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Bioaccumulation Rate of Non-Biodegradable Polystyrene Microplastics in Human Epithelial Cell Lines
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Researchers measured how quickly non-biodegradable polystyrene microplastics accumulate in human epithelial cell lines under laboratory conditions. They found that the cells took up and retained plastic particles over time, with accumulation rates depending on particle size and exposure duration. The study provides important baseline data for understanding how microplastics may build up in human tissues upon repeated exposure.
Environment plastic accumulation has been attracting the attention of both political and scientific communities, who wish to reduce global pollution. Plastic items have been detected everywhere, from oceans to the air, raising concerns about the fate of plastics within organisms. Leaked plastics are ingested by animals, entering the food chain and eventually reaching humans. Although a lot of studies focused on the evaluation of plastic particles in the environment and living organisms have already been published, the behavior of plastic at the cellular level is still missing. Here, we analyzed the bioaccumulation and extrusion trend of two differently sized plastic particles (1 and 2 µm), testing them on three human epithelial cell lines (liver, lung, and gut) that represent epithelial sites mainly exposed to plastic. A different behavior was detected, and the major plastic uptake was shown by liver cells, where the 1 µm beads accumulated with a dose-dependent profile. Moreover, a 60% reduction in the content of 1 µm particles in cells was evaluated after plastic removal. Finally, the viability and proliferation of the three human cell lines were not significantly affected by both the 1 and 2 µm beads, suggesting that cells might have a defense mechanism against plastic exposure risk.
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Exposure of microplastic at levels relevant for human health : cytotoxicity and cellular localization of polystyrene microparticles in four human cell lines
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Researchers tested the cytotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics on four human cell lines at concentrations relevant to real-world human exposure from food, water, and packaging. At environmentally realistic doses, microplastics were taken up by cells but did not cause significant toxicity, though higher concentrations did produce cell damage, suggesting that current exposure levels may be near a threshold of concern.
Bioaccumulation of differently-sized polystyrene nanoplastics by human lung and intestine cells
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Researchers examined how human lung and intestine cells take up polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes, finding that smaller particles were internalized in greater numbers but at lower total mass compared to larger ones. When compared on a surface area basis, the uptake rates were similar across sizes, suggesting that surface interactions with cell membranes play a key role. The findings indicate that particle size is an important factor to consider when evaluating the health risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Quantification of Polystyrene Uptake by Different Cell Lines Using Fluorescence Microscopy and Label-Free Visualization of Intracellular Polystyrene Particles by Raman Microspectroscopic Imaging
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Scientists tested how human cells take up polystyrene microplastic particles using three cell types that represent the lung lining, intestinal lining, and immune system. All three cell types absorbed the microplastic beads, with immune cells showing different uptake patterns compared to the barrier cells of the lungs and gut. This study confirms that microplastics can enter human cells through multiple exposure routes, including breathing and eating, and that immune cells may play a special role in processing these particles.
Investigation of potential toxic effects of nano- and microplastics on human endometrial stromal cells
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Researchers exposed human endometrial cells (uterine lining cells) to polystyrene nano- and microplastics and found that smaller particles (100 nanometers) were taken up most readily, accumulating in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. At higher concentrations, the nanoplastics reduced cell growth and triggered cell death. These findings suggest that nanoplastics could pose a risk to uterine health and potentially affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Cellular Uptake and Nuclear Accumulation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in 3T3 Fibroblasts and Hepatocytes of Rattus norvegicus
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can get inside liver and connective tissue cells from rats, and even sneak into the cell's nucleus, where DNA is stored. Cells exposed to these plastics showed signs of stress and damage, including swelling and higher rates of cell death, suggesting these ultra-small plastic particles may be more harmful than previously thought. While this study used animal cells rather than human cells, it raises important questions about what everyday exposure to nanoplastics (found in food packaging, water, and other sources) might mean for our own cellular health.
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