Session
2025 Poster
Location
Brigham Young University Engineering Building, Provo, UT
Start Date
5-5-2025 9:55 AM
Description
The vaginal epithelium is a highly absorptive mucosal barrier that plays a vital role in defending against pathogens and maintaining reproductive health. However, its permeability also raises concern about the bioaccumulation of potentially harmful elements (PHEs), particularly in relation to products designed for intimate use. Recent studies have identified the presence of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), in a wide range of cosmetic and hygiene products such as tampons. Lead is a well-known toxic element that interferes with essential cellular functions, mimicking biologically important metals like zinc, calcium, and iron.
This study investigates the absorption of lead by an immortalized vaginal epithelial cell line through controlled exposure to varying Pb concentrations. Using viability assays and morphological analysis, the project aims to characterize the cellular response and potential damage associated with lead uptake. The findings will provide insight into the extent of absorption and cytotoxicity associated with Pb in hygiene products.
Beyond public health implications on Earth, this research is relevant to NASA's mission to protect astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight. In closed-loop space environments where menstrual hygiene products must be compact, sustainable, and safe, understanding chemical exposure risks is critical. This project contributes foundational data to inform both terrestrial product safety and future standards for human health protection in space exploration.
Experimental Workflow: Assessing Lead (Pb) Cytotoxicity in Vaginal Epithelial Cells
Brigham Young University Engineering Building, Provo, UT
The vaginal epithelium is a highly absorptive mucosal barrier that plays a vital role in defending against pathogens and maintaining reproductive health. However, its permeability also raises concern about the bioaccumulation of potentially harmful elements (PHEs), particularly in relation to products designed for intimate use. Recent studies have identified the presence of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), in a wide range of cosmetic and hygiene products such as tampons. Lead is a well-known toxic element that interferes with essential cellular functions, mimicking biologically important metals like zinc, calcium, and iron.
This study investigates the absorption of lead by an immortalized vaginal epithelial cell line through controlled exposure to varying Pb concentrations. Using viability assays and morphological analysis, the project aims to characterize the cellular response and potential damage associated with lead uptake. The findings will provide insight into the extent of absorption and cytotoxicity associated with Pb in hygiene products.
Beyond public health implications on Earth, this research is relevant to NASA's mission to protect astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight. In closed-loop space environments where menstrual hygiene products must be compact, sustainable, and safe, understanding chemical exposure risks is critical. This project contributes foundational data to inform both terrestrial product safety and future standards for human health protection in space exploration.