Toxicological Effects of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans: Impairment of Development, Reproduction, and Stress Responses
2025
Stefano Fortuna | Erica Sonaglia | Stefano Tacconi | Mohammad Sharbaf | Daniela Uccelletti | Luciana Dini | Emily Schifano | Maria Laura Santarelli
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that accumulate in ecosystems and can cause toxicity in organisms by affecting multiple biological processes. This study investigates the effects of poly(methyl methacrylate) microplastic microspheres (MPs, 200 µ:m diameter) on Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model in ecotoxicology. Nematodes were exposed to MPs at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL, and various toxicological endpoints were assessed. The uptake of MPs was evaluated by µ:FT-IR analysis. The results indicate that MPs induce a concentration-dependent reduction in body length and alterations in the reproduction rate. Lifespan was also significantly reduced, with a 20% decrease at the highest concentration. Intestinal permeability assays revealed disruption of gut integrity at higher concentrations, and oxidative stress analysis showed a 1.8-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels at 10 mg/mL. Gene expression analysis via real-time qPCR indicated the upregulation of genes involved in oxidative stress and in DNA repair mechanisms. Additionally, the longevity-related transcription factors daf-16 and skn-1 were modulated, suggesting an adaptive stress response. These findings suggest that MPs impair growth, reproduction, and oxidative stress response in C. elegans, emphasizing the potential risks associated with microplastic exposure.
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