1
|
Martín-Pérez J, Villacorta A, Banaei G, Morataya-Reyes M, Tavakolpournegari A, Marcos R, Hernández A, García-Rodriguez A. Hazard assessment of nanoplastics is driven by their surface-functionalization. Effects in human-derived primary endothelial cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173236. [PMID: 38761522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173236] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
During plastic waste degradation into micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs) their physicochemical characteristics including surface properties (charge, functionalization, biocorona, etc.) can change, potentially affecting their biological effects. This paper focuses on the surface functionalization of MNPLs to determine if it has a direct impact on the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic interactions in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), at different exposure times. Pristine polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPLs), as well as their carboxylated (PS-C-NPLs) and aminated (PS-A-NPLs) forms, all around 50 nm, were used in a wide battery of toxicological assays. These assays encompassed evaluations on cell viability, cell internalization, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), and genotoxicity. The experiments were conducted at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, chosen to ensure a high internalization rate across all treatments while maintaining a sub-toxic concentration. Our results show that all PS-NPLs are internalized by HUVECs, but the internalization dynamic depends on the particle's functionalization. PS-NPLs and PS-C-NPLs internalization modify the morphology of the cell increasing its inner complexity/granularity. Regarding cell toxicity, only PS-A-NPLs reduced cell viability. Intracellular ROS was induced by the three different PS-NPLs but at different time points. Genotoxic damage was induced by the three PS-NPLs at short exposures (2 h), but not for PS-C-NPLs at 24 h. Overall, this study suggests that the toxicological effects of PSNPLs on HUVEC cells are surface-dependent, highlighting the relevance of using human-derived primary cells as a target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Martín-Pérez
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Gooya Banaei
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Michelle Morataya-Reyes
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Alireza Tavakolpournegari
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain.
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain.
| | - Alba García-Rodriguez
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bauri S, Shekhar H, Sahoo H, Mishra M. Investigation of the effects of nanoplastic polyethylene terephthalate on environmental toxicology using model Drosophila melanogaster. Nanotoxicology 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38958196 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2368004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern, and various plastic polymers are used daily. A study was conducted to examine the toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics (NPLs) on Drosophila melanogaster. We have successfully synthesized PET NPLs and characterized using DLS, Zeta potential, TEM, HRTEM, SAED, XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to gain crucial insights into the structure and properties. We fed PET NPLs to Drosophila to assess toxicity. ROS was quantified using DCFH-DA and NBT, and the nuclear degradation was checked by DAPI staining. Quantification of protein and activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase depicted the adverse consequences of PET NPLs exposure. The dorsal side of the abdomens, eyes, and wings were also defective when phenotypically analyzed. These results substantiate the genotoxic and cytotoxic impact of nanoplastics. Notably, behavioral observations encompassing larval crawling and climbing of adults exhibit normal patterns, excluding the presence of neurotoxicity. Adult Drosophila showed decreased survivability, and fat accumulation enhanced body weight. These findings contribute to unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying nanoplastic toxicity and emphasize its potential repercussions for organismal health and ecological equilibrium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Bauri
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Himanshu Shekhar
- Department of Chemistry, Biophysical and Protein Chemistry Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Harekrushna Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, Biophysical and Protein Chemistry Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Monalisa Mishra
- Department of Life Science, Neural Developmental Biology Lab, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Domenech J, Villacorta A, Ferrer JF, Llorens-Chiralt R, Marcos R, Hernández A, Catalán J. In vitro cell-transforming potential of secondary polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid nanoplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134030. [PMID: 38493621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134030] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Continuous exposure to plastic pollutants may have serious consequences on human health. However, most toxicity assessments focus on non-environmentally relevant particles and rarely investigate long-term effects such as cancer induction. The present study assessed the carcinogenic potential of two secondary nanoplastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles generated from plastic bottles, and a biodegradable polylactic acid material, as respective examples of environmentally existing particles and new bioplastics. Pristine polystyrene nanoplastics were also included for comparison. A broad concentration range (6.25-200 μg/mL) of each nanoplastic was tested in both the initiation and promotion conditions of the regulatory assessment-accepted in vitro Bhas 42 cell transformation assay. Parallel cultures allowed confirmation of the efficient cellular internalisation of the three nanoplastics. Cell growth was enhanced by polystyrene in the initiation assay, and by PET in both conditions. Moreover, the number of transformed foci was significantly increased only by the highest PET concentration in the promotion assay, which also showed dose-dependency, indicating that nano PET can act as a non-genotoxic tumour promotor. Together, these findings support the carcinogenic risk assessment of nanoplastics and raise concerns regarding whether real-life co-exposure of PET nanoplastics and other environmental pollutants may result in synergistic transformation capacities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Domenech
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | | | | | - Ricard Marcos
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- Grup de Mutagènesi, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Julia Catalán
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Genetics, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kauts S, Mishra Y, Singh MP. Impact of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster Biological Profiles and Heat Shock Protein Levels. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:293. [PMID: 38785774 PMCID: PMC11118830 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are abundant in the environment. Further research is necessary to examine the consequences of microplastic contamination on living species, given its widespread presence. In our research, we determined the toxic effects of PET microplastics on Drosophila melanogaster at the cellular and genetic levels. Our study revealed severe cytotoxicity in the midgut of larvae and the induction of oxidative stress after 24 and 48 h of treatment, as indicated by the total protein, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and MDA contents. For the first time, cell damage in the reproductive parts of the ovaries of female flies, as well as in the accessory glands and testes of male flies, has been observed. Furthermore, a decline in reproductive health was noted, resulting in decreased fertility among the flies. By analyzing stress-related genes such as hsp83, hsp70, hsp60, and hsp26, we detected elevated expression of hsp83 and hsp70. Our study identified hsp83 as a specific biomarker for detecting early redox changes in cells caused by PET microplastics in all the treated groups, helping to elucidate the primary defense mechanism against PET microplastic toxicity. This study offers foundational insights into the emerging environmental threats posed by microplastics, revealing discernible alterations at the genetic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kauts
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 14411, India; (S.K.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mahendra P. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
- Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics (CGB), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alaraby M, Abass D, Farre M, Hernández A, Marcos R. Are bioplastics safe? Hazardous effects of polylactic acid (PLA) nanoplastics in Drosophila. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170592. [PMID: 38354814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170592] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The expanded uses of bioplastics require understanding the potential health risks associated with their exposure. To address this issue, Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile terrestrial in vivo model was employed, and polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPLs), as a proxy for bioplastics, were tested as a material model. Effects were determined in larvae exposed for 4 days to different concentrations (25, 100, and 400 μg/mL) of 463.9 ± 129.4 nm PLA-NPLs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) approaches permitted the detection of PLA-NPLs in the midgut lumen of Drosophila larvae, interacting with symbiotic bacteria. Enzymatic vacuoles were observed as carriers, collecting PLA-NPLs and enabling the crossing of the peritrophic membrane, finally internalizing into enterocytes. Although no toxic effects were observed in egg-to-adult survival, cell uptake of PLA-NPLs causes cytological disturbances and the formation of large vacuoles. The translocation across the intestinal barrier was demonstrated by their presence in the hemolymph. PLA-NPL exposure triggered intestinal damage, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation responses, as evaluated via a wide set of marker genes. Collectively, these structural and molecular interferences caused by PLA-NPLs generated high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage in the hemocytes of Drosophila larvae. The observed effects point out the need for further studies aiming to deepen the health risks of bioplastics before adopting their uses as a safe plastic alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Marinella Farre
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma L, Wu Z, Lu Z, Yan L, Dong X, Dai Z, Sun R, Hong P, Zhou C, Li C. Differences in toxicity induced by the various polymer types of nanoplastics on HepG2 cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170664. [PMID: 38311080 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170664] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The problem of microplastics (MPs) contamination in food has gradually come to the fore. MPs can be transmitted through the food chain and accumulate within various organisms, ultimately posing a threat to human health. The concentration of nanoplastics (NPs) exposed to humans may be higher than that of MPs. For the first time, we studied the differences in toxicity, and potential toxic effects of different polymer types of NPs, namely, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS) on HepG2 cells. In this study, PET-NPs, PVC-NPs, and PS-NPs, which had similar particle size, surface charge, and shape, were prepared using nanoprecipitation and emulsion polymerization. The results of the CCK-8 assay showed that the PET-NPs and PVC-NPs induced a decrease in cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, and their lowest concentrations causing significant cytotoxicity were 100 and 150 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the major cytotoxic effects of PET-NPs and PVC-NPs at high concentrations may be to induce an increase in intracellular ROS, which in turn induces cellular damage and other toxic effects. Notably, our study suggested that PET-NPs and PVC-NPs may induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. However, no relevant cytotoxicity, oxidative damage, and apoptotic toxic effects were detected in HepG2 cells with exposure to PS-NPs. Furthermore, the analysis of transcriptomics data suggested that PET-NPs and PVC-NPs could significantly inhibit the expression of DNA repair-related genes in the p53 signaling pathway. Compared to PS-NPs, the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes were down-regulated to a greater extent by PET-NPs and PVC-NPs. In conclusion, PET-NPs and PVC-NPs were able to induce higher cytotoxic effects than PS-NPs, in which the density and chemical structure of NPs of different polymer types may be the key factors causing the differences in toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Ma
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zijie Wu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Linhong Yan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Xiaoling Dong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ruikun Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment for South China Sea Marine Ranching, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Tropical Ocean Environment in Western Coastal Water, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fontes BLM, de Souza E Souza LC, da Silva de Oliveira APS, da Fonseca RN, Neto MPC, Pinheiro CR. The possible impacts of nano and microplastics on human health: lessons from experimental models across multiple organs. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024:1-35. [PMID: 38517360 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2330962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The widespread production and use of plastics have resulted in accumulation of plastic debris in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller particles over time. Nano-plastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers and 5 millimeters, respectively, raise concerns due to their ability to enter the human body through various pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Various investigators demonstrated that these particles may produce physical and chemical damage to human cells, tissues, and organs, disrupting cellular processes, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, and impacting hormone and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, exacerbating adverse effects on human health. The magnitude and nature of these effects are not yet fully understood, requiring further research for a comprehensive risk assessment. Nevertheless, evidence available suggests that accumulation of these particles in the environment and potential human uptake are causes for concern. Urgent measures to reduce plastic pollution and limit human exposure to MNPLs are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment. In this review, current knowledge regarding the influence of MNPLs on human health is summarized, including toxicity mechanisms, exposure pathways, and health outcomes across multiple organs. The critical need for additional research is also emphasized to comprehensively assess potential risks posed by degradation of MNPLs on human health and inform strategies for addressing this emerging environmental health challenge. Finally, new research directions are proposed including evaluation of gene regulation associated with MNPLs exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Lannes Monteiro Fontes
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lorena Cristina de Souza E Souza
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Santos da Silva de Oliveira
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biologia - NUMPEX-BIO, Campus Duque de Caxias Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marinaldo Pacifico Cavalcanti Neto
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cintia Rodrigues Pinheiro
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pignataro E, Pini F, Barbanente A, Arnesano F, Palazzo A, Marsano RM. Flying toward a plastic-free world: Can Drosophila serve as a model organism to develop new strategies of plastic waste management? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169942. [PMID: 38199375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169942] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The last century was dominated by the widespread use of plastics, both in terms of invention and increased usage. The environmental challenge we currently face is not just about reducing plastic usage but finding new ways to manage plastic waste. Recycling is growing but remains a small part of the solution. There is increasing focus on studying organisms and processes that can break down plastics, offering a modern approach to addressing the environmental crisis. Here, we provide an overview of the organisms associated with plastics biodegradation, and we explore the potential of harnessing and integrating their genetic and biochemical features into a single organism, such as Drosophila melanogaster. The remarkable genetic engineering and microbiota manipulation tools available for this organism suggest that multiple features could be amalgamated and modeled in the fruit fly. We outline feasible genetic engineering and gut microbiome engraftment strategies to develop a new class of plastic-degrading organisms and discuss of both the potential benefits and the limitations of developing such engineered Drosophila melanogaster strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Pignataro
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Barbanente
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabio Arnesano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Palazzo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - René Massimiliano Marsano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alaraby M, Villacorta A, Abass D, Hernández A, Marcos R. Titanium-doped PET nanoplastics, from opaque milk bottle degradation, as a model of environmental true-to-life nanoplastics. Hazardous effects on Drosophila. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122968. [PMID: 37979650 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122968] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs) are emergent environmental pollutants, resulting from the degradation of plastic waste, requiring urgent information on their potential risks to human health. To determine such risks, reliable true-to-life materials are essential. In this work, we have used titanium-doped PET NPLs [PET(Ti)NPLs], obtained by grinding opaque milk polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, as a true-to-life MNPLs model. These opaque PET bottles, with an average size of 112 nm, contain about 3% Ti in the form of titanium dioxide rod nanoparticles. TEM investigation confirmed the mixed Ti/PET nature of the obtained true-to-life NPLs, and the rod shape of the embedded TiO2NPs. In the in vivo Drosophila model neither PET(Ti)NPLs nor TiO2NPs reduced the survival rates, although their internalization was confirmed in different compartments of the larval body by using confocal and transmission electron microscopies. The presence of Ti in the PET(Ti)NPLs permitted to quantify its presence both in larvae (2.1 ± 2.2 μg/g of Ti) and in the resulting adults (3.4 ± 3.2 μg/g of Ti) after treatment with 500 μg/g food of PET(Ti)NPL, suggesting its potential use to track their fate in more complex organisms such as mammals. PET(Ti)NPLs, as well as TiO2NPs, altered the expression of genes driving different response pathways, inducing significant oxidative stress levels (up to 10 folds), and genotoxicity. This last result on the genotoxic effects is remarkable in the frame of the hot topic discussion on the risk that titanium compounds, used as food additives, may pose to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Aliro Villacorta
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Facultad de Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University (82524), Sohag, Egypt
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li JY, Yu Y, Craig NJ, He W, Su L. Interactions between microplastics and insects in terrestrial ecosystems-A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132783. [PMID: 37852134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132783] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial ecosystems has been confirmed worldwide. Due to their widespread distribution and diversity in habitats, insects will readily interact with MPs via various pathways. Although the topic of MP-insect interactions is still in the early stages of research, it is becoming increasingly important. We used a META approach with phylogenetic control and subgroup examination to summarize the evidence from both field and laboratory experiments in quantitative form. The field evidence suggests that insects can take and transfer MPs along food chains via ingestion and adherence. Also, they are active in the bio-fragmentation of MPs and the generation of secondary pollutants. The exposure to MPs impaired key biological traits of insects, mainly their behavior and health, such as reducing climbing ability and increasing oxidative stress. In terms of exposure conditions, the small-sized MPs can induce more severe effects on the insects, while the insect response to MPs was not significantly reliant on exposure times or MP concentrations based on the current evidence available. We propose that insects not only play roles in the redistribution of MPs spatially and in food chains via bio-fragmentation but are also threatened by MPs. Our research deepens our understanding of the environmental risks posed by MPs in insect ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Ying Li
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas J Craig
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wenhui He
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kauts S, Mishra Y, Yousuf S, Bhardwaj R, Singh SK, Alshabrmi FM, Abdurahman M, Vamanu E, Singh MP. Toxicological Profile of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Microplastic in Ingested Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R +) and Its Adverse Effect on Behavior and Development. TOXICS 2023; 11:782. [PMID: 37755792 PMCID: PMC10537121 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are readily available in the natural environment. Due to the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution, its effects on living organisms necessitate further investigation. The size, time of exposure, and amount of microplastic particles appear to be the most essential factor in determining their toxicological effects, either organismal or sub-organismal. For our research work, we preferred to work on a terrestrial model organism Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R+). Therefore, in the present study, we characterized 2-100 µm size PET microplastic and confirmed its accumulation in Drosophila, which allowed us to proceed further in our research work. At larger dosages, research on locomotory activities such as climbing, jumping, and crawling indicated a decline in physiological and neuromuscular functions. Our studies also determined retarded development in flies and decreased survival rate in female flies after exposure to the highest concentration of microplastics. These experimental findings provide insight into the possible potential neurotoxic effects of microplastics and their detrimental effects on the development and growth of flies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kauts
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Sumaira Yousuf
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar 144411, India
| | - Rima Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry Poona College, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Sandeep K. Singh
- Indian Scientific Education and Technology Foundation, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Fahad M. Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Abdurahman
- Department of PH, College of Medicine, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 13317, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emanuel Vamanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mahendra P. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
- Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics (CGB), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Huber MJ, Ivleva NP, Booth AM, Beer I, Bianchi I, Drexel R, Geiss O, Mehn D, Meier F, Molska A, Parot J, Sørensen L, Vella G, Prina-Mello A, Vogel R, Caputo F. Physicochemical characterization and quantification of nanoplastics: applicability, limitations and complementarity of batch and fractionation methods. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04689-5. [PMID: 37106123 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04689-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive physicochemical characterization of heterogeneous nanoplastic (NPL) samples remains an analytical challenge requiring a combination of orthogonal measurement techniques to improve the accuracy and robustness of the results. Here, batch methods, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as separation/fractionation methods such as centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS) and field-flow fractionation (FFF)-multi-angle light scattering (MALS) combined with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (pyGC-MS) or Raman microspectroscopy (RM) were evaluated for NPL size, shape, and chemical composition measurements and for quantification. A set of representative/test particles of different chemical natures, including (i) polydisperse polyethylene (PE), (ii) (doped) polystyrene (PS) NPLs, (iii) titanium dioxide, and (iv) iron oxide nanoparticles (spherical and elongated), was used to assess the applicability and limitations of the selected methodologies. Particle sizes and number-based concentrations obtained by orthogonal batch methods (DLS, NTA, TRPS) were comparable for monodisperse spherical samples, while higher deviations were observed for polydisperse, agglomerated samples and for non-spherical particles, especially for light scattering methods. CLS and TRPS offer further insight with increased size resolution, while detailed morphological information can be derived by electron microscopy (EM)-based approaches. Combined techniques such as FFF coupled to MALS and RM can provide complementary information on physical and chemical properties by online measurements, while pyGC-MS analysis of FFF fractions can be used for the identification of polymer particles (vs. inorganic particles) and for their offline (semi)quantification. However, NPL analysis in complex samples will continue to present a serious challenge for the evaluated techniques without significant improvements in sample preparation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Huber
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (NAT, Dep. Chemistry), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (NAT, Dep. Chemistry), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Andy M Booth
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean AS, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Irina Beer
- Institute of Water Chemistry (IWC), Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (NAT, Dep. Chemistry), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Ivana Bianchi
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Otmar Geiss
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Dora Mehn
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Alicja Molska
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jeremie Parot
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lisbet Sørensen
- Department of Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean AS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gabriele Vella
- Laboratory of Biological Characterization for Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Laboratory of Biological Characterization for Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Vogel
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Fanny Caputo
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway.
- Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The measurement of food safety and security risks associated with micro- and nanoplastic pollution. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
|