Microplastic inhalation

investigating the impact of microplastics on human health have become increasingly important, as these particles are now widespread in the environment and detectable human tissues.

Human risk assessment associated with inhalation and ingestion of microplastics is a growing concern. In-vitro studies have already shown that exposure to microplastics can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in lung cells. Additionally, microplastics may disrupt the pulmonary barrier, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The use of Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures is a relevant model to study the lung cell exposure to microplastic.

Reliable and effective in vitro exposure

Aerosol exposure studies conducted at the air/liquid interface (ALI) using advanced exposure systems are more scientifically relevant and predictive of human biology than in vitro studies conducted on either submerged cultures or ALI cultures exposed by pipetting a solution of aerosol.

Micronized microplastics can be generated by solvent precipitation and nebulized to the lung epithelial cells through an aerosol, combined to a dryer.

The use of Transwells® permeable supports allows cells to differentiate into a physiologically relevant culture model. The expoCube replicates human physiology more closely than traditional cellular exposure systems by preventing the exposure of the culture medium (i.e. the blood side) to the gas phase, thereby creating a more natural or “lung-like” exposure profile.

Moreover, delivering the microplastics as an aerosol, as opposed to a solution, prevents the confounding effects from the agents needed to suspend hydrophobic particles in solution.

References & Publications

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