Aging Processes Dramatically Alter the Protein Corona Constitution, Cellular Internalization, and Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics

Abstract

Humans are exposed to nanoplastics (NPs) through different routes, which raises critical concerns of related health effects. Due to their small sizes, NPs are accessible to the bloodstream and prone to interact with plasma proteins. NPs are susceptible to different aging processes before entering the human body, and it is plausible to evaluate the effect of aging on the physicochemical and biological properties of NPs. Here, we found that ultraviolet (UV) and ozone (O3) aging treatments caused the oxidation of polystyrene NPs, resulting in their differential adsorption characteristics toward plasma proteins. More importantly, UV and O3 aging led to reduced cellular internalization of NPs and herein relieved their cytotoxic effect. Together, our current finding further enriches the understanding of NPs’ toxicity in a realistic scenario.

Regulatory mechanisms of phytotoxicity and corona formation on sprouts by differently charged and sized polystyrene micro/nano-plastics

“…Similarly, Cao et al showed that n-PS MPs/NPs exhibited high surface area and strong binding affinity after being adhered and absorbed by cells, and intensified the Environmental Science: Nano Paper generation of bio-corona, 17 while this adsorption behavior altered the transport, biotransformation and toxicity levels of MPs/NPs. 37 Sun et al also found that both p-and n-PS influenced Arabidopsis thaliana roots, and the p-PS showed more pronounced toxicological effects. This was attributed to the fact that the p-PS stimulated the generation of higher levels of exudates from roots, 29 thus affecting the mobility and uptake of MPs/NPs.…”

Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Environmental Distribution, Human Exposure, and Toxic Effects

“…Once further degrading into nanoplastics, when they contact various biomolecules (e.g., proteins), a biomolecule corona can quickly form and further alter their persistence, bioavailability, and ecotoxicity . In addition, aging processes can alter the protein corona constitution …”

Nano–eco interactions: a crucial principle for nanotoxicity evaluation

“…In the ecological environment, diverse biomolecules are found in air, soil, water, plants, animals, and excreta, and the root rhizospheres of plants, water, and sediment also contain a diverse array of microorganisms and secretions that contribute a complex mixture of biomolecules for eco-corona formation. 25 Moreover, environmental factors including temperature, pH, ultraviolet (UV) 23 exposure, radiation, microbial communities, and anthropogenic chemicals greatly influence the properties of ENMs and nano-eco interactions. Recently, Wen et al 23 found that UV and ozone aging treatments oxidize the PS NP surface, and change the physical and chemical properties including particle size and zeta potential, which results in their differential adsorption of plasma proteins.…”

“…25 Moreover, environmental factors including temperature, pH, ultraviolet (UV) 23 exposure, radiation, microbial communities, and anthropogenic chemicals greatly influence the properties of ENMs and nano-eco interactions. Recently, Wen et al 23 found that UV and ozone aging treatments oxidize the PS NP surface, and change the physical and chemical properties including particle size and zeta potential, which results in their differential adsorption of plasma proteins. Du et al 88 demonstrated that photo-aging alters both the species and abundance of proteins in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid coronas of PS NPs.…”

“…22 Wen et al demonstrated that aging of nanoplastics in the environment changes their adsorption characteristics toward plasma proteins, altering the cellular internalization and cytotoxicity of murine macrophages. 23 As established, environmental effects influence the interaction of NPs with cells and tissues and therefore determine their ecological impact. It is crucial to understand the environmental travel of NPs by identifying their coronas when conducting a nano–biological effect evaluation.…”