53rd NARECOM

Abstract:

Air pollution and engineered aerosols represent highly variable exposure scenarios, with particle size, number concentration, and chemical composition strongly dependent on source and generation conditions. This presentation introduces a mobile air–liquid interface (ALI) portable exposure system (PETS) designed to capture this variability under controlled laboratory and real-world conditions. The platform enables direct exposure of human airway epithelial models to complete aerosols, preserving gas–particle interactions and realistic deposition of ultrafine and nanoscale particles. Exposure sources include traffic-related engine emissions, ambient urban air, and nanoparticles generated by spark ablation using different electrode materials, allowing comparison of distinct aerosols within a single exposure framework. The system's modular and portable design supports straightforward switching between sources, environments, and operating parameters. Variations in aerosol properties are reflected in changes in epithelial function, cellular stress responses, and biological signalling. By integrating mobility, source diversity, and human-relevant exposure geometry, this platform provides a versatile tool for linking aerosol generation mechanisms and nanoparticle properties to biological effects.