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Environmental Health Perspectives Sep 2022The first evidence of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure in the human placenta is emerging. However, the toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs in the placenta,...
BACKGROUND
The first evidence of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure in the human placenta is emerging. However, the toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs in the placenta, specifically environmentally relevant particles, remain unclear.
OBJECTIVES
We examined the transport, uptake, and toxicity of pristine and experimentally weathered MNPs in nonsyncytialized and syncytialized BeWo b30 choriocarcinoma cells.
METHODS
We performed untargeted chemical characterization of pristine and weathered MNPs using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate compositional differences following particle weathering. We investigated cellular internalization of pristine and weathered polystyrene (PS; ) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE; ) particles using high-resolution confocal imaging and three-dimensional rendering. We investigated the influence of particle coating with human plasma on the cellular transport of PS particles using a transwell setup and examined the influence of acute MNP exposure on cell viability, damage to the plasma membrane, and expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis.
RESULTS
Chemical characterization of MNPs showed a significantly higher number of unique features in pristine particles in comparison with weathered particles. Size-dependent placental uptake of pristine and weathered MNPs was observed in both placental cell types after 24 h exposure. Cellular transport was limited and size-dependent and was not influenced by particle coating with human plasma. None of the MNPs affected cell viability. Damage to the plasma membrane was observed only for PS particles in the nonsyncytialized cells at the highest concentration tested (). Modest down-regulation of hsd17b1 was observed in syncytialized cells exposed to pristine MNPs.
DISCUSSION
Our results suggest that pristine and weathered MNPs are internalized and translocated in placental cells . Effects on gene expression observed upon pristine PS and HDPE particle exposure warrant further examination. More in-depth investigations are needed to better understand the potential health risks of MNP and chemicals associated with them under environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10873.
Topics: Cell Survival; Female; Humans; Microplastics; Placenta; Polyethylene; Polystyrenes; Pregnancy
PubMed: 36129437
DOI: 10.1289/EHP10873 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Sep 2022In the more than 100 years since the invention of plastics, various plastic polymers have been developed that exhibit different characteristics and have been widely used... (Review)
Review
In the more than 100 years since the invention of plastics, various plastic polymers have been developed that exhibit different characteristics and have been widely used in production and life. In 2020 alone, nearly 400 million tons of plastics were produced globally. However, while plastic such as polyethylene brings us convenience, it also threatens environmental sustainability and human health. Due to insufficient recycling efficiency, millions of tons of polyethylene pollutants accumulate in terrestrial or marine environments each year. Polyethylene is elastic, chemically stable, and non-biodegradable, and the traditional disposal methods include landfilling and incineration. These methods are costly, unsustainable, and further increase the burden on the environment. Therefore, recent research has increasingly focused on the biodegradation of polyethylene. In this work, we briefly summarized polyethylene's properties and environmental toxicity. We also reviewed the recent advances in the biodegradation of polyethylene with a summary of traditional abiotic methods. Finally, we proposed a brief research direction in polyethylene study with the aspect of environmental toxicology and industrial applications of decomposition technology.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Environmental Pollutants; Hazardous Substances; Humans; Plastics; Polyethylene; Recycling
PubMed: 35930840
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113933 -
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese... May 2023Polyethylene (PE) is the most abundantly used synthetic resin and one of the most resistant to degradation, and its massive accumulation in the environment has caused... (Review)
Review
Polyethylene (PE) is the most abundantly used synthetic resin and one of the most resistant to degradation, and its massive accumulation in the environment has caused serious pollution. Traditional landfill, composting and incineration technologies can hardly meet the requirements of environmental protection. Biodegradation is an eco-friendly, low-cost and promising method to solve the plastic pollution problem. This review summarizes the chemical structure of PE, the species of PE degrading microorganisms, degrading enzymes and metabolic pathways. Future research is suggested to focus on the screening of high-efficiency PE degrading strains, the construction of synthetic microbial consortia, the screening and modification of degrading enzymes, so as to provide selectable pathways and theoretical references for PE biodegradation research.
Topics: Polyethylene; Bacteria; Plastics; Biodegradation, Environmental; Microbial Consortia
PubMed: 37212223
DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.220868 -
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in... Feb 2023We report a novel polyester material generated from readily available biobased 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol possesses a polyethylene-like...
We report a novel polyester material generated from readily available biobased 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol possesses a polyethylene-like solid-state structure and also tensile properties similar to high density polyethylene (HDPE). Despite its crystallinity, high melting point (T =96 °C) and hydrophobic nature, polyester-2,18 is subject to rapid and complete hydrolytic degradation in in vitro assays with isolated naturally occurring enzymes. Under industrial composting conditions (ISO standard 14855-1) the material is biodegraded with mineralization above 95 % within two months. Reference studies with polyester-18,18 (T =99 °C) reveal a strong impact of the nature of the diol repeating unit on degradation rates, possibly related to the density of ester groups in the amorphous phase. Depolymerization by methanolysis indicates suitability for closed-loop recycling.
Topics: Polyethylene; Biodegradation, Environmental; Polyesters; Hydrolysis
PubMed: 36480133
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202213438 -
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue Nov 2022Over the recent decades, global plastic production has grown dramatically due to the huge demands of consumption. As a consequence, large amounts of plastic waste have... (Review)
Review
Over the recent decades, global plastic production has grown dramatically due to the huge demands of consumption. As a consequence, large amounts of plastic waste have accumulated in the environment and will be cleaved into microplastics. Due to the low bioavailability, the microplastics will exist in the environment persistently and cause massive environmental stress. Plastic pollution is currently one of the biggest environmental concerns. Recent studies have shown the possibility to obtain degrading microorganisms of microplastics from the natural environment. Some microorganisms can break down microplastics into water and carbon dioxide. This paper reviewed the current research on biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), which is the most abundant microplastic type in the environment, and discussed the quantification methods of the degradation effect. Given that current biodegradation efficiency is relatively limited, further research is required.
Topics: Microplastics; Polyethylene; Plastics; Environmental Monitoring; Biodegradation, Environmental
PubMed: 36437059
DOI: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202206017 -
Journal of Nanoscience and... May 2019Clay mineral vermiculite was treated with silver and copper nitrate solutions and samples were subsequently modified with organic compound (dodecylamine) via solid-solid...
Clay mineral vermiculite was treated with silver and copper nitrate solutions and samples were subsequently modified with organic compound (dodecylamine) via solid-solid melt intercalation. Prepared organo-inorgano vermiculites were used as nanofillers to the polyethylene matrix. Mixtures of polyethylene with vermiculite nanofillers, prepared by melt compounding technique, were pressed into thin plates. Structure changes of prepared powder vermiculite nanofillers and polyethylene/vermiculite composites were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray diffraction patterns of vermiculite nanofillers confirm intercalation of dodecylamine into the vermiculite interlayer. Antimicrobial properties of powder vermiculite nanofillers were evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration of samples which is needed to completely stop the bacterial growth and polyethylene/vermiculite composites were evaluated by the number of colony forming units survived on surfaces of composite plates. Different bacterial strains were studied: (1) Gram-positive, represented by bacteria and , (2) Gram-negative, represented by bacteria and , and (3) yeast, . Powder vermiculite nanofillers and surfaces of polyethylene/vermiculite composites showed good antimicrobial effect against tested bacteria and yeast. Powder vermiculite nanofillers show antimicrobial effect already after 30 minutes of tested time. Composite plates exhibited decrease of colony forming units number about 5-7 logarithmic orders depending on bacteria after 24 hours of tested time.
Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Polyethylene
PubMed: 30501756
DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2019.15852 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Classically, particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis at the implant-bone interface has explained the aseptic loosening of joint replacement. This response is preceded... (Review)
Review
Classically, particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis at the implant-bone interface has explained the aseptic loosening of joint replacement. This response is preceded by triggering both the innate and acquired immune response with subsequent activation of osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells. Although particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis has been considered a foreign body chronic inflammation mediated by myelomonocytic-derived cells, current reports describe wide heterogeneous inflammatory cells infiltrating the periprosthetic tissues. This review aims to discuss the role of those non-myelomonocytic cells in periprosthetic tissues exposed to wear particles by showing original data. Specifically, we discuss the role of T cells (CD3, CD4, and CD8) and B cells (CD20) coexisting with CD68/TRAP multinucleated giant cells associated with both polyethylene and metallic particles infiltrating retrieved periprosthetic membranes. This review contributes valuable insight to support the complex cell and molecular mechanisms behind the aseptic loosening theories of orthopedic implants.
Topics: Humans; Osteolysis; Joint Prosthesis; Osteoclasts; Inflammation; Polyethylene
PubMed: 38106424
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310262 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jan 2023Few studies have addressed the effects of package material in the absence of light on contributions to fluid milk flavor. The objective of this study was to compare the...
Few studies have addressed the effects of package material in the absence of light on contributions to fluid milk flavor. The objective of this study was to compare the sensory and chemical properties of fluid milk packaged in paperboard cartons, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and glass. Pasteurized (high temperature short time, 77°C for 25 s) skim and whole milk were filled (280 mL ± 10 mL) into paperboard cartons, low-density polyethylene, HDPE, PET, LLDPE, and glass (control). Milks were stored at 4°C in the dark and sampled at d 0, 5, 10, and 15. Descriptive analysis was applied to document sensory profiles at each time point, and volatile compounds were extracted and identified by solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-olfactometry. Tetrad tests with consumers were conducted at d 10. Both skim and whole milks packaged in cartons had noticeable paperboard flavor by d 5 and higher levels of hexanal than skim and whole milks in other package types at d 5. Skim milks packaged in paperboard cartons and LLDPE had distinct refrigerator/stale flavor compared with milks in the other package types, concurrent with increased levels of refrigerator/package-related compounds including styrene, acetophenone and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Milks packaged in glass, PET and HDPE were not distinguished by consumers at d 10 post-processing. Package type influences fluid milk flavor, and these effects are greater in skim milk compared with whole milk. Paperboard cartons do not preserve milk freshness, as well as PET, HDPE, or glass, due to flavor migration and scalping. Glass remains an ideal barrier to preserve fluid milk flavor, but in the absence of light, HDPE and PET provide additional benefits while also maintaining fluid milk flavor.
Topics: Animals; Milk; Polyethylene; Taste; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Solid Phase Microextraction
PubMed: 36357202
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22060 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2022Oil residues have been frequently found on the coasts all over the world as a result of different accidental releases. Their partial evaporation and solidification onto...
Oil residues have been frequently found on the coasts all over the world as a result of different accidental releases. Their partial evaporation and solidification onto the coastal rocks can produce the formation of a new solid structure forming an agglomerate with other materials, mainly microplastics (though wood, glass, sand and rocks were also found), yielding to a new plastic formation, name herein for the first time as "plastitar". These new formations have been found in several of the islands of the Canary Islands archipelago (Spain). Their study has shown that these new formations can be permanently attached to the rock, occupying even a 56% of the sampled area with an heterogeneous distribution. It was also observed that the studied plastitar was composed mainly of tar and polyethylene (90.6% of the studied particles) and polypropylene (9.4% of the studied particles) microplastics, primarily fragments (82.5%), pellets (15.7%) and lines (1.8%). The ever more frequent presence of plastics and, in particular, microplastics in coastal environments can lead to the common occurrence of these new plastic formations (probably present in other parts of the world), which long-term effects on the coasts should be further investigated.
Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Plastics; Polyethylene; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35644393
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156261 -
Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews Feb 2021Porous polyethylene (pPE) is a frequently implanted biomaterial in craniofacial reconstructive surgery. Its rapid vascularization and tissue incorporation are major...
Porous polyethylene (pPE) is a frequently implanted biomaterial in craniofacial reconstructive surgery. Its rapid vascularization and tissue incorporation are major prerequisites to prevent complications, such as material infection, migration, and extrusion. To achieve this, several sophisticated strategies have been introduced and evaluated during the last 20 years. These include (i) the angiogenic stimulation of the host tissue with epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor or macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2, (ii) material modifications, such as increase of surface roughness and incorporation of bioactive glass particles, (iii) surface coatings with growth factors, glycoproteins, acrylic acid, arginine/glycine/aspartic acid peptide as well as components of the plasminogen activation system and autologous clotted blood or serum, and (iv) the seeding with fibroblasts, chondrocytes, stem cells, or adipose-tissue-derived microvascular fragments. The majority of these approaches showed promising results in experimental studies and, thus, may be capable of improving the success rates after pPE implantation in future clinical practice.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Biocompatible Materials; Chondrocytes; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Polyethylene; Porosity
PubMed: 32524897
DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0077