A recent study sheds light on the potential impact of nanoplastics on metabolism. Nanoplastics, which are plastic particles measuring less than 100 nanometers, are generated from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, such as plastic bags and water bottles, and are ubiquitous in both land and water environments. Due to their small size, they can easily enter and interact with organisms, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem and food chain.
To investigate the effects of PET particles, a commonly used plastic in bottle manufacturing, on organisms, researchers conducted an experiment on zebrafish. The study was a collaborative effort between Leipzig University and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and aimed to examine how small PET plastic particles impact an organism's metabolism and development. The findings of the study have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The widespread use of plastic poses a significant threat to global ecosystems, particularly due to the proliferation of small plastic particles commonly referred to as microplastics and nanoplastics. These particles have been found in various sources of drinking water, food, and even air.
Nanoplastics can be ingested by humans and animals through food and water, raising concerns that they may accumulate in the body over time. As the full extent of their effects on human health remains unknown, scientific research, such as the study conducted by Leipzig University, continues to investigate the topic.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a commonly used plastic material, used to make plastic bags and containers for food and drinks. However, there is limited knowledge on the harmful effects of PET nanoplastics. In a recently published research project, scientists at Leipzig University examined the impact of PET nanoplastics on zebrafish embryos.
The accumulation of tiny plastic particles in several organs of zebrafish embryos was observed by the researchers, including the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain. PET nanoplastics were also found to cause behavioral abnormalities in the model animals, as they displayed reduced movement.
According to Dr. Alia Matysik, the corresponding author and a scientist at the Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics in the Faculty of Medicine, "Our study provides the first insight into the toxicity pathways caused by PET nanoplastics and the underlying mechanisms of damage in intact zebrafish larvae. We discovered that liver function was significantly impaired and oxidative stress occurred. PET nanoplastics also affected the cellular membrane and energetics of living organisms."
To investigate the effects of PET nanoplastics on zebrafish embryos, researchers utilized a non-invasive analytical technique called High-resolution magic-angle spinning (HRMAS) that employs nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to analyze solids and soft matter. Unlike invasive methods, HRMAS allows researchers to observe matter from the outside without damaging tissue or inserting instruments into the body. The study combined research on zebrafish cell and tissue metabolism with cellular assays and behavioral tests.
Dr. Matysik, the lead scientist, explains that "We utilized state-of-the-art analytical NMR methods to comprehensively understand the metabolic pathways impacted by PET nanoplastics. Our study reveals how the accumulation of PET alters the organism's biochemistry."
According to Professor Jörg Matysik, who was involved in his wife's study at Leipzig University, the adverse effects of PET nanoplastics observed in zebrafish embryos may also affect mammals and humans. Although the full extent of their impact is unknown, it is clear that PET nanoplastics are disrupting ecosystems. To prevent this form of waste from entering the environment, plastics should be avoided. Professor Matysik adds that addressing this issue will be a significant challenge in the near future.
Moving forward, the researchers at Leipzig University aim to continue their investigation of the effects of nanoplastics and their impact on brain function. Dr. Alia Matysik explains that PET nanoplastics have been observed to accumulate in the brain and they plan to study whether this has any effects on brain function and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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