Complex intestinal and hepatic in vitro barrier models reveal information on uptake and impact of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics

Assessing the Impact of Nanoplastics in Biological Systems: Systematic Review of In Vitro Animal Studies

Nanoplastic (NP) pollution has emerged as a growing concern due to its potential impact on human health, although its adverse effects on different organ systems are not yet fully understood. This systematic scoping review, conducted in accordance with international guidelines, aimed to map the current evidence on the biological effects of NPs. In vitro animal studies assessing cellular damage caused by exposure to any type of NP were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Data on primary outcomes related to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity (cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA and cytoplasmic damage, apoptosis) were extracted from the included studies, and overall reporting quality was assessed. A total of 108 articles published between 2018 and 2024, mostly by China (54%), Spain (14%), and Italy (9%), were included. Polystyrene (PS) was the most frequently studied polymer (85%). NP sizes in solution ranged from 15 to 531 nm, with a higher prevalence in the 40-100 nm range (38%). The overall quality of studies was rated as moderate (60%), with many lacking essential details about cell culture conditions (e.g., pH of the medium, passage number, substances used). A higher frequency of negative effects from NP exposure was observed in respiratory cell lines, while immune, digestive, and hepatic cell lines showed greater resistance. Nervous, urinary, and connective tissue systems were impacted by NPs. Positively charged and smaller PS particles were consistently associated with higher toxicity across all systems. In summary, this review highlights the multifactorial nature of NP toxicity, influenced by size, surface charge, and polymer type. It also reveals a significant knowledge gap, stemming from the predominant use of immortalized monocultures exposed to commercially available PS NPs, the limited use of environmentally relevant particles, and the underutilization of advanced experimental models (e.g., organ-on-chip systems) that better mimic physiological conditions.

Impact of Marine Microplastics on Neurologic and Functional Disabilities: A Population-Level Study

BACKGROUND

Microplastics are emerging as environmental pollutants with potential neurotoxic effects, yet their association with neurological disabilities remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study comprising 218 coastal counties in the United States, we compared the self-reported prevalence of cognitive disability, mobility disability, self-care disability, and independent living disability in counties with very high and low marine microplastic levels (MMLs). Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) were computed using population-weighted quasi-Poisson regression across three different models to examine the relationship between disability prevalence and MMLs.

RESULTS

Counties exposed to very high marine microplastic levels had a higher mean prevalence of self-reported cognitive disability (15.2% vs. 13.9%), mobility disability (14.1% vs. 12.3%), self-care disability (4.2% vs. 3.6%), and independent living disability (8.5% vs. 7.7%) compared to those exposed to low levels (p < 0.001). Regression analyses revealed significantly elevated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for cognitive (PR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.06-1.12], p < 0.001), mobility (PR: 1.06 [1.03-1.10], p < 0.001), self-care (PR: 1.16 [1.11-1.20], p < 0.001), and independent living disability (PR: 1.08 [1.05-1.12], p < 0.001) in counties with very high microplastic exposure compared to those with low exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights a significant association between marine microplastic pollution and the self-reported prevalence of cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living disabilities at the county level. While merely associative, these findings emphasize the urgent need for further investigation into the individual-level health impacts of microplastic exposure and underscore the importance of environmental interventions to mitigate potential risks.

Release of microplastics during dental procedures and denture wear: Impact on dental personnel and patients

Plastic products are widely used in modern dentistry, including dental instruments and resin-based materials. In recent years, microplastics (MPs) that are generated from plastic products have been demonstrated to pose negative impacts on human health. However, the possible exposure of MP during dental procedures has been rarely explored. This study aims to assess the MP exposure faced by both dental personnel and patients via simulating the wear and cleaning procedures of dentures, as well as the grinding of resin-based materials under clinical settings. Additionally, environmental samples of the dental clinic were collected to determine the types and concentrations of MP settlement. The biological toxicity of the particles has also been evaluated. Results showed that denture releases MP particles into artificial saliva during soaking and cleaning processes. During the grinding of resin-based materials, MP could be detected in settlements with decreased concentration as the increase of distance from 25 cm to 100 cm. A substantial accumulation of particles was observed in the clinic within a single day. Grinding-generated MPs exhibited biological toxicity toward oral keratinocyte cells and triggered inflammation in macrophages at concentrations that could be encountered in clinical exposure. This study confirms the presence of MP exposure during dental procedures, providing valuable insights for the development of improved management regulations and pollution control measures in dental practice.

Revealing transport, uptake and damage of polystyrene microplastics using a gut-liver-on-a-chip

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants present in various environments. They have the capability to infiltrate the human gastrointestinal tract through avenues like water and food, and ultimately accumulating within the liver. However, due to the absence of reliable platforms, the transportation, uptake, and damage of microplastics in the gut-liver axis remain unclear. Here, we present the development of a gut-liver-on-a-chip (GLOC) featuring biomimetic intestinal peristalsis and a dynamic hepatic flow environment, exploring the translocation in the intestines and accumulation in the liver of MPs following oral ingestion. In comparison to conventional co-culture platforms, this chip has the capability to mimic essential physical microenvironments found within the intestines and liver (e.g., intestinal peristalsis and liver blood flow). It effectively reproduces the physiological characteristics of the intestine and liver (e.g., intestinal barrier and liver metabolism). Moreover, we infused polyethylene MPs with a diameter of 100 nm into the intestinal and hepatic chambers (concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 mg mL-1). We observed that as intestinal peristalsis increased (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%), the transport rate of MPs decreased, while the levels of oxidative stress and damage in hepatic cells decreased correspondingly. Our GLOC elucidates the process of MP transport in the intestine and uptake in the liver following oral ingestion. It underscores the critical role of intestinal peristalsis in protecting the liver from damage, and provides a novel research platform for assessing the organ-specific effects of MPs.

Biotransport and toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in fish model and their potential risk to humans: A review

The growing body of scientific evidence suggests that micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These particles can enter organisms through ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and trophic transfer. Exposure can directly affect multiple organs and systems (respiratory, digestive, neurological, reproductive, urinary, cardiovascular) and activate extensive intracellular signaling, inducing cytotoxicity involving mechanisms such as membrane disruption, extracellular polymer degradation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, cellular pore blockage, lysosomal instability, and mitochondrial depolarization. This review focuses on current research examining the in vivo and in vitro toxic effects of MPs/NPs on aquatic organisms, particularly fish, in relation to particulate toxicity aspects (such as particle transport mechanisms and structural modifications). Meanwhile, from the perspectives of the food chain and environmental factors, it emphasizes the comprehensive threats of MPs/NPs to human health in terms of both direct and indirect toxicity. Additionally, future research needs and strategies are discussed to aid in mitigating the potential risks of particulate plastics as carriers of toxic trace elements to human health.

Comparative toxicity of microplastics obtained from human consumer products on human cell-based models

Originally developed to conserve natural resources, plastic has become a global pollution issue due to inadequate waste management. The dispersion and weathering of plastic waste in the environment generate micro-sized particles. Despite extensive research on the toxicological effects of pristine polymers, the impact of microplastics (MPs) from consumer plastics is poorly understood. This study investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of cryo-milled single-use plastic products (fork and cup) on eight cell lines (Caco-2, HEK001, MRC-5, HMEC-1, HepaRG, HMC-3, and T47D) at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 μg/mL. Results showed that 100 μg/mL of MPs did not significantly affect cell viability in Caco-2, HEK001, MRC-5, and T47D. However, HMEC-1 and HMC-3 exhibited decreased viability with 10-100 μg/mL of fork particles, while HMC-3 and HepaRG showed reduced viability with 100 μg/mL of cup particles. Conversely, cup particles increased HMEC-1 proliferation at 0.1-100 μg/mL. Comet assay data indicated that both fork and cup exposure led to elevated DNA fragmentation in HMEC-1 and HMC-3 cells. These findings indicate that MPs from consumer-grade plastics may exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, with endothelial and microglial cells being particularly susceptible.

Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics analyses reveal the ameliorative effect of hepatic damage in tilapia caused by polystyrene microplastics with chlorella addition

Fish exhibit varying responses to polystyrene microplastics (MPs) depending on particle size. Previous studies suggested that microorganisms adhering to the surface of MPs can induce toxic effects. In this study, Tilapia were exposed to MPs of control (group A), 75 nm (B), 7.5 μm (C), 750 μm (D), as well as combinations of all sizes (E) and 75 nm MPs with Chlorella vulgaris addition (F) for 7, 10 and 14 days. Histopathological changes in liver of tilapia were assessed using enzyme activities, transcriptomics and proteomics. The results showed that in groups combined MPs of different particle sizes and those supplemented with chlorella, MPs were localized on the surface of goblet cells, leading to vacuoles, constricted hepatic sinuses and nuclei displacement. Exposure to 7.5 and 750 μm MPs significantly increased the contents of fatty acid synthase (FAS), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG) contents at 7 and 10 days. In particular, cytochrome p450 1a1 (EROD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were markedly elevated following exposure to MPs. Apoptotic markers caspase-3, and inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), had a similar upward trend in comparisons of group C vs A at 7 d, group D vs A at 14 d. The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, spliceosome, was highly enriched during the 7-day exposure of medium sized MPs, while largest MPs in the comparison of group D vs A at 14 d activated pathways such as phagosome, apoptosis, salmonella infection. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that after 14 days, the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways associated with protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and the PPAR signaling has been significantly enriched in the Chlorella-supplemented group, which was further confirmed via the proteomic analysis. Overall, the findings highlight the size-dependent effects of MPs on histopathological changes, gene and protein expression in the liver of tilapia, and C. vulgaris effectively attenuated liver damages, likely through modulation of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and PPAR signaling pathways.

Lack of effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on activity and expression of human drug transporters

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) constitute emerging and widely-distributed environmental contaminants to which humans are highly exposed. They possibly represent a threat for human health. In order to identify cellular/molecular targets for these plastic particles, we have analysed the effects of exposure to manufactured polystyrene (PS) MPs and NPs on in vitro activity and expression of human membrane drug transporters, known to interact with chemical pollutants. PS MPs and NPs, used at various concentrations (1, 10 or 100 µg/mL), failed to inhibit efflux activities of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein, MRPs and BCRP in ABC transporter-expressing cells. Furthermore, PS particles did not impair the transport of P-glycoprotein or BCRP substrates across intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers. Uptake activities of solute carriers (SLCs) such as OCT1 and OCT2 (handling organic cations) or OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OAT1 and OAT3 (handling organic anions) were additionally not altered by PS MPs/NPs in HEK-293 cells overexpressing these SLCs. mRNA expression of ABC transporters and of the SLCs OCT1 and OATP2B1 in Caco-2 cells and human hepatic HepaRG cells were finally not impaired by a 48-h exposure to MPs/NPs. Altogether, these data indicate that human drug transporters are unlikely to be direct and univocal targets for synthetic PS MPs/NPs.

Mind over Microplastics: Exploring Microplastic-Induced Gut Disruption and Gut-Brain-Axis Consequences

As environmental plastic waste degrades, it creates an abundance of diverse microplastic particles. Consequently, microplastics contaminate drinking water and many staple food products, meaning the oral ingestion of microplastics is an important exposure route for the human population. Microplastics have long been considered inert, however their ability to promote microbial dysbiosis as well as gut inflammation and dysfunction suggests they are more noxious than first thought. More alarmingly, there is evidence for microplastics permeating from the gut throughout the body, with adverse effects on the immune and nervous systems. Coupled with the now-accepted role of the gut-brain axis in neurodegeneration, these findings support the hypothesis that this ubiquitous environmental pollutant is contributing to the rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive narrative review explores the consequences of oral microplastic exposure on the gut-brain-axis by considering current evidence for gastrointestinal uptake and disruption, immune activation, translocation throughout the body, and neurological effects. As microplastics are now a permanent feature of the global environment, understanding their effects on the gut, brain, and whole body will facilitate critical further research and inform policy changes aimed at reducing any adverse consequences.

Micro(nano)-plastics exposure induced programmed cell death and corresponding influence factors

Plastic products have played an indispensable role in our daily lives for several decades, primarily due to their cost-effectiveness and unmatched convenience. Nevertheless, recent developments in nanotechnology have propelled our attention toward a distinct category of plastic fine particulates known as micro(nano)-plastics (MPs/NPs). The investigation of the cytotoxic effects of MPs/NPs has emerged as a central and burgeoning area of research in environmental toxicology and cell biology. In the scope of this comprehensive review, we have meticulously synthesized recent scientific inquiries to delve into the intricate interplay between MPs/NPs and programmed cell death mechanisms, which encompass a range of highly regulated processes. First, the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of different programmed death modalities induced by MPs/NPs were elaborated, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. The causes of different programmed deaths induced by MPs/NPs, such as size, surface potential, functional group modification, aging, biological crown, and co-exposure of MPs/NPs are further analyzed. In contrast, the various cellular programmed death modes induced by MPs/NPs are not alone most of the time, and lastly, the connections between different cellular programmed death modes induced by MPs/NPs, such as interconversion, mutual promotion, and mutual inhibition, are explained. Our primary objective is to unveil the multifaceted toxicological implications of MPs/NPs on the intricate web of cellular fate and biological homeostasis. This endeavor not only broadens our understanding of the potential risks associated with MPs/NPs exposure but also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive risk assessments and regulatory measures in the context of environmental health.

Unraveling the micro- and nanoplastic predicament: A human-centric insight

Micro- and nanoplastics are vast anthropogenic pollutants in our direct surroundings with a robust environmental stability and a potential for a long-lasting and increasing global circulation. This has raised concerns among the public and policy makers for human health upon exposure to these particles. The micro- and nanoplastic burden on humans is currently under debate, along with criticism on the experimental approaches used in hazard assessment. The present review presents an overview of the human-relevant aspects associated with the current micro-and nanoplastic burden. We focus on environmental circulation and the estimation of exposure quantities to humans, along with a state-of-the-art overview of particle accumulation in over 15 human organs and other specimen. Additionally, data regarding particle characteristics used in toxicity testing was extracted from 91 studies and discussed considering their environmental and human relevance.

Influence of artificial digestion on characteristics and intestinal cellular effects of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics

The production of plastics is rising since they have been invented. Micro, submicro- and nanoplastics are produced intentionally or generated by environmental processes, and constitute ubiquitous contaminants which are ingested orally by consumers. Reported health concerns include intestinal translocation, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Every digestive milieu in the gastrointestinal tract does have an influence on the properties of particles and can cause changes in their effect on biological systems. In this study, we subjected plastic particles of different materials (polylactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, melamine formaldehyde) and sizes (micro- to nano-range) to a complex artificial digestion model consisting of three intestinal fluid simulants (saliva, gastric and intestinal juice). We monitored the impact of the digestion process on the particles by performing Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. An in vitro model of the intestinal epithelial barrier was used to monitor cellular effects and translocation behavior of (un)digested particles. In conclusion, artificial digestion decreased cellular interaction and slightly increased transport of all particles across the intestinal barrier. The interaction with organic matter resulted in clear differences in the agglomeration behavior. Moreover, we provide evidence for polymer-, size- and surface-dependent cellular effects of the test particles.

Microplastics: challenges of assessment in biological samples and their implication for in vitro and in vivo effects

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global interest because they have been recognized as emerging pollutants that require urgent attention. MPs are plastic particles with a size between 1 micron and 5 mm (1 µm-5mm); those measuring less than 1 µm are known as nanoplastics (NPs). MP is distributed in the environment in various physical forms that depend on the degradation process, the erosion factors to which it was subjected, or the original form in which it was intentionally manufactured. Humans may be exposed to these pollutants mainly by ingestion or inhalation, which could adversely affect human health with effects that are still unknown due to limitations that are often dependent on their analytical determination and lack of studies over time, as it is a relatively new topic. Therefore, this review focuses on the challenges currently faced by laboratories for determining MPs in different matrices. We highlight the application of methods and techniques to assess the precise levels of exposure to MPs in biological samples. In addition, exposure pathways, sources, and evidence of adverse effects reported in vitro and in vivo studies are described to generate knowledge about their potential threat to human health.