Evaluating DFPP for Microplastic and PFAS Reduction

This prospective, non-interventional, within-subject paired biomarker study will evaluate whether circulating microplastic and nanoplastic-associated particle concentrations and PFAS concentrations in peripheral blood change after clinically prescribed double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). Twenty adult volunteers already undergoing DFPP independent of research participation will provide paired pre- and post-treatment blood samples. The primary endpoints are within-participant change in microplastic and nanoplastic-associated particle concentration measured by nano-flow cytometry with Nile Red staining, and PFAS concentration measured by LC-MS/MS. An exploratory subset of five participants will undergo Py-GC-MS analysis of paired blood samples and DFPP eluate to evaluate polymer-specific mass changes and the presence of plastic polymers in eluate, and LC-MS/MS to evaluate the presence of PFAS in eluate. DFPP treatment decisions and procedural parameters are determined solely by the treating physician as part of routine care.