Albumin Proteins as Delivery Vehicles for PFAS Contaminants into Respiratory Membranes

Abstract

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals that have been used in a wide range of commercial products. While their use is declining, the prevalence of PFAS, combined with their chemical longevity, ensures that detectable levels will remain in the environment for years to come. As such, there is a pressing need to understand how PFAS contaminants interact with other elements of the human exposome and the consequences of these interactions for human health. Using serum albumin as a model system, we show that proteins can bind PFAS contaminants and facilitate their incorporation into model pulmonary surfactant systems and lipid bilayers. Protein-mediated PFAS delivery significantly altered the structure and function of both model membrane systems, potentially contributing to respiratory dysfunction and airway diseases in vivo. These results provide valuable insights into the synergistic interaction between PFAS contaminants and other elements of the human exposome and their potential consequences for human health.

Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Analysis in Environmental Matrices: An Overview of the Extraction and Chromatographic Detection Methods

“…The pulmonary epithelium and the layer of lung surfactants (LS) covering the cells are the primary portal of inhaled pollutants, creating a physical barrier of entry between the outside environment and blood circulation [23]. In the study of Pye et al [24], it was shown that environmental protein contained in dust particles inhaled can act as a transport carrier of PFASs into the respiratory system, modifying the lung surfactant function and inducing pro-inflammatory and allergic responses [25][26][27].…”