Modelling the Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics On Epithelium
Liukkonen, Sanna (2021)
2021
Biotekniikan DI-ohjelma - Master's Programme in Bioengineering
Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunta - Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2021-05-20
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202104263675
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202104263675
Tiivistelmä
Micro- and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that pollute our environment. The first observations of microplastic particles were made in 1971, and since then, they have been found in soil, water bodies and air. Because there are microplastics everywhere, humans are constantly exposed to them through multiple sources, for example contaminated foodstuff and dust. Exposure pathways include ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact.
As the intake of micro- and nanoplastics is quite evident, the knowledge about negative effects is still very limited. Potential health risks arise from the interaction of particles with our cells and through harmful substances transported to our bodies by the particles.
The number of studies about the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics is very limited, and only a few studies with human epithelial cell lines exists. The purpose of this work was to provide an overview of those previous studies, as well as to create a basis for a protocol that could be used to further investigate the effects of micro- and nanoplastics.
A few tests were performed on cells. The aim was to find out how different microplastic sizes and concentrations affect the integrity and formation of the epithelium. MDCK cells exposed to different concentrations of 1 μm and 10 μm polystyrene particles were used in this study. Concentration tests were performed over a wide concentration range to give an indication of the particle concentration at which distinct effects are seen in the cell layer. Based on the concentration tests, a few particle concentrations were selected for further studies. Using these particle concentrations, cells were further examined with TEER measurements and microscopic imaging.
The results suggest that 1 μm particles do not affect the integrity or formation of the epithelial layer even at high concentrations (50,000,000 particles/cm2). Instead, larger 10 μm particles affect the integrity of the epithelial layer at a concentration of 500,000 particles/cm2 and below, and the formation of an epithelial layer at a concentration of 50,000 particles/cm2 and below. The probable reason for the difference between the particles is the weight of the particles: large particles cause more abrasive force on the cell layer as they move over it.
The study succeeded in creating a good basis for a protocol that can be used to further investigate the effects of microplastics in the future. Development of the used methods and including new methods would add value to the research.
As the intake of micro- and nanoplastics is quite evident, the knowledge about negative effects is still very limited. Potential health risks arise from the interaction of particles with our cells and through harmful substances transported to our bodies by the particles.
The number of studies about the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics is very limited, and only a few studies with human epithelial cell lines exists. The purpose of this work was to provide an overview of those previous studies, as well as to create a basis for a protocol that could be used to further investigate the effects of micro- and nanoplastics.
A few tests were performed on cells. The aim was to find out how different microplastic sizes and concentrations affect the integrity and formation of the epithelium. MDCK cells exposed to different concentrations of 1 μm and 10 μm polystyrene particles were used in this study. Concentration tests were performed over a wide concentration range to give an indication of the particle concentration at which distinct effects are seen in the cell layer. Based on the concentration tests, a few particle concentrations were selected for further studies. Using these particle concentrations, cells were further examined with TEER measurements and microscopic imaging.
The results suggest that 1 μm particles do not affect the integrity or formation of the epithelial layer even at high concentrations (50,000,000 particles/cm2). Instead, larger 10 μm particles affect the integrity of the epithelial layer at a concentration of 500,000 particles/cm2 and below, and the formation of an epithelial layer at a concentration of 50,000 particles/cm2 and below. The probable reason for the difference between the particles is the weight of the particles: large particles cause more abrasive force on the cell layer as they move over it.
The study succeeded in creating a good basis for a protocol that can be used to further investigate the effects of microplastics in the future. Development of the used methods and including new methods would add value to the research.