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Nguyen TV, Trang PN, Kumar A. Understanding PFAS toxicity through cell culture metabolomics: Current applications and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108620. [PMID: 38579451 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous environmental contaminants, pose significant challenges to ecosystems and human health. While cell cultures have emerged as new approach methodologies (NAMs) in ecotoxicity research, metabolomics is an emerging technique used to characterize the small-molecule metabolites present in cells and to understand their role in various biological processes. Integration of metabolomics with cell cultures, known as cell culture metabolomics, provides a novel and robust tool to unravel the complex molecular responses induced by PFAS exposure. In vitro testing also reduces reliance on animal testing, aligning with ethical and regulatory imperatives. The current review summarizes key findings from recent studies utilizing cell culture metabolomics to investigate PFAS toxicity, highlighting alterations in metabolic pathways, biomarker identification, and the potential linkages between metabolic perturbations. Additionally, the paper discusses different types of cell cultures and metabolomics methods used for studies of environmental contaminants and particularly PFAS. Future perspectives on the combination of metabolomics with other advanced technologies, such as single-cell metabolomics (SCM), imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), extracellular flux analysis (EFA), and multi-omics are also explored, which offers a holistic understanding of environmental contaminants. The synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps provide a foundation for future investigations that aim to elucidate the complexities of PFAS-induced cellular responses and contribute to the development of effective strategies for mitigating their adverse effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao V Nguyen
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Waite Campus, South Australia 5064, Australia; NTT Institute of High Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Phan Nguyen Trang
- Department of Food Technology, Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Viet Nam.
| | - Anu Kumar
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Waite Campus, South Australia 5064, Australia.
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2
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Jasinski J, Völkl M, Wilde MV, Jérôme V, Fröhlich T, Freitag R, Scheibel T. Influence of the polymer type of a microplastic challenge on the reaction of murine cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133280. [PMID: 38141312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to global pollution derived from plastic waste, the research on microplastics is of increasing public interest. Until now, most studies addressing the effect of microplastic particles on vertebrate cells have primarily utilized polystyrene particles (PS). Other studies on polymer microparticles made, e.g., of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), or poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), cannot easily be directly compared to these PS studies, since the used microparticles differ widely in size and surface features. Here, effects caused by pristine microparticles of a narrow size range between 1 - 4 µm from selected conventional polymers including PS, PE, and PVC, were compared to those of particles made of polymers derived from biological sources like polylactic acid (PLA), and cellulose acetate (CA). The microparticles were used to investigate cellular uptake and assess cytotoxic effects on murine macrophages and epithelial cells. Despite differences in the particles' properties (e.g. ζ-potential and surface morphology), macrophages were able to ingest all tested particles, whereas epithelial cells ingested only the PS-based particles, which had a strong negative ζ-potential. Most importantly, none of the used model polymer particles exhibited significant short-time cytotoxicity, although the general effect of environmentally relevant microplastic particles on organisms requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Jasinski
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Matthias Völkl
- Process Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Magdalena V Wilde
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), LMU München, Munich, Germany; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology & Geobiology, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Valérie Jérôme
- Process Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Gene Center Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bayreuth Center for Material Science (BayMAT), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
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Steiner T, Leitner LC, Zhang Y, Möller JN, Löder MGJ, Greiner A, Laforsch C, Freitag R. Detection and specific chemical identification of submillimeter plastic fragments in complex matrices such as compost. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2282. [PMID: 38280916 PMCID: PMC10821947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the plastic contamination of organic fertilizer (compost) has largely concentrated on particles and fragments > 1 mm. Small, submillimeter microplastic particles may be more hazardous to the environment. However, research on their presence in composts has been impeded by the difficulty to univocally identify small plastic particles in such complex matrices. Here a method is proposed for the analysis of particles between 0.01 and 1.0 mm according to number, size, and polymer type in compost. As a first demonstration of its potential, the method is used to determine large and small microplastic in composts from eight municipal compost producing plants: three simple biowaste composters, four plants processing greenery and cuttings and one two-stage biowaste digester-composter. While polyethylene, PE, tends to dominate among fragments > 1 mm, the microplastic fraction contained more polypropylene, PP. Whereas the contamination with PE/PP microplastic was similar over the investigated composts, only composts prepared from biowaste contained microplastic with a signature of biodegradable plastic, namely poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate), PBAT. Moreover, in these composts PBAT microplastic tended to form the largest fraction. When the bulk of residual PBAT in the composts was analyzed by chloroform extraction, an inverse correlation between the number of particles > 0.01 mm and the total extracted amount was seen, arguing for breakdown into smaller particles, but not necessarily a mass reduction. PBAT oligomers and monomers as possible substrates for subsequent biodegradation were not found. Remaining microplastic will enter the environment with the composts, where its subsequent degradability depends on the local conditions and is to date largely uninvestigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steiner
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Yuanhu Zhang
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Julia N Möller
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany.
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He F, Hu S, Liu R, Li X, Guo S, Wang H, Tian G, Qi Y, Wang T. Decoding the biological toxicity of phenanthrene on intestinal cells of Eisenia fetida: Effects, toxicity pathways and corresponding mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166903. [PMID: 37683861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Phenanthrene is frequently detected and exists extensively in the soil environment, and its residues inevitably impose a significant threat to soil organisms. Exposure to and toxicity of phenanthrene on earthworms has been extensively studied before, however, the possible mechanisms and related pathways associated with phenanthrene-triggered toxicity at the intestinal cell level remain unclear. Herein, primary intestinal cells isolated from Eisenia fetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) intestine were used as targeted receptors to probe the molecular mechanisms involved in ROS-mediated damaging effects and the potential pathways of phenanthrene-induced toxicity at cellular and sub-cellular levels. Results indicated that phenanthrene exposure induced oxidative stress by activating intracellular ROS (elevated O2-, H2O2, and OH- content) bursts in E. fetida intestinal cells, causing various oxidative damage effects, including lipid peroxidation (increased MDA content), protein oxidation (enhanced PCO levels), and DNA damage (enhanced 8-OHdG levels). The enzymatic and non-enzymatic strategies in earthworm cells were activated to mitigate these detrimental effects by regulating ROS-mediated pathways involving defense regulation. Also, phenanthrene stress destroyed the cell membrane of E. fetida intestinal cells, resulting in cellular calcium homeostasis disruption and cellular energetic alteration, ultimately causing cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis/death. More importantly, the mitochondrial dysfunction in E. fetida cells was induced by phenanthrene-caused mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which in turn caused un-controlled ROS burst and induced apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated caspase-3 activation and ROS-mediated mitochondrial-dependent pathway. Furthermore, exposure to phenanthrene activated an abnormal mRNA expression profile associated with defense regulation (e.g., Hsp70, MT, CRT, SOD, CAT, and GST genes) in E. fetida intestinal cells, resulting in various cellular dysfunctions and pathological conditions, eventually, apoptotic cell death. Taken together, this study offers valuable insights for probing the toxic effects and underlying mechanisms posed by phenanthrene at the intestinal cell level, and is of great significance to estimate the detrimental side effects of phenanthrene on soil ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falin He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shaoyang Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China.
| | - Xiangxiang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Shuqi Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Guang Tian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Yuntao Qi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, PR China
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Liu X, Ye JC, Li F, Gao RJ, Wang XX, Cheng JL, Liu BL, Xiang L, Li YW, Cai QY, Zhao HM, Mo CH, Li QX. Revealing microcystin-LR ecotoxicity to earthworm (Eisenia fetida) at the intestinal cell level. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137046. [PMID: 36419272 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Potential adverse effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on soil invertebrates have not been studied. Here we investigated the mechanism of MC-LR toxicity to earthworm (Eisenia fetida) intestine at the individual level and at the cellular level. The results showed an inverse relationship between the bodyweight and survival rate of earthworms over exposure time- and MC-LR doses in soil. Dose-dependent intestinal lesions and disturbances of enzymatic activities (e.g., cellulase, Na+/K+-ATPase, and AChE) were observed, which resulted in intestinal dysfunction. Excessive reactive oxygen species generation led to DNA damage and lipid peroxidation of intestinal cells. The oxidative damage to DNA prolonged cell cycle arrest at the G2/M-phase transition in mitosis, thus stimulating and accelerating apoptosis in earthworm intestine. MC-LR target earthworm intestine tissue. MC-LR at low concentrations can damage earthworm intestine regardless of exposure routes (oral or contact). High toxicity of MC-LR to earthworms delineates its ecological risks to terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jin-Cheng Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rong-Jun Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ji-Liang Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Bai-Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yan-Wen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Qing X Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
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Municipal biowaste treatment plants contribute to the contamination of the environment with residues of biodegradable plastics with putative higher persistence potential. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9021. [PMID: 35637211 PMCID: PMC9151778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12912-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BDP) are expected to mineralize easily, in particular under conditions of technical composting. However, the complexity of the sample matrix has largely prevented degradation studies under realistic conditions. Here composts and fertilizers from state-of-the-art municipal combined anaerobic/aerobic biowaste treatment plants were investigated for residues of BDP. We found BDP fragments > 1 mm in significant numbers in the final composts intended as fertilizer for agriculture and gardening. Compared to pristine compostable bags, the recovered BDP fragments showed differences in their material properties, which potentially renders them less prone to further biodegradation. BDP fragments < 1 mm were extracted in bulk and came up to 0.43 wt% of compost dry weight. Finally, the liquid fertilizer produced during the anaerobic treatment contained several thousand BDP fragments < 500 µm per liter. Hence, our study questions, if currently available BDP are compatible with applications in areas of environmental relevance, such as fertilizer production.
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