UVB-Aged Microplastics and Cellular Damage: An in Vitro Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01073-x
• Publication Date: 2024-06-19T13:04:42Z
• Authors: Sebastiano La Mae...; Mirko Benvenuti; Stefano Alberti; Linda Ferrea; Francesco D’Agostini
• Keywords: Oxidative Stress; Ultraviolet Rays; Microplastics; Humans; Reactive Oxygen Species; Article; DNA Damage; Cell Line

Abstract Plastics are synthetic organic compounds whose widespread use generates enormous waste. Different processes, such as mechanical abrasion, microbiological activity, and UVB irradiation, can fragment the plastic material generate microplastics (MPs). MPs ubiquitous, various organisms, including humans, ingest or inhale them, with potential adverse health effects. The differences between UV-aged virgin particles were studied to evaluate genotoxic damage oxidative stress induced by polystyrene 1 5 µm sizes on monocyte-like cell line (THP-1). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy Ζ-potential measurements used characterise MP after exposure. Cells exposed show a change in cellular environment generation of reactive species (ROS), indicated increased malondialdehyde level. occurrence is correlated smaller size ageing state MPs. biochemical genomic alterations observed this vitro study suggest that MPs, ubiquitous pollutants, following natural degradation oxidation processes cause effects population, making it necessary carry out further studies better define real risk.