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Protocol for dynamic high-throughput cell death screening of primary phagocytes following microplastic and nanoplastic exposure
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Researchers developed a standardized lab method for testing how micro- and nanoplastics kill immune cells called phagocytes, which the body uses to engulf foreign invaders like bacteria and, potentially, plastic particles. The protocol uses live-cell time-lapse imaging to measure cell death in real time, providing a reproducible tool for studying how plastics harm the immune system.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can cross epithelial barriers of the lung and/or intestine into the bloodstream. In the body, phagocytes will be exposed to plastic particles, but they are incapable of degrading them. Here, we present a protocol for high-throughput cell death screening of primary phagocytes following MNP exposure. We describe steps for isolating primary phagocytes, plating these with MNPs, and time-lapse imaging. Further, we explain detailed procedures for image analysis using the IncuCyte S3 live-cell imaging system and analysis software. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Giustarini et al.1.
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Imaging flow cytometry was adapted to study how aquatic animal cells take up microplastic particles, enabling detailed, high-throughput analysis of cellular responses to plastic ingestion. This method could help researchers better understand how microplastics harm marine and freshwater organisms at the cellular level.
Micro- and nanoplastics reduce the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of E. coli by THP1-Blue™ NFκB monocytes
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Researchers exposed human immune cells to micro- and nanoplastic particles and then measured their ability to engulf and kill bacteria. They found that plastic exposure reduced both phagocytosis (the ability to capture bacteria) and intracellular killing in a dose-dependent manner, without directly killing the immune cells. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could weaken the body's first line of immune defense against bacterial infections.
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Tiny plastic particles from everyday sources like PVC pipes and polyester (PET) can be swallowed up by neutrophils, white blood cells that act as your body's first line of defense against germs. When these immune cells "eat" the plastic bits, it can trigger their death, and in some cases, a type of cell death linked to inflammation, especially with certain plastic types and sizes. Since neutrophils can't actually break down plastic like they would bacteria, this research suggests microplastics circulating in our blood may quietly stress and disrupt our immune system's frontline defenders, though more research is needed to understand what this means for long
Effects of Microplastics on Cell Viability, Phagocytic Activity and Oxidative Stress in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
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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.
Generation of Eroded Nanoplastics from Domestic Wastes and Their Impact on Macrophage Cell Viability and Gene Expression
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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.
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