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Comprehensive in vitro polymer type, concentration, and size correlation analysis to microplastic toxicity and
Walison Augusto da Silva Brito1, Debora Singer2, Lea Miebach3
1ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; Department of General Pathology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, Brazil.
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 15, 2022
Summary
Microplastic particles (MP) exposure affects human cells, altering thiol content and cytokine secretion. Particle uptake depends on polymer type, size, and concentration, highlighting the need for further research into health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microplastic particles (MP) are pervasive environmental contaminants with potential human health implications.
- Cellular effects of MP exposure are not fully understood, particularly the influence of individual particle parameters.
- Previous studies suggest inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption from plastic exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular effects of microplastic particles (MP) exposure in human cell lines.
- To determine how polymer type, size, and concentration influence MP uptake and cellular responses.
- To assess the impact of MP on cell viability, metabolic activity, cell cycle, thiol content, and cytokine secretion.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of A549, HEK293, and HeLa human cell lines to polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles of varying sizes and concentrations.
- Validation of MP size using dynamic light scattering.
- High-throughput, high-content imaging and algorithm-driven analysis to quantify intracellular MP accumulation.
- Assessment of metabolic activity, viability, cell cycle, intracellular thiol content, and cytokine secretion.
Main Results:
- MP uptake correlated with concentration and, for PS, with larger size (1.040 μm), while PMMA uptake was maximal for 400 nm particles.
- HEK cells showed increased MP uptake irrespective of particle parameters.
- No significant impact on metabolic activity, viability, or cell cycle was observed, except for positive controls.
- Intracellular thiol content and cytokine secretion were significantly affected by MP exposure.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic particle uptake is dependent on polymer type, size, and concentration, as well as cell type.
- While major cellular functions like viability and metabolism were largely unaffected, MP exposure significantly impacts intracellular thiol levels and cytokine secretion.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering specific MP characteristics when evaluating their biological effects and potential health risks.
