Location
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
93
Start Date
4-16-2026 3:15 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 3:30 PM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Keywords
PFOA, Macrophages, LPS, inflammation, RAW 264.7 cells, immunology
Abstract
PFAS is an umbrella term used to describe a category of multiple perfluroalkyl substances that are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. Forever chemicals do not degrade without the help of external factors like bacteria or high temperatures. These chemicals were found in teflon products like fire extinguisher fluid and cookingware, until they were banned in the United States. Now, these products have been left within the environment in landfills and litter and introduced PFAS into the environment. This class of chemicals has been traced to harmful effects on the environment with known toxicity to human physiological systems including kidney, liver, testes and related reproductive toxicity. This poses the question of whether these forever chemicals have the ability to harm cells and alter immunological functions. The need for examination of effects on inflammatory responses is of interest because of effects on other types of immune responses. The purpose of this research is to gain knowledge on the effect of PFAS on the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line in terms of inflammation which is characterized by nitric oxide release. Initial research at concentrations up to 200 uM failed to show any effect on the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, though published work demonstrated potent toxicity in other macrophage cell lines. Current research investigates different solvents used in reports where effects are demonstrated, including DMSO and Tween 80. A 1% solution of Triton X-100 is used as a positive control for cell death. Tween 80 showed initial promise, but had independent effects on macrophage function based upon its concentration. Longer timed exposure of cells to PFOA concentrations up to 1600 uM suggest a possible effect on growth over 72 hours but only a partial effect on nitric oxide production.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
David Freier
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Biology
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PFOA Effects on Inflammatory Responses in RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages
Sydnor Performance Hall, Schewel Hall
PFAS is an umbrella term used to describe a category of multiple perfluroalkyl substances that are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. Forever chemicals do not degrade without the help of external factors like bacteria or high temperatures. These chemicals were found in teflon products like fire extinguisher fluid and cookingware, until they were banned in the United States. Now, these products have been left within the environment in landfills and litter and introduced PFAS into the environment. This class of chemicals has been traced to harmful effects on the environment with known toxicity to human physiological systems including kidney, liver, testes and related reproductive toxicity. This poses the question of whether these forever chemicals have the ability to harm cells and alter immunological functions. The need for examination of effects on inflammatory responses is of interest because of effects on other types of immune responses. The purpose of this research is to gain knowledge on the effect of PFAS on the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line in terms of inflammation which is characterized by nitric oxide release. Initial research at concentrations up to 200 uM failed to show any effect on the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, though published work demonstrated potent toxicity in other macrophage cell lines. Current research investigates different solvents used in reports where effects are demonstrated, including DMSO and Tween 80. A 1% solution of Triton X-100 is used as a positive control for cell death. Tween 80 showed initial promise, but had independent effects on macrophage function based upon its concentration. Longer timed exposure of cells to PFOA concentrations up to 1600 uM suggest a possible effect on growth over 72 hours but only a partial effect on nitric oxide production.