Treatment of polyethylene microplastics degraded by ultraviolet light irradiation causes lysosome-deregulated cell death.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles < 5 mm in size, are prevalent in the environment, and human exposure to them is inevitable. To assess the potential risk of MPs on human health, it is essential to consider the physicochemical properties of environmental MPs, including polymer types, size, shape, and surface chemical modifications. Notably, environmental MPs undergo degradation due to external factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and waves, leading to changes in their surface characteristics. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the health effects of MPs, with a specific focus on their surface degradation. This study concentrates on cytotoxic MPs with surface degradation through UV irradiation, aiming to identify the mechanisms underlying their cell toxicity

SUBMITTER: Manabe S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11473831 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature