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Epidermal and dermal cell-composed organospheres to assess microplastic-induced skin toxicity
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Researchers developed lab-grown skin tissue models using mouse epidermal and dermal cells to test how microplastics affect skin health. They found that smaller microplastics were taken up more readily by cells and could penetrate through the skin's outer layer into deeper tissue. The study suggests that microplastics in personal care products may pose size-dependent risks to skin health, with the smallest particles being the most concerning.
The alarming prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in personal care products and their inherent presence in animals and humans necessitate the development of alternative experimental approaches to evaluate their cytotoxicity, mechanisms, and long-term effects. Microfluidic bead-jet printed skin organospheres, comprising epidermal and dermal cells, present significant promise in addressing MP research, creating high-throughput and reproducible screening systems. Medium-density bioprinted E18 pregnant mouse fetus epidermal and dermal cell (Epi-Dc) organospheres exhibited fast self-aggregation, migration, and cellular differentiation. Co-culture revealed a size-dependent MP uptake rate, with smaller MPs having higher internalization ratios. The 100 nm MP penetrated the epidermal layer and migrated toward the central region, while the 500 nm MP remained in the peripheral area. Ultraviolet A (UVA)-irradiated MPs also significantly increased oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and ROS levels via upregulation of oxidative stress-associated genes (SOD, p53, and Bax). Furthermore, vitamin C treatment following MP-UVA irradiation decreased reactive oxygen species levels, while cell viability assay using conventional skin-associated drugs indicate dose- and time-dependent induced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate the broad applications of Epi-Dc organospheres in skin toxicity evaluation and rapid drug testing.
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Microplastic-induced inhibition of cell adhesion and toxicity evaluation using human dermal fibroblast-derived spheroids
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Researchers developed a three-dimensional cell model using human skin cells to test how microplastics affect cell behavior and adhesion. They found that microplastic exposure significantly reduced the ability of cells to stick together and form proper tissue structures. The study provides new evidence that microplastics may interfere with basic cellular functions relevant to skin health and wound healing.
[Microplastic and skin-an update].
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This review summarizes current evidence on microplastics (1–5000 µm) and nanoplastics as skin-relevant pollutants, covering how they enter and interact with skin tissue. Evidence suggests dermal uptake is possible, particularly through damaged skin, and that these particles may carry additional chemical hazards.
The Particle Size Effect: Cytotoxicity and Cellular Uptake of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Human Keratinocytes
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Tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can get into skin cells, and this study found that the smallest particles—about 50 nanometers, far thinner than a human hair—caused the most cell stress and damage in lab tests on skin cells, especially when the skin's protective barrier was already compromised (like from cuts or irritation). This matters because as plastic pollution breaks down into ever-smaller pieces, our skin may be more vulnerable to these particles than we thought, though this research was done in lab dishes and pig skin, so more studies are needed before we know the real-world risk to humans.
Penetration of Microplastics and Nanoparticles Through Skin: Effects of Size, Shape, and Surface Chemistry
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics can penetrate human skin, with smaller particles being more likely to pass through. Beyond direct toxicity, these tiny plastic particles may also carry harmful chemicals through the skin barrier, acting as unwanted delivery vehicles for toxic substances we encounter in the environment.
Prospects on the nano-plastic particles internalization and induction of cellular response in human keratinocytes
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Researchers isolated nano-sized plastic particles from commercial face scrubs and tested their effects on human skin cells (keratinocytes), finding that plastic nanoparticles adhered to cells and were taken up into them. This raises concerns about microplastic absorption through the skin from cosmetic products.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.