7th joint conference "Joint Microbiology & Infection Conference 2024" of the DGHM and VAAM

Abstract: Microplastic particles ubiquitously found in the environment are taken up by many organisms. Subsequently, microplastic particles can translocate from the primarily exposed organs, e.g., the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory organs, into the tissues, likely through cellular internalization. The reasons for cellular internalization are still largely unknown since this has only been shown for specifically surface-functionalized particles. We show that environmentally exposed microplastic particles are internalized into macrophages significantly more often than pristine microplastic particles. We identified biomolecules and microbial biofilms forming an eco-corona on the surface of microplastic particles, suggesting that environmental exposure promotes the cellular internalization of microplastics. Subsequently, we thoroughly analyzed the eco-corona originating from freshwater and saltwater to understand its role in particle-cell interactions better. We found the zeta potential to be increased due to the coating with an eco-corona, alongside with structural biofilm distinctions, which can be one driving factor for enhanced particle-cell interaction. Our results help better understand the particle-cell interaction mechanisms of environmentally exposed microplastic particles. Cellular internalization is a key route by which microplastic particles translocate into tissues, which may cause toxicological effects that affect environmental and human health.

The eco-corona on microplastic particles enhances their interactions with cells

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The eco-corona on microplastic particles enhances their interactions with cells

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