Bio: The main research interest of Roel Schins is to understand how particles can cause disease in humans. He has been studying the toxic effects of mineral dusts, ambient fine and ultrafine particles and engineered nanomaterials on the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. This work focuses on the identification of underlying intercellular and interorgan crosstalk mechanisms. His research is also committed to the development of new approach methodologies for the hazard assessment of particles, through advancement and validation of realistic in vitro models of the lung and intestine.

Abstract: While inhalation represents the primary uptake route for airborne particulate matter, oral exposure to various types of anthropogenic particles has become a topic of growing concern. This lecture will discuss the relevance of research into the adverse effects of ingested particles in relation to particle-specific physicochemical properties. Emphasis will be on the gut as a primary target organ for adverse effects of ingested particles, but also on its important barrier function in association with potential particle translocation and toxicity in secondary organs. Examples of toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic studies in rodents will be discussed as well as the relevance of the applied exposure scenarios. The lecture will also provide insight into recent developments in the field of in vitro testing, such as models that better mimic the interactions of particles with digestive processes, the mucosal barrier as well as the intestinal microbiome.