Molecular Basis by Which PVC Nanoplastics Elicit Neurotoxic Outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics (PVC NPs) pose potential neurotoxic risks.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PVC NP neurotoxicity is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interfacial interactions between PVC NPs and biological molecules.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PVC NP-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Spectroscopic analysis (UV-vis, fluorescence, IR) of proteins exposed to PVC NPs.
• Assessing Vitamin A binding to proteins affected by PVC NPs.
• Investigating PVC NP effects on amyloid formation in hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL).
• Evaluating PVC NP impact on dopaminergic neurons and locomotion in *Caenorhabditis elegans* (C. elegans).

Main Results:

• PVC NPs induced dose-dependent changes in protein structure and spectroscopic properties.
• Nanoplastics exposure compromised retinol (Vitamin A) binding to proteins.
• PVC NPs accelerated amyloid fibril formation in HEWL.
• PVC NPs caused dopaminergic neuron loss and impaired locomotion in C. elegans, similar to paraquat.

Conclusions:

• PVC NPs exhibit neurotoxic effects through molecular and systems-level mechanisms.
• Findings highlight the potential risks of PVC NPs to neurological health.
• Results may inform the development of safer nanomaterials and public policy.