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Analysis of the influence of polystyrene microplastics and their derivatives on the DNA of human colon epithelial cells HT29 with the comet assay
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Researchers assessed the genotoxic potential of polystyrene microplastics derived from real food packaging, thermoinsulation materials, and environmental samples using the comet assay on human colon epithelial cells (HT29), finding only low-level DNA damage of 5-6% and no adverse effects at the tested concentrations, while also characterizing leachates by mass spectrometry and FTIR.
Abstract We have been using plastic for almost a century and nowadays a lot of them circulates as pollutants in the environment and still defragmenting to micro and nanoscale. The exposition through the food chain and its precise impact on human health is still not clear. In our study, we tested real food packaging after contact with food products and real thermoinsulation and environmental samples of polystyrene in different model liquids, We used a comet assay, mass spectrometry (MS) of fluids which were in contact with packaging, free styrene measurement by Wijs method according to ISO standard and FTIR of wrap, to get an overview of their possible harmful effects. In the presented study, only low genotoxic effect (5-6% DNA damage) was observed.. In addition, no adverse effects were detected in the mass spectrometry. For analysed coloured polystyrene food packaging materials, we noticed a lower level of free styrene monomers in dairy packages that originally contained products with fruits. Exposure of cells to long-term seasoned polystyrene caused less DNA fragmentation than in the case of samples in saline.. Unfortunately, to this day no one knows how much free styrene and derivatives we eat with our daily food products and from food packaging.Based on our results and knowledge, more attention is needed with regard to polystyrene contamination. In particular, a wider analysis of the impact of interactions with the microbiota and the food matrix, which is in direct contact with the polystyrene packaging, should be carried out.The results of our research show that polystyrene and its derivatives from food packaging can potentially have a negative effect on the DNA of human colon epithelial cells. We recommend seasoning of freshly formed polystyrene products and increasing personal protection in relation to workers of the polystyrene foaming factories This applies primarily to dairy products, readily consumed by children, which are rich in both organic acids and salts, and the presence of these ingredients enhances the genotoxic effects. According to our best knowledge, this is the first study using actual polystyrene food packaging available on the market.
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