We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
In vitro bioassays as a tool to evaluate risk assessment of micro and nanoplastics
Summary
Researchers reviewed the use of in vitro bioassays for evaluating the risks of micro- and nanoplastics at relevant biological barriers including the gut, lung, and placenta. Cell-based assays were identified as valuable tools for mechanistic investigation, but require standardization before results can be used in formal risk assessment.
The concern regarding nano and microplastics has significantly increased as they can be present in food, water and environment. Once the particles enter the food chain, they can cross the biological barriers, as well as cell membranes, leading to different molecular effects. In this sense, some key challenges must be overcome to carry out a risk assessment of micro and nanoplastics. On one hand, the availability of standards of micro and nanoplastics that allow robust and reproducible results to be obtained; and on the other hand, a standardised battery of tests to assess the risk at the different trophic levels of the food chain. Non-animal approaches as in vitro bioassays based in cell culture assays have been used for the evaluation of complex mixtures of chemicals present at a very low level. For particles, specifically, some properties must be considered to design a suitable battery of bioassays, such as characterization, impurities, surfaces, dissolution ratio or stability under biological conditions. The aim of the study is to develop standards of micro and nanoplastics (PLA, PET and PE) to be used, first of all, in an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate their stability and dissolution under biological conditions and, finally, to assess cytotoxicity (Alamar Blue), oxidative stress (ROS) and genotoxicity (Micronucleus and Comet assay) in different cell lines. The study demonstrates the importance of standardization in the manufacturing of micro and nanoplastics and the necessity of developing a standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and a battery of in vitro bioassays for the evaluation of hazards related to these particles and guarantee consumer safety. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/564408/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
In vitro bioassays as a tool to evaluate risk assessment of micro and nanoplastics
This review evaluated in vitro bioassays as tools for risk assessment of nano- and microplastics, examining how cell-based systems can reveal molecular-level effects as plastic particles cross biological barriers and enter cells. The review identified key endpoints and assay types most informative for characterizing the risk of plastic particles to human health.
Can the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health really be assessed using in vitro models? A review of methodological issues
This review examines whether lab-based cell studies can reliably predict how micro and nanoplastics affect human health. The authors found significant inconsistencies in how researchers choose plastic particle types, doses, and exposure methods, making it hard to compare results across studies. The paper calls for standardized testing protocols so that lab findings can more accurately reflect real-world microplastic exposure risks to people.
Tiered testing of micro- and nanoplastics using intestinal in vitro models to support hazard assessments
This scoping review evaluates intestinal in vitro models for assessing micro- and nanoplastic hazards, finding that current studies lack standardization and proposing a tiered testing approach to systematically investigate biological effects of diverse plastic particles.
Microplastics: challenges of assessment in biological samples and their implication for in vitro and in vivo effects
This review examines the challenges of detecting and assessing microplastics in biological samples, noting that analytical limitations and lack of standardized methods hinder our understanding of health effects. The study highlights that humans are exposed to microplastics primarily through ingestion and inhalation, and that more long-term studies with standardized protocols are needed to understand the full scope of potential biological impacts.
Potential adverse health effects of ingested micro- and nanoplastics on humans. Lessons learned from in vivo and in vitro mammalian models
This review compiles recent studies on the effects of ingested micro- and nanoplastics using mammalian in vivo and in vitro models to assess potential human health implications. The authors found that while substantial research effort has been made, significant gaps remain in understanding absorption, biodistribution, and toxicity of these particles in mammalian systems. The review provides recommendations for improved testing methods to generate more relevant and targeted data for human risk assessment.