We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluating Cellular Effects of PET Microplastics in 2D/3D Models: Methodological Considerations of Reagent Interference
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the cellular effects of PET microplastics using both 2D and 3D cell culture models and found dose- and cell-type-dependent reductions in viability along with rapid generation of reactive oxygen species. The study highlights significant methodological challenges, as microplastics can interfere with common lab assays through light scattering, dye adsorption, and surface interactions, potentially producing misleading results without appropriate controls.
Abstract Despite the widespread environmental contamination by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), the cellular toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles is poorly understood. Here, we assessed pristine PET-Microplastic particles (MPs) (diameter: 1.24 ± 0.52 µm) and fluorescently labeled PET-MPs (Fluo-PET, diameter: 1.25 ± 0.97 µm) in both 2D (monolayer cultures) and 3D models (multicellular spheroids) across different mammalian cell types. PET exposure caused dose- and cell type–dependent reductions in cell viability at concentrations of 2.5–5 µg/ml, with uptake rates of up to 16%. In 3D models, optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) enabled the detection and biodistribution analysis of non-labeled particles, highlighting its value as a polymer-specific, label-free technique. Short-term exposure (10 min – 120 min) induced rapid, concentration-dependent ROS generation across all cell types, while reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels remained unchanged. Due to numerous potential interferences, particular attention was given to identifying artifacts caused by MP interactions with conventional assays, including plastic-plate interferences due to MP adsorption during spheroid formation, distortions in fluorescence-based assays due to light scattering, dye adsorption, or surfactant effects, all of which can yield false-positive or false-negative results if appropriate controls are not implemented. Our findings emphasize the importance of accounting for such artifacts and interferences, and the need to report and discuss these effects explicitly. In summary, PET particles induce significant cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, which is confirmed after correction for experimental artifacts.
More Papers Like This
Evaluating cellular effects of PET microplastics in 2D/3D models: viability, oxidative stress, and comprehensive methodological considerations
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed multiple mammalian cell types to PET micro- and nanoplastics in both 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid models, finding dose-dependent cytotoxicity and rapid oxidative stress at concentrations above 2.5 µg/mL, while also documenting how particle adsorption and light scattering can introduce false-positive or false-negative results in standard assays if not carefully controlled.
Interference of Microplastics with MTT and XTT Cell Viability Assays
AI summary Read the abstract
Common lab tests used to measure whether microplastics harm cells may give inaccurate results. The plastic particles themselves can scatter light in a way that mimics the test's signal, making cells look healthier or less healthy than they really are. This means some past microplastics safety studies could be flawed, so scientists need better methods to get trustworthy answers about health risks.
An inverse cell culture model for floating plastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed an "inverse cell culture" model using floating plastic particles to better simulate how marine organisms interact with buoyant microplastics, addressing a technical challenge in lab-based toxicity testing. This novel experimental approach could improve the relevance of in vitro studies for understanding real-world microplastic exposures.
In Vitro High-Throughput Toxicological Assessment of Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a high-throughput in vitro method to assess nanoplastic toxicity, finding that laser-ablated polycarbonate and PET nanoparticles showed greater cellular uptake and toxicity than nanoprecipitated PET, highlighting how production method affects nanoplastic hazard.
Can the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health really be assessed using in vitro models? A review of methodological issues
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines whether lab-based cell studies can reliably predict how micro and nanoplastics affect human health. The authors found significant inconsistencies in how researchers choose plastic particle types, doses, and exposure methods, making it hard to compare results across studies. The paper calls for standardized testing protocols so that lab findings can more accurately reflect real-world microplastic exposure risks to people.
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.