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Hazard impacts of polytetrafluoroethylene micro-nanoplastics: in vivo study
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Nonstick cookware coatings (PTFE, like Teflon) can shed tiny plastic particles, and this study found that when fruit flies were exposed to them, the particles caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell damage—with smaller nanoscale particles causing even more harm than larger microscale ones. While this research was done in flies, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that everyday nonstick products may be a hidden source of micro- and nanoplastic exposure with real biological effects, making it worth watching as scientists investigate what this means for human health.
Background: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) widely used in household and cookware, has recently been identified as a potential source of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs). Despite its widespread use, the contribution of PTFE-derived particles to MNPL exposure and their associated biological risks remain poorly understood, representing a significant gap in toxicological research. Aim: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the biological effects of PTFE-MNPLs of different sizes, categorized into microscale (MPLs) and nanoscale (NPLs) fractions. Methods: A comprehensive experimental approach was applied using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivomodel. Well-characterized PTFE particles were used to assess uptake, internalization, and tissue distribution. Physiological endpoints included oxidative stress (ROS generation), DNA damage, and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. Molecular responses were investigated through genome-wide transcriptomic (omics) analyses, complemented by targeted gene expression profiling using RT-PCR. Results: Both PTFE-MNPLs, irrespective of size, were localized within the gut lumen, near the peritrophic membrane and symbiotic microbiota. Evidence of bioerosion and the formation of secondary nanoscale particles was observed. Exposure induced significant oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, with more pronounced effects for NPLs. Transcriptomic analyses, supported by RT-PCR, revealed widespread alterations in gene expression associated with stress response, metabolic processes, and cellular transport. Conclusions: PTFE-MNPLs, regardless of size, induce significant physiological and molecular alterations, highlighting their capacity to penetrate biological barriers and disrupt cellular function.
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Polytetrafluoroethylene utensils as a source of micro- and nanoplastics: Insights from a Drosophila model.
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Fruit flies fed tiny plastic particles from non-stick cookware material showed damage to their gut lining, bacteria, and cells, along with widespread changes in gene activity related to metabolism, immune function, and cell health. Smaller particles caused more gene changes than larger ones, and particles eventually spread into body fluids and affected blood cells.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and genotoxicity in human intestinal cells
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Researchers exposed human intestinal cells to PTFE (Teflon) micro- and nanoplastics derived from cookware degradation and found that nanosized particles readily entered cells, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and DNA strand breaks at physiologically relevant concentrations.
Size-dependent and sex-specific negative effects of micro- and nano-sized polystyrene particles in the terrestrial invertebrate model Drosophila melanogaster
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Fruit flies exposed to low doses of polystyrene micro and nanoparticles for 28 days showed tissue damage in their gut, ovaries, and testes, with smaller particles causing more harm. The plastics triggered oxidative stress and cell death in gut tissue, though reproduction was not significantly affected at these doses. This study, using a well-established model organism, suggests that even low-level, long-term exposure to tiny plastic particles can damage internal organs, with potential implications for other species including humans.
Drosophila melanogaster as a tractable eco-environmental model to unravel the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics
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This review summarizes research using fruit flies as a model to study how micro- and nanoplastics harm living organisms. Studies show these tiny plastic particles cause oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and reproductive problems in flies, with males being more vulnerable than females -- findings that may help us understand similar risks in humans.
No evidence for behavioral or physiological effects of nanoplastics ingestion in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
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Researchers exposed Drosophila melanogaster to low and high concentrations of nanoplastics (1 µg/g and 1 mg/g) across several generations and measured emergence rate, mitochondrial activity, metabolism, body mass, and locomotion. No significant behavioral or physiological effects were detected, suggesting Drosophila may be less sensitive to nanoplastics than aquatic species.
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