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Effects of polyethylene microplastics on cell membranes: A combined study of experiments and molecular dynamics
Weilin Wang1, Jinlong Zhang2, Zhiqiang Qiu1
1School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs), widely distributed within the environment, can be ingested by humans easily and cause various biological reactions such as oxidative stress, immune response and membrane damage, ultimately representing a threat to health. Cell membranes work as first barrier for MPs entering the cell and playing biological effects. For now, the researches on interactions of MPs on cell membranes lack an in-depth and effective theoretical model to understand molecular details and physicochemical behaviors. In present study, observations of calcein leakage established polyethylene plastic nanoparticles (PE PNPs), especially of high concentrations, harming cell membrane integrity. SYTOX green and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays supported the evidence that the exposure of cells to PE PNPs caused significant cell membrane damage in dose-response. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were further applied to determine the effects of PE on the properties of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer. PE permeated into lipid membranes easily resulting in significant variations in DPPC bilayer with lower density, fluidity changes and membrane thickening. Besides, PE aggregates bound were more likely to cause pore formation and serious damage to the DPPC bilayer. The interaction mechanisms between MPS and cell membrane were explored which provided valuable insights into membrane effect of MPs.
Insights
Polyethylene plastic nanoparticles (PE PNPs) damage cell membranes, causing leakage and integrity loss. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal PE easily permeates lipid bilayers, altering density, fluidity, and causing pore formation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants posing health risks through ingestion.
- Cell membranes are the primary barrier against microplastic entry and subsequent biological effects.
- Current research lacks detailed theoretical models for microplastic-cell membrane interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polyethylene plastic nanoparticles (PE PNPs) on cell membrane integrity.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PE PNP-cell membrane interactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
Main Methods:
- Calcein leakage assays to assess membrane integrity.
- SYTOX green and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays to quantify cell membrane damage.
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of PE interactions with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers.
Main Results:
- PE PNPs, particularly at high concentrations, significantly harmed cell membrane integrity and caused dose-dependent damage.
- MD simulations showed PE readily permeated DPPC bilayers, reducing density, altering fluidity, and causing membrane thickening.
- Aggregated PE was more prone to forming pores and inducing severe damage in lipid bilayers.
Conclusions:
- Polyethylene plastic nanoparticles pose a significant threat to cell membrane integrity.
- PE's ability to permeate and disrupt lipid bilayers underlies its membrane-damaging effects.
- This study provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms of microplastic-cell membrane interactions.
