Interview with Barbo

Studies: Barbo’s research primarily focuses on the effects of microplastics on human health. This involves using patient lung tissue samples from hospitals.

Patient Consent and Sample Collection: Consent is obtained from patients for the use of lung tissue samples in the study.
Testing Process: Small fractions of lung tissue are used to test for the presence of microplastics using specialized equipment.
Challenges in Testing: All materials used in testing for microplastics must be plastic-free to avoid contamination.

Uncertainty of Microplastic Origin: It is unclear whether microplastics are inhaled or simply land on lung tissue.
Prevalence of Microplastics: Indoor environments are found to have higher concentrations of microplastics. Common forms include particles or shards from packaging or utensils and fibers from clothing.
Cellular Response Analysis: The study examines how cells, particularly lung epithelial cells and immune cells, respond to microplastics once inside the body.

Stem Cell Use and Organoids: The study utilizes stem cells to create organoids, or mini-organs, to mimic lung tissue in a controlled environment.
In Vitro Experiments: Research is primarily conducted in vitro using culture dishes, with minimal animal experiments involving mice.

Nylon and Inflammation: The lung tissue shows significant responses, especially to nylon, which triggers proteins associated with inflammation.
The Issue of Dosage: One of the major gaps in the current data is understanding the appropriate dose of microplastics that causes significant health effects.

Reflections on Plastic Usage: Barbo highlights the illusion that society can function without plastic, emphasizing the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in everyday life.