Cellular Uptake and Nuclear Accumulation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in 3T3 Fibroblasts and Hepatocytes of Rattus norvegicus
Cellular Uptake and Nuclear Accumulation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in 3T3 Fibroblasts and Hepatocytes of Rattus norvegicus
Febriyansyah Saputra1, Alfiah Hayati1*, Adiibtia Septiani1, Manikya Pramudya1, Raden Joko Kuncoroningrat Susilo2, Vuanghao Lim3, Bayyinatul Muchtaromah4
ABSTRACT
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) are emerging contaminants that pose potential risks to cellular health due to their small size and ability to penetrate biological barriers. This study investigates the cellular uptake mechanisms and intracellular distribution of PSNPs using Rattus norvegicus hepatocytes and 3T3 fibroblast cell cultures. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated substantial PSNP accumulation within both cell types, with distinct intracellular localization patterns. In hepatocytes, PSNPs were predominantly observed in the cytoplasm and occasionally within the nucleus, suggesting active endocytosis and potential nuclear transport. In 3T3 fibroblasts, PSNPs were found not only in the cytoplasm and around the nucleus but also within the nuclear compartment, highlighting their ability to traverse the nuclear envelope. Quantitative analysis revealed significant morphological changes, increased cell and nucleus diameters, and a higher percentage of necrotic cells in PSNP-exposed groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). The observed cellular stress responses may induce oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and apoptosis, supported by morphological and fluorescence evidence indicating interactions with proteins, lipids, and nuclear components.. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with PSNP exposure, highlighting the need for further research into their long-term biological impacts and the mechanisms underlying their cellular interactions.
Keywords | Nanoplastics, Cellular health, Cellular-transport, Hepatocytes, 3T3-fibroblast
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July 2025
Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci., Vol. 13, Iss. 7,
