Revisiting the cellular toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene from the view of nanoclusters: size- and nanoplastic adsorption-dependent bioavailability

Abstract

Nanoplastics serve as carriers for Bap nanoclusters and alter the toxicity difference of Bap nanoclusters formed in aqueous solution with tunable sizes.

Cytotoxicity Assessment of Nanoplastics and Plasticizers Exposure in In Vitro Lung Cell Culture Systems—A Systematic Review

“…The study of apoptotic markers in lung cells exposed to NPs and plasticizers verified the disturbance of the mitochondrial membrane potential [ 31 , 33 ]. It was also observed that the alteration ATP production and deregulation of the energy production mechanism [ 33 , 35 ] contributed towards cell damage [ 17 , 20 , 37 ]. Consequently, cell death has been reported [ 17 , 49 ] particularly for long exposure periods [ 17 ].…”

“…For organic compounds such as benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), which its presence in the air is related to the attachment to the airborne solid particulates [ 60 ], its adsorption can affect physicochemical properties, and consequently, the cellular response to NPs [ 61 , 62 ]. According to the articles included in this review [ 20 , 33 , 34 ], there is evidence of alterations in cell viability with exposure to phthalates and BaP nanoclusters.…”

“…The NPs can sorb phthalate esters and affect their toxicity, highlighting the importance of studying more realistic scenarios, since NPs may be a carrier to other contaminants, and by particle agglomeration, decrease their uptake. Based on some studies reviewed, it is possible to identify that NPs alone may not have a very significant toxic effect, as evidenced by Shi et al [ 20 ]; however, when combined with other products such as BaP or phthalates the toxic effect is more evident [ 33 , 34 ]. It is important not only to study the effect, but also the interaction between the compounds or complexes created, since it has been shown that PS can increase the cytotoxicity of BaP, which highlights the need for studies on combined contaminants, even if those are not related by the degradation process, and nanoparticles can adsorb other organic compounds.…”

“… NPs’ sizes (nm) from the studies included for review: 25 and 70 nm [ 31 ]; 40 nm [ 17 ]; 50 nm [ 32 ]; 60 to 75 nm [ 35 ]; 116 nm [ 20 ]; 190 nm [ 33 , 34 ] Upper limit of 1000 nm defined based on reviewed literature [ 8 ]. …”

Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants

“…The sorption of PAHs to plastic particles is dependent on complicated interactions between the compounds' exposed functional groups. For example, it has recently been demonstrated that, once in the water, PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can take the form of self-aggregated nanoclusters, rather than free dissolved forms [96]. Insoluble BaP nanoclusters may stably bind to NPs (for example, 190 nm PS-NPs) and enter the cell via NP clathrin-and phagocytosis-mediated endocytosis.…”