We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Chemical reactivity theory to analyze possible toxicity of microplastics: Polyethylene and polyester as examples
AI summary Read the abstract
Using computer modeling of molecular chemistry, researchers found that polyester (PET) microplastics are more chemically reactive and potentially more toxic than polyethylene (PE) microplastics. PET was shown to be a stronger electron acceptor with negatively charged atoms that can interact with biological molecules, and it was able to disrupt the bonding between DNA base pairs in simulations. While these are theoretical predictions, the findings suggest that PET microplastics from clothing and packaging may pose greater risks to cellular health than plastic bag microplastics.
Micro- and nanoplastics are widespread throughout the world. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate or polyester (PET) are two of the most common polymers, used as plastic bags and textiles. To analyze the toxicity of these two polymers, oligomers with different numbers of units were used as models. The use of oligomers as polymeric templates has been used previously with success. We started with the monomer and continued with different oligomers until the chain length was greater than two nm. According to the results of quantum chemistry, PET is a better oxidant than PE, since it is a better electron acceptor. Additionally, PET has negatively charged oxygen atoms and can promote stronger interactions than PE with other molecules. We found that PET forms stable complexes and can dissociate the guanine-cytosine nucleobase pair. This could affect DNA replication. These preliminary theoretical results may help elucidate the potential harm of micro- and nanoplastics.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics found in Antarctic penguins: chemical reactivity theory to analyze possible toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used quantum chemistry calculations to compare the toxicity of polyethylene and polyester microplastics found in Antarctic penguins. Although penguins contained far more polyethylene, the study found polyester to be the more chemically dangerous polymer because it acts as a better oxidant, forms stronger molecular interactions, and can disrupt DNA base pairs. These findings suggest that even small amounts of polyester microplastics in wildlife may pose serious biological risks.
Experimental and Computational Insights into Congo Red Adsorption by Polyethylene and Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the adsorption of Congo red dye onto polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics through laboratory experiments and computational modeling, finding that PE and PET exhibit distinct adsorption behaviors related to their differing surface chemistry. The study explores whether microplastics, though typically environmental hazards, could be valorized as low-cost adsorbents for textile dye removal from effluents.
Experimental investigations on polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics’ degradation. A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted experiments to study the physical and chemical behavior of polyethylene and PET microplastic particles under different environmental conditions. The study contributes to understanding how these plastics persist and transform in the environment.
Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Polyethylene Terephthalate Associated Cardiotoxicity through Network Toxicology and Molecular Docking
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used computational approaches including network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics may affect cardiovascular function. The study identified potential molecular pathways through which PET exposure could contribute to cardiotoxicity. The findings provide a theoretical framework for understanding how plastic contaminants might interact with heart-related biological targets.
Combined experimental and molecular dynamics removal processes of contaminant phenol from simulated wastewater by polyethylene terephthalate microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics adsorb phenol from wastewater, finding that aged PET had the best removal efficiency while modified PET had the highest maximum adsorption capacity, with molecular dynamics simulations confirming the mechanisms involved.
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.