Nanomechanical Atomic Force Microscopy to Probe Cellular Microplastics Uptake and Distribution.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is a growing global concern.
• Understanding the uptake and distribution of these particles in biological systems is crucial for assessing their impact.
• Human skin fibroblasts are a relevant model for studying dermal exposure to pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To visualize and characterize the uptake and distribution of polystyrene microplastics in human skin fibroblasts in vitro.
• To differentiate between internalized and surface-attached microplastics using advanced imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in nanomechanical PeakForce Tapping mode.
• Imaged polystyrene spherical microplastics down to 500 nm in whole, fixed human skin fibroblast cells.
• Applied nanomechanical characterization to distinguish particle locations.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized polystyrene microplastics within human skin fibroblasts.
• Differentiated between microplastics attached to the cell surface and those internalized within the cells.
• Demonstrated the capability of AFM PeakForce Tapping mode for analyzing microplastic-cell interactions.

Conclusions:

• Atomic Force Microscopy is a powerful tool for studying microplastic uptake in cells.
• This research provides a foundation for further investigations into microplastic toxicity and biodistribution.
• Opens new avenues for microplastic and nanoplastic toxicity research in dermatological contexts.