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Biological effects, including oxidative stress and genotoxic damage, of polystyrene nanoparticles in different human hematopoietic cell lines
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Researchers exposed three human immune cell lines (B-lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, and monocytes) to 50 nm polystyrene nanoparticles and found cell-type-specific responses — monocytes internalized the most particles but showed no harm, while B-lymphocytes and lymphoblasts displayed oxidative stress and DNA damage despite lower uptake.
In recent years the terms "micro-/nanoplastics" (MNPLs) have caught special attention due to the increasing levels by which humans are exposed. Among MNPLs, polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) are one of the most represented MNPLs in the environment. These tiny particles may enter into the human body, translocate through human barriers, interacting with blood and lymphatic immune cells, and reaching secondary organs. By using three different human leukocytic cell lines: Raji-B (B-lymphocytes), TK6 (lymphoblasts) and THP-1 (monocytes), we pursued to determine the effects of these PSNPs on the immune cell population. With this aim, the three cell lines were exposed to spherical PSNPs of about 50 nm of diameter and cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and genotoxicity were assessed at different time-points. Results show differences in all the measured endpoints, among the selected cell lines. Thus, whilst the monocytic THP-1 cells showed the highest particle internalization, no adverse effects were observed in such cells. On the other side, although Raji-B and TK6 showed lesser PSNPs uptake, mild toxicity, ROS production and genotoxicity were detected. These results highlight the importance of the cell line selection when the biological effects of PSNPs are evaluated.
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Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human lymphocytes: A comprehensive analysis
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Researchers tested the effects of 50-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics on human white blood cells in the laboratory. They found that even at low concentrations, the nanoplastics caused DNA damage, reduced cell viability, and triggered oxidative stress. The study provides evidence that nanoplastic particles small enough to enter the bloodstream could pose risks to human immune cell health.
The Biological Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
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Researchers assessed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human peripheral blood lymphocytes using chromosomal aberration and micronucleus assays. They found dose-dependent increases in cell damage, chromosomal abnormalities, and hemolytic activity at the tested concentrations. The study provides evidence that nanoplastic particles can cause genetic damage to human immune cells under laboratory conditions.
Evaluation of In Vitro Genotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoparticles in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
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Researchers evaluated the genotoxic potential of polystyrene nanoparticles in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, finding evidence of DNA damage that raises concerns about the health effects of nanoplastic exposure in humans.
Genotoxic and immunomodulatory effects in human white blood cells after ex vivo exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics
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Human white blood cells were exposed ex vivo to polystyrene nanoplastics and showed DNA strand breaks, chromosomal damage, and changes in immune cell activation markers, suggesting that nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations could cause genotoxic and immunomodulatory effects in people.
Hazard assessment of different-sized polystyrene nanoplastics in hematopoietic human cell lines
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Researchers tested how different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics (50, 200, and 500 nm) affect human blood cell lines. While none of the sizes caused direct cell death, all three were taken up by cells and disrupted mitochondrial function in immune-related cell types. The study suggests that even without killing cells outright, nanoplastics may interfere with important cellular energy processes, with effects varying by particle size and cell type.
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