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Size-Dependent Internalization of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Using In Vitro Model of the Human Intestine—Contribution of Each Cell in the Tri-Culture Models
Summary
Using a lab model of the human intestine, researchers showed that smaller plastic nanoparticles (50 nm) crossed the gut lining more easily than larger ones, with specialized immune-sensing cells playing a key role in uptake. The particles that got through could potentially enter the bloodstream. This study helps explain how the tiniest plastic particles in food and water might get inside the human body.
Pollution by microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) raises concerns, not only regarding their environmental effects, but also their potential impact on human health by internalization via the small intestine. However, the detailed pathways of MNP internalization and their toxicities to the human intestine have not sufficiently been understood, thus, further investigations are required. This work aimed to understand the behavior of MNPs, using in vitro human intestine models, tri-culture models composed of enterocyte Caco-2 cells, goblet-like HT29-MTX-E12 cells, and microfold cells (M cells) induced by the lymphoblast cell line Raji B. Three sizes (50, 100, and 500 nm) of polystyrene (PS) particles were exposed as MNPs on the culture model, and size-dependent translocation of the MNPs and the contributions of each cell were clarified, emphasizing the significance of the tri-culture model. In addition, potential concerns of MNPs were suggested when they invaded the circulatory system of the human body.