Non-Small Lung Cancer Cell Culturing in the Presence of Microplastics

• Xavier Flaiz, Biochemistry, University of Delaware

• Ariel Alperstein, Chemistry, University of Delaware

Micrometer sized plastic particles known as “microplastics” have been detected throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, and bloodstream. Research suggests microplastics have a harmful effect on the body, although specifics remain unclear. Of growing concern is the effect of inhaled microplastics on lung health. Current literature suggests that microplastic interactions with cells result in oxidative stress and interfere with the cell cycle. The relationship between microplastic size and cell health remains unknown. Preliminary studies suggest the rate of plastic intake to cells is not inversely correlated with size; in other words, larger plastics may be able to enter the cell more readily than smaller particles in certain cases. To explore how different microplastic sizes affect cell proliferation, A549 cells, a line of epithelial lung cells, are  incubated with 0.1μm, 0.2μm, 0.5μm,1μm, 3μm, and 6μm diameter polystyrene beads. The health of these cells is measured by monitoring their viability. Microplastic intake is measured alongside viability to investigate a correlation between absorption rates and toxicity. We hypothesize that microplastics 0.5μm and smaller will enter the cell through passive diffusion, with a direct correlation between size and degree of intake, and an effect on cell viability correlated to the amount of absorbed. We additionally predict the 3μm beads will enter the cell at a higher rate than the sub-micron beads, owing to a method of active intake known as “phagocytosis” which is thought to be more efficient. The 6μm beads are not expected to enter the cells, as they are thought to be too large for any known transport methods.