Cell-nanoplastics association impacts cell proliferation and motility

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly detected in human tissues, raising concerns about their biological impact.
• Previous research on MNP-cell interactions is limited by the scope of cell and plastic types studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively investigate nanoplastic (NP) association with and effects on diverse cell types under physiologically relevant conditions.
• To establish a quantitative framework for studying NP-cell interactions in biologically relevant contexts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidic-calibrated fluorescence microscopy to quantify NP accumulation in various cell types in vitro.
• Assessed NP persistence in vivo using a mouse model and evaluated effects on cell proliferation and motility.
• Investigated NP-cell association and transport mechanisms, including endocytic and ion/water transport pathways.

Main Results:

• Nanoplastics (NPs) broadly impaired cell proliferation across epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, and immune cells, with varying sensitivity.
• NP exposure reduced T cell and fibroblast motility, with complex effects on macrophages.
• NPs persisted in vivo for over a month without significant reduction, while showing gradual release in vitro.
• NP association and release were sensitive to extracellular fluid conditions, with identified inhibitors reducing NP association.

Conclusions:

• Nanoplastic exposure significantly affects fundamental cell functions like proliferation and motility across multiple human cell types.
• Novel regulatory pathways involving ion and water transport are implicated in NP-cell interactions and transport.
• Understanding NP-cell dynamics under physiological conditions is crucial for assessing health risks and developing mitigation strategies.