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Toxicity, uptake, and nuclear translocation of ingested micro-nanoplastics in an in vitro model of the small intestinal epithelium
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Researchers tested the toxicity and uptake of various micro- and nanoplastics in a laboratory model of the small intestinal lining. They found that carboxylated nanoplastics significantly reduced cell viability and increased intestinal permeability, with the smallest particles (25 nm) showing the greatest uptake. Strikingly, some nanoplastic particles were found inside cell nuclei, suggesting they can penetrate deep into cellular structures after ingestion.
Despite mounting evidence of increasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in natural environments, food, and drinking water, little is known of the potential health hazards of MNPs ingestion. We assessed toxicity and uptake of environmentally relevant MNPs in an in vitro small intestinal epithelium (SIE). Test MNPs included 25 and 1000 nm polystyrene (PS) microspheres (PS25 and PS1K); 25, 100, and 1000 nm carboxyl modified PS spheres (PS25C, PS100C, and PS1KC), and secondary MNPs from incinerated polyethylene (PEI). MNPs were subjected to 3-phase digestion to mimic transformations in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and digestas applied to the SIE. Carboxylated MNPs significantly reduced viability and increased permeability to 3 kD dextran. Uptake of carboxyl PS materials was size dependent, with significantly greater uptake of PS25C. Fluorescence confocal imaging showed some PS25C agglomerates entering cells independent of endosomes (suggesting diffusion), others within actin shells (suggesting phagocytosis), and many free within the epithelial cells, including agglomerates within nuclei. Pre-treatment with the dynamin inhibitor Dyngo partially reduced PS25 translocation, suggesting a potential role for endocytosis. These findings suggest that ingestion exposures to MNPs could have serious health consequences and underscore the urgent need for additional detailed studies of the potential hazards of ingested MNPs.
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Researchers investigated the uptake and toxic effects of micro-, submicro-, and nanoplastics using in vitro models of the intestinal barrier and liver to assess how plastic particles of different sizes interact with gastrointestinal and hepatic cells. The study examined cellular internalization, barrier integrity, and metabolic responses to characterize size-dependent toxicity mechanisms.
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