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Surface Charge-Dependent Cytotoxicity of Plastic Nanoparticles in Alveolar Cells under Cyclic Stretches
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Researchers exposed human alveolar lung cells to polystyrene nanoparticles under cyclic stretching conditions that simulate breathing. They found that positively charged nanoparticles accumulated more readily in cells than negatively charged ones, and the combination of stretching and positive surface charge triggered cell death signaling. The study suggests that the surface charge of inhaled nanoplastics plays a critical role in determining their uptake and toxic effects in lung tissue.
Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) derived from both environmental and occupational sources are an important class of ultrafine particles associated with human pulmonary disorders. The effects of surface charges of particle internalization and toxicity to alveolar cells, especially under conditions comparable to those found during breathing, have not been examined. Here, we applied cyclic stretches (CS) to human alveolar cells during nanoparticle exposure and show an enhanced accumulation of positively charged polystyrene nanoparticles as compared to similar negatively charged particles. The cellular uptake of the positive particles into live cells was visualized with three-dimensional optical diffraction tomography (3-D ODT). The simultaneous application of both periodic stretching as well as positively charged nanoparticles led to blebbing morphology and activation of apoptotic signaling compared to control cells. Our findings provide a better understanding of how surface charge mediates the uptake and toxicity of nanoplastics under the dynamical mechanical conditions relevant for breathing exposures.
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Surface charge-dependent toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in human lung epithelial BEAS-2B and HaCaT cells
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Researchers exposed human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) to positively charged, negatively charged, and neutral polystyrene nanoplastics and compared cytotoxicity outcomes. Surface charge was a critical determinant of toxicity: positively charged nanoplastics caused the most severe cell death and oxidative stress in both cell types, with lung cells more sensitive than skin cells.
Polystyrene microplastic particles induce autophagic cell death in BEAS‐2B human bronchial epithelial cells
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Researchers tested three differently charged polystyrene microplastics on human bronchial epithelial cells and found that only positively charged particles caused significant toxicity, triggering cell death through autophagy. In animal experiments, these positively charged microplastics also increased lung inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that the surface charge of inhaled microplastics may be a critical factor in determining their respiratory toxicity.
Toxic effects of nanoplastics with different sizes and surface charges on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells and the potential toxicological mechanism
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Researchers exposed human lung cells to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes and surface charges and found they triggered a process called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which is associated with the early stages of lung fibrosis. Smaller particles and those with positive surface charges caused the strongest effects, activating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that inhaled nanoplastics could contribute to respiratory health risks by promoting tissue scarring in the lungs.
Preferred Lung Accumulation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics with Negative Charges
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Researchers investigated why certain nanoplastics preferentially accumulate in the lungs after entering the bloodstream. They found that negatively charged polystyrene nanoplastics attract specific blood proteins that promote uptake by lung blood vessel cells through a receptor-mediated pathway. The study suggests that the protein coating nanoplastics acquire in the blood plays a critical role in determining where they end up in the body.
Aggregation and deposition kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics in lung fluids: Influence of particle property, fluid condition, and surfactant protein
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Researchers investigated how tiny polystyrene nanoplastics behave after being inhaled into the lungs by simulating their interactions with lung fluids in the lab. They found that the particles rapidly clump together and settle out of acidic lung fluid much faster than neutral fluid, with particle size and surface charge playing key roles. The findings suggest that once inhaled, nanoplastics may accumulate in lung tissue rather than being easily cleared.
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