We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Generation of Eroded Nanoplastics from Domestic Wastes and Their Impact on Macrophage Cell Viability and Gene Expression
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers created nanoplastics from common household plastic waste like water bottles, styrofoam, and plastic bags, then tested their effects on immune cells. All types of nanoplastics killed immune cells in a dose-dependent way and triggered changes in genes related to inflammation, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene being the most toxic. This study shows that the tiny plastic particles shed from everyday items can harm immune cells, which could weaken the body's ability to fight infection and disease.
This study reports an innovative approach for producing nanoplastics (NP) from various types of domestic waste plastics without the use of chemicals. The plastic materials used included water bottles, styrofoam plates, milk bottles, centrifuge tubes, to-go food boxes, and plastic bags, comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and Poly (Ethylene-co-Methacrylic Acid) (PEMA). The chemical composition of these plastics was confirmed using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and they were found to have irregular shapes. The resulting NP particles ranged from 50 to 400 nm in size and demonstrated relative stability when suspended in water. To assess their impact, the study investigated the effects of these NP particulates on cell viability and the expression of genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress using a macrophage cell line. The findings revealed that all types of NP reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, PS, HDPE, and PP induced significant reductions in cell viability at lower concentrations, compared to PEMA and PET. Moreover, exposure to NP led to differential alterations in the expression of inflammatory genes in the macrophage cell line. Overall, this study presents a viable method for producing NP from waste materials that closely resemble real-world NP. Furthermore, the toxicity studies demonstrated distinct cellular responses based on the composition of the NP, shedding light on the potential environmental and health impacts of these particles.
More Papers Like This
Nanoplastic Particle Exposure Induces Toxicity and Amplifies Cellular Stress in THP‐1 Macrophages: Insights on Molecular Pathways and Circulating Proteome Interaction
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can damage immune cells called macrophages, causing cell stress, energy production problems, and cell death. Even more concerning, these plastic particles made existing health threats worse, they amplified inflammation, promoted the buildup of artery-clogging "foam cells" linked to heart disease, and intensified damage from air pollution chemicals. This suggests that as nanoplastics accumulate in the environment, they may not just be harmful on their own, but could also worsen the effects of other health risks we're already exposed to.
Effects of Microplastics on Cell Viability, Phagocytic Activity and Oxidative Stress in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to four concentrations of polyethylene glycol and natural microplastics and measured cell viability, phagocytic activity, and oxidative stress. Higher microplastic concentrations reduced cell viability and phagocytic function while increasing oxidative stress markers, indicating that microplastics impair immune cell performance.
Polyethylene terephthalate nanoparticles effect on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mouse immune cells to PET nanoplastics (tiny particles from plastic bottles and containers) and found the cells easily absorbed them, triggering mild oxidative stress and switching on several genes linked to immune defense and cell maintenance, providing early evidence of how nanoplastics may affect human immune function.
An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics on human-derived cell lines and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure. The microplastics also affected cell viability and caused measurable changes in immune-related gene expression. The study raises concerns about potential health effects from chronic human exposure to one of the most commonly produced plastic types.
The Immunotoxic Effects of Environmentally Relevant Micro- and Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the immunotoxic effects of over 20 types of micro- and nanoplastic particles on macrophages and dendritic cells, finding that physicochemical properties such as size, shape, polymer type, and surface oxidation strongly influence immune cell responses.
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.