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Smoke-derived microplastics of polypropylene In Vitro proliferative impact on human lung adenocarcinoma cells: Physicochemical analysis and biological evaluation
Summary
Researchers generated microplastics by burning polypropylene plastic, characterized the resulting smoke-derived particles, and tested their effects on human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Smoke-derived polypropylene microplastics promoted cancer cell proliferation in vitro, raising concern that incineration of plastic waste—a common disposal practice—produces biologically active particles capable of stimulating lung cancer cell growth.
BACKGROUND: The increasing production of disposable plastic has led to massive plastic waste, much of which is burned, resulting in microplastics (MPs) and other toxic byproducts. This study investigates the smoke-derived MPs from burning polypropylene (PP), their physicochemical properties, and their impact on lung cancer cells. METHODS: Smoke-derived MPs were generated by smoldering PP, and extracted MPs dissolved in methanol, ethanol, and DCM. For physicochemical assessment, DLS, UV-VIS, FTIR NMR, GC-MS, and SEM were performed, followed by in vitro analysis, MTT, AO/EB, and DAPI assays performed using A549 cells. RESULT & DISCUSSION: Characterization studies revealed particle size, hazardous compounds such as phthalates, siloxanes, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In vitro studies showed increased cell viability in A549 cells with no sign of apoptosis or necrosis. CONCLUSION: Proliferation in lung cancer cells through Smoke-derived MPs, implicating combustion MPs in respiratory disease, highlighting urgent control needs.