human body. | TA3: Removal |
| Courtney Chambers | Portal Biotechnologies | courtney@portal.bio | WATERTOWN, MA | Portal’s mechanoporation technology is a simple diffusion-based cell engineering system that can enable the ex vivo engineering of cell therapies designed to locate, identify, or degrade microplastics within the body. | We are seeking partners with the expertise to address TA1 and TA2 who are interested in using cellular therapies to remove toxic microplastics from the human body. | TA3: Removal |
| June Lee, MD, PhD | National Society of Medical Scientists (NSMS) | Dr.JuneLee@nsmsusa.org | Bethesda, MD | NSMS Team (T6) specializes in the aArmor-STOMP ecosystem: a closed-loop framework for Micro/Nano-Plastic intervention. Core tech: aArmor SERS/G-FET systemic sensing, particulokinetic digital twin modeling, and directed sequestration via engineered CAR-M and pH-responsive enzymatic nanocarriers. We leverage decentralized federated learning and PoA blockchain to mitigate longitudinal burden, with dedicated Regulatory/Ethics oversight for safe, CRISPR-enhanced deployment. | NSMS Team T6 seeks partners to scale aArmor-STOMP. Priorities: 1) MEMS/CMOS Foundries to integrate Lithium Niobate SAW transducers and G-FET sensors into single-chip implantable/wearable form factors. 2) SynBio Labs for metabolic engineering to optimize IsPETase/MHETase kinetics and high-yield production for nanocarriers. 3) Immunology/CAR-M Specialists for epigenetic reprogramming and scFv optimization of macrophages for high-affinity sequestration. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Junjie Yao | Duke University | jy211@duke.edu | Durham, NC | Longitudinal, multiplexed, photoacoustic imaging of whole-body small animal models with microplastic exposure | Toxicity, labelling, cellular/subcellular imaging | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Maxim Batalin | Lucendi, Inc. | mbatalin@lucendi.org | Los Angeles, CA | Lucendi is developing AI-based holographic imaging flow cytometry technology for high-throughput automated characterization of microscopic objects in liquids. Our prior work included successful demonstration of automated screening of water and identification of microplastics anywhere from 3 micron to over 4 mm in size. | We would like to partner with organizations interested in applications of our technology for rapid microplastic identification in liquids, groups interested in developing analytic and reporting innovations, microplastic and life science researchers and other stakeholders with interest to bring scalable microplastic identification technology to every day use. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Lauren Brown | Applied Risk and Toxicology | lbrown@appliedrisktox.com | Ann Arbor, MI | ART is a small woman owned business that focuses on chemical risk assessment and toxicological evaluations. We used evidence based research to contribute to the scientific understanding related to compound safety and/or risk. | As a small SME, I provide senior toxicology expertise and project management but not large‑scale capacity. I’m seeking a partner with broader infrastructure, staffing, and administrative support to strengthen competitive grant proposals and deliver high‑quality, collaborative scientific work. | TA2: Understanding |
| Liping Feng | Duke University | feng0007@mc.duke.edu | N/A, NC | Imaging and reproductive toxicity | N/A | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Amit Goyal | University at Buffalo | agoyal@buffalo.edu | Buffalo, NY, NY | We have developed an innovation method to extract nanoplastics (10nm - 100nm) from aqueous media, then characterize he. type of plastic as well as contaminants adsorbed on surface. We could also potentially scale this up from a small lab scale. This could potentially be applied to biological fluids as well. | People skilled in the field with medical/biological sciences who can extract the right bodily fluids of interest from which extraction and characterization of nanoplastics is of interest. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| YANNA LIANG | University at Albany | yliang3@albany.edu | Albany, NY | At UAlbany, we focus on measuring microplastics in different environmental samples and developing innovative approaches for removing microplastics from water. Specifically, we have fabricated new materials for capturing microplastics in water effectively and efficiently. Moreover, we have been studying how microplastics affect the fate and transport of other emerging contaminants in the environment. | We desire teaming partners who have instrumentation and expertise for identifying and quantifying real microplastics in the environment. Potential partners who are skilled in computational modeling are of interest as well. | TA3: Removal |
| Vadim Piskun | Cytosonic LLC | vadim.piskun@cytosonic.net | San Jose, CA | Our research focuses on developing microfluidic sensing systems integrating multi-frequency impedance spectroscopy with synchronized optical imaging for single-particle analysis. We emphasize physics-based measurement approaches, including differential sensing and calibration with reference particles, to ensure high fidelity and reproducibility for detection and classification in complex biological samples. | We are seeking teaming partners in clinical pathology/laboratory medicine to define sample workflows and validate measurement protocols for biological samples (urine, blood). We also seek collaborators in environmental health/exposure science to guide study design and relevance, as well as partners with access to characterized microplastic reference materials for calibration and validation of reproducible measurement methods. | TA1: Measurement |
| Salik Hussain | West Virginia University | salik.hussain@hsc.wvu.edu | Morgantown, WV | Inhalation Toxicology, Lung function and Inflammation, Innate immune responses, in vitro organoid models of airway and alveoli, air-liquid interface exposures, disease animal models | Looking to combine our expertise with the groups having expertise in detection and/or oral toxicity | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Austin Scircle | USACE | austin.r.scircle@usace.army.mil | Vicksburg, MS | The main focus of the Analytical Geochemistry Team at USACE Engineer Research and Development Center is the development of novel analytical methods and the detection of emerging contaminants and challenging and unusual sample matrices. We are well equipped for typical water quality and soil analyses and have a variety of instrumentation. | We would be interested in partnering with other analytical labs, particularly ones with spectral imaging capabilities (i.e. µ-FTIR, raman etc). | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Roger Tang | Triple Ring Technologies | rtang@tripleringtech.com | Newark, CA | Triple Ring Technologies is a leading partner in developing science-driven products in medtech and life sciences. Our interdisciplinary team (>30% PhDs) excels in advancing technologies to FDA approval while working with academic and commercial partners. We offer capabilities in device and system integration, project management, hardware/software development, and assay development. Relevant experience with in vivo and in vitro diagnostic technologies and instruments. ISO 13485 certified. | We partner with innovators to solve tough problems and create new businesses. From concept to FDA submission, commercialization, and the clinic, we handle technology development and design, as well as complex system integration. We can lead or support TA1 (Measurement) as a technology and product development partner, or support TA2 (Understanding) with our medical imaging capabilities. We have been a prime, subcontractor, multiparty team member, or vendor on previous ARPA-H proposals and awards. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yueyu Yao | PolyGone Systems | yueyuy@polygonesystems.com | North Brunswick, NJ | Our work at PolyGone focuses on a central question: how to intercept MNPs at key emission points before they disperse into the environment. We developed filtration technologies using novel filter media that attract and capture MNPs. In parallel, PolyGone maintains a dedicated lab for MNP analysis, with access to fluorescence microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-GC/MS. Our team has broad experience handling diverse sample matrices, including complex, high-biomass samples. | We welcome collaboration with experts in clinical toxicology, innovative MNP analysis instrumentation, and advanced sensing and imaging approaches. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Jeffry Schroeter | Applied Research Associates | jschroeter@ara.com | Raleigh, NC | Our team specializes in the development and application of computational models to study human responses from exposure to toxic substances. For MNPs, these efforts will include physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models to study ADME processes and bioaccumulation in tissues, quantitative systems toxicology (QST) models for cellular uptake and mechanisms of toxicity, and inhalation dosimetry models to study effects of shape and chemical composition on lung absorption. | We are seeking teaming partners where our physiological modeling approaches can be used to leverage, interpret and translate results from TA1 and TA2 laboratory studies to human exposure conditions for MNPs. We seek collaborators to conduct animal exposure studies for MNP kinetics and in vitro studies to determine cellular pathways affected by MNPs. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Kevin Roehm | CFD Research Corporation | kevin.roehm@cfd-research.com | Huntsville, AL | Development and application of microphysiological systems, including organ-on-a-chip barrier models and organoids. Relevant to STOMP, we can utilize MPS to model MNP transport across tissue barriers (BBB and placenta), as well as 2D and 3D models of multiple organs (brain, heart, liver) to characterize MNP toxicity and mechanistic effects in a stepwise manner. | TA1 and TA2.1. for TA2.2, we are seeking partners for the in vivo validation, as well as partners with novel tagging methods to track MNP locations in vitro. | TA2: Understanding |
| Brian Giebel | City University of New York, Advanced Science Research Center | bgiebel@gc.cuny.edu | Manhattan (New York City), NY | We have established methods and quantitative recovery data for lung tissue analyses as well other environmental samples. Our tools include PyGCMS, uFTIR/Raman, SEM and MALDI Imaging capabilities. Our group includes environmental analytical chemists, nanoscientists, neuroscientists, medical practitioners, public health experts, toxicologists, exposure scientists, and environmental engineers. We have abilities to recruit occupational and medical participants. | Interested in leading or joining teams that need strengths in imaging, instrumentation, and quantitative analysis. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Jacqueline Tearle | Garvan Institute of Medical Research | j.tearle@garvan.org.au | Sydney, Australia | We are experienced in multi-omic (scRNA-seq, WGS, microbial shotgut metagenomics, metabolomics) analyses of gut tissue/stool/blood (healthy, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease) and ex-vivo culture (gut organoids, microbiome). We have recently begun analysing MNPs in fecal samples and investigating the effect of MNPs on the microbiome. | Open to any kind of collaboration where our expertise could be useful | TA2: Understanding |
| Chris Pretorius | FedAward | chrisp@fedaward.com | Cheyenne, WY | FedAward provides end-to-end capture, proposal, and execution support for $10M to $100M+ federal opportunities. Our STOMP team includes former unlimited warrant 1102 Contracting Officers with 28+ years in federal acquisition and graphic designers. We have an 80%+ historical win rate across $0.5bn+ in supported contract value, including recent BARDA OTA awards and HHS/ASPR contracts for first-time federal entrants. We specialize in OTA and milestone-driven execution environments. www.fedaward.com | FedAward is seeking technology performers with differentiated capabilities in microplastics/nanoplastics measurement, bioaccumulation research, or removal technologies to form competitive teams for STOMP. We bring capture leadership, proposal development, prime/sub teaming architecture, and post-award contract management. Ideal partners have strong technical credentials but need federal acquisition expertise to navigate ARPA-H's milestone-driven framework and win. Check us out: www.fedaward.com. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Parijat Bhatnagar | Tribe Research | xparijat@gmail.com | Belmont, CA | Tribe Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused research organization developing programmable biotechnology platforms engineered for rapid reconfiguration and mission‑specific deployment. Our work centers on modular platform systems that can be redirected across sensing, therapeutic, and biomanufacturing domains — enabling accelerated discovery‑to‑intervention timelines and operational responsiveness. | We seek partners with expertise in disease mechanisms driven by micro and nanoplastics, including effects on immune, neurological, metabolic, and barrier systems. Ideal collaborators bring mechanistic insight into how these particles disrupt cellular function and drive chronic pathology. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Kai Li | UConn Health | kali@uchc.edu | Farmington, CT | We are an immunology team that studies the recognition, life cycle and immunological impact of internalized particles. Our platform profiles the protein composition of particle-containing intracellular vesicles (phagolysosomes/endosomes) in real-time. This allows us to identify the specific receptors, transport machinery, and signaling scaffolds that dictate the trafficking, persistence, and biological impact of micro- and nanoplastics from a immunology standpoint. | Seeking teaming partners with complementary expertise in analytical chemistry (particle synthesis and tagging), microplastic detection/measurement (TA1), and clinical pathology (human biospecimens) to correlate our mechanistic immunology findings with real-world exposure and patient-derived samples. | TA2: Understanding |
| Paul Christie | TACHMED | pceo@tachmed.com | London and Phoenix, AZ | Biosensor based diagnostics enabling real time quantitative and qualitative measurement of biomarkers and microplastics in biological fluids. | We are looking for team members who can inform the assessment of charge around microplastics for comprehensive detection using Tachmed's electrochemical expertise and biosensor based cartridge and reader system linked to a cloud-based database and analytical platform | TA1: Measurement |
| Christine McBeth | Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufacturing Innovation | cmcbeth@bu.edu | Boston, MA | Fraunhofer USA Center for Manufacturing Innovation delivers custom automation for industry leaders. We have deep expertise in translating benchtop processes to high volume manufacturing and throughput. Our partners at Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany also have over 15 years experience in automated tissue factories which standardize fabrication and quantitative analysis of tissue equivalents. | Clinical trial partners for TA1. TA2 partners. | TA1: Measurement |
| Phillip Mach | LANL | mach@lanl.gov | Los Alamos, NM | Mass Spectrometry and Flow | Ability to provide analytical and instrumental olutions. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Zhiyong Liu | University of Alabama at Birmingham | zyliu@uab.edu | Birmingham, AL | My lab focuses on understanding how endocytic trafficking pathways regulate the cellular uptake of nanoplastics. We are particularly interested in how nanoplastics hijack specific endocytic routes to cross biological barriers and gain access to vulnerable cell types. | methods to track intracellular nanoplastic level. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Necati Kaval Kaval | University of Cincinnati | kavaln@ucmail.uc.edu | Cincinnati, OH | Our research focuses on (1) Impact of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Heart Health and Disease, (2) manufacturing of true-to-life MNPs for use in in-vivo and in-vitro studies, and (3) accurate identification and quantification of MNPs in biological matrix. We have been simultaneously working in these three areas. | Exchange knowledge and experience on challenging issues. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Debashish Roy | BioInVision | droy@bioinvision.com | Cleveland, OH | We have a patented 3D microscopic imaging technology CryoViz, which is used as a fee-for-service imaging option to track and study 3D biodistributions of cells, exosomes, nanonparticles etc in very large tissue samples like whole rodents and harvested human tissues with single cell sensitivity. Our current research focus is to study and quantify the biodistribution of microplastics in whole animal and excised human tissue samples with complete 3D visualization and accurate measurements. | We are looking for partners for (i) TA2:Understanding: help with understanding, interpretation, and pathological implications of the measurements and readouts provided by us. (ii) TA3:Removal: looking further down the road, help with strategies for therapeutic interventions as well as removal of microplastics. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Ryan Callahan | Prova Health | ryan.callahan@provahealth.com | Miami, FL | We are a commercialization partner with experience working at ARPA-H pace. We have experience specifically in diagnostic technology, supporting a variety of organizations (academic labs, start-ups, and enterprises) to successfully commercialize innovative products and services. We are familiar with the challenges specific to diagnostics, IVD, lab tests, imaging, and novel biomarkers. | We are looking to partner with teams who have a strong technical and clinical background and who want to de-risk the scaled adoption of their technology into the healthcare system. We can help with reimbursement strategy, ideal customer profiles, go-to-market plans, sales forecasting, strategic exit options, competitive analysis, clinical workflow, simulation-based feasibility testing, and adjacent activities. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Candace Tsai | UCLA | candacetsai@ucla.edu | Los Angeles, CA | Microplastic and nanoplastic evaluation, measurement, characterization and related collection and analysis. and in vitro study related to exposure. Specific expertise in characterizing nanosized particles. | Chemist and remediation related expertise are preferred. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Luis Garza | Johns Hopkins University | LAG@jhmi.edu | Baltimore, MD | The Garza lab @ Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine focuses on skin microplastics. Skin is the largest organ, has multiple compartments, and as much as 50% of cardiac output during heat dissipation. Therefore, skin is likely not just a portal for MNPs, but also a storage depot. We have experience in collecting human skin samples and measuring MNP products using MSI, LC/MS-MS, and hyperspectral imaging. We also study the biological effects of MNP to modulate cells in health and disease. | The Garza lab @ Johns Hopkins is seeking to join a prime consortium as a SUBCONTRACTOR. We offer robust clinical infrastructure and biological expertise to fulfill key requirements in TA1 and TA2: TA1.3- Rapid, scalable procurement of paired skin biopsies with blood, urine, and clinical information. We can easily exceed the 100 subject metric. TA1.1 and 1.2: We have done MS, MSI and hyperspectral imaging to detect MNPS. TA2: We test MNP effects on cells in generalizable skin disease models. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Alexandra Ros | Arizona State University | arso2@asu.edu | Tempe, AZ | Microplastic sorting and fractionation with a focus on electrokinetic techniques, microfluidics, cytometry, microplastic characterization and interaction with body fluids, organoid and tissue interaction | Electrical and mechanical engineers for device integration, Raman/IR microscopy experts | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Outi Keinaenen | University of Alabama at Birmingham | keinanen@uab.edu | Birmingham, AL | We are developing radiolabeling techniques for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and utilizing nuclear imaging and liquid scintillation counting to track the bioaccumulation of MNPs in animal models. | Infrastructure and expertise in organ and tissue level quantification of health effects of MNPs. Animal and exposure models beyond mice. | TA2: Understanding |
| Rodrigo Weingrill | John A. Burns School of Medicine - University of Hawaii at Manoa | barbano@hawaii.edu | Honolulu, HI | Our research team investigates microplastic exposure and its implications for human reproductive health. We focus on developing methods to detect microplastics in human tissues, assessing temporal accumulation patterns, and evaluating in vitro cellular responses to microplastic exposure, including cytotoxicity, internalization mechanisms, and genomic and metabolic disruption. Our goal is to better understand risks to male and female reproductive health, pregnancy and fetal development. | We seek to expand our expertise in microplastic detection, reproductive and perinatal biology, and exposure science. Priority partners include those with advanced imaging or omics capabilities, as well as access to clinical samples and populations (e.g., in vitro fertilization centers, placental or maternal cohorts). We are also interested in partners committed to translating findings into policy, including sharing results with legislators to inform strategies that reduce microplastic exposure. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Yuanwei Li | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | yuanwei@illinois.edu | Urbana, IL | Photonic sensors for microplastic detection | We are looking for partners in TA2 and TA3 | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Adam Gushgari | Eurofins Environment Testing USA | adam.gushgari@et.eurofinsus.com | Sacramento, CA | Eurofins Environment Testing (EET) delivers microplastics testing across a broad range of matrices, including drinking water, surface water, wastewater, soil, sediment, air, food, and consumer products. Supported by 6 centers of excellence internationally, including our Sacramento, CA facility, and an international peer group advancing method harmonization, EET applies state-of-the-art techniques, including Raman, FTIR, LDIR, and Pyrolysis-GC/MS, to serve our clients and partners. | We are seeking partners across TA1 and TA2 objectives with history of advancing MNP innovation across measurement, bioaccumulation , and/or mechanistic toxicology research. Ideal partners would benefit from a well established and distributed analytical laboratory network (85+ laboratories across North America) with validated MNP analytical capabilities. The Sacramento, CA laboratory leads an international network of centers of excellence dedicated to advancing microplastics science globally. | TA1: Measurement |
| Jongyoon Han | MIT | jongyoonhan@gmail.com | Cambridge, MA | Concentrating and separating micron-size plastic particles from a large volume of fluid, in order to facilitate detection and removal. | Downstream analysis of microplastics / Scientific understanding of biological impacts | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Grace Chen | University of Massachusetts Lowell | Gracewanting_chen@uml.edu | Lowell, MA | measurement and characterization of microplastics; investigate the environmental fate of plastics | Clinical partners to prepare and extract microplastics from animal and human | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Lorne Hofseth | University of South Carolina | hofseth@cop.sc.edu | Columbia, SC | Community waste-water surveillance, Intervention trials, Peromyscus, Polymer science, Rural health | Someone who can scale a product that we produce in Phase 1 for TA3/Phase 2 | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Tae Gyu Oh | University of Oklahoma College of Medicine | TaeGyu-Oh@ou.edu | Oklahoma City, OK | We utilize multi-omics, single-cell profiling, to investigate the impact of microplastics on human health. By integrating advanced detection techniques like micro-RAMAN and O-PTIR with multimodal datasets, we dissect cellular responses to microplastic-induced stress. Our research provides comprehensive insights into single cell and tissue-level interactions, driving scientific advancement in environmental toxicology and systemic health. | We welcome collaborations with diverse partners interested in advancing microplastic research. We value partners who bring complementary expertise and share a commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary research. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Justus Ndukaife | Vanderbilt University | justus.ndukaife@vanderbilt.edu | Vanderbilt University, TN | My lab develops technologies for the capture, measurement, and chemical characterization of micro- and nanoplastics, enabling identification of polymer type and size, including nanoplastics (<1 µm). We will lead TA1 (Measurement). We also generate well-defined, irregular micro- and nanoplastics for studies of trafficking, biodistribution, and toxicity, supporting TA2. | We are seeking collaborators with access to clinical samples (tissues and biofluids) to enable robust validation and translation of our measurement approach. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Alan Morrison | Arrow Lab Solutions | a.morrison@arrowlabsolutions.com | Burton, MI, MI | We developed the first microplastic detection test kit for human samples in 2023 | We are looking to partner with a larger organization that can conduct and publish studies utilizing our technology. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Nastassja Lewinski | Virginia Commonwealth University | nalewinski@vcu.edu | Richmond, VA | On-site cytotoxicity testing, in silico-in vitro-in vivo exposure-response correlations | Plastics, polymers, and VOC characterization expertise | TA2: Understanding |
| Joseph Schinaman | Petri Bio | joe@petribio.com | Los Angeles, CA | Petri Bio is an NIH-funded biotech company developing precision probiotics for a number of areas of human health. We have discovered a number of unique human commensal bacteria which are capable of binding nanoplastic under human gut conditions, and are looking to develop these further as a potential intervention to reduce absorption of plastic into the body. | Petri Bio is looking to partner with teams capable of producing aged micro- and nano-plastic of various compositions for our development work. We are also looking for teams capable of conducting clinical trials for interventions, as well as downstream sample processing of clinical samples, to support a TA3 application. We are also interested in partnering with other intervention teams who are looking to add a low-cost, ongoing preventative component to their regimen. | TA3: Removal |
| Joshua Reineke | South Dakota State University | Joshua.Reineke@sdstate.edu | Brookings, SD | Two areas of focus: 1. We have developed and validated novel, tag-free detection and quantification of MNP from organic samples including animal tissue. The method enables characteristic determination of MNP and we have used the method to look at dynamic behavior and time course transit in animals. 2. We have experience in developing mathematical models of MNP time course behavior in animals including MNP property-based relationships enabling validated prediction of organ distribution. | Collaborative partners with novel MNP detection methods for comparison and validation purposes of our own method and potentially combining methodology to provide greater functionality and accuracy. Additionally, simulation specialist who can collaborate in further development of our mathematical models. Strong interest in collaboration with TA2 and TA3 relevant researchers once TA1 objectives are met. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| James Wilking | Mayo Clinic | wilking.james@mayo.edu | Rochester, MN | We are a nonprofit, academic medical center with focus areas in fundamental and applied microplastics research, as well as ongoing clinical studies. | To be determined as the proposal matures. We are open to a range of potential teaming arrangements | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Ji-Xin Cheng | Boston University | jxcheng@bu.edu | Boston, MA | My research team at Boston University develops chemical imaging technologies. I am an inventor of optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) microscopy that are widely used for imaging of micro- and nano-plastics. My group also pioneered hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy that allows high-speed imaging of plastics. | We are looking for partners that can provide clinical samples. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Aron Stubbins | Northeastern University | aron.stubbins@northeastern.edu | Boston, MA | Orthogonal confirmation of MNPs in complex samples | Additional methods and samples | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Gary Wnek | Case Western Reserve University | gew5@case.edu | Cleveland, OH | Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western has a comprehensive research program spanning synthesis, processing and structure-property relationships of polymers, and a long history of innovation and industry partnerships. Sustainability is a major interest. Health concerns regarding microplastics have sharpened our focus, and we are leveraging our expertise with significant resources related to human health (BME Dept, Cleveland Clinic, others) | Desirable partner expertise includes preparation and characterization of well-defined microplastics, methods to digest tissue samples without microplastic degradation, and analytical methods that can clearly and quantitatively identify compositions and amounts of microplastics. Industry partners can help t0 guide us to primary sources of microplastics in various commercial products | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Aiguo Han | Virginia Tech | aiguohan@vt.edu | Blacksburg, VA | Our laboratory has experience developing advanced ultrasound imaging techniques for in vivo animal and human imaging. Our model-based spectral ultrasound techniques enable quantitative imaging of microplastic characteristics such as particle size, concentration, and spatial distribution. We also have experience in high-frequency ultrasound, ultrafast ultrasound, and microvascular imaging techniques, as well as AI algorithms for signal and image analysis. | We are interested in joining teams that need expertise in imaging, signal processing, and AI. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Peter Koulen | UMKC | koulenp@umkc.edu | Kansas City, MO | neurodegenerative diseases | TA3 experts | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Ethan Litman | Beth Israel Lahey / BIDMC | elitman@bidmc.harvard.edu | Boston, MA, MA | We are experts in women's reproductive health (gynecologic medicine and surgery, pregnancy, fetal medicine, neonatal medicine, menopause) and are seeking collaborators measure and understand microplastics. We have additional expertise other chronic disease spanning cardiology, immunology, and neurology. With over 400,000 primary care visits annually and 50,000 births we can serve as robust clinical partners. We have expert staff in research compliance, data collection, and recruitment. | We are looking for technical partners who are seeking to develop innovative solutions to measure microplastics. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Andrey Khlystov | Desert Research Institute | andrey.khlystov@dri.edu | Reno, NV | Desert Research Institute (DRI) specializes in sample preparation and analytical method development for chemical characterization of environmental pollutants, including micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), in biological and environmental matrices. DRI operates analytical service laboratories, bringing applied, service-oriented capability to research. Our approach combines spectrometric (micro FTIR) and mass-based platforms (py-GC/MS, py-APGC/IM/QTOF) to determine and quantify polymer composition. | We seek partners with (1) engineering expertise to advance prototype MNP detection instruments to manufacture-ready and clinically deployable systems, including microfluidic and advanced optical/imaging platforms; and (2) regulatory and translational expertise to navigate FDA clearance pathways. Ideal collaborators will contribute scalable, rapid measurement technologies that complement our high-resolution analytical workflows. | TA1: Measurement |
| Eva Berkes | Quorum Innovations Inc | evaberkesmd@quoruminnovations.com | Sarasota, FL | QI focuses on human barrier protection using commensal biofilm-epithelial modulation for defense against physical and chem-bio threats. QI has tested MNP adhesion, dose response, internalization kinetics, subcellular localization and toxicity using polarized Caco-2 intestinal and other cellular assays, human digestion simulation, C. elegans MNP internalization, and a human in vivo oral plastic release assay. Quorum's TA3 technology is currently in early commercialization. | QI seeks TA 2.1 and TA 2.2 partners with animal model expertise, as well as advanced imaging technology partners (PT-IR/AFM-IR, SEM/TEM or CLSM). | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Hyunjeong Ki | Chungnam National University Hospital | supermaori@cnuh.co.kr | Daejeon, Republic of Korea | Microplastics in human gut | Seeking a U.S.-based TA1 team needing an international clinical site for TA1.3 (biofluids-tissue correlation study). We are a high-volume GI surgery center at Korean tertiary university hospital, capable of prospectively collecting paired surgical tissue ( stomach, small bowel, colon ) and biofluids (blood, urine) from 100+ patients/year. We offer geographic an demographic diversity for multi-site study desing. Open to TA2.1 collaboration on human GI tissue bioaccumulation data. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| J-C Chiao | Southern Methodist University | jchiao@smu.edu | Dallas, TX | Raman spectroscopy, Microfluidics, Wireless implant and wearable | Animal models, Other sensing modalities | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Huiyuan Guo | Binghamton University | hguo@binghamton.edu | Binghamton, NY | 1. We are able to synthesize spherical and irregularly shaped MNPs that are trackable by confocal spectroscopy (e.g., surface-enhanced Raman or fluorescence spectroscopy) and quantifiable by ICP-MS. The results have been published in three research articles. 2. We also have the experience, expertise, and technology to determine NP trafficking mechanisms across the biological barrier. In a recently published work, we used pathway inhibition methods to identify dominant trafficking mechanisms. | Partners who have expertise in in vivo toxicity studies, multi-omics, or innate degradation mechanisms | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Raj Ratwani | MedStar Health | raj.m.ratwani@medstar.net | Columbia, MD | MedStar Health consists of 9 acute care hospitals and over 400 outpatient clinics across the greater Maryland and Washington DC area of the United States. The case mix index for our system in 2025 was 3.62. We have a very diverse patient population and our care sites span rural, urban, and suburban. Our research areas of focus span across all aspects of medicine and we bring deep expertise in clinical trials, measurement, and healthcare delivery research. | We are looking for partners that will lead the technology development and commercialization. We seek to be the clinical partner and can bring clinical domain expertise and testing with diverse patients. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Mathew Cohen | CA Analytical Testing Services | mcohen@caanalytical.com | Chicago, IL | CA Analytical is an FDA-registered contract analytical laboratory developing a contamination-controlled workflow for micro- and nanoplastics in blood and tissue using pyrolysis-GC/MS, supported by controlled sample prep and orthogonal LC/QTOF, LC-MS/MS, and FTIR where appropriate. Core strengths include rapid method development, fit-for-purpose validation, method transfer, robust quality systems, and defensible reporting. | We seek partners with clinical specimen access, advanced imaging or spectroscopy, animal/organoid/organ-on-chip exposure models, and reference materials or particle-generation capability. We are especially interested in teams where CA can serve as the analytical core for contamination-controlled MNP quantification, characterization, method transfer, and shared sample analysis. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Austin Quach | Dalton Bioanalytics Inc. | austin.quach@daltonbioanalytics.com | Los Angeles, CA | Dalton Bioanalytics provides multi-omic LC-MS analysis (proteins, lipids, small molecules) including plasticizer leachates, protein adducts, oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxidation products, and metabolic indicators from biofluid/tissue in a single analytical run. Our work bridges particle-level MNP detection with molecular-level exposure/effect readouts, enabling mechanistic insight into how micro- and nanoplastics drive inflammation, oxidative damage, and cardiometabolic disease pathways. | We seek TA2 prime teams with access to animal models or clinical cohorts. Dalton brings turnkey multi-omics sample analysis linking chemical exposure to biological response. Ideal partners value molecular mechanistic data alongside particle counting and need scalable bioanalytical capacity for multi-site studies. | TA2: Understanding |
| Brandon Lam | Breaking | brandon.lam@breaking.com | Cambridge, MA | Breaking develops high-affinity, polymer-specific binding proteins that enable precise detection of microplastics in complex matrices. When integrated with appropriate linker chemistries & signal amplification platforms, these proteins form the basis of sensitive & selective biosensors capable of analysis of microplastics across various environments. Our team has expertise in computational & experimental protein design, scalable biomanufacturing, & analytical characterization of microplastics. | We are actively seeking collaborators with expertise in biosensor signal amplification technologies suitable for complex environmental and biological matrices, as well as partners offering advanced sensing and analytical service capabilities with such technology. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| George Elane | Texas A&M University | gelane@tamu.edu | College Station, TX | I am a veterinary surgeon (large animal) with specialty training in ischemic injury and repair of the intestine. We use Ussing chambers and single cell transcriptomics to identify cellular response to ischemic injury. We are well-adapted to use of pigs as a model for studying disease and are set up for cell culture, investigating organ and system harm, and cellular pathway analysis. | Our ability to access blood and tissue samples is limited to veterinary species; we are not currently set up for anything that requires human samples or participants. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Justin Smolen | Texas A&M University | smolen@tamu.edu | College Station, TX | Our group is focused on methods to detect microplastics in tissues/biological samples and in studying microplastics effects in animals. | We are interested in partnering with clinicians to study microplastics from human/clinical samples | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yue Zhang | Texas A&M University | yuezhang@tamu.edu | College Station, TX, TX | We can provide real-time (minute time-scale), high resolution, online quantification of different types of nanoplastic and microplastic in biological tissues and environmental systems. We also have capability to oxidize and remove plastics. | We are looking for partners for imaging and quantification through STOMP | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Zhanfei Liu | The University of Texas at Austin | zhanfei.liu@utexas.edu | Austin, USA, TX | We have a suite of analytical tools, together with established protocols, that can quantify micro- and nanoplastics in environmental and tissue samples. We have also been analyzing microplastics in mouse and human tissue samples to investigate their causal effects. | We seek clinical/pathology partners for specimen collection sites and paired tissue-fluid studies | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Koustav Ganguly | University of Arkansas | kganguly@uark.edu | Fayetteville, AR | The Translational Respiratory Research Unit (Institute for Innovative and Integrative Research), led by Koustav Ganguly develops and validates human-relevant respiratory models to quantify and mechanistically map various inhalation exposures including micro/nanoplastic (MNP) toxicity. We aim to integrate advanced air–liquid interface lung models with in vivo translocation and systems biology to generate a cross-scale Respiratory MNP Toxicity Atlas. We are focusing on TA2. | We seek partners in standardized MNP production and characterization, high-sensitivity detection and quantification (TA1), multi-omics and computational modeling, and clinical translation. Access to industry-relevant, well-characterized MNPs is critical. Collaborations in imaging, biodistribution, and exposure technologies are encouraged to jointly define bioaccumulation, mechanisms, and health impacts (TA2). | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Tom Cohen | Panome Bio | tom.cohen@panomebio.com | Saint Louis, MO | Panome Bio develops advanced mass spectrometry-based tools for small molecule analysis in biological samples. Our Credentialing workflow removes biological matrix interference to isolate true analyte signal in tissue and biofluid samples. Our MassID untargeted processing software enables simultaneous identification of chemically diverse analytes at scale. Both technologies are in active use and directly address TA1 measurement challenges. | Panome Bio seeks partners with complementary capabilities to complete a full TA1 submission. For TA1.2, we seek teams with clinical diagnostic or point-of-care device development experience. For TA1.3, we seek clinical partners with IRB infrastructure, biospecimen collection capabilities, and access to geographically distributed patient populations. Experience with contamination-controlled bioanalytical workflows is a plus across all areas. | TA1: Measurement |
| Amanda Durkin | Utrecht University | a.m.durkin@umcutrecht.nl | Utrecht, the Netherlands | Within our group, we study how environmental exposures affect human health across the life course by integrating exposure science and epidemiology. Through AURORA (auroraresearch.eu) and MOMENTUM (momentummicroplastics.nl), we have developed expertise in translating microplastic measurements into population-relevant metrics, validating methods in human studies, and linking exposure to determinants and health outcomes. | As a teaming partner, we seek collaborators with advanced capabilities in analytical chemistry, imaging, and detection of MNPs in biological matrices. We are particularly interested in partners who generate high-resolution measurement data that can be translated into epidemiological and risk assessment frameworks. Strong alignment on data quality, standardization, and interdisciplinary integration is essential. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Justin Morrow | University of Cincinnati | justin.morrow@uc.edu | Cincinnati, OH | Our multi-institution team is developing a full-stack scalable method to support TA1. As team lead Dr. Morrow brings years of experience as a technology developer in advanced spectroscopy methods. As an Assistant Professor in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dr. Morrow studies environmental hazards and develops novel analysis methods for micro and nanoparticles. | Our team will leverage multi-modal analysis and digital correlation methods to develop a method that is both robust and scalable. We welcome partners in Raman spectroscopy, py/GC-MS, AI/ML correlation, and biobank and cohort study to partner as possible method experts or replication sites. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Todd Emrick | University of Massachusetts Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering Department | tsemrick@umass.edu | Amherst, MA | Our expertise is in the area of polymer and plastics synthesis spanning nano-, micro-, and macroscales, and in the characterization of polymer-based interfaces (solid-solid and solid-fluid interfaces). Additional expertise specific to microplastics includes understanding of structure-property relationships, enzymatic breakdown and other conditions associated with degradation. | Partners that bring strengths in medical, toxicological, and other biological aspects of microplastics would round out our efforts into a cohesive, interdisciplinary team. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Miranda van Iersel | New Mexico State University | mviersel@nmsu.edu | Las Cruces, NM, USA, NM | Currently we focus on detection of microplastics in water. We aim to develop a portable optical system to detect, identify, continuously monitor, and quantify microplastics using standardized protocols, which will help to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health. This system can be taken outside and analyze a sample after it's been taken (without any preprocessing). | Potential partners will have experience with biological research and / or commercialization. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Carly Filgueria | Houston Methodist Research Institute | csfilgueira@houstonmethodist.org | Houston, TX | Houston Methodist’s current research portfolio spans a set of platform‑driven, clinically integrated focus areas that cut across diseases and technologies. The institute positions these as translational engines: bioengineering, intelligent imaging, digital health, nanomedicine, immunobiology, and restorative medicine, each feeding multiple clinical domains. | Environmental sampling and exposure‑assessment expertise, mechanistic toxicology, and removal technologies | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Rosalyn Abbott | Carnegie Mellon University | rabbott@andrew.cmu.edu | Pittsburgh, PA | My lab focuses on endocrine disruption in adipose tissue/liver. We are interested in persistent environmental pollutants and how they effect metabolic disorders. We are very interested in microplastics and understanding and measuring their impact on human health. | We will definitely be putting a team together for TA2, but are also interested in potentially teaming up with others for TA1. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Dean Dawson | Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp | dean@photothermal.com | Santa Barbara, CA | We develop sub-micron infrared spectroscopy solutions for high-resolution chemical analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics. The mIRage™ platform enables automated detection and chemical identification of particles down to sub-300 nm in cells, tissues and other environments . PSC supports STOMP-aligned research through access to instrumentation and collaboration on method development for submicron and nanoplastic analysis in complex biological samples. | We are looking to collaborate with researchers developing proposals focused on chemical identification of nanoplastics, particularly in human health and biological systems. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Wen Jiang | Penn State University | wxj5136@psu.edu | State College, PA | Our lab develops cryo-EM for cells and macromolecules, with a mature pipeline for structurally characterizing amyloid plaques extracted from brain tissue—directly transferable to imaging MNP bioaccumulation (TA2.1) in particles recovered from organs and biofluids. Our workflow pairs rapid confocal/FLIM screening with cryo-EM validation to achieve both high throughput and resolution. Co-located with the PSU Materials Research Institute (PSU MRI) for MNP characterization. | We seek to contribute fluorescence–cryo-EM imaging, brain-sample expertise, and PSU MRI-enabled materials characterization to a TA2 team (primary fit: TA2.1), or as a TA2 imaging partner to a combined TA1+TA2 proposal. Ideal partners include in vivo animal model groups for MNP exposure and tissue/particle isolation, organoid and toxicology groups for TA2.2 mechanism, analytical chemistry leads (py-GC-MS, SRS) for orthogonal validation, and a prime with federal OT execution experience. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Johann Urschitz | University of Hawaii | johann@hawaii.edu | Honolulu, HI | My research focuses on the influence of environmental stressors on reproductive, maternal, and fetal health. Our research team and clinician scientists from the OBGYN department are examining the interactions of microplastics (MPs) with placental cells, specifically the mechanism in which MPs are internalized and their effect on cellular competence. By using advanced techniques, we are using a novel approach to understanding the environmental impact on pregnancy and reproductive health. | Expertise in analytical/environmental chemistry, advanced techniques for measuring and assessing MP impact, ie FLIM | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Brent Sumerlin | University of Florida | sumerlin@chem.ufl.edu | Gainesville, FL, FL | We have capabilities in detection and creating model microplastics for preliminary testing of these methods. | Specialists in the removal area. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Qinggong Tang | University of Oklahoma | qtang@ou.edu | Norman, OK | We develop human organ research platforms to study tissue injury, organ viability, and disease mechanisms using advanced imaging and multi-omics. Our strengths include ex vivo human organ perfusion, high-resolution structural and functional imaging, quantitative tissue phenotyping, biomarker discovery, and data integration across imaging, histology, and omics to assess organ-level responses to injury and toxic exposures. | We seek STOMP TA2 collaborators with expertise in animal exposure models, biodistribution, MNP labeling and tracking, mechanistic toxicology, and cellular trafficking. We aim to pair these capabilities with our human organ, imaging, and omics platforms to strengthen organ prioritization, mechanism validation, and human translational relevance. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Saikat Basu | South Dakota State University | Saikat.Basu@sdstate.edu | Brookings, SD, SD | My lab has the expertise to evaluate particulate deposition along the respiratory system through computational, mathematical, and experimental modeling of inhalation mechanisms inside anatomical airway reconstructions. The work is currently supported by an NSF CAREER Award on the impact on upper respiratory flow physics on intra-airway inhaled particulate dynamics. We also have ongoing research projects on the fluid dynamics inside tissue microenvironment. | We are looking to join a team where we can contribute with microplastics inhalation data for TA1: Measurement. | TA1: Measurement |
| Jim Jacob | Actinix | jimjacob@actinix.com | Watsonville, CA | Actinix is currently developing micro- and nano-plastic (MNP) analysis tools using fluorescence microscopy and stimulated Raman spectroscopy. In our lab we have demonstrated detection of 70-nm nanoplastic particles and are developing a complementary stimulated Raman spectrometer. Our team's current core technical areas of expertise are solid-state ultraviolet lasers and tunable lasers and optical parametric oscillators, fluorescence microscopy, and computational methods for complex data sets. | We are looking to team with an organization that has liquid and tissue specimens for correlation studies.(TA1.3) | TA1: Measurement |
| Gregory Braun | Forged Lucidity LLC | gregory@braunlaw.us | Westbrook, ME | Bayesian multi-stream data fusion, calibrated probabilistic prediction, and AI-driven optimization. Our ELICIT framework validates coherence measurement across heterogeneous data substrates (115 empirical tests, 8 substrates). Core: unified Bayesian engines (particle filtering, MCMC, multi-level Monte Carlo), spectral decomposition for phase-transition detection, hierarchical modeling with adaptive learning, and FDA SaMD regulatory strategy. 10 provisional patents on coherence-based AI. | Seeking radiotherapy research institution with: (1) FLASH-RT experimental infrastructure (photon or proton), (2) nanoparticle/biomaterial synthesis and characterization capability, (3) preclinical animal model facilities for oncology studies, (4) clinical trial infrastructure and IRB access, (5) existing abscopal effect research program or immunotherapy expertise. Ideal partner: academic medical center or NCI-designated cancer center with established radiation oncology research. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| KRISHNAPURAM KARTHIKEYAN | University of Wisconsin=Madison | kkarthikeyan@wisc.edu | Madison, WI | Availability of hyperspectral flow cytometry unit, which can be combined with fluorescent dye for polymer composition. Ability to synthesize reference materials for single and multiple polymer mixtures with size under 50 um. | Partnership with experts in the medical aspects for biological tissue sampling protocols. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Hosein Foroutan | Virginia Tech | hosein@vt.edu | Blacksburg, VA | We generate, sample, and characterize realistic inhalation-relevant MNPs for exposure and mechanistic studies. Unlike idealized particles, we produce source-relevant airborne MNPs—fibers, fragments, tire wear particles—with controlled size, morphology, and aging state. Capabilities include aerosol generation, contamination-controlled sampling, multi-modal characterization, and reference particle development to ground STOMP's findings in realistic exposures. | We seek partners in biological, clinical, and mechanistic MNP studies (TA2, TA1.3), including inhalation/lung systems, organ-on-chip, barrier transport, toxicology, bioaccumulation, and clinical/biofluid work. We are particularly interested in teams where MNP characterization is limiting and where realistic MNP particles can significantly strengthen biological relevance. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Kara Meister | Stanford University | meister4@stanford.edu | Palo Alto, CA | My lab at Stanford University focuses on the impact of nano/microplastics on the immune system, especially the developing immune system. We currently use human tissue samples, organoid models, and advanced imaging techniques (Raman, OPTIR, CryoEM/ET). | We would be most interested in teaming with those capable doing measurements (TA1.1, TA1.2) wherein we would provide the Biofluids and Tissue Correlation (TA 1.3) study. Our IRB for tissue collection from patients is already in place. In addition, we would be interested in teaming with those doing animal experiments (TA2.1) and we could own TA2.2 (mechanistic framework for MNP trafficking and toxicity) using organoid models which mimic the human immune system. This work is ongoing. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Tingting Gu | University of Oklahoma | tingting.gu-1@ou.edu | Norman, OK | Our team has developed live ex vivo perfusion platforms for human kidney, lung, and liver, with planned expansion to heart, enabling controlled exposure studies in intact organs. Integrated multimodal imaging and mass spectrometry imaging enable organ-level spatial mapping of microplastics deposition and region-specific vascular and metabolic responses. The platform supports comparison of healthy and diseased organs to assess how pathology modifies exposure and injury responses. | We seek teaming partners with complementary expertise in MNP measurement and characterization, standardized reference materials, and organ-specific toxicology. Partners with in vivo validation or exposure-to-risk interpretation capabilities are especially encouraged to complement our established MNP characterization workflows and human ex vivo organ perfusion and spatial imaging platform. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Jay Anderson | Photothermal Spectroscopy Corporation | jay@photothermal.com | Santa Barbara, CA | PSC uses an advanced infrared technology called O-PTIR, that has demonstrated IR spatial resolution in the submicron range to ~200nm. We have many customers using O-PTIR to measure micro and nanoplastics. Recent publications have highlighted O-PTIR with measuring 200-500nm nanoparticles in cells and tissues, one showed misfolding in association with nanoplastics. We have many years of work in the identification of the smaller micro and nanoplastics. | We are looking for TA1 & TA2 partners who can use this new technology to first accurately identify the type, shape, and sizes of micro and nanoplastics from filtered and tissue samples. To allow a systematic study of the adverse health effects associated with micro and nanoplastic. TA1 collaborations with those having advance filtration methods for smaller nanoplastics. TA2 expertise in cells and tissue preparation for IR spectroscopy analysis to help target the most harmful MNP's. | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Dan Biggerstaff | O2si Smart Solutions an LGC Standards Company | dan.biggerstaff@lgcgroup.com | Charleston, SC | Our company does research, development, and manufacturing of Reference Materials as well as method development and measurement techniques for all areas of analytical chemistry. We have nanoplastic reference materials ranging from 5nm to 1000nm as well as microplastic reference materials starting at 3um and larger. We also have microfiber reference materials. Our facilities are ISO 9001, 17025, and 17034 accredited. | We can work with testing laboratory to provide calibration and or quality control reference materials to be able to validate the actual measurements starting with sample preparation all the way through final determinative step. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Vladimir Tsukruk | Georgia Tech | vladimir@mse.gatech.edu | Atlanta, GA | Full scale characterization of complex hybrid polymer and bio-based nanocomposites, ultrathin wearable sensors and bioelectronica for environment/human monitoring up to extreme conditions | Focus on removal and health monitoring, SB and else | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Valeriia Smiian | ALLATRA | valerie@allatra.org | Atlanta, GA | ALLATRA Global Research Center conducts interdisciplinary open-source research on micro- and nanoplastics, with emphasis on evidence synthesis, comparative analysis of measurement and characterization methods, mapping of biological mechanisms and exposure pathways, translational framing for human health, and protocol benchmarking across tissues, biospecimens, and organ systems. | We seek partners with strengths in analytical chemistry, imaging, pathology, animal models, and clinical biospecimen workflows for STOMP TA1/TA2. We can support teams through structured evidence synthesis, method benchmarking, tissue and endpoint prioritization, scientific landscape mapping, and translation-oriented strategy aligned with clinically relevant measurement and mechanism studies. | TA2: Understanding, TA2: Understanding |
| Jeffery Molkentin | CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSPITAL | jeff.molkentin@cchmc.org | Cincinnati, OH | Cincinnati Children’s is the #1 Pediatric institution in the USA, and we have the largest pediatric biobank of patient samples across major and rare disease states. We also have the 2nd largest research foundation and a world-renowned organoid center and one of the best mouse modeling of pediatric disease nationwide. We also have state-of-the art mass spectrometry for exposomics, multiomics and chemistry and are partners with the Univ of Cincinnati notionally ranked environmental health group | Our group will focus on complete pediatric detection from our extensive biobank and ongoing patient cohorts, as well as interrogation and modeling across a wide spectrum of conditions and disease states in organoids and select mouse models to mechanistically determine how microplastics gain entry and accumulate beginning early in development, and we will partner with adult based groups to fully compare all critical data modeling of microplastic accumulation and effects from birth to death | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Pranam Chatterjee | University of Pennsylvania | pranam@seas.upenn.edu | Philadelphia, PA | Development of integrated experimental and computational frameworks to study and target micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) bioaccumulation and toxicity. We combine controlled exposure models, multi-omics, and imaging with state-of-the-art AI to map organ-level and cellular responses, identify disrupted pathways, and define mechanisms of trafficking, persistence, and clearance to inform downstream removal strategies. | We are looking for partners with complementary expertise in in vivo exposure models, toxicology, and clinical/translational assays. Priorities include groups that can quantify organ-level and cellular toxicity, perform multi-omics and imaging, and validate mechanisms of MNP trafficking and clearance. Experience with scalable assays, rigorous study design, and integration with shared datasets is important. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| David Strasfeld | Throne Sciences | david.strasfeld@gmail.com | Austin, TX | Throne Sciences is developing multimodal imaging technology to detect blood, toxins, nutrients and relevant biomarkers in human waste. | Our organization is looking for partners in Technical Area 1.3: Biofluids and Tissue Correlation. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Swapna Upadhyay | Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R), University of Arkansas | supadhyay@uark.edu | Fayetteville, Arkansas, AR | Our research focuses on TA2 mechanistic studies of micro- and nanoplastic toxicity using a multi-scale human-relevant in vitro and in vivo platform. We employ lung organ-on-chip systems, lung spheroids for fibrosis modeling, gut organoids, and controlled inhalation exposure studies in animal models with particle tracking. This integrated approach enables investigation of bioaccumulation, cellular uptake, and disease-relevant mechanisms across lung and gut systems. | We seek teaming partners with expertise in TA1 micro- and nanoplastic measurement, including analytical chemistry, advanced detection, and scalable quantification in biological samples. We also seek collaborators in imaging and particle tracking, aerosol exposure/dosimetry, and nano plastic characterization to enable integrated measurement and mechanistic studies across in vitro, organ-on-chip, and in vivo systems. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Marc Deller | Elora Therapeutics | marc@eloratherapeutics.com | Austin, Texas, TX | Elora Therapeutics is focused on developing a first-in-class enzyme therapy to degrade and safely remove PET microplastics from the human body. Current research centers on engineered PETase and MHETase enzymes, with validation studies alongside UT Austin assessing enzyme stability, dose-response safety, efficacy in human serum, and biocompatibility of breakdown products. | We seek partners who bring translational and clinical development expertise, regulatory strategy, biomarker and assay development, toxicology, formulation, and scalable GMP manufacturing. Ideal collaborators share a rigorous, mission-driven approach and can help accelerate validation, preclinical studies, and eventual clinical deployment of our enzyme-based microplastics therapy. | TA3: Removal, TA3: Removal, TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Tomas McIntee | UNC-Chapel Hill | tmcintee@email.unc.edu | Chapel Hill, NC | The mission of TraCS Data Science Lab is to build a successful, nationally-recognized program in healthcare data science focused on multi-disciplinary research collaborations, engineering pipelines and resources to support and facilitate innovative biomedical research, and creating a framework and resources to educate and train healthcare data scientists. The Lab is focused on a building and promoting a team science framework and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. | The work of TraCS Data Science Lab is prioritized in three major areas: research collaborations, engineering, and education and training. A large portion of the Lab’s focus across all three areas includes using electronic health record data to perform impactful science. We bring expertise related to methodology, machine learning, and utilization of electronic health record and geocoded data for causal and epidemiological purposes, and have access to unusually large and complete EHR datasets. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Adam Hoppe | South Dakota State University | adam.hoppe@sdstate.edu | Brookings, SD | The Hoppe Lab studies macrophage phagocytosis, endocytosis, and lysosomal function. We develop fluorescence and intravital microscopy, CRISPR genome wide screening, and high content imaging to define pathways controlling phagosome formation, endosomal transport, cellular degradation and immune cell function. We use intravital imaging to analyze phagocytic function and immune cell recruitment in animal models. | We seek partners with expertise in quantitative measurement of micro and nanoplastics in tissues and in organism level toxicology and pathology. Our cellular, organ level, and whole animal imaging data can integrate with analytical methods and exposure models to improve understanding of micro and nanoplastic transport, persistence, and biological impact. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Tom Steen | HORIBA | thomas.steen@horiba.com | Piscataway, NJ | HORIBA Scientific is a Life Sciences and Medical diagnostics company manufacturing analytical instruments, including Raman, fluorescence, particle analyzers and blood counters. We develop and provide applications and complete solutions for complicated analysis, screening and diagnostic requirements. | Academic and governmental institutions with capabilities to provide microplastic relevant samples especially clinical relevant body fluid, tissue samples, and small animal clinical environments for testing developed solutions. | TA1: Measurement |
| Un-Jung Kim | The University of Texas at Arlington | unjung.kim@uta.edu | Arlington, TX | My research focuses on developing robust analytical workflows, integrating smart biospecimen collection, cascaded micro-ultrafiltration, pyrolysis-GC/MS, and μ-Raman spectroscopy, for identifying and quantifying small micro- and nanoplastics (<200 μm) in complex matrices. We have worked on pilot exposomics (with LC-HRMS), toxicological study (rat ADME), exposure pathway assessment (food, air, water), and evaluation of cumulative health impacts (immune response, inflammation, neurodegeneration). | We seek partners with expertise in optical/acoustic imaging and/or microfluidics-based approaches for advanced sample collection and matrix background removal in MNP quantification. To explore both polymer chemistry and morphological features of MNPs, and modeling their role in internal distribution and circulation, triggering biomolecular responses, we hope to work with groups specializing in controlled nanoparticle synthesis and reference materials. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Eric Baumann | Tribe 1 Technologies LLC | eric@tribe1.tech | St Louis, MO | Tribe 1 Technologies specializes in LLM and custom image model training for real-world automation and visual data processing. Current focus includes fine-tuning image models for particle detection, denoising, and quantification in complex visual datasets. We are exploring applications in scientific imaging, including fluorescence-based analysis for rapid, automated readout of biosensor signals in noisy biological matrices. | Seeking synthetic biology partners for TA1 microplastics measurement to train models on lab-generated fluorescence/microscopy data for affordable clinical diagnostics. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Douglas Walker | Emory University | douglas.walker@emory.edu | Atlanta, GA | With >5-years’ experience in micro- and nano-plastic (MNP) method development, our team has developed scalable biomonitoring methods for population-scale studies measuring MNPs in >1,000 biospecimens. Our multi-platform approach includes pyrolysis-GC-HRMS for polymer quantification and multiple LC-HRMS strategies for untargeted detection of MNPs and plastic-related chemicals in human samples to support characterizing the plastic exposome across large cohorts. | We seek partners developing rapid or point-of-care assays for micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) who require gold-standard analytical validation. We offer validated MNP methods using pyrolysis-GC-HRMS and LC-HRMS platforms with high-throughput capacity to serve as reference methods for benchmarking fast clinical measurements. Ideal partners include teams developing MNP screening tools, biosensors, or rapid diagnostics needing rigorous validation against established methods. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Jeong-Yeol Yoon | The University of Arizona | jyyoon@arizona.edu | Tucson, AZ | Biomolecule-based detection of biologically and environmentally relevant micro/nanoplastics and understanding their molecular interactions with human tissues. | Expertise on TA3 removal | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Scott Coffin | California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Asessment | scott.coffin@oehha.ca.gov | Sacramento, CA | Hazard and exposure characterization of microplastics in drinking and bottled water, and development of a human health risk assessment method for microplastics. Development and application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for microplastics. | We are looking for partners who perform laboratory analytical work to support the development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for microplastics, | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Gita Parekh | Tachmed | gita.parekh@tachmed.com | London and Pheonix | Tachmed develops TACHSHIELD, a modular electrochemical biosensing platform for rapid, point-of-care measurement of biomarkers from small-volume samples. Current research focuses on assay development (immunoassays, ions, metabolites), sensor surface chemistry, and integration with connected data systems. The platform is being extended to enable scalable detection and longitudinal monitoring of microplastic-associated signals in human biofluids. | Tachmed is seeking partners with expertise in microplastic detection, including polymer-specific binding reagents, analytical characterisation, and validation in biological matrices. We are particularly interested in collaborators who can provide or co-develop capture chemistries or measurement methods that can be integrated into scalable, electrochemical assay formats for use in human biofluids. | TA1: Measurement |
| James Roussie | SimPore inc. | jroussie@simpore.com | West Henrietta, NY | Silicon nanomembrane analysis pipeline enabling multimodal analyses of micro- and nanoplastics | Instrumentation partners | TA1: Measurement |
| Zane Lindstrom | Earth Tools | zane@earth.tools | New York, NY | Earth Tools builds low-cost sensors for environmental and clinical research, including for microplastic quantification and identification. Founded by scientists, engineers, and designers, we pair domain expertise with in-house hardware and software development to create field-ready tools, and bring measurement capabilities to the researchers who need them most. | Seeking U.S.-based partners for TA1.1 and TA1.3, including labs with expertise in microplastics quantification in complex biological matrices (e.g., Py-GC-MS, Raman, FTIR) and clinical groups capable of conducting contamination-controlled human studies with paired tissue and biofluid sampling. Interest in teams with established workflows and access to human samples. | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Abhijit Kshirsagar | UNC Kidney Center | abhijit_kshirsagar@med.unc.edu | Chapel Hill, NC | The UNC Kidney Center seeks to help diagnose, treat, and improve the lives of individuals with kidney disease. One area of focus is novel environmental stressors and risk modifiers for kidney disease. We are examining the impact of micro- and nanoplastics in dialytics therapies. | Diagnostic test development | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Mark Cheng | Indiana University | chengma@iu.edu | Indianapolis, IN | We are developing sensor and filtration technologies to detect microplastics in the environment. We have conducted field tests and collected samples. Our aim is to deploy the portable inline sensor instrument for scientists and water utilities. | We are looking for partners in TA1 and TA2 | TA1: Measurement |
| Sihong Wang | The University of Chicago | sihongwang@uchicago.edu | Chicago, IL | Tissue-interfaced, reagentless biochemical sensors | Experts in microplastics analytical chemistry, sample preparation / separation science, clinical biospecimen research | TA1: Measurement |
| Bappaditya Chandra | North Dakota State University | bappaditya.chandra@ndsu.edu | Fargo, ND | Our lab investigates how biomolecular condensates drive disease, using techniques including live-cell fluorescence imaging, FRAP, FRET, flow cytometry, and multi-omics (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and CUT&RUN). Our lab is currently expanding to examine how micro- and nanoplastics affect condensate biology and cellular stress responses in relation to protein homeostasis, linking exposure to micro- and nanoplastics to a new cellular disease mechanism that has never been studied before. | We are looking to collaborate with investigators who have complementary expertise in (1) animal models for the assessment of the acute/chronic effects of MNPs on living organisms and organ-level toxicity; (2) techniques that can provide cellular maps for the distribution of MNPs; and (3) methods for characterizing, dosing and controlling the contamination of MNPs. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Stephanie Gulu | Lymfinity | Immunebody1@gmail.com | Salt Lake City, UT | Proprietary 30 years deep lymphatic facilitation technique focused on the mechanical clearance of bio persistent particles ( MNPs) from intestine, intestines, and cisterna chyli. The clinical methodology utilizes hands-on technique based on modern research that also utilizes lipid enhance delivery to stimulate the bodies in the removal pathways . I seek to partner with imaging at TA-1 teams to provide clinical validation for non-evasive, scalable Clarence protocols for the American public. | I provide the mechanical facilitation side of the equation. I am looking for a research lab to provide the diagnostic validation, pre- and post treatment imaging to document the clearance of micro plastics from the intestinal area , lymphatic , small intestines. Partners would be academic or clinical institutions interested in bridging the gap between high resolution napping and not evasive scalable removal protocols. I’m seeking to partner with TA-1 , TA-2 teams with in-vivo imaging, etc . | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Vasan Ramachandran | University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX | vasan@uthscsa.edu | San Antonio, TX | We lead a large population-based cohort study in the rural Southeast. This is a deeply phenotyped cohort that is enriched in prevalent cardiometabolic disease, rendering it possible to evaluate the association of microplastics in blood and urine in relation to outcomes. We also have stored DNA, which will enable 'omics' approaches to elucidate the complex genome-phenome-exposome interactions that might underlie the impact of microplastics on a wide raneg of health outcomes. | We are seeking expertise in high throughput laboratory measurements of microplastics and integrative computational modeling that can incorporate multimodal deep phenotypic and transomic data over the lifecourse to contextualize the biological significance of microplastics in body fluids and tissues. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Kenneth Wang | AtlasXomics Inc. | kenw@atlasxomics.com | New Haven, CT | Biological harm caused by MNPs is cell-type-specific and spatially organized within tissue. Bulk assays average across this heterogeneity and cannot resolve mechanism. Spatial epigenomics directly reads which regulatory programs are activated or silenced in individual cells at defined tissue locations. Current AtlasXomics products map chromatin accessibility, histone modification states, and transcriptional programs in MNP-exposed tissue sections with spatial precision. | AtlasXomics seeks teaming partners with complementary capabilities: (1) MNP particle detection and chemical characterization in biological tissue, including mass spec imaging or equivalent analytical chemistry expertise; (2) access to longitudinal tissue biospecimen cohorts with documented toxic exposure histories; and (3) clinical translation capacity. Our company brings spatial multi-omics measurement and AI-driven multi-modal data integration. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Peter Koulen | UMKC | koulenp@umkc.edu | Kansas City, MO | neurodegeneration | TA3 experts | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Phoebe Stapleton | Rutgers University | stapleton@eohsi.rutgers.edu | Piscataway, NJ | We have been working to understand MNP toxicity for approximately 8 years. Our focus has been in the measurement and characterization on environmental exposure through ingestion and inhalation routes. We have sought to replicate these exposures in laboratory settings to assess the biological implications. While primarily focused on reproductive toxicology and outcomes of exposure during pregnancy, we also have expertise in pulmonary, cardiovascular, preconception, and neurological toxicology. | We are looking to partner with those with valid and reliable measurement strategies and those that can complement our organ system focus, considering additional endpoints or alternative physiological systems. Endpoints necessitating fresh tissues must be local. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Shuming Nie | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | snie2008@gmail.com | Urbana, IL | Measurement and removal | Understanding. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| SUNIL Jain | CYBERINQ LLC | cyqubits@gmail.com | Baltimore, MD | CyberinQ LLC engineers multi-agent AI and scientific machine learning (SciML) architectures for environments with high uncertainty and incomplete observability. We resolve heterogeneous, conflicting data streams. For STOMP, we provide the computational backbone to disentangle biological matrix interference in TA1 (e.g., Py-GC-MS/SRS signal isolation) and to model MNP bioaccumulation, cell trafficking, and toxicity mechanisms in TA2, guaranteeing physically plausible, robust outputs. | We seek prime contractors in wet-lab, instrumentation, and clinical domains. For TA1, we partner with teams developing MNP quantification hardware (Py-GC-MS, SRS, microfluidics) requiring advanced AI/ML to disentangle complex biological matrix signals and ensure high-throughput accuracy. For TA2, we partner with groups conducting in vivo/in vitro MNP exposure studies, providing the SciML frameworks needed to model toxicity, organ trafficking, and innate clearance pathways reliably. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Matthew Campbell | University of Pennsylvania | cammat@seas.upenn.edu | Philadelphia, PA | We have the capability to characterize micro/nanoparticles using TEM, SEM, AFM, and other microscopy techniques. Collaborators can track flow patterns, and we are pursuing technology for sampling of micro/nanoparticles from air and surfaces. | We seek expertise in understanding the morphological changes of micro/nanoparticles in the environment | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Andrea Westlie | Unplastic | andrea@unplastic.co | New York City, NY | We develop next-generation biodegradable medical polymers to eliminate persistent microplastics from orthodontic devices. Our work focuses on linking material design, processing, and real-world use to particle generation, biological fate, and immune response. We aim to demonstrate complete degradation and non-inflammatory profiles in physiologically relevant environments, enabling safer, high-performance alternatives to conventional plastics. | We are seeking partners with expertise in immunology, macrophage biology, and in vivo models to evaluate particle fate and biological response. We also value collaborators in advanced analytical characterization (micro/nanoplastics detection, biodistribution) and translational testing environments to validate performance in clinically relevant settings. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Zhanfei Liu | The University of Texas at Austin | zhanfei.liu@utexas.edu | Austin, TX | We focus on determining MNPs using a suite of advanced analytical tools, including Py-GC-MS, OPTIR, AFM-IR, SEM, etc. We have gained much experience with measuring MNPs in biological tissues and their biological effects, out of several labs among UT Austin and MD Anderson that have been collaborating on this topic for more than one year. | We are looking for partners that can provide human tissue and fluid samples for MNP analysis. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Carol Hall | North Carolina State University | hall@ncsu.edu | Raleigh, NC | Computational design of peptides to bind to microplastics; simulations to deduce the impact of microplastics on protein aggregation in disease. | A team that is interested in working on the projects described above.. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Nishita Poranki | Texas Tech | lporanki@ttu.edu | Lubbock, TX | Microplastics | Seeking interdisciplinary partners in microplastics research for future collaborations and funding opportunities. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| David Furman | Buck Institute for Research on Aging | Dfurman@buckinstitute.org | Novato, CA | The Buck Institute proposes a fully integrated clinical-to-analytic engine spanning human cohorts, rapid nanoparticle detection and AI-driven aging biology. Our platform combines Quantum Electronspectroscopy, flow-based assays with deep multi-omic profiling, advanced imaging, and mass spectrometry. Anchored by Arivale, 1000 Immunomes, and the Buck Biobank, we will generate predictive models linking exposure to immune dysfunction, aging acceleration, and mortality risk. | The Buck Institute team's expertise and capabilities would best complement partners with expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| William Johnson | University of Utah | william.johnson@utah.edu | Salt Lake City, UT | Nano- and micro-plastic transport and surface interaction in porous media | Team who need support in understanding physocochemical and microfluidic processes driving MNP transport in porous media | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yeran Bai | University of Arizona | yrbai@arizona.edu | Tucson, AZ | Our research develops optical imaging and spectroscopic tools for chemically specific analysis of complex biological samples. For microplastics work, we focus on label free particle detection, polymer identification, high resolution mapping in cells and tissues, and analysis of particle induced biological effects. Our mid infrared photothermal microscopy platform enables stain free chemical imaging and supports studies linking microplastic exposure to changes in cellular metabolism. | We are seeking teaming partners with complementary expertise in biological and toxicological models, sample preparation from complex tissues or biofluids, and validation in clinically or environmentally relevant systems. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yongli Wager | Wayne State University | zhangyl@wayne.edu | Detroit, MI, USA, MI | Our team has been developing high-throughput microplastics detection techniques by integrating flow cytometry, Raman spectroscopy, and AI-enabled analysis of Raman spectra for polymer identification. We have established a comprehensive Raman spectral library comprising over 2,000 post-consumer and environmental plastic and microplastic samples. In addition, we developed machine learning algorithms that significantly enhances the accuracy of polymer identification based on Raman spectroscopy. | Integration of Raman Spectroscopy and flow cytometry | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Anna Michel | Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution | amichel@whoi.edu | Woods Hole, MA, MA | We have been developing technology for in situ measurements of microplastics in fluids. | We are open to collaborations, especially in the biomedical groups. | TA1: Measurement |
| Kaitlin Williams | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | kwill201@jh.edu | Baltimore, MD | The Garza lab @ Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine focuses on skin microplastics. Skin is the largest organ, has multiple compartments, and as much as 50% of cardiac output during heat dissipation. Therefore, skin is likely not just a portal for MNPs, but also a storage depot. We have experience in collecting human skin samples and measuring MNP products using MSI, LC/MS-MS, and hyperspectral imaging. We also study the biological effects of MNP to modulate cells in health and disease. | The Garza Lab @ Johns Hopkins is seeking to join a prime consortium as a SUBCONTRACTOR. We offer robust clinical infrastructure and biological expertise to fulfill key requirements in TA1 and TA2: TA1.3- Rapid, scalable procurement of paired skin biopsies with blood, urine, and clinical information. We can easily exceed the 100 subject metric. TA1.1 and 1.2: We have done MS, MSI and hyperspectral imaging to detect MNPs TA2: We test MNP effects on cells in generalizable skin disease models. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Brian Buckley | Rutgers University EOHSI | Brian.Buckley@rutgers.edu | Piscataway, NJ | Characterizing MNPs for toxicity, morphology, fate and transport using chemical measurement, in-vivo and in-vitro models using whole animal exposure models leading to toxicological outcomes | Calibrating against others with validated experiential toxicological models, and physical chemical characterization/instrumental measurement techniques | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Kishore Gopalakrishnan | Wayne state university | gc5668@wayne.edu | Detroit, MI | Our research focuses on microplastics and emerging contaminants using biological systems such as algae, Daphnia, and mussels. We develop bioassays to detect toxicity, study uptake and bioaccumulation, and investigate cellular stress responses. This work provides scalable models to understand microplastic transport and biological effects relevant to human exposure. | We seek partners with expertise in advanced microplastic measurement (imaging, nano-scale detection), human-relevant models (cell lines, organoids), and clinical translation. We are also interested in collaborators working on microplastic removal, biomaterials, and scalable detection platforms to connect biological insights with human health applications. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Prashant Dogra | University of Southern California | pdogra@usc.edu | Los Angeles, CA | We build predictive computational models that answer: where do particles go in the body, and which ones cause harm? Our lab develops PBPK models for whole-body particulate biodistribution and integrates them with machine learning to predict organ-specific toxicity and rank materials by biological harm (ACS Nano 2025). We bring the quantitative framework to turn measurement data into actionable risk stratification, bridging the gap between detection and mechanistic understanding. NIH R01 funded | Seeking collaborators with: (1) analytical/imaging capabilities for detecting & quantifying MNPs in biological tissues & fluids; (2) in vivo exposure models and tissue biobanks for MNP biodistribution studies; (3) cell biologists studying MNP cellular uptake, trafficking, & toxicity mechanisms; (4) epidemiologists with human biomonitoring cohorts linking MNP exposure to health outcomes. We provide the modeling & AI layer that transforms your data into predictive models & risk stratification. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Lisa Boardman | Mayo Clinic | boardman.lisa@mayo.edu | Rochester, MN | At Mayo clinic our focus is improving human health. We bring together a team of researchers who view the acute and chronic exposure to micro-nanoplastics(MNP) as a major cause that is increasing human susceptibility to disease worldwide. We also share the hypothesis that the impact of these MNPs on our bodies may be manifesting in acceleration of natural cellular aging and immune defense systems. | We value a team that will be willing to bridge traditional disciplines. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Jason Fiering | Draper | jfiering@draper.com | Cambridge, MA | Draper is a nonprofit R&D company with extensive expertise in biology, chemistry, microfluidics, imaging, and hardware and software development relevant to detection and evaluation of microplastics. Specific capabilities include high-throughput microphysiological (organ-on-a-chip) systems with demonstrated >12 different tissues types including liver, kidney, vascular, neural, lung, as well as multi-organ systems that can provide high-fidelity preclinical analysis of MNP effects on tissue. | We are seeking partners with complementary expertise in TA1 and TA3 end experience in MNP measurement techniques, in vivo exposure and validation, and MNP removal strategies. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Brandon Lam | Breaking | brandon.lam@breaking.com | Cambridge, MA | Breaking develops high-affinity, polymer-specific binding proteins that enable precise detection of microplastics in complex matrices. When integrated with appropriate linker chemistries & signal amplification platforms, these proteins form the basis of sensitive & selective biosensors capable of analysis of microplastics across various environments. Our team has expertise in computational & experimental protein design, scalable biomanufacturing, & analytical characterization of microplastics. | We are actively seeking collaborators with expertise in biosensor signal amplification technologies suitable for complex environmental and biological matrices, as well as partners offering advanced sensing and analytical service capabilities with such technology. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Roger Narayan | North Carolina State University | roger_narayan@ncsu.edu | Raleigh, NC | Narayan Lab at UNC-NC State BME develops membrane-based sample concentration and detection platforms for complex biofluids. Core capabilities: laser-patterned conductive coatings on filter substrates; MOF and MIP capture chemistries; optical and electrochemical characterization; detection of oxidative stress; ML-assisted signal analysis. Strong clinical and regulatory infrastructure, including biosensor development. | Seeking a TA1.1 partner for polymer composition identification. Also, seeking a clinical partner for TA1.3 biofluid and tissue collection across multiple sites. In addition, seeking a TA2 partner supporting mechanistic toxicity studies. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Treena Arinzeh | Columbia University | tla2132@columbia.edu | New York, NY | Fabrication and characterization of nano- and microplastics (fragments) of relevant compositions for use in in vitro and in vivo models, and tissue models | Characterization in tissues | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yuan Dai | University of Missouri | sydai@missouri.edu | Columbia, Missouri, USA, MO | We engineer living cells via synthetic biology to express limonene biosynthesis, remodeling surface hydrophobicity to capture microplastics — no harmful reagents or biodegradation required. Validated at 91.4% efficiency within one hour across multiple plastic types, enabling GI-compatible microplastic removal. SRS microscopy precisely localizes limonene cell distribution, opening a validated detection pathway in human tissue, serum, and blood. | We look for innovative measuring and toxicology characterization platforms. | TA3: Removal, TA3: Removal |
| Rotem Gura Sadovsky | Holobiome | gura.rotem@gmail.com | Boston, MA | Holobiome is a platform for understanding how the microbiome affects human health. We specialize in large-scale microbiome data generation and analysis, including gut microbiome deep sequencing and human multiomics data. We operate a massive donor network, which feeds a high-throughput ex vivo gut simulator, and a strain bank of tens-of-thousands of gut bacteria. We are involved in large scale (N=1000s) human trials studying effect of prebiotics and probiotics on physical and mental health. | We seek partners who (a) can plug into existing human trials to provide additional data generation, (b) can provide access to additional human cohorts, (c) are interested in access to strains from the gut microbiome, or (d) are seeking a biobank of stool samples to standardize MNP measurements. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Meredith McCormack | Johns Hopkins University | mmccor16@jhmi.edu | Baltimore, MD, MD | The Johns Hopkins BREATHE Center (https://breathecenter.org) mission is to define environmental drivers of lung disease and multi-system morbidity and to develop and implement interventions to reduce exposure and improve respiratory and overall health across the lifespan. The multidisciplinary team includes environental scientists with expertise in chemical, air pollution, aerosol, microbial, allergen, exposome; biostatisticians; physician scientists. | The Johns Hopkins BREATHE Center is highly collaborative and lookingto build parnerships, including those with removal expertise and interest. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Sami Noujaim | University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine | Snoujaim@usf.edu | Tampa, FL | Our lab studies cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis, focusing on how environmental and inhaled exposures affect cardiac function. We integrate in vitro, in vivo, and translational approaches to examine ion channel regulation, electrical signaling, and remodeling. Current work investigates cardiovascular toxicity of inhaled agents (e.g., vaping), including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and arrhythmia mechanisms, and strives to develops targeted therapeutic. | Seeking collaborators to study health impacts of inhaled micro- and nanoplastics on cardiovascular function. We are interested in partners with expertise in MNP detection (Raman, MS, imaging), exposure science/aerosols, analytical chemistry for biofluids/tissues, and omics. Our group contributes cardiovascular electrophysiology and mechanistic toxicology, aiming to lead TA2 with integration across TA1 in a multidisciplinary team. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| John Mikhail | Insilica, Inc. | jmikhail@insilica.co | Rockville, MD | Insilica develops agentic AI for chemical hazard assessment through our ToxIndex platform. Core capabilities include automated literature extraction with provenance tracking, adverse outcome pathway mapping, and structure-activity prediction. We are an FDA contractor and EU ONTOX consortium participant. Our team includes expertise in polymer physics, enabling structure-property modeling of micro/nanoplastics in biological systems. | We seek partners with: (1) experimental MNP measurement capabilities (py-GC/MS, FTIR, Raman, ICP-MS) to generate training/validation data for predictive models; (2) biological barrier transport assays or organ-on-chip platforms for validating MNP biodistribution predictions; (3) clinical sample access (blood, urine, tissue) to correlate computational hazard predictions with patient MNP burden; and (4) exposure assessment expertise for vulnerable populations targeted by STOMP. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Joseph Bogan | MRIGlobal | jbogan@mriglobal.org | Kansas City, MO | A comprehensive, multi-organ microphysiological system (MPS) designed to meet the Technical Area 1 & 2 requirements of the ARPA-H STOMP (Sensing Technologies for Materials and Particles) program. By using the STAR Platform, along with an animal model teaming partner, we aim to provide a revolutionary leap in measuring microplastic deposition and illuminating the complex mechanisms of systemic toxicity. | MRIGlobal is looking for an animal model teaming partner for TA2 and possibly a TA1 Measurement teaming partner. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Yiming Su | Utah State University | yiming.su@usu.edu | Logan, Utah, UT | 1. Micro-/nanoplastic (MNPs) extraction methodology development for different types of liquid, solid, and bio samples; 2. Established Pyrolysis-GC/MS for MNPs quantification, surface enhanced Raman spectroscope for size and plastic type and number assessment, ICP-MS coupled with Pd doped PS nanoparticles for tracking fate and transport; Micro-fluid cell coupled with Raman spectroscope for quick identification and quantification of MNPs; 3. MNPs toxicity assessment using model human cells. | We are looking for collaborators who have access to large scale different types of bio samples from human over the years. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Kundan Mishra | EnLiSense LLC | kundan@enlisense.com | 1813 Audubon Pond Way, Allen, Texas, 75013, USA, TX | Our organization focuses on translational electrochemical sensing using the READ platform for rapid, multiplex detection in clinical, food, and environmental samples. Current work includes biomarker assays in blood, plasma, serum, and urine; portable sensing for pesticides, toxins, pathogens, and contaminants; and aptamer-enabled micro/nanoplastic quantification with scalable cartridge-reader integration and commercialization potential. | We are primarily seeking teaming partners with strong human-sample and clinical-study capabilities, especially those who can support IRB-approved recruitment, paired tissue and bodily-fluid collection, and access to geographically distinct clinical sites. Ideal partners can provide blood, urine, and relevant tissue samples under contamination-controlled workflows and help execute translational correlation studies. | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Jong Sung Kim | The University of Iowa | jongsung-kim@uiowa.edu | Iowa City, IA | The University of Iowa MNP research group has assembled a multi-investigator, multidisciplinary team for ARPA-H STOMP (TA2: Understanding) focused on defining the multi-scale biological fate and toxicity of MNPs. Current Capabilities We have established capabilities in • Controlled inhalation and air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure systems, • Quantitative internal dose assessment and organ-level toxicology • Mechanistic pathway analysis across cellular and molecular scales | We are actively seeking teams with complementary capabilities to complete a multi-institutional proposal: • Advanced sensing and detection of MNPs in biological systems • Labeling strategies for particle tracking in vivo and in vitro • In vivo imaging (whole-body and organ-level) We are interested in forming or joining a coordinated, multi-institutional team contributing to TA 2 workstreams focused on exposure, internal dose, and mechanistic toxicology. | TA2: Understanding |
| Claudia Nogueira Hora Marques | Binghamton University | cmarques@binghamton.edu | Binghamton, NY | Our team develops a multi scale framework to understand micro/nanoplastic exposure and biological impact from environmental fate to human outcomes. We integrate transport and exposure reconstruction with organ-on-chip systems, engineered tissues, microbiome models, and transport physics to define absorption, nano-bacterial interactions, and organ level effects. In vivo validation and PBPK/systems toxicology enable predictive exposure, response, and outcomes via multiscale & agent-based modeling. | We are seeking teaming partners to complete a translational micro/nanoplastics exposure-to-outcome platform, including clinical/epidemiological partners for cohort validation. We also seek exposure metrology and standards development, ultra-trace analytical chemistry for complex matrices, and environmental exposure science for source-to-dose reconstruction. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Brooke Swanson | Quest Diagnostics | Brooke.E.Swanson@questdiagnostics.com | Chantilly, VA | We’re focused on operationalizing microplastics testing (TA1). We seek innovative assay developers to help optimize and scale detection methods for a high-throughput, CLIA certified commercial laboratory use. Our expertise in automation, quality systems, and large scale remnant specimen analysis allows us to validate and commercialize robust test products. Together we can accelerate the transition from research to widely available tools to assess human exposure. | We seek partners with foundational knowledge and validated microplastics detection methods to build a commercial offering. Beyond technical optimization, we want to co-develop evidence based guidelines for clinical interpretation and public health use. A key goal is to co-author and publish findings, contributing to scientific literature and building the credibility needed to successfully bring a meaningful new diagnostic tool to market. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Chirag Patel | Harvard Medical School | Chirag_Patel@hms.harvard.edu | Boston, MA | Exposomics and clinical outcomes | Measurements, tissues | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Nirupam Aich | University of Nebraska - Lincoln | nirupam.aich@unl.edu | Lincoln, NE | Characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics and understanding their aggregation potential and interaction with surfaces as well as inside transformation within the body | Teams leading a stomp proposal for characterizing micro/nanoplastics or understanding transformation within the human body. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Deeksha Surisetty | Georgetown University | ds1903@georgetown.edu | Washington DC, DC | I am a part of the Joshi lab at Georgetown University and we investigate how biomolecular homeostasis can be disrupted over aging as well as in the presence of environmental stressors which can all further exacerbate neurodegenerative conditions. | We are looking for a partners focused within polymer engineering to provide unique ways to create various plastic forms and shapes. In our lab, we have access to various imaging techniques as well as C.elegans and cellular models for testing the effects on these plastics. Lastly, we would also like to see how plastics effect the glycoproteome over exposure and a partner to help us with this. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Luis Roberto Berrios | Children Hospital of Michigan | berrios.luis05@gmail.com | Ann Arbor, MI | Clinical and translational neonatal research focused on environmental exposures and physiologic outcomes in preterm infants. Expertise in prospective cohort design, longitudinal biospecimen collection, and integration of clinical, physiologic, and exposure data to model disease risk and recovery trajectories in high-risk populations. | Seeking collaborators with expertise in microplastic quantification (e.g., Raman, Py-GC-MS), exposure modeling, and bioinformatics/analytics. Also interested in partners developing scalable clinical assays and mechanistic models to integrate human biospecimen data with exposure sources and health outcomes. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Devin Alvarez | Unplastic Inc | D@unplastic.net | Gainesville, FL | We are currently developing solutions to remove microplastics from the body of humans, and block their absorption in the GI tract. We are in process with several human and animal studies using GRAS plant based products. We are using currently available testing methods. | We are looking for measurement and understanding partners to help us validate with the solution we are using are working well and if the measurements we are using are valid, and understand how to better develop the removal technologies. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Paul Then | SIMPore | Pmthen@simpore.com | Rochester, NY | SiMPore provides commercial products to capture and analyze microplastics. We currently supply product labs testing for the State of California and Food and Beverage Companies using our product for Quality Control of Microplaatics. | We work with scientific instruments companies whose tools use our product to measure and spectrally speciate microplastics. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| David Borhani | Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. | dborhani@ginkgobioworks.com | Boston, MA | Ginkgo Datapoints supports STOMP TA2 and TA3 with HT toxicity endpoints and ADME profiling. Our perturbation response platform generates cell-type-specific cytotoxicity, inflammatory, and stress-response signatures, and DRUG-seq transcriptomics & cell painting data across tissue types to reveal MNP mechanisms. We can directly de-risk TA3 removal strategies by screening candidates for efficacy and safety. As a current performer on ARPA-H CATALYST, we bring proven USG project execution to STOMP. | Ginkgo seeks partners who need these described services to support their approach(es) to TA2 and/or TA3. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Jiwu Wang | The Scintillon Institute | jiwuwang@scintillon.org | N/A, CA | A team led by Dr. John Nolan will develop ready-to-use, fluorophore-functionalized microplastic-binding probes capable of rapidly and selectively capturing trace levels of MNPs with diverse chemical compositions across a wide range of tissue types. In parallel, we will establish highly sensitive detection platforms that integrate these probes. Combining animal models and human iPSC-derived, 3D bioprinted miniorgans, we will elucidate the mechanisms of MNP uptake and toxicity. | Access to clinical samples with medical relevance expertise in addition to what is currently available to us. Source of standard MNP materials. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Aniket Kale | AAA Bio LLC | aaabiollc@gmail.com | San Antonio, TX | AAA Bio LLC pioneers "Digital Digestion," a physics-informed AI framework (1D-ResNet) for real-time micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) quantification. We replace 72-hour chemical digestion with spectral deconvolution to isolate polymer signatures from clinical matrices (blood/milk). Our expertise spans industrial bioprocess scale-up (45,000L) and Edge-AI, transitioning forensic lab methods into affordable, point-of-exposure diagnostics for occupational and maternal health monitoring. | Seeking partners with O-PTIR and Py-GC-MS infrastructure to provide forensic-grade validation for our AI-driven libraries across 5,000+ samples. We seek collaborators with occupational or maternal health cohort access for field testing. We also invite TA2/TA3 performers requiring high-throughput, real-time MNP quantification to validate their sequestration or health-impact models, offering an efficient "Digital Digestion" alternative to traditional destructive analysis. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Matthew Blake | HP Inc | matthew.blake@hp.com | Corvallis, OR | Using A label-free microfluidic approach to determine microplastic presence/absence in biological samples including complex matrices like blood and dissociated tissues at the single cell and subcellular level. We consider ourselves a technology provider with a unique ability to commercially scale microfluidic devices. | My organization is experienced in developing and commercializing research tools for single cell analysis and has a current project with a technical path forward to address STOMP aims however, we lack the regulatory expertise and clinical connections to acquire clinical samples, conduct trials and take a diagnostic product to market. SO we are looking for partners to collaborate on TA1.2 and TA1.3. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Siddarth Rawal | Circulogix Inc | srawal@circulogixinc.com | Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, FL | Our propritory technology can capture and analyze circuating tumor cells directly on-chip from all biofluids and recently we started applying the technology to capture microplastic and measure and characterize them to correlate their effect on causing cancer | Potential teaming partners would have access to collect patient samples such as blood, urine or other biofluids as well as the ability to perform image analysis and chracterization of the microplastics captured using our technology | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| James Seckler | Case Western Reserve University | jms92@case.edu | Cleveland, OH | 3-dimensional Microscopy using Ultraviolet Excitation coupled to Raman spectroscopy for the detection of microplastics in whole tissue | We are looking for collaborators willing to provide animal tissue | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Shuo Xiao | Rutgers University | sx106@pharmacy.rutgers.edu | New Brunswick, NJ | Dr. Shuo Xiao is directing the Female Reproductive Health and Toxicology Laboratory at Rutgers University. They focus on how environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs), including micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), and mixtures impact female reproductive ovarian functions, hormone secretion, and early pregnancy. The Xiao Lab has established in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models to investigate chemical tissue dosimetry, health impacts, and molecular mechanisms involved. | We are looking for collaborators who study sex-specific pharmacology and toxicology in non-reproductive tissues and health outcomes. | TA2: Understanding, TA2: Understanding |
| Justin Perry | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | perryj@mskcc.org | New York, NY | The Perry Lab seeks to understand ‘healthy’ clearance of dying cells, known as efferocytosis, and other essential forms of phagocytosis. The Lab combines techniques from immunology, cell biology, metabolism, and informatics to address how phagocytes, such as macrophages, handle the immense burden of phagocytosis in often extreme tissue environments and under pressure from environmental exposures, how this relates to development and homeostasis, and how this process falters in disease. | We seek to build a collaborative team that will develop new tools and address pressing questions arising from our recent work (Codo, et al., Immunity, 2026), which highlighted the immense danger that polystyrene microplastics (MPs) pose to our body's key sentinals : tissue-resident macrophages. Our work suggests not only can we understand how MPs are affecting these cells but that we might also be able to reverse the damage. | TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| James McGrath | LOMP Materials and Metrology Core / University of Rochester | jmcgrath@bme.rochester.edu | Rochester, NY | The LOMP Materials and Metrology Core (MMC) develops standardized reference materials, QA/QC protocols, and detection methods for micro- and nanoplastics research. We operate a Protocols.io workspace, distribute characterized MNP reference materials across labs, and run contamination minimization and sample preparation studies. Instrumentation includes fluorescence microscopy (3 benchmarked systems), SiMPore nanomembrane filtration, and pending TOF Py-GC/MS for nanoscale quantification. | Seeking partners who need: standardized MNP reference materials with documented size distributions, validated sample preparation and contamination control protocols, cross-lab QC infrastructure, and open-access protocol documentation. We provide the measurement infrastructure backbone that multi-site STOMP teams require for reproducible results. Also seeking partners with advanced spectroscopic detection (O-PTIR, Raman), clinical biospecimen processing, and computational methods for particle cou | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Yann GAMBIN | UNSW | y.gambin@unsw.edu.au | Sydney | For ARPA-H STOMP, our mini microscope can provide a scalable platform to detect and characterize nano- and microplastics in complex human samples at ultra-low concentrations using single-molecule spectroscopy. We can map particle size, chemistry, and burden with high sensitivity, enabling standardized measurement, rapid screening, and better correlation of specific plastic exposures with biological effects and removal strategies | We are looking for partners that would use this technology for TA1 and have a strong strategy for TA2 | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Pamela Abshire | Stony Brook University | pamela.abshire@stonybrook.edu | Stony Brook, NY | We are working on a platform for scalable multi-analyte sensing. We are working on parallel detection based on functionalized CMOS sensors using ISFETS, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and fluorometry. | We are looking for partners | TA1: Measurement |
| Emma Sierecki | AttoQuest Pty Ltd | Sales@attoquest.com | Sydney Australia | For ARPA-H STOMP, we offer a portable mini microscope that uses single-molecule spectroscopy to detect and characterize nano- and microplastic particles in complex human samples at extremely low levels. The platform can generate sensitive, standardized measurements of particle size, composition, and burden, supporting rapid screening, exposure mapping, and stronger links between plastic load, biological effects, and intervention strategies. | We are seeking teaming partners with strengths in clinical sample access, microfluidics and sample prep, polymer/plastics chemistry, spectroscopy validation, AI/analytics, and translational toxicology. Ideal partners can help benchmark performance in real-world biospecimens, correlate plastic burden with biological effects, support regulatory-grade studies, and accelerate deployment into scalable, field-ready and clinical research workflows | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Emily Gibson | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus | emily.gibson@ucdenver.edu | Aurora, CO | Coherent Raman Scattering and Super Resolution for in vivo animal imaging of microplastics and tissue properties in organs | Industry partners | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Alejandro Adam | Albany Medical College | adama1@amc.edu | Albany, NY | Our Mission is to find novel therapeutics to treat tissue damage and organ dysfunction caused by disproportionate inflammatory responses. We aim to achieve that by identifying the most critical mechanisms of the pathophysiology that lead to chronic and excessive inflammation. | We seek partners in exposure biology and toxicology groups for ingestion/inhalation studies and multi-organ in vivo validation and pathology/omics collaborators to define cell-type-specific injury, mechanisms, and translational relevance. | TA2: Understanding |
| Heinz Huber | Edelweiss Technology Solutions LLC | hhuber@edelweisstechnology.com | Cleveland, OH | Edelweiss Technology Solutions specializes in real-time volatile organic compound (VOC) and particulate matter analyses using continuous real-time methods for environmental and biomedical applications. Current focus areas include breath VOC biomarker development, nanoparticle monitoring, and environmental forensics. We develop analytical frameworks, measurement standards (ASTM D8460), and data pipelines for complex chemical matrices in clinical, occupational, and regulatory contexts. | We seek partners with expertise in transcutaneous NIR and/or spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), clinical lymph node imaging, or wearable biosensor development. Ideal collaborators include academic medical centers with oncology or lymphatic biology programs, optical instrumentation groups, or bioengineering labs with clinical trial infrastructure. We have experience with IRB-based studies in oncology settings. | TA1: Measurement |
| Valeriia Smiian | ALLATRA | valerie@allatra.org | Atlanta, GA | ALLATRA Global Research Center conducts interdisciplinary open-source research on micro- and nanoplastics, with emphasis on evidence synthesis, comparative analysis of measurement and characterization methods, mapping of biological mechanisms and exposure pathways, translational framing for human health, and protocol benchmarking across tissues, biospecimens, and organ systems. | We seek partners with strengths in analytical chemistry, imaging, pathology, animal models, and clinical biospecimen workflows for STOMP TA1/TA2. We can support teams through structured evidence synthesis, method benchmarking, tissue and endpoint prioritization, scientific landscape mapping, and translation-oriented strategy aligned with clinically relevant measurement and mechanism studies. | TA2: Understanding, TA2: Understanding |
| Dimitri Aubert | Attoquest Pty Ltd | dimitri@attoquest.com | 15 Brassie St, North Bondi, NSW 2026, Australia | Attoquest develops advanced single-molecule fluorescence detection microscopes aimed at the detection of nano-sized materials. The company is a spin-out of the University of New South Wales in Australia, and it currently explores different applications for its technology, including nano/microplastics, human-biofluid based disagnostics and the analsyis of nanomedicines. | As part of the STOMP program, Atoquest aims to adapt its platform for routine analysis of nano/microplastics size distribution and concentration from a promising area of development, because of its need for precise assessement of particle concentration in environmental and biological samples. The aim is to provide a correlation between given types of microplastics (by size) and biological effects, based on exposure (concentration). | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Jessica Lee | Strategic Clinical | jessicaL@strategicclinical.com | Wrightstown, PA | Implementation Science; program development, regulatory affairs | N/A | TA3: Removal |
| Dongheon Lee | Florida State University | dlee@eng.famu.fsu.edu | Tallahassee, FL | We use synthetic biology approaches to engineer probiotic microbes to aggregate polystyrene monomer. | We are looking for teams to be partners in TAs 1 and 2. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Ardythe Morrow | University of Cincinnati | ardythe.morrow@gmail.com | Cincinnati, OH | Environmental chemical exposures that affect health | Sites for collaboration in TA1.3 | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Katie Kugler | Vivid BioInnovations | KKugler@vivid-bio.com | San Francisco, CA | Vivid develops molecular measurement platforms for complex biological samples, with strengths in affinity reagents, nucleic-acid barcoding and readouts, microfluidics, and translational assay development. For STOMP, Vivid is focused on multiplexed quantification of micro- and nanoplastics in blood, biofluids, tissue homogenates, and spatial tissue workflows | Vivid seeks partners with polymer-selective binder capabilities (peptoids, peptides, phage display, or related recognition chemistries), plus clinical sample access or tissue-biofluid study infrastructure. We also welcome collaborators in reference materials, contamination control, validation, and deployment of TA1 measurement workflows across STOMP teams | TA1: Measurement |
| Nathan Alves | Indiana University School of Medicine | nalves@iu.edu | Indianapolis , IN | Experience in: lipid nanoparticle drug delivery, packaging of pharmaceutical agents and enzymes to treat various diseases, studying the effect that microplastic exposure has on coagulation and fibrinolysis, site-specific antibody modification, oriented antibody immobilization for advanced diagnostics, and a variety of experience within the extracellular vesicle (EV) field. | Interested in leveraging our diverse expertise with others to meet programmatic goals. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Patricia Khashayar | International Institute for biosensing, University of Minnesota | pkhashay@umn.edu | Minneapolis, MN | Sensing and particles detection | Clinical expertise | TA1: Measurement, TA1: Measurement |
| Tao Zhang | Binghamton University-SUNY | zhangt@binghamton.edu | Binghamton, NY | drug ADME, PKPD modeling, physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling | not sure at this time, to explore collaboration | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Alison Elder | University of Rochester | alison.c.p.elder@gmail.com | Rochester, NY | Our team at the University of Rochester has long-standing and transdisciplinary expertise related to assessing the biokinetics and human health-relevant toxicological effects of inhaled particulate matter. We have state-of-the-art infrastructure for conducting controlled aerosol inhalation exposures in small animal models to a variety of particulates with varying physicochemical properties. | The greatest need that we have in relation to conducting inhalation exposures such as described in this program include large mass amounts of well-characterized, narrowly size-distributed, rodent-respirable micro- and nanoplastic particles, as well as samples of the same physicochemical characteristics that are labelled in a manner that supports biodistribution studies. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Daniel Weiss | University of Vermont | dweiss@uvm.edu | Burlington, VT | Biologic effects of inhalation exposures to MNPs. We have developed a powerful multi-institutional consortium to investigate these through the TA2 mechanism. | Looking for potential TA2 partners interested in effects of inhalation MNP exposures and in TA1 partners with particular interested in advanced imaging techniques. As part of our proposed TA2 studies, we will be investigating mow MNPs are cleared from the lung and so will look to partner down the rod with correlating TA3 groups. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Stacey Harper | Oregon State University | stacey.harper@oregonstate.edu | Corvallis, OR | Our research integrates nanotoxicology, microbiome science, and mechanistic toxicology to advance human health and establish predictive tools to assess exposures. We can leverage nanotracers to examine how the microbiome shapes susceptibility and disease, and link contaminants to adverse biological outcomes, thereby informing risk assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies. | Expertise in AI and large language models would be useful. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Michael Petegorsky | Proxima Health | mike@proxima.health | Austin, TX | Proxima is commercializing a double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) device. A single treatment with the device removes ~75% of MNPs from human blood, and research is focused on showing that repeat treatments reduce MNP tissue burden. Proxima also is working on techniques for quantifying MNPs in biological matrices, including nano flow cytometry, Py-GC-MS, and smartphone-based fluorescence imaging. | Capabilities to evaluate (1) the correlation between MNP content in tissue and bodily fluids and (2) biological effects of MNPs. | TA3: Removal, TA1: Measurement |
| Raymond Wiley | AMFitzgerald & Associates | rcw@amfitzgerald.com | Burlingame, CA | MEMS product and process design, development, and commercialization. | We would like to partner with a prime looking for MEMS Sensor expertise. | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Raynara Jacovone | Clemson University | rsilvaj@clemson.edu | Clemson, SC | Our department focuses on sustainability-driven environmental engineering, including minimizing pollutant release, studying emerging contaminants, site assessment, and designing physical and biological treatment systems. Research also covers life cycle assessment and best management practices. Within this, our group develops advanced membrane materials and nanotechnologies to improve water treatment and control biofouling. | We seek interdisciplinary partners spanning analytical chemistry, bioengineering, and clinical research to address microplastic measurement and health impacts. Ideal collaborators bring capabilities in rapid detection technologies, in vivo toxicity studies, and clinical translation, along with industry partners to support scalable deployment, validation, and commercialization of health-focused solutions. | TA2: Understanding, TA2: Understanding |
| Ayanjeet Ghosh | The University of Alabama | ayanjeet.ghosh@ua.edu | Tuscaloosa, AL | Sub-diffraction IR microscopy of protein aggregates, microplastic induced protein aggregation, machine learning | Cell biology, model organism research, near-IR microscopy, 3D tomography | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Devon Campbell | Prodct Studio Inc. | dcc@prodct.dev | Lexington, MA | We build medical devices that matter — from concept to FDA-ready — powered by proprietary AI workflows and deep IVD and RUO roots across tissue, liquid, and breath matrices. Our inventors hold patents spanning histology instrumentation, IVD systems, and optical detection. We've built commercial tissue platforms including H&E, FISH, ISH, and IHC systems, plus FDA-cleared optical diagnostics. For STOMP TA1, we bring that expertise to FFPE-based MNP detection. | We design with the very latest tools, but we've also lived without them. That makes us dangerous. Seeking an equally dangerous TA1 partner with analytical instrumentation and clinical tissue access — FFPE tissue banks especially valuable. Open to prime or co-investigator depending on fit. We bring the experienced engineering and development success many TA1 teams may be missing. | TA1: Measurement |
| Yann Gibert | Indiana University School of Medicine | yann.gibert64@gmail.com | Indianapolis, IN | Effects of microplastics through both acute and long-term chronic exposure in vivo, using the zebrafish model that provides a cost-effective, rapid, and highly reliable system relevant to human biology, Bioaccumulation and excretion in the organism, Physiological consequences, including omics-level analyses in whole larvae and in specific organs, 3D visualization, enabling precise tracking of microplastic distribution and effects, particularly for exposed brain plasticity | We seek partners with expertise in designing and synthesizing traceable micro for in vivo studies using zebrafish. Priority is given to particles with reliable tracers (fluorescent, isotopic, Raman or barcode-based), controlled size, chemistry, and environmental relevance. Materials must enable accurate tracking of bioaccumulation, excretion, and biological effects while remaining compatible with 3D imaging and omics analyses. | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| Balaji Rao | Texas Tech University | Balaji.Rao@ttu.edu | Lubbock, TX | Primary research focus is on characterization of micro(nano)plastic in complex environmental (e.g., biosolids) and biological samples (blood, brain tissue, etc.) | Partners that have access to advanced characterization tools such as AFM-IR | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Mandy-Tanita Brinkmann | Hawaii Pacific University - Center for Marine Debris Research | mandy7749@gmail.com | Honolulu, HI | The Center for Marine Debris Research focuses on microplastics characterization, with strong emphasis on developing and applying robust analytical methods for polymer and additive identification and quantification. Core capabilities include Py-GC-MS workflows for complex and weathered samples, supported by FTIR and Raman. Research links high-quality analytical data to source attribution, environmental fate, and circular economy applications. | CMDR seeks partners for TA1.2 and TA1.3 with expertise in bioassays and access to human tissue and fluids for analysis. | TA1: Measurement |
| Shekhar Bhansali | Vanderbilt University | operatingsafely@gmail.com | Nashville, TN | Microsenskrs, microfluidics, organ on a chip and biosystems | Expertise in finding baselines, scaling production | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Geoffrey Chang | UCSD | geoffrey.a.chang@gmail.com | La Jolla, CA | Small Molecule Sensors | Translation | TA1: Measurement, TA3: Removal |
| Michael Roth | University of California Los Angeles | mroth@g.ucla.edu | Los Angeles, CA | A new ventilated artificial lung exposure system that continuously breathes through 3D printed airways now allows us to monitor human intrapulmonary particle exposures and deposition as they would occur in different lung compartments. By growing air-liquid-interface cultures of primary human airway and alveolar epithelium within the lung chamber, we can expose intact airway tissue to realistic micro-nano plastic exposures for days to months to assess exposure biology and trafficking. | Expertise in real-time aerosolized particle analysis to complement conventional analysis of particle size and mass distributions, rapid analysis techniques for particle deposition types & numbers, collaboration for confocal and EM microscopy analysis of exposed tissues, RNA expression profiling of exposed tissues. Contact: mroth@mednet.ucla.edu | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |
| sandy der | Immvue Therapeutics | sandy.der@immvue.com | Boston, MA | Immvue develops allosteric, small-molecules targeting tyrosine kinases that regulate TCR- or BCR-signaling, in T- and B-cells. By focusing on allosteric pockets, we identified compounds with distinct mechanisms of action as compared to conventional, ATP-competitive inhibitors. Given their known roles, selective inhibition could provide precise immune suppression to treat diseases ranging from autoimmunity to microbial infections in which excess immune reaction have pathological consequences. | We can partner with groups with access to tissues or lymphoid cells with exposure to microplastics, for which we can provide profiling of several immune parameters, in distinct lymphocytes cell types. Importantly, our drug candidates can be used to test excessive and pathologic immune activity from B- or T-cells, by targeting of the signalling from BCR or TCR. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Jennifer Harr | St. Mary's University | jharr1@stmarytx.edu | San Antonio, TX | I lead an NIH funded research group that studies micro- and nano-plastic and combined chemical exposures in the C. elegans model system. We examine physiological and genotoxic effects of microplastic and combined chemical exposures. We are well established in these assays. | We are looking to work with chemists or scientists that have the ability to sort less than 1 um cryo-milled or aged secondary plastic particles that have been created in the lab, or isolated from the environment. We also want to pair with scientists with the ability to detect a variety of plastic polymers and chemicals at high sensitivity. | TA2: Understanding |
| Mangilal Agarwal | Indiana University | agarwal@iu.edu | Indianapolis, IN | Develop chemical and metabolic biomarkers associated with microplastic exposure or miniaturization for particle based measurements and enable scalable monitoring. | Industry and University partners seeking this expertise | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding |
| Ryaan EL-Andari | University of Alberta | elandari@ualberta.ca | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | The solid organ transplant group at University of Alberta is one of the largest clinical and academic programs in North America, ranking 6th in the world by the Center for World University Rankings in 2017. Our group has developed ex vivo organ perfusion technology that maintains organs (heart, lung, liver) outside of the body and provides opportunity for organ assessment and treatment. This provides a platform for studying retained microplastics, their impacts on organs, and methods of removal. | We look forward to partnering with teams able to measure MNPs in solid organ tissue samples or cells, and teams with treatments that can be applied to ex vivo perfused organs to simulate physiologic conditions. | TA1: Measurement, TA2: Understanding, TA3: Removal |
| Aitor Aguirre | Michigan State University | aaguirre@msu.edu | East Lansing, MI | human pluripotent stem cells, heart organoids, cardiac toxicology, New Alternative Methodologies, | Expertise in computational models, toxicology | TA2: Understanding, TA1: Measurement |