We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Unraveling the toxicity mechanisms of nanoplastics with various surface modifications on Skeletonema costatum: Cellular and molecular perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how nanoplastics with different surface coatings affect a common marine microalga at both the cellular and molecular level. They found that surface modifications significantly influenced the toxicity of the particles, with some coatings causing greater damage to cell membranes and photosynthesis. The study highlights that the chemical surface properties of nanoplastics, not just their size, play a key role in determining their environmental impact.
Nanoplastics are ubiquitous in marine environments, exhibiting high bioavailability and potential toxicity to marine organisms. However, the impacts of nanoplastics with various surface modifications on marine microalgae remain largely unexplored. This study explored the toxicity mechanisms of two nanoplastic types-polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-with distinct surface modifications on Skeletonema costatum at cellular and molecular levels. Results showed that nanoplastics significantly impaired the growth of microalgae, particularly PS-NH, which caused the most pronounced growth inhibition, reaching 56.99 % after a 96-h exposure at 50 mg/L. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that nanoplastics disrupted the expression of genes predominantly involved in ribosome biogenesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. The integrated biochemical and transcriptomic evidence highlighted that PS-NH nanoplastics had the most adverse impact on microalgae, affecting fundamental pathways such as ribosome biogenesis, energy metabolism, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress. Our findings underscore the influence of surface-modified nanoplastics on algal growth and contribute new understanding to the toxicity mechanisms of these nanoplastics in marine microalgae, offering critical information for assessing the risks of emerging pollutants.
More Papers Like This
Preferential adsorption of medium molecular weight proteins in extracellular polymeric substance alleviates toxicity of small-sized microplastics to Skeletonema costatum
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists discovered that natural substances secreted by marine algae form a coating on microplastic surfaces that actually reduces the toxicity of the smallest particles. This coating, made of proteins and sugars, changed the surface properties of the microplastics and helped the algae grow better despite the pollution. The finding suggests that natural biological processes in the ocean may partially buffer the harmful effects of microplastics, though this protection may vary with particle size.
Surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles modulates nanoparticle-induced phytotoxicity in Chlorella vulgaris
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (like those from broken-down plastic waste) can stress and damage algae, key organisms at the bottom of the food chain, even without killing them outright, and the type of surface coating on the plastic changes how much damage occurs. This matters because algae like these support aquatic ecosystems and food webs, so understanding how different forms of nanoplastics affect them helps scientists predict broader environmental and, potentially, human health impacts as these particles move through water systems and into the food we eat.
Functionalized nanoplastics alter physiology and toxin production in Alexandrium pacificum through surface charge effects
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how surface-modified nanoplastics affect the harmful algae species Alexandrium pacificum, which produces paralytic shellfish toxins. They found that amino-modified nanoplastics had greater bioavailability to the algae and altered the composition of toxins produced, while all nanoplastic types impaired photosynthesis and triggered oxidative stress. The study suggests that nanoplastic surface chemistry plays a critical role in determining how these particles interact with and affect marine microorganisms.
Unveiling the molecular mechanisms of size-dependent effect of polystyrene micro/nano-plastics on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii through proteomic profiling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used proteomic profiling to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind how different sizes of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. They found that particle size plays a critical role in determining the type and severity of biological responses in the algae. The study suggests that nanoscale plastic particles may pose distinct ecological risks compared to larger microplastics due to their ability to trigger different cellular stress pathways.
A study on the effect of fluorescently stained micro(nano)plastics on the full life history of Skeletonema costatum
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the effects of fluorescently stained micro(nano)plastics on the full life history of marine microalgae, measuring impacts on growth, photosynthesis, and physiological morphology to assess whether fluorescent labeling alters observed toxicity outcomes.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.