In the heart of London, at Kingston University, a groundbreaking study led by Anna Babin Morgan is shedding new light on the potential impacts of nanoplastics on lung health, with implications that could ripple through industries, including energy. The research, published in the journal *Nano Select* (which translates to *Nano Choice*), explores how nanoplastics with varying surface properties interact with the lungs, offering insights that could influence safety protocols and material design in sectors where nanotechnology plays a pivotal role.
Nanoplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 100 nanometers in size, are ubiquitous in our environment, but their health effects remain poorly understood. Babin Morgan’s team set out to investigate how the surface hydrophobicity—essentially, how water-repellent these particles are—affects lung health. Using mice as a model, they administered nanoplastics with different levels of hydrophobicity and monitored the animals’ lung responses over time.
The findings were striking. Nanoplastics with high hydrophobicity triggered a transient inflammatory response in the lungs, peaking just 24 hours after exposure and resolving within a week. “This transient inflammation suggests that while the body can mount a defense against these particles, repeated or prolonged exposure could potentially lead to more chronic issues,” Babin Morgan explained. In contrast, hydrophilic (water-attracting) nanoplastics did not induce any inflammatory response at the same dose.
The study also revealed that both types of nanoplastics increased the prevalence of coarsely vacuolated alveolar macrophages—immune cells in the lungs that appeared to be engorged with the particles. “We saw a significant increase in these distinctive macrophages, which suggests that the lungs are actively trying to clear these particles, but the process might not be entirely efficient,” Babin Morgan noted.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the researchers observed mild increases in collagen deposition, a marker of tissue remodeling and fibrosis, following exposure to hydrophobic nanoplastics. While the changes were not as severe as those seen in a bleomycin model of fibrosis, they raise questions about the long-term effects of nanoplastic exposure. “This is an area that warrants further investigation, especially given the widespread use of nanoplastics in various industries,” Babin Morgan said.
The study also explored the use of longitudinal micro-CT imaging as a non-invasive method for detecting lung fibrosis. By developing a bespoke image analysis technique, the team found that they could correlate high-density tissue signals with histopathology-derived collagen deposition data. This could pave the way for more accurate and less invasive monitoring of lung health in both clinical and industrial settings.
For the energy sector, where nanotechnology is increasingly being leveraged for applications such as enhanced oil recovery, energy storage, and pollution control, these findings could have significant implications. Understanding how nanoplastics interact with biological systems is crucial for developing safer materials and protocols. “As we continue to innovate and utilize nanotechnology, it’s essential that we also invest in understanding the potential health impacts,” Babin Morgan emphasized.
This research not only highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of nanoplastic exposure but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bridging the gap between materials science, biology, and health, we can ensure that technological advancements are both innovative and safe. As Babin Morgan and her team continue to unravel the complexities of nanoplastic interactions, their work serves as a reminder that progress in science and technology must always be tempered with a deep understanding of potential risks.