We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) microplastics and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and genotoxicity in human intestinal cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human intestinal cells to PTFE (Teflon) micro- and nanoplastics derived from cookware degradation and found that nanosized particles readily entered cells, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and DNA strand breaks at physiologically relevant concentrations.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon™), widely used in non-stick cookware, can degrade into micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs). This raises concerns about human exposure, which remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we used physiologically relevant in vitro intestinal monoculture and co-culture models (Caco-2/HT29-MTX) to systematically assess the effects of PTFE-MNPLs (∼250 nm and ∼2 µm) at concentrations of 50-200 µg/mL over 24-48 h. PTFE-MNPLs, particularly nanosized particles, readily entered both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. They interacted with nuclear membranes and mitochondria, inducing structural and physiological disturbances without significantly affecting cell viability. These interactions led to mitochondrial damage and triggered inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The severity of these effects increased with particle size, dose, and exposure duration. These findings challenge the assumption that PTFE particles are biologically inert, highlighting hazards arising from their physical interactions, especially at the nanoscale. Given the relevance of the co-culture in vitro model of intestinal barrier to human intestinal physiology, the results underscore potential intestinal health risks from PTFE-MNPL exposure. Future studies should focus on chronic, low-dose exposures to elucidate the specific cellular pathways activated by PTFE-MNPL exposure.
More Papers Like This
Polytetrafluorethylene microplastic particles mediated oxidative stress, inflammation, and intracellular signaling pathway alteration in human derived cell lines
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested PTFE (Teflon) microplastics on six types of human cells and found they caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted cell signaling pathways in most cell types. Smaller PTFE particles generally caused more damage than larger ones, and lung and intestinal cells were particularly affected. Since PTFE is widely used in nonstick cookware and other household products, these findings raise questions about health risks from Teflon-derived microplastic exposure.
Hazard impacts of polytetrafluoroethylene micro-nanoplastics: in vivo study
AI summary Read the abstract
Nonstick cookware coatings (PTFE, like Teflon) can shed tiny plastic particles, and this study found that when fruit flies were exposed to them, the particles caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell damage—with smaller nanoscale particles causing even more harm than larger microscale ones. While this research was done in flies, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that everyday nonstick products may be a hidden source of micro- and nanoplastic exposure with real biological effects, making it worth watching as scientists investigate what this means for human health.
Polytetrafluoroethylene microplastic properties, pollution, toxicity and analysis: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review found that cooking with Teflon-coated (PTFE) pans releases thousands to millions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles per use, directly contaminating food. PTFE microplastics have been found in human tissue, wildlife, water, and air. Given how widely non-stick cookware is used in homes, this is one of the most direct and everyday sources of microplastic exposure for most people.
Polytetrafluoroethylene utensils as a source of micro- and nanoplastics: Insights from a Drosophila model.
AI summary Read the abstract
Fruit flies fed tiny plastic particles from non-stick cookware material showed damage to their gut lining, bacteria, and cells, along with widespread changes in gene activity related to metabolism, immune function, and cell health. Smaller particles caused more gene changes than larger ones, and particles eventually spread into body fluids and affected blood cells.
Effect of microplastics and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal tract on gut health: A systematic review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review of 30 in vitro studies found that microplastics and nanoplastics cause size- and concentration-dependent damage to human gastrointestinal cells, including increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis. Smaller particles consistently showed greater cellular uptake and biological effects, though chronic low-dose exposure generally produced minimal impacts.
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.