0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HFF-2 normal fibroblast cells: viability, cell death, cell cycle and antioxidant enzyme activity

Environmental Sciences Europe 2025 12 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 68 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Hanie Sadeghinia, Parichehr Hanachi, Reihaneh Ramezani, Samaneh Karbalaei

Summary

Researchers exposed human breast cancer cells and normal skin cells to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that smaller particles at higher concentrations caused significant cell death through apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reduced the cells' ability to defend against oxidative damage. The dose- and size-dependent toxicity suggests that nanoplastics small enough to enter cells are more biologically harmful than larger particles.

Environmental nanoplastics pose a potential health risk due to human exposure, necessitating studies on their cellular effects. This study aims to assess the toxic and antibacterial properties of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NH2) on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and HFF-2 fibroblast cells, while also evaluating their oxidative stress responses. Additionally, the study explores the anti-tumor effects and apoptosis induction by PS-NH2. The primary objectives were to determine the cytotoxicity, antibacterial efficacy, and oxidative stress response of PS-NH2 at different concentrations and sizes. The study also aimed to investigate the mechanism of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and changes in antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and GPx). Nanoplastic properties were characterized using FTIR, FESEM, and zeta potential analysis. Antibacterial effects were assessed using the agar dilution method, while the MTT assay determined cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and HFF-2 cells. Apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx) were also evaluated. FTIR analysis confirmed the amino-functionalization of PS-NH2 with a wide peak at 3386 cm-1, and zeta potential indicated a neutral charge. PS-NH2 showed no antibacterial activity against E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus at sizes of 90, 200, and 300 nm. Cytotoxicity assays revealed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability for both cell lines. SOD and GPx activity decreased significantly with increasing PS-NH2 concentrations. Both cell lines underwent apoptosis, with cell accumulation in the G1 and sub-G1 phases, indicating apoptotic cell death. PS-NH2 exhibits dose- and size-dependent cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and HFF-2 cells. Smaller particle sizes and higher concentrations of PS-NH2 enhance oxidative stress, leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

WITHDRAWN: Cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics in different functional sizes on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and HFF-2 cells

This withdrawn study investigated the cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes on breast cancer cells and normal human fibroblasts, examining oxidative stress responses, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis induction, though the paper was subsequently retracted from publication.

Article Tier 2

Polystyrene nanoparticles induce DNA damage and apoptosis in HeLa cells

Researchers exposed human HeLa cells to polystyrene nanoplastics — particles smaller than 100 nm — and found that even short exposures at low concentrations caused DNA damage, abnormal cell division, and signs of cell death including apoptosis and necrosis. The results suggest nanoplastics can directly damage human cell DNA, raising concerns about the health implications of everyday nanoplastic exposure.

Article Tier 2

Polystyrene nanoplastics mediate oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis in a human alveolar epithelial cell line

A cell study found that polystyrene nanoplastics cause dose-dependent damage to human lung cells, triggering oxidative stress, premature cell aging, and cell death. These findings suggest that breathing in nanoplastics could harm lung tissue over time and potentially contribute to cancer risk from air pollution.

Article Tier 2

WITHDRAWN: Cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics in different functional sizes on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and HFF-2 cells

This preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to internal disagreement about its posting and should not be cited.

Article Tier 2

Cytotoxic effect of polystyrene nanoplastics in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and normal rat kidney cells (NRK52E)

Researchers tested how polystyrene nanoplastics affect human blood vessel cells and rat kidney cells in the lab. They found that nanoplastic exposure caused oxidative stress and reduced cell survival in both cell types, with effects increasing at higher concentrations. The study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics can damage mammalian cells, though the implications for whole-body health require further investigation.

Share this paper