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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoparticles and the physiological effect on intestinal tissue contraction. Ex-vivo approaches
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Researchers tested PET nanoplastic particles on rat intestinal tissue and found that the particles quickly crossed the intestinal barrier and accumulated in the tissue. At certain concentrations, the nanoplastics disrupted normal muscle contractions involved in digestion. This is one of the first studies to directly show that plastic nanoparticles can penetrate the gut wall and interfere with intestinal function, suggesting a potential health risk from ingesting nanoplastics in food and water.
Microplastic ubiquity has been demonstrated in several studies. They are polluting the environment, as well as food and water for human consumption, where the most significant concern has arisen over the ingestion of microplastics. However, there are very few studies on the potential health risks associated with nanoparticles, including those related to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this work, PET nanoparticles (253 ± 16 d nm) with irregular shape obtained under controlled conditions, were used for ex vivo analysis of rat intestinal tissue (n = 3 each condition) and their effects on the muscle tone related to peristalsis were determined. Twenty-minute treatment with increasing concentrations of PET-NPs from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL (low concentrations) and from 250 to 750 μg/mL (high concentrations) were assayed. The results showed the rapid capability of PET nanoparticles to cross the intestinal barrier, assessed by fluorescence microscopy and corroborated by RAMAN micro-spectroscopy. Furthermore physiological analysis in isolated rat intestinal segments have demonstrated the effects of PET, especially at 10 μg/mL, on tissue contraction. These results evidenced the potential health risk related to nano-plastic ingestion, due to PET nanoparticles tissue accumulation and the effects on contraction and relaxation tissue functions.
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Researchers exposed Caco-2 and HepG2 gastrointestinal cell lines to PET micro- and nanoplastics (50 nm to 2 mm) at concentrations from 0.001 to 100 mg/mL for up to 24 hours, assessing effects on gastrointestinal barrier integrity, cell viability, and inflammatory responses. Short-term exposure up to 4 hours did not affect barrier integrity, while longer exposures at higher concentrations began to reveal effects, with PET particles characterized by FTIR, Raman, SEM, and dynamic light scattering showing irregular morphology and elevated electrical charge.
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Researchers studied how polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics affect mice when ingested, tracking where the particles end up in the body. They found that microplastics accumulated in various organs and caused measurable biological effects. The study adds to growing evidence that common plastic types found in food packaging may pose health risks when consumed.
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