Work

Effects of Atmospheric Aging on the Respiratory Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastic Particles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Inhalation exposure to nanoplastic particles (NPPs) can lead to significant pulmonary toxicity; however, the effects of environmental processing on their toxicity remain poorly understood. This study examines the toxicity of polystyrene (PS) NPPs on lung cells following controlled atmospheric aging. Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were cultured in vitro at the air–liquid interface and acutely exposed to oxidized PS NPPs through electrostatic precipitation. Expression of proinflammatory genes interleukin-8 ( IL -8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF -α) was significantly elevated at 6 and 48 h postexposure to aged NPPs, with corresponding increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) protein levels supporting an inflammatory response. The oxidative stress marker heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) also showed significantly increased expression at 6 h postexposure, supported by protein analysis. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS) revealed increased surface roughness and oxygen to carbon ratios in the atmospherically aged NPPs. Together, these results demonstrate that atmospheric aging alters the chemical composition and surface morphology of PS NPPs, enhancing proinflammatory and oxidative stress responses in bronchial epithelial cells, highlighting the critical role of environmental processing in determining the toxicity of nanoplastics.

Source: Chemical Research in Toxicology

DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00237

Authors: Alana J. Dodero, Olivia C. G. Lampe, Sahir Gagan, Sining Niu, Natalie M. Johnson, Yue Zhang

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500