Ritarossi, Chiara (2026) Towards New approach methodologies for Micro- and Nanoplastics Hazard Identification: comparative insights on Polystyrene and Biodegradable particles. [Tesi di dottorato]

Documento PDF RITAROSSI_CHIARA_38PNRR.pdf Visibile a [TBR] Amministratori dell'archivio Download (3MB) | Richiedi una copia

Abstract

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), which result from the fragmentation processes of plastic waste, are solid polymers with an average size of <5 mm and <100 nm, respectively. The widespread presence of these pollutants in the environment is an emerging risk that requires urgent risk assessment and management strategies to mitigate their consequences on human health and ecosystems. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are one of the first choices to generate the information needed to improve mechanistic understanding of nanoscale processes, as they can support chemical risk assessment by informing on the hazard of a chemical without the use of animal testing. This study investigated the biological effects of polystyrene (PS-NPs) and biodegradable polycaprolactone nanoplastics (PCL-NPs) using complementary in vitro intestinal models and the in vivo 3R-compliant Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Cytotoxicity, DNA damage, nanoparticle internalization, and paracellular permeability were evaluated in the in vitro models. In C. elegans, the analyzed endpoints included oxidative stress response and locomotor behavior, along with the assessment of potential multi- and trans-generational effects. Results indicated that PS-NPs induced both DNA damage and barrier impairment in vitro, whereas the biodegradable PCL-NPs exhibit comparatively milder biological impacts. Consistent findings emerge in the in vivo model, where PCL causes milder effects than PS-NPs, suggesting that chemical characteristics of biodegradable polymers and surface chemistry play a key role in determining the biological impact of nanoplastics (NPs), underscoring the potential advantages of biodegradable nanomaterials for safer environmental and biomedical applications. The present study, through in vitro and in vivo approaches, intends to contribute to the development and standardization of reliable and NAMs suitable for the assessment of human health risk resulting from exposure to MNPs in a "One Health" perspective.

Downloads

Actions (login required)

Modifica documento