Cellular Response of Keratinocytes to the Entry and Accumulation of Nanoplastic Particles

    April 2024 in “ Particle and Fibre Toxicology
    Leisha Martin, Kayla Simpson, Molly Brzezinski, John Watt, Wei Xu
    Studysummary In this study, researchers investigated the penetration and cellular responses to nanoplastics in human skin models with compromised barriers, finding that nanoplastics can penetrate the skin, accumulate in cells, and trigger inflammatory responses through specific signaling pathways.
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    This study examines the effects of nanoplastic particles (NPs) on human skin, focusing on keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast cells. Using in vitro and 3D co-culture models, researchers found that 100 nm NPs can penetrate the skin, especially when the stratum corneum is compromised, leading to accumulation in skin cells. NPs were shown to alter gene expression related to inflammation in keratinocytes and induce a transition in dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblast cells, increasing α-smooth muscle actin and pro-Collagen Ia production. These changes suggest potential skin inflammation and immune responses, highlighting the risks of NP exposure, particularly for individuals with compromised skin barriers.
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