Starting Signal for the MIND Project at Vetmeduni

How does microplastic affect our health, and what role does it play in the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s? These questions were at the heart of the MIND kick-off event, which explores the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on brain health.

Science is seeking answers to better understand these connections and, in the long term, to develop solutions for one of the most pressing environmental and health issues of our time. Matthias Gauly, Rector of Vetmeduni, opened the event, followed by numerous engaging presentations that highlighted the scientific relevance and interdisciplinary collaboration of the project.

The MIND Project: Microplastics and Brain Health in Focus

MIND stands for "The Impact of Microplastics on Brain Health and Neural Degeneration" and investigates the potential effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the function and health of the human brain. Global plastic production has increased significantly over time, with a large portion used as food packaging material. As plastic degrades, particles known as microplastics (less than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 µm) are formed. These particles represent a significant environmental burden and can enter the body through various pathways, such as food consumption, inhalation, or skin contact.

Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) have already been detected in nearly all human organs, including the brain. However, the exact effects of these particles on health and the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s remain largely unexplored. Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by pathological protein deposits (amyloid plaques, tau fibrils) in the brain. The increasing incidence of this disease raises the question of whether the growing exposure to microplastics plays a role.

The MIND project is an international collaboration between FFoQSI (Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation), the Institute of Neuroimmunology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (NIUSAS), the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, and the Medical University of Vienna. The project is funded by the EU Interreg Slovakia-Austria program and the state of Lower Austria. With a budget of approximately one million euros and a duration until May 2028, MIND aims to provide new insights into the effects of microplastics on brain health.

Highlights of the Kick-off Event

The agenda featured a variety of presentations covering the scientific breadth of the project and related research areas. Verena Pichler from the University of Vienna discussed the biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics and emphasized the importance of reference particles for research. Lukas Kenner (Center for Pathobiology/Vetmeduni) presented the successfully completed "microONE" project, which also focused on microplastics and their impacts. Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki from TU Wien addressed the significance of tire abrasion as a source of microplastics. Patrick-Julian Mester (Center for Food Sciences/Vetmeduni) explored the role of microplastics as vectors for bacterial contamination and their survival. Martin Raigel (FFoQSI/Vetmeduni) introduced the implementation of a high-throughput pipeline for detecting micro- and nanoplastics in Austria, while Andrej Kovac (NIUSAS) discussed the effects of microplastics in models of neurodegenerative diseases in Slovakia.

These presentations not only provided in-depth insights into the scientific aspects of the project but also served as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange. Project leaders Lukas Kenner, Sabine Lagger, Martin Raigel and Martin Wagner emphasized the urgency of better understanding the health impacts of microplastics to develop preventive measures in the long term.