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Effects of true-to-life PET nanoplastics using primary human nasal epithelial cells
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Researchers exposed human nasal cells to nanoplastics made from real PET water bottles and found that the particles were absorbed into cells and triggered oxidative stress. The nanoplastics also disrupted mitochondrial function and activated the cell's autophagy cleanup pathway. Since the nose is the first barrier encountered when breathing in airborne plastic particles, these findings suggest that nasal tissues may be particularly vulnerable to nanoplastic exposure.
Since inhalation is a relevant exposure route, studies using appropriate micro/nanoplastic (MNPLs) models, representative targeted cells, and relevant biomarkers of effect are required. We have used lab-made polyethylene terephthalate (PET)NPLs obtained from PET plastic water bottles. Human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were used as a model of the first barrier of the respiratory system. Cell internalization and intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) induction, as well as the effects on mitochondria functionality and in the modulation of the autophagy pathway, were evaluated. The data indicated significant cellular uptake and increased levels of iROS. Furthermore, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the exposed cells. Regarding the effects on the autophagy pathway, PETNPLs exposure significantly increases LC3-II protein expression levels. PETNPLs exposure also induced significant increases in the expression of p62. This is the first study showing that true-to-life PETNPLs can alter the autophagy pathway in HNEpCs.
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Harmful effects of true-to-life nanoplastics derived from PET water bottles in human alveolar macrophages.
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Researchers tested nanoplastics derived from actual PET water bottles on mouse lung immune cells, focusing specifically on cells that had internalized the particles. Even though the nanoplastics were taken up by 100% of cells at the highest dose, they did not cause outright cell death. However, they did trigger significant increases in reactive oxygen species and shifted the immune cells toward a pro-inflammatory state, suggesting that inhaled nanoplastics from everyday plastic products could promote chronic lung inflammation.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles affect the mitochondrial efficiency of human brain vascular pericytes without inducing oxidative stress
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Researchers exposed human brain blood vessel cells to PET plastic particles (the same plastic used in water bottles) at micro and nano sizes. After three days, the cells showed reduced energy production in their mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, but recovered by six days. While no oxidative stress or cell death was observed, the temporary disruption of brain cell energy production raises questions about what repeated or chronic exposure might do.
When Plastic ParticlesHit the Nose: Metabolic Responsesto Nanoplastics, Microplastics, and Their Mixtures in Normal HumanNasal Epithelial Cells
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Scientists exposed human nasal cells in a lab to tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics and microplastics, the kind found in polluted air) to see how they affect cell health. The nanoplastics, the smallest particles, caused the most disruption, throwing off the cells' energy production and breaking down important fats that keep cell membranes healthy, while larger microplastics had a much milder effect. Since our nose is the first line of defense against airborne pollutants, this early lab study suggests inhaling nanoplastics could stress airway cells, though more research is needed to know what this means for actual human health over time.
Polyethylene terephthalate nanoparticles effect on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
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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.
Nanoplastics from ground polyethylene terephthalate food containers: Genotoxicity in human lung epithelial A549 cells
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This study tested nanoplastics made from ground-up PET food containers on human lung cells in the lab and found they caused DNA damage and increased harmful reactive oxygen species. Unlike most studies that use standard polystyrene particles, this research used real-world PET plastic from supermarket containers, making the results more relevant to actual human exposure. The findings suggest that inhaling tiny PET particles shed from everyday food packaging could pose a risk to lung health.
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