Smoke-derived microplastics of polypropylene In Vitro proliferative impact on human lung adenocarcinoma cells:...

The increasing production of disposable plastic has led to massive plastic waste, much of which is burned, resulting in microplastics (MPs) and other toxic byproducts. This study investigates the smoke-derived MPs from burning polypropylene (PP), their physicochemical properties, and their impact on lung cancer cells.

Smoke-derived MPs were generated by smoldering PP, and extracted MPs dissolved in methanol, ethanol, and DCM. For physicochemical assessment, DLS, UV-VIS, FTIR NMR, GC-MS, and SEM were performed, followed by in vitro analysis, MTT, AO/EB, and DAPI assays performed using A549 cells.

Characterization studies revealed particle size, hazardous compounds such as phthalates, siloxanes, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In vitro studies showed increased cell viability in A549 cells with no sign of apoptosis or necrosis.

Proliferation in lung cancer cells through Smoke-derived MPs, implicating combustion MPs in respiratory disease, highlighting urgent control needs.