Anne Mari A. Rokstad
+4793084332
424.04.029 420 Kunnskapssenteret Øya, Trondheim
Research
Inflammation is a fundamental defence mechanism involved in responses to foreign invaders as well as in endogenous processes such as wound healing. It is increasingly recognized as a central driver in a wide range of diseases. Inflammatory reactions arise from complex communication between cellular and protein components of the immune system, and the specific pathways engaged depend on the type of disturbance. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for revealing disease development, identifying therapeutic targets, and improving human health.
A major focus of my research is to elucidate inflammatory mechanisms triggered by both exogenous and endogenous materials. Exogenous materials may be intentionally used, such as biomaterials and micro‑ or nanomaterials in medical applications, or they may arise from unintentional exposure, including micro‑ and nanoplastics encountered in daily life. Endogenous materials, in contrast, are produced within the body and include structures such as cholesterol crystals formed in atherosclerotic plaques.
Although these materials differ in origin and properties, they interact with the immune system through both shared and distinct pathways. The overarching aim of my research is to understand immune and inflammatory processes at the interface of material exposure and to use this knowledge to promote improved health outcomes.
Current research projects investigate how material properties shape inflammatory patterns, with emphasis on biomaterial design and cholesterol‑crystal‑induced inflammation relevant to cardiovascular disease. A recently established project focuses on micro‑ and nanoplastics and their impact on blood immune responses.
In parallel with these activities, my research also addresses immune and inflammatory responses in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
For many years, I have additionally been part of an international research network working toward the development of long‑term, fibrosis‑free biodevices for cell therapy in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.
Publications
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) does not affect whole blood responses to alginate-based microspheres despite plasma lipid and glucose differences
First study to investigate initial inflammatory capacity between T1DM and controls towards biomaterials, bioparticles and TLR ligands. We find that these responses are similar despite identifying metabolic differences in lipoproteins and metabolites.
MS-proteomics provides insight into the host responses towards alginate microspheres
First study to map host proteins of various alginate microspheres of relevance in cell therapy. Study find differences to inflammatory pathways. Fibrosis free microspheres bind naturally and enrich for anti-complement and anti-coagulation proteins.
Cholesterol crystals induce coagulation activation through complement-dependent expression of monocytic tissue factor
Study showing a link between cholesterol crystals and coagulation activation. Cholesterol crystals found in atherosclerotic plaques could be contributors in thrombosis.
Outreach
2025
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Conference lecture(2025) Generalities on MNPs and human health. Micro- and Nanoplastics: Workplace Exposure and Potential Health Hazards
2024
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Interview
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Interview
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Conference lecture
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Conference poster
2023
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Lecture(2023) MS-proteomics provides insight into the host responses towards alginate microspheres. A HEALTHY FUTURE
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Conference poster(2023) Understanding the Human Health Impacts of Micro- and nanoplastics. Microplastics - Workshop for early career reaseachers
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Conference poster
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Conference poster(2023) The initial host response to alginate-based microbeads in human whole blood depict by functional response and mass spectrometry. ScSB meeting - Bioinspiration in biomaterials
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Conference poster
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Conference poster(2023) Characterizing the Inflammatory Properties of Novel Fucoidan/Alginate Beads. ScSB meeting - Bioinspiration in biomaterials
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Conference lecture
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Conference poster
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Conference poster(2023) MS-based proteomic profiling of alginate microspheres relevant for cell therapy. ScSB meeting - Bioinspiration in biomaterials
2019
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Conference poster(2019) Elucidating host responses towards alginate microspheres using proteomics. Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials 2019 Conference
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Conference poster(2019) Cholesterol crystals induce thromboinflammation. Conference on molecular mechanisms in Trondheim
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Conference poster(2019) Multicomponent polyelectrolyte complex-based microcapsules: Correlation between the encapsulation conditions and microcapsule properties. 83rd PRAGUE MEETING ON MACROMOLECULES
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Interview
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Interview
2018
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Conference poster(2018) Identification of adsorbing human plasma proteins on alginate gel beads. BRG Capsule workshop 2018
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Conference poster(2018) Identification of adsorbing human plasma proteins on alginate gel beads. Nordic Proteomics Conference
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Conference poster
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Conference lecture(2018) Unmasking the inflammatory properties of a material by the human whole blood model. Teveltunet Conference 2018
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Lecture(2018) Celle-innkapslings teknologi ved bruk av alginat – konsept, utfordringer og forskning. Tekna Biotek Trondheim Høstseminar
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Conference lecture(2018) Understanding biomaterial inflammation through the whole blood model. 10th Training School on Microencapsulation
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Conference lecture(2018) Cholesterol crystals induce coagulation that can be prevented by targeting complement. 11th International Conference on Complement Therapeutics
2017
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Lecture
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Conference lecture(2017) The update on multicomponent PMCG microcapsule and on related activities. JDRF Consortium monthly call
2016
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Lecture(2016) Multicomponent microcapsules for allogeneic islet transplantation in a comprehensive, preclinical non-human primate model. Encapsulation Consortium Spring Meeting
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Lecture(2016) Multicomponent microcapsules for islets transplantation - tuning their properties towards a low-inflammatory surface by assessments in a human whole blood model. 2nd International Conference on Immune Responses to Biosurfaces: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions
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Conference poster(2016) Cholesterol crystals induce coagulation activation in a complement-dependent manner. Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation
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Conference poster(2016) Effect of rapid weight loss in obese individuals with focus on inflammatory receptor expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation
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Conference lecture(2016) Effekt av en VLCD diett på markører for inflammasjon, metabolisme og hjerte kar risisko. Fedmeforskningsdagene 2016 i Trondheim
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Conference poster(2016) Cholesterol crystals induce coagulation activation in a complement-dependent manner. 2nd International Conference on Immune Responses to Biosurfaces: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions
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Lecture(2016) Atherosclerosis coagulation and obesity inflammation – is complement the answer?. The annual CEMIR seminar
2015
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Conference poster(2015) Crystalline cholesterol is found in atherosclerotic plaques and induces complement mediated inflammation. 15th European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture
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Lecture(2015) Multicomponent microcapsules for allogeneic islet transplantation in a comprehensive, preclinical non-human primate model. , Encapsulation consortium JDRF meeting (presented by Igor Lacik)
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Lecture(2015) Multicomponent microcapsules for allogeneic islet transplantation in a comprehensive, preclinical non-human primate model. (presented by Jose Oberholzer). Encapsulation consortium JDRF meeting
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Lecture(2015) THE COMPLEMENT C3 DEPOSITION DEPENDS ON THE ALGINATE MICROSPHERES COMPOSITION AND DETERMINDS THE CYTOKINE PROFILE. Functional polymers at bio-material interfaces, 79th Prague meeting on macromolecules
2014
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Lecture(2014) Inflammatory Reactions to Microcapsules in a Human Whole Blood Model. Instituttseminar Inst bioteknologi (NTNU)
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Lecture(2014) Inflammatory Reactions to Microcapsules in a Human Whole Blood Model. Tissue Engineering of the Bioartificial Pancreas to Functionally Cure Diabetes
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Conference lecture(2014) Wood nanocellulose – assessment of toxicity and effects on activation of the complement and coagulation pathways using a whole blood model. Cellulose nanotechnology research
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Conference lecture
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Lecture(2014) Inflammatory and hemostatic activation induced by alginate microcapsules reveals novel mechanisms underlying their biocompatibility. Immune responces to biosurfaces: Mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
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Lecture(2014) Initial inflammatory and haemostatic mechanisms induced by endogenous and bioartificial surfaces in a whole blood model. NBS contact Meeting 2014
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Conference lecture
2012
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Conference lecture
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Conference poster(2012) Poly-cation containing alginate microcapsules induce cytokines by a complement-dependent mechanism. XXIV. International Complement Workshop
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Conference lecture
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Lecture
2011
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Conference lecture(2011) Alginate Microcapsules for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. National Congress of the Norwegian Chemical Society, Invited speaker
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Conference lecture(2011) Inflammatory responses of alginate microspehers evaluated by a human and baboon whole blood model. 13th world Congress of IPITA International Pancreas and Islets Transplant Association
2008
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Conference lecture(2008) Alginate capsules and biocompatibility issues. Tirsdagsmøte for DMF, NTNU og St. Olavs Hospital
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Conference poster(2008) TOLL like receptor 4 is involved in inflammatory reactions (overgrowth) against alginate capsules. TOLL2008 Meeting; Recent advances in Pattern recognition
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Conference lecture
2007
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Interview(2007) "Håp for kreft".
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Conference lecture(2007) Kan TOLL-reseptorer og adaptormolekyler være involvert i overvekst på alginatkapsler?. TOLL-gruppe møte
2006
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Lecture
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Conference lecture(2006) Cell-compatible covalent alginate beads obtained from a chemoenzymatically engineered alginate. XIV International workshop on bioencapsulation & COST 865 meeting
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture(2006) Improvement of Alginate Microbeads using enzymatic modification. XIVth International Workshop on Bioencapsulation
2005
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Conference poster(2005) Making alginate bioreactors for treatment of brain tumours: strategies for optimalisation of the system. The Norwegian Biochemical Society 41st Contact Meeting
2002
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Conference lecture
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Conference lecture(2002) Evaluation of different alginate microcapsules as bioreactors for 293-EBNA cells delivering the anti-angiogenic factor endostatin. 38.Biokjemiske kontaktmøte Functional genomics-the mosaics of life
2001
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Lecture
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Conference poster(2001) Immunostimulation as counteraction to bacterial problems in first feeding of marine larve. European Aquaculture Society Meeting
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Conference poster(2001) Epimerised alginate: effect on biocompatibility of microcapsules. Scandinavian Socisty for the Study of Diabetes
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Conference lecture(2001) Improved capsule properties by the use of epimerised alginate. The Ninth International Workshop in Bioencapsulation
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Conference lecture(2001) Improved biocompatibility of alginate-Poly-L-lysine-alginate microcapsules prepared with epimerized alginates. The 8th World Congress of the International Pancreas & Islet Transplant Association
2000
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Conference poster(2000) Transplantation of Alginate Microcapsules with proliferating cells in mice: Capsular overgrowth and survival of encapsulated cells in allo-and xeno graft modells. Bioartificial organs III. Tissue Sourcing, Immunosolation and Clinical Trials.
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Conference poster(2000) Identification of cells in the fibrotic reaction against transplanted encapsulated cells. Islets in Eilat: A combined islet basic science and transplantation meeting
1999
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Lecture(1999) In vitro og in vivo effekter av alginater på piggvarleukocytter. Fiske- og dyrehelsemøtet 1999
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Lecture(1999) Alginates as adjuvant in fish vaccine against Aeromonas salmonicida. 35. Biokjemiske Kontaktmøte, NBS