We are an all-women identifying undergraduate research team, part of the University of Maryland Gemstone Honors College Program.
Background
DiNP is the main plasticizer found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) goods used to increase durability and flexibility in plastic goods. It has served as a supposedly safer alternative to previous plasticizers.
However, research has shown that DiNP acts as an endocrine disrupting chemical impacting placental development, thus affecting maternal and fetal health.
Research Question
How does DiNP affect placental and fetal development, and what are the underlying mechanisms behind it?
Research Objectives
Determine the effects of varying levels of DiNP on placental cell lines
Develop a placental organoid comparable to primary tissue and in vivo models to investigate the effects of DiNP on placental development