We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sweat-induced aggregation of nanoplastics with different sizes and functionalities: Implications for global and body-region variability in dermal penetration risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured how sweat composition (pH, electrolyte concentration) affects aggregation kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics of different surface charges (20–50 nm), finding that acidic sweat accelerates aggregation for negatively charged particles while alkaline sweat drives aggregation of positively charged ones — with implications for skin penetration risk.
Sweat-induced aggregation influences dermal penetration risks of nanoplastics. This study investigated the aggregation kinetics of unmodified (PS20 and PS50), amino-modified (APS50), and carboxyl-modified (CPS50) polystyrene nanoplastics (20-50 nm) in sweat standards and evaluated penetration risks using global sweat data. Negatively charged PS20, PS50, and CPS50 aggregated fastest (1.06-3.51 nm/s) in acidic sweat, while positively charged APS50 aggregated most rapidly (3.30 nm/s) in alkaline sweat. Elevated particle and sweat concentrations promoted aggregation. APS50 and CPS50 exhibited the highest heteroaggregation rates in acidic sweat at a 1:1 ratio. Urea and lactic acid stabilized PS50 and APS50, respectively, while L-histidine and inorganic constituents enhanced aggregation. Dermal penetration potential ranked CPS50 > APS50 > PS20 > PS50. Sweat-induced aggregation reduced stratum corneum penetration but not entry through hair follicles or sweat glands. Penetration probability (0-53.91 %) and flux (3.11 × 10 to 9.31 × 10 particle·s·m) for PS50 varied globally, with higher values observed in Europe, South America, and Oceania. APS50 displayed higher critical diffusion concentrations (50-115 mM), indicating greater penetration potential. Both PS50 and APS50 posed the highest penetration risks in the calf region. These findings underscore the role of sweat-induced nanoplastic aggregation in modulating dermal penetration risks across global regions and body areas.
More Papers Like This
Aggregation behavior of photoaging nanoplastics in artificial sweat solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how nanoplastics behave when they come into contact with human sweat, finding that acidic sweat promotes clumping of the particles while alkaline sweat keeps them stable and dispersed. Sunlight aging of the nanoplastics changed their surface chemistry, further affecting how they aggregate in sweat. These findings are important for understanding skin exposure to nanoplastics, since how the particles clump or disperse in sweat affects whether they can penetrate the skin.
Towards a better understanding of protein affinity for polystyrene nanoplastics: Investigation of surface charge effects, interaction mechanisms and aggregation kinetics
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) interact very differently with proteins in our blood depending on their electrical charge: positively charged particles bind proteins and clump together, while negatively charged ones stay separate. This matters because how these plastic particles behave in our body, whether they clump or spread out, could affect how they travel through blood and tissues, an important step in understanding their health risks.
Aggregation and deposition kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics in lung fluids: Influence of particle property, fluid condition, and surfactant protein
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how tiny polystyrene nanoplastics behave after being inhaled into the lungs by simulating their interactions with lung fluids in the lab. They found that the particles rapidly clump together and settle out of acidic lung fluid much faster than neutral fluid, with particle size and surface charge playing key roles. The findings suggest that once inhaled, nanoplastics may accumulate in lung tissue rather than being easily cleared.
Effects of size and surface charge on the sedimentation of nanoplastics in freshwater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how size and surface charge of polystyrene nanoplastics affect their sedimentation behavior in freshwater, finding that both properties significantly influence aggregation dynamics and settling rates, with implications for predicting nanoplastic fate in aquatic environments.
Aggregation kinetics of different surface-modified polystyrene nanoparticles in monovalent and divalent electrolytes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how surface chemistry and morphology affect the clumping behavior (aggregation kinetics) of polystyrene nanoplastics in water, finding that surface charge and functional groups strongly govern stability, while dissolved organic matter can either inhibit or promote aggregation depending on concentration and whether mono- or divalent ions are present.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.