Contaminant Lifecycle & Effects of Advanced Research
We investigate the distribution, transformation, and biological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics using human-relevant models, including ex vivo organ perfusion systems. Our work focuses on lung, liver, and kidney responses to particle exposure, including endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immune activation.
We develop and apply advanced imaging and machine learning tools to detect microplastics, quantify exposure burden, and map spatial tissue responses. These approaches enable high-resolution analysis of environmental exposure effects at cellular and organ scales.
Microplastic Accumulation and Nephrotoxicity in Human Kidneys
Using ex vivo normothermic perfusion, we study how microplastics accumulate in human kidneys and drive tissue injury, inflammation, and functional changes.
Spatial Toxicology of Microplastics in Human Kidneys (MSI)
We apply mass spectrometry imaging to map microplastic distribution and associated metabolic alterations, linking particle deposition to spatial biological responses.
Human Lung Microplastics Exposure Model
We develop ex vivo lung systems to investigate inhalation exposure, enabling controlled analysis of microplastic deposition, distribution, and acute tissue responses.
AI-Driven Digital Twin for Organ-Level Toxicity
We build computational models that integrate imaging and experimental data to simulate microplastic exposure and predict organ-level toxicity.
Airborne Microplastics and Human Exposure (Mesonet Collaboration) (In Development)
We are developing a framework to link environmental monitoring of airborne microplastics with human organ models. Preliminary data support the feasibility of integrating environmental sampling with biological systems to assess real-world exposure.
Our lab integrates cutting-edge tools, including:
Confocal and multiphoton microscopy
Photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)
Ex vivo human organ perfusion systems
AI-based image analysis (U-Net and beyond)
Our lab integrates cutting-edge tools, including:
Confocal and multiphoton microscopy
Photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)
Ex vivo human organ perfusion systems
AI-based image analysis (U-Net and beyond)
(405) 408-1073
tingting.gu-1@ou.edu