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Engineered and Weathered Polyethylene Terephthalate ( PET ) Microplastics and Nanoplastics Induce Form and Size‐Dependent Oxidative Stress, Oxidative DNA Damage, and Cytotoxicity in MCF ‐7 Cells
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Researchers tested how PET microplastics and nanoplastics, both pristine and environmentally weathered, affect human breast cancer cells in the lab. They found that all particle types caused dose-dependent cell damage, increased oxidative stress, and DNA damage, with weathered particles showing distinct toxicity patterns compared to pristine ones. The study suggests that the size, shape, and environmental aging of plastic particles all influence their potential to harm cells, and that weathered microplastics found in the real environment deserve more research attention.
Microplastics are an emerging environmental contaminant of concern due to their extensive use, ubiquitous presence in the environment, and detection in humans, wildlife, and marine organisms. While overwhelming data suggest the toxicity of engineered (Pristine) micro/nanoplastics, the adverse effects of environmentally relevant weathered particles are still unclear. In this context, using cellular, molecular, and biochemical approaches, this study investigated adverse effects, such as cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and oxidative DNA damage potential, following exposure of MCF-7 cells to non-weathered polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles of varying morphologies and sizes (810 nm and 17 μm) as well as weathered microplastics. MTT assay for cell viability revealed dose-dependent toxicity of these particles toward MCF-7 cells. DCFH-DA assay revealed a significant increase in ROS production across all treatments relative to controls. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by micro- and nanoplastics were confirmed by increased expression of proapoptotic marker (BAX) and oxidative DNA damage marker gene OGG1, and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic marker (BCL-2). Moreover, western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the level of DNA double strand break marker protein H2AX as well as decreased levels of antioxidant MnSOD, suggesting a mechanistic link between micro and nanoplastic-induced ROS and oxidative DNA damage-dependent cytotoxicity. In summary, the results of this study using multiple approaches provide new mechanistic insight into the micro- and nanoplastic-induced and oxidative stress-dependent cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. The novel and mechanistic findings of this study will have a significant impact on our understanding of the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health.
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Researchers studied how pristine and UV-weathered nanoplastics made from PET and polystyrene affect the energy-producing functions of human intestinal cells. They found that weathered nanoplastics, which better represent what people actually encounter, caused measurable changes in cellular energy metabolism at concentrations relevant to real-world exposure. The study provides early evidence that nanoplastic exposure may interfere with how human gut cells generate energy.
Microplastic Exposure: Time-Dependent Effects on Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Cellular Internalization in Fibroblast Cells
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Scientists exposed skin cells to tiny plastic particles (from PET, the plastic used in water bottles and food packaging) and found that the longer the exposure, the more damage occurred—cells died faster, showed more stress and inflammation, and even started building up unusual fat deposits. This matters because PET microplastics are already found in our environment and everyday products, and this study suggests that prolonged skin contact with them could pose real health risks worth taking seriously.
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Researchers exposed multiple mammalian cell types to PET micro- and nanoplastics in both 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid models, finding dose-dependent cytotoxicity and rapid oxidative stress at concentrations above 2.5 µg/mL, while also documenting how particle adsorption and light scattering can introduce false-positive or false-negative results in standard assays if not carefully controlled.
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Lab tests broke down two common plastics (HDPE and PET) into smaller micro and nano sized particles. Smaller nanoplastic particles showed rougher, more chemically altered surfaces and caused more oxidative stress and membrane damage in human intestinal cells and red blood cells than larger particles. A protein coating on the particles reduced this cellular oxidative effect.
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