Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Isolation and Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Human Placenta Tissue
Published on: June 6, 2016
Polystyrene microplastics internalization by term placental chorionic villi explants
Aldilane Lays Marques1, Rodrigo Weingrill2, Stephanie Ospina-Prieto1
1Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-900, Maceio, Brazil.
Introduction:
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants increasingly found within human tissues, including the placenta. This study explores the potential of polystyrene (PS)-MPs to cross the placental barrier and their general distribution within term placental chorionic villi explants.
Methods:
Term placental chorionic villi explants were exposed up to 72 h to 100 μg/mL of 5 μm-size polystyrene (PS)-MPs, and their internalization was analyzed by optical microscopy, confocal atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and fluorescence confocal imaging.
Results:
The PS-MPs can traverse the placental barrier. Over 72 h of exposure, these particles were not only adsorbed on the surface but also internalized within the syncytiotrophoblast and dispersed through the chorionic villi mesenchyme. Our observations indicate that PS-MPs are found up to 120 μm deep within the villi, suggesting their capability to penetrate deeply into placental tissue. Furthermore, these MPs were surrounded by a thin layer of actin, implying active internalization mechanisms possibly involving macropinocytosis or phagocytosis, although specific pathways in placental tissues remain to be fully elucidated. No evidence of barrier fissures or membrane ruptures was observed, indicating that the internalization process does not disrupt the syncytiotrophoblast barrier integrity.
Discussion:
This study underscores the urgent need to understand the implications of such internalization and their effects on placental homeostasis. Given the potential for MPs to influence developmental processes adversely, further research is essential to delineate the mechanisms of MP internalization, possible physiological impacts, and the consequences of fetal exposure.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can enter and distribute within placental tissue, penetrating deep into villi without damaging the barrier. Further research is needed to understand the health implications of this placental microplastic uptake.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants found in human tissues, including the placenta.
- The presence of MPs in the placenta raises concerns about potential placental barrier crossing and fetal exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the placental barrier penetration and distribution of polystyrene (PS)-MPs in term placental chorionic villi explants.
- To analyze the interaction of PS-MPs with placental tissues and explore potential internalization mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Term placental chorionic villi explants were exposed to 5 μm-size PS-MPs (100 μg/mL) for up to 72 hours.
- Analysis of MP internalization and distribution was performed using optical microscopy, confocal atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), and fluorescence confocal imaging.
Main Results:
- Polystyrene MPs were found to traverse the placental barrier, adsorbing to the surface and internalizing within the syncytiotrophoblast and chorionic villi mesenchyme.
- MPs were observed up to 120 μm deep within the villi, surrounded by actin, suggesting active internalization mechanisms.
- No evidence of placental barrier disruption or membrane rupture was observed during MP internalization.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates that PS-MPs can penetrate placental tissue without compromising barrier integrity.
- Urgent investigation is required to understand the implications of MP internalization on placental homeostasis and potential adverse effects on fetal development.
- Further research should focus on elucidating MP internalization mechanisms and their physiological impacts in placental tissues.
