We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
110 In vitro exposure of human lung and macrophage cells to chemical and nanoplastic particle mixtures relevant to indoor environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed lung epithelial cells and macrophages to mixtures of a textile dye, a flame retardant, copper chloride, and polystyrene nanoplastics, finding synergistic and antagonistic interaction effects — including significantly elevated IL-8 for a PS plus dye plus copper mixture — that single-substance toxicity data failed to predict.
Abstract Background Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and environmental pollutants, including plastic-associated chemicals, are widespread in the outdoor but also, importantly, indoor environments [1 to 4], where humans spend the majority of their time [5]. Exposure to all of the above can occur via inhalation, with children at extra risk of negative health impacts [6]. Previous work has focused on toxicity testing of individual chemicals, however real-life scenarios are likely to involve mixtures and chemicals adsorbed to MNPs [7]. Methods Four different test substances were used: a textile dye (DB 373), flame retardant (BDE-47), heavy metal (in the form of CuCl2) and hydroxylated polystyrene (PS) spheres. Lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophages (RAW 264.7) were exposed to each chemical alone and in combination for 24 h. Analysis included measurements of cell viability, cytotoxicity, cytokine release and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Mixtures were also assessed for size distribution and acellular ROS production, using DLS and FRAS analysis, respectively. Results Results showed a statistically significant decrease in cell viability occurred for each test substance individually and a decrease or increase in effect was observed when combined as a mixture, dependent on mixture composition. For example, a significant increase in IL-8 was seen for a mixture containing PS, DB 373 and CuCl2. Conclusions Variation of observed effect compared to expected additive effect suggests that mixtures may be acting synergistically or antagonistically. This work suggests that mixture toxicity should gain more focus and be relied upon more than just toxicity assessment based on individual chemical data.
More Papers Like This
56 Combined microplastic and indoor or urban dust exposure potentiates inflammatory responses in a human alveolar model in vitro
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed a three-cell alveolar model — including type I and type II pneumocytes alongside macrophages — at the air-liquid interface to polyamide, PET, or polystyrene particles followed by urban or indoor dust, finding that while single plastic exposures produced minimal cytokine release, combined exposures significantly elevated IL-8, indicating synergistic pulmonary inflammation.
Combined toxicity evaluation of polystyrene nanoplastics and Nano-ZnO of distinctive morphology on human lung epithelial cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how polystyrene nanoplastics combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles affect human lung cells, finding that the two pollutants interact differently depending on their shapes and concentrations. Zinc oxide primarily damaged cell membranes while nanoplastics mainly triggered oxidative stress and cell death, and their combined effects varied from additive to counteracting. This study is important because people are likely exposed to both nanoplastics and metal particles in polluted air, and understanding their combined effects is key to assessing real-world health risks.
Synergistic pulmonary toxicity of resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) and microplastics: Integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach reveals oxidative stress-inflammatory crosstalk
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mice to the flame retardant resorcinol bis(diphenylphosphate) alone and in combination with polystyrene nanoplastics through inhalation. Using proteomics and metabolomics analysis, they found that co-exposure produced significantly worse lung damage than the flame retardant alone, through amplified oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. The study reveals that nanoplastics can intensify the pulmonary toxicity of co-occurring environmental chemicals through synergistic mechanisms.
Combined cytotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and phthalate esters on human lung epithelial A549 cells and its mechanism
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the combined toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and common plasticizer chemicals (phthalate esters) on human lung cells. At lower nanoplastic concentrations, the particles actually reduced the toxicity of the plasticizers by adsorbing them, but at higher concentrations nanoplastics dominated and worsened overall cell damage. The study identified oxidative stress and inflammation as key mechanisms driving the combined toxic effects on lung tissue.
99 The Relative Toxicity and Bioreactivity of Ambient Microplastic Pollution to Human Alveolar Lung Epithelial Cells with and Without Urban PM2.5
AI summary Read the abstract
This lab study exposed human lung cells to microplastic particles (polypropylene and polyamide) at sizes found in real-world air pollution, finding that both types caused cell death while urban air pollution particles (PM2.5) triggered inflammatory responses instead. The two types of harm worked through different mechanisms and didn't reliably combine when mixed, suggesting that microplastics in inhaled air pose a distinct and understudied risk to the respiratory system beyond conventional air pollution.
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.