Fast-screening flow cytometry method for detecting nanoplastics in human peripheral blood

Plastic pollution is a global problem. Animals and humans can ingest and inhale plastic particles, with uncertain health consequences. Nanoplastics (NPs) are particles ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm that result from the erosion or breakage of larger plastic debris, and can be highly polydisperse in physical properties and heterogeneous in composition. Potential effects of NPs exposure may be associated with alterations in the xenobiotic metabolism, nutrients absorption, energy metabolism, cytotoxicity, and behavior. In humans, no data on NPs absorptions has been reported previously. Given that their detection relies significantly on environmental exposure, we have prospectively studied the presence of NPs in human peripheral blood (PB). Specifically, we have used fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry, together with the staining of the lipophilic dye Nile Red (NR), to demonstrate that NPs can be accurately detected using flow cytometry. center dot Potential effects of nanoplastics exposure. center dot Fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry. center dot Accurate detection using flow cytometry.

Automated summary

Plastic pollution is a global problem, with potential health consequences for animals and humans who ingest and inhale plastic particles. Nanoplastics (NPs), ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm, are particles formed from the erosion or breakage of larger plastic debris and can vary in physical properties and composition. The exposure to NPs may lead to alterations in xenobiotic and energy metabolism, nutrients absorption, cytotoxicity, and behavior. Our study prospectively investigated the presence of NPs in human peripheral blood using fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry, demonstrating the accurate detection of NPs with flow cytometry.