Assessment of micro and nanoplastic toxicity and their protein corona using in vitro and in silico new approach methodologies
Abstract
The invention of plastic has revolutionized our world by providing a readily available, moldable material which is light, strong and durable. However, excessive use of plastics has led to universal pollution of our planet. Over time plastic waste and products can degrade, leading to release of microscopic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). MNPs are abundant in our food, the water we drink and the air we breathe and in turn human exposure is unavoidable. Oral ingestion is the biggest source of MNP exposure for humans and amidst all human organs the intestine faces the largest MNP exposure which potentially affects intestinal health. In animals, MNP exposure can cause inflammatory effects and barrier disruption in the intestine, however it is unknown if these effects occur in humans. Given the diversity of MNPs found in nature, exhaustive safety testing through animal studies is undesirable and instead In vitro and in silico methods (collectively called New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)) can aid MNP toxicity assessment. Current MNP research with NAMs has limited ability to predict toxicity in humans due to lack of assessment of true-to-life secondary MNPs, aberrant phenotype of in vitro cell lines and a lack of understanding of mechanisms like protein-corona formation and biokinetic processes. The aim of this thesis was to improve in vitro and in silico NAMs for MNP toxicity assessment and to improve understanding of the formation and effects of the…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a thesis, done in cell cultures (in vitro) and computer models (in silico), not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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