UK Microplastic Material Repository

A micro- and nano-plastic test material repository available nationally for researchers working on microplastics and nanotoxicology: This will facilitate research into adverse outcome pathways and underlying mechanisms of toxicity, which is often hindered by a lack of test particle availability.
This will also ensure synergy in the particle properties being tested, which are otherwise subject to gross variation. To maximise usage, it will be widely advertised through partner networks, by word of mouth, conference presentations, social media and email to relevant societies and networks (e.g., UK Microplastics Network, British Toxicological Society). Being at the forefront of microplastics research and championing the use of reference material to encourage consistency across studies and ultimately scientific rigour will further raise the profile of the Toxicology Unit.

Establish a national repository of micro- and nano-plastic test materials, forming the basis for future collaborations to address fundamental questions related to micro- and nanoplastic toxicity.