Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been highlighted as a cause of concern to the environment and to human health. Humans are exposed to particles of MNPs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal adsorption, potentially causing harm or health complications. Additives and contaminants add complexity to this problem, as these compounds have an effect of their own. Aging and exposure to the environment allow the particles to adsorb or absorb contaminants. Additionally, microbes have been shown to preferentially colonize the hydrophobic surface of MNPs. The combinatorial effects of contaminants or microbes and MNPs are still not fully understood in the context of human health. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of MNPs together with microbes on inflammation in cell models relevant to the human airway. The results from this study suggest that HDPE can modulate the cellular effects observed with microbial exposure, specifically oxidative burst and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Further research into the questions addressed is required to uncover if MNPs, and especially in combination with microbial contaminants, pose a risk to human health.