Which physicochemical particle properties influence oxidative reactivity – focus on organic coating, surface properties and core composition through real time measurements

Exposure to airborne particles is known to cause detrimental health effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation potential is a marker and driver of oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

We will link ROS formation potential to physicochemical characteristics of airborne particles, specifically to level of organic coating, particles’ core composition and surface properties.

This is because properties of particles that govern the ROS formation potential are not fully understood.We will perform detail measurements in the laboratory, and complementary field measurements for real world aerosol.

Novelty of our approach combines use of recently developed real time ROS determination method together with advanced mass spectrometry techniques that track and quantify chemical composition of the aerosol (particles and gases).

In relation to ROS, we will also study particles’ surface properties “in-flight” (in contrast to collected on filters) by applying synchrotron light at MAX IV.

The combined gas-surface-bulk information pushes the frontiers for understanding of aerosol’s ROS formation potential.We will gain fundamental knowledge on mechanisms that determine organic coating of particles, its influence on particles surface properties and ROS formation potential.

We will detail physicochemical particle characteristics that govern ROS formation potential and hence are of concern for human health. Outcomes will guide control measures to minimize human toxic exposure.