Faculty Plenary Talks
Plastics on My Mind: Studying the Effects of Nanoplastics on the Brain
Nanoplastics can be found in nearly every environment on our planet, including in the air we breathe and in the food we eat. While most research has focused on microplastics (1 micron to 5 mm in diameter), these particles continue to wear down and eventually reach the nano scale (< 1 micron). Far less research has focused on the effects of nanoplastics on cells, with those studies showing nanoplastic interactions with biological tissues varying widely in their effects and magnitude. These particles can pass through the gut and be absorbed by nearly every tissue, including the brain. There are few studies that examine how nanoplastics directly affect neuron activity. Furthermore, the majority of nanoplastic research has focused on polystyrene while we are exposed to many different types of polymers and each type can have different effects neurons. Our laboratory is focused on analyzing nanoplastic released from different food containers, as well as the neurotoxicology of these different nanoplastics. We grind nanoparticles from a variety of sources such as lunch containers, cups, baby bottles, and raw plastic. These include a variety of different polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and PVC. We then use differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and primary mouse neurons to examine nanoparticle effects on cell health, function, and communication between neurons. Our overall goal is to clarify how different nanoplastics impact the development and communication within neural networks and subsequently behavior. Using this data, we can then propose ways to counteract the effects of nanoplastics on neurons to improve human health.
Multifunctional Biosensing Platforms for Diagnostics and Bioenergy Applications
We present a suite of innovative biosensing platforms addressing critical healthcare challenges and
energy harvesting applications. Our work spans four areas:
- Dry Eye Disease (DED) Diagnostics: Microelectrode-based sensors enable rapid, low-cost
tear analysis for early detection and monitoring of DED with minimal discomfort. - Alzheimer’s Disease Detection: Electrochemical sensors incorporating nanomaterials and
enzymatic systems allow sensitive, selective detection of neurodegenerative biomarkers. - Glucose Monitoring: Disposable glucose sensors using recombinant corn manganese
peroxidase integrated with screen-printed electrodes achieve ultralow detection limits, wide
linear ranges, and high selectivity, supporting point-of-care and continuous monitoring. - Biofuel Cells: Enzyme–nanomaterial composites enable self-powered biosensing and energy
harvesting, offering potential for wearable and implantable devices.
This interdisciplinary approach combines materials science, biotechnology, and electrochemistry
to deliver multifunctional platforms with clinical and industrial relevance. The use of scalable
fabrication techniques and sustainable materials underscores the potential for real-world
implementation in diagnostics and bioenergy systems.
Physics Speaker
Priyanka Chakraborty
Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Arkansas
Decoding the Universe’s X-ray Fingerprints
X-ray astronomy serves as a powerful probe of the high-energy Universe, enabling us to explore environments and phenomena otherwise hidden from view. By studying X-ray spectral lines, we can piece together the conditions and dynamics that drive some of the most powerful cosmic events. With the recent launch of XRISM, we now have an observatory capable of capturing these signals in greater detail than ever before. Its high-resolution X-ray observations allow us to investigate the structure and behavior of superheated gas in accretion disks around black holes, as well as the complex interactions within X-ray binaries, where compact objects draw material from companion stars. These observations not only reveal the mechanisms driving accretion and outflows but also illuminate their role in regulating galaxy evolution.
In this talk, I will share new XRISM results that, for the first time, reveal the inner workings of these cosmic engines, shedding light on the connection between compact objects and their larger-scale environments.