Work

In Vivo tracing and systemic organ biodistribution of dermally exposed nano polystyrene

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Although the skin barrier assumed to be intact and functionally competent effectively limits the transdermal penetration of exogenous substances, the potential for nanoplastics to penetrate this barrier and translocate systemically remains a critical toxicological concern. In this study, we employed radiolabelled 125 I-nano-sized polystyrene ( 125 I-nPS) to trace dermal penetration and to observe systemic biodistribution using a chronic dermal exposure model. Transcriptomic analyses revealed upregulation of inflammation and ageing markers in exposed skin. Transcriptomic analyses revealed upregulation of 294 genes and downregulation of 144 genes, including significant increases in TNF-α , IL-6 , CD207 , MMP-3 , and CCL2 (F.C.>2, P < 0.05). Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) / Computed Tomography (CT) imaging and ex-vivo biodistribution of 125 I-nPS revealed significantly enhanced lymphatic uptake. SPECT/CT imaging and ex-vivo biodistribution demonstrated lymph node uptake up to 0.31 ± 0.19%ID/g (chronic exposure group), accompanied by systemic dissemination to the thymus and lungs. In the prolonged chronic dermal exposure model, nPS progressively translocated from the skin to the lymph nodes, thymus, lungs, liver, and blood over a 4-week period. Our findings provide direct in-vivo evidence that chronic dermal exposure particularly under conditions simulating prolonged environmental insult can facilitate the systemic dissemination of nPS. These results raise critical concerns regarding potential immune modulation, organ-specific toxicity, and skin ageing associated with long-term environmental exposure to nPS. • First in vivo evidence of dermal penetration and systemic distribution of nPS. • Chronic nPS exposure induced inflammation- and ageing-related molecular changes. • Dose- and size-dependent dermal transport revealed by SPECT/CT imaging. • Findings highlight dermal exposure as an emerging environmental health concern.

Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140570

Authors: Joycie Shanmugiah, Seungyoun Kim, Hyeju Jeong, Ahreum Hong, Jin Su Kim

Institutions: Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul Women's 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: $4,340