1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper? 

 As plastic pollution is regarded as an emerging threat to the respiratory health of living beings, we designed this study to explain the bio-distribution of micro-sized polystyrene and nano-sized polystyrene after inhalation into the lungs. We chose polystyrene because it was one of major components of all the daily-use products and also it was found inside the human lungs proven in a study previously reported. Tracking the inhaled polystyrene was made possible by radio-labelling the polystyrene with a radionuclide called Copper-64. Further it enabled us to image the mouse using the imaging modality PET which gives us information about the total bio-distribution of the polystyrene after it was inhaled into the lungs. We also performed bio-distribution using the gamma-counter to calculate the %ID/g in each organ. After tracking this for 72 h, we concluded that micro-polystyrene could retain within the lungs for longer time as compared to nano-polystyrene. Hence, by this it was clear that micro-plastics may be more toxic to the lungs than nano plastics. We could also demonstrate that nano-polystyrene can reach other organs through the route of inhalation. This study guides us further to research on the long-term potential toxicity due to inhaled micro and nano plastics.

2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?

 Although there were situations, I would not like to term them as “difficulty” rather they were opportunities that gave me more practice to make my skills better. This was my first project after I joined for PhD, so I had to learn a lot of new things alongside and also perform the study. I had previous experience in handling radioactivity however the copper-64 radio-labelling to nano-polystyrene was a major challenge because the size we used was 20 nm polystyrene. I had to spend months to optimize the radio-labelling for nano-polystyrene alone. While at a point I felt the radio-labelling of nano polystyrene was not happening, by the mental support and guidance from my PI, I could keep repeating until finally it was a success. Further, the whole procedure of intra-tracheal instillation was hurdle some and time consuming while I had to keep track of the decaying radioactivity as well as perform PET imaging simultaneously? it was a multi-tasking process altogether. There were days when I had to spend full-nights in the lab to finish the experiments. But it was fun doing it and I enjoyed every step as I always loved to perform experiments and imaging with radio-activity ^^. The key here is to love the work you do, then we won`t feel it as a burden or difficulty.

3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.

 I am currently enrolled in PhD under Prof. Kim Jin Su in the Division of RI, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS). The University I am enrolled in is Korea National University of Science and Technology. Our lab focuses primarily on studying the bio-distribution and then focusing on the long-term toxicity due to environmental pollutants through various routes like ingestion and inhalation using mouse models. We have multiple interesting projects on microplastics and other pollutants which are a major concern as per the environmental reports. We have the opportunity to utilize radio-isotopes like Copper-64, Zirconium-89, Technetium-99m, F-18, I-123/124/125 for bio-distribution studies as KIRAMS has a well-established radio-isotope production team. Also, we have the availability of radio-labelling facility to synthesize new radio-pharmaceuticals using I-131/Lu-177/At-211/Ac-225 which are therapeutic radio-isotopes to target specific cancer cells and improve the therapeutic efficacy as well. The KIRAMS institute has an excellent working environment for aspirants who choose to excel in the field of nuclear medicine and radio-chemistry. The institute also has various small-animal imaging modalities like PET-CT, SPECT-CT and MRI. Apart from this, we also have a well-established laboratory for molecular biology works as well. The institute has plenty of opportunities for young scientists with all required modalities and facility for state-of-art research.

4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.

 Well, I am an Indian who was searching for research opportunities outside of India for nuclear medicine laboratories. I got to know about this PhD vacancy in KIRAMS through the BRIC website. I was previously working in clinical area of nuclear medicine. I feel the research here in Korea, is really interesting and have lot of facilities for various kind of researches. I got experiences in animal handling and other molecular biology procedures which I did not get to know before. So, I really feel the opportunities in Korea in the research area is quite good for young aspirants as it enabled me to get experience in inter-disciplinary areas other than my major field nuclear medicine alone. If you have enough interest to learn multiple areas of science and make use of that knowledge to build something novel through your thesis, then I think Korea is a good place for it.

5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?

 The key is to have a broad mind about the research you want to carry out. There will be hurdles of course like, the language barrier and homesickness you get when you live away from your homeland. But, amidst all that, if you are willing to focus on your bright future and what you can contribute to the science field that can benefit the whole world and humanity, these hurdles will be easy to handle and soon you will learn to enjoy every step of the journey. Strive to get along with the lab mates and other colleagues and spend every day trying to learn something new, because knowledge is power. Above all combine smartwork and hardwork to pool in ideas and creativity into your research and to invent/discover something novel. Abroad is a scary place especially when the whole culture and environment is different, but one day when you look back how long you have come and how much you have achieved, it will make you feel proud of yourself. I wish all the best for all aspirants and young researchers.

6. Future plan?

 Although this is not definite, I am looking forward to contribute more in the field of nuclear medicine, if possible, to participate in clinical trials and development of radiopharmaceuticals.

7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?

 Science has still a lot to discover and a lot of mesmerizing aspects kept hidden. So, research is a never-ending process that thrills every person who truly loves science. The future scientists and aspirants can put their effort to bring betterment for the humanity and be able to be a small part in the history of the world by their contribution to novel discoveries. It is not necessary to be a genius or to have a higher IQ level to achieve heights. All can achieve higher levels by their determination, discipline and their love towards the work they do. So, as a young researcher I think one should try to make the best use of time as well as take time to enjoy life amidst the journey of research. Try to keep stress out of your life, instead enjoy the process ^^ . Wishing all , the very best for the future!