Biofilm enhances the interactive effects of microplastics and oxytetracycline on zebrafish intestine.

The enhanced adsorption of pollutants on biofilm-developed microplastics has been proved in many studies, but the ecotoxicological effects of biofilm-developed microplastics on organisms are still unclear. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to original microplastics, biofilm-developed microplastics, original microplastics absorbed with oxytetracycline (OTC), and biofilm-developed microplastics absorbed with OTC for 30 days. The intestinal histological damage, intestinal biomarker response, gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profile of zebrafish were measured to explore the roles of biofilm in the effects of microplastics. The results showed that biofilm-developed microplastics significantly increased the number of goblet cells in intestinal epithelium compared with the control group. The biofilm-developed microplastics also induced the oxidative response in the zebrafish intestines, and biofilm changed the response mode in the combined treatment with OTC. Additionally, the biofilm-developed microplastics caused intestinal microbiome dysbiosis, and induced the abundance of some pathogenic genera increasing by several times compared with the control group and the original microplastics treatments, regardless of OTC adsorption. Furthermore, the abundance of ARGs in biofilm-developed microplastics increased significantly compared with the control and the original microplastic treatments. This study emphasized the significant influence and unique role of biofilm in microplastic studies.

Micro- and nanoplastics concepts for particle and fibre toxicologists.

Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) are omnipresent as either pollution or intentionally used in consumer products, released from packaging or even food. There is an exponential increase in the production of plastics. With the realization of bioaccumulation in humans, toxicity research is quickly expanding. There is a rapid increase in the number of papers published on the potential implications of exposure to MNP which necessitates a call for quality criteria to be applied when doing the research. At present, most papers on MNP describe the effects of commercially available polymer (mostly polystyrene) beads that are typically not the MNP of greatest concern. This is not a fault of the research community, necessarily, as the MNPs to which humans are exposed are usually not available in the quantities needed for toxicological research and innovations are needed to supply environmentally-relevant MNP models. In addition, like we have learned from decades of research with particulate matter and engineered nanomaterials, sample physicochemical characteristics and preparation can have major impacts on the biological responses and interpretation of the research findings. Lastly, MNP dosimetry may pose challenges as (1) we are seeing early evidence that plastics are already in the human body at quite high levels that may be difficult to achieve in acute in vitro studies and (2) plastics are already in the diets fed to preclinical models. This commentary highlights the pitfalls and recommendations for particle and fibre toxicologists that should be considered when performing and disseminating the research.

Tracing the entry process of submicrometre plastics in soybean sprouts by leaf-derived fluorescent carbon dots.

As a global emerging contaminant, microplastics (MPs) in water or soil can accumulate in vegetables, making them easily ingested through the diet. With excellent and tunable optical properties, carbon dots (CDs) are highly advantageous for tracing the entry process of MPs. Originally, long-wavelength CDs were synthesized from leaf-derived extracts, and fluorescent submicrometer plastics (CDs-MPs) with clean surfaces and concentrated particle sizes were obtained by soap-free microemulsion polymerization. The concentration of CDs-MPs exhibits a significant linear relationship with long-wavelength fluorescence intensity (λEx/λEm: 415/676 nm). Soybean sprouts (SBS), as an important type of food, are susceptible to contamination of MPs due to their soft epidermis and rapidly growing biomass. The results showed that CDs-MPs could be embedded into the cortex of SBS and enter the plant with cell division and elongation, leading to an increase in pore size on the cell wall surface. After entering the root system, CDs-MPs will pass through the Casparian strip and migrate in the vessels. Then, CDs-MPs enter the leaves through vascular bundles, and the distribution and size of epicuticular wax on leaves have changed. Furthermore, SBS showed resistant growth and increased levels of oxidative response when exposed to MPs/CDs-MPs. It is the first study to demonstrate the application of leaf-derived CDs in the prevention of MPs pollution by revealing the migration behavior of submicrometre plastics in SBS.

Effects of microplastics on microbial community structure and wheatgrass traits in Pb-contaminated riparian sediments under flood-drainage-planting conditions.

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in sediments has caused a potential threat to sediment biota. However, differences in the effects of MPs and heavy metals on microbes and plants in sediments under different sediment conditions remain unclear. Hence, we investigated the influence of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on microbial community structure, Pb bioavailability, and wheatgrass traits under sequential incubation of sediments (i.e., flood, drainage, and planting stages). Results showed that the sediment enzyme activities presented a dose-dependent effect of MPs. Besides, 10 % PLA MPs significantly increased the F1 fractions in three stages by 11.13 %, 30.10 %, and 17.26 %, respectively, thus resulting in higher Pb mobility and biotoxicity. MPs altered sediment bacterial composition and structures, and bacterial community differences were evident in different incubation stages. Moreover, the co-exposure of PLA MPs and Pb significantly decreased the shoot length and total biomass of wheatgrass and correspondingly activated the antioxidant enzyme activity. Further correlation analysis demonstrated that community structure induced by MPs was mainly driven by sediment enzyme activity. This study contributes to elucidating the combined effects of MPs and heavy metals on sediment ecosystems under different sediment conditions.

Effects of different oxidants on the behaviour of microplastic hetero-aggregates.

Microplastic hetero-aggregates are stable forms of microplastics in the aqueous environment. However, when disinfecting water containing microplastic hetero-aggregates, the response of them in water to different oxidizing agents and the effect on water quality have not been reported. Our results showed that Ca(ClO)2, K2S2O8, and sodium percarbonate (SPC) treatment could lead to the disaggregation of microplastic hetero-aggregates as well as a rise in cell membrane permeability, which caused a large amount of organic matter to be released. When the amount of oxidant dosing is insufficient, the oxidant cannot completely degrade the released organic matter, resulting in DOC, DTN, DTP and other indicators being higher than before oxidation, thus causing secondary pollution of the water body. In comparison, K2FeO4 can purify the water body stably without destroying the microplastic hetero-aggregates, but it only weakly inhibits the toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis and Pseudanabaena, which may cause cyanobacterial bloom as well as algal toxin and odorant contamination in practical application. Compared with the other oxidizers, K2S2O8 provides better inhibition of toxic cyanobacteria and has better ecological safety. Therefore, when treating microplastic-containing water bodies, we should consider both water purification and ecological safety, and select appropriate oxidant types and dosages to optimize the water treatment.

Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling.

Disposable surgical masks undeniably provide important personal protection in daily life, but the potential health risks by the release of microplastic fibres from masks should command greater attention. In this study, we conducted a microplastic fibre release simulation experiment by carrying masks in a pocket and reusing them, to reveal the number and morphological changes of microfibres released. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy were employed to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the mask fibres. The results indicated that the reuse of disposable masks led to a significant release of microplastic fibres, potentially leading to their migration into the respiratory system. Furthermore, the release of microplastic fibres increased with prolonged external friction, particularly when masks were stored in pockets. The large-scale release of microplastic fibres due to mask reuse raises concerns about potential health risks to the human respiratory system. The reuse of disposable masks should be also strictly avoided in daily life in the future. Furthermore, the current study also established a robust foundation for future research endeavours on health risks associated with microplastic fibres entering the respiratory system through improper mask usage.

Exploring the potential and challenges of developing physiologically-based toxicokinetic models to support human health risk assessment of microplastic and nanoplastic particles.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution has emerged as a significant and widespread environmental issue. Humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts from various sources. However, mechanistic knowledge of their distribution, interaction, and potency in the body is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we have undertaken the task of elucidating the toxicokinetic (TK) behaviors of MPs and NPs, aiming to provide mechanistic information for constructing a conceptual physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model to support in silico modeling approaches. Our effort involved a thorough examination of the existing literature and data collation on the presence of MPs in the human body and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo biodistribution across various cells and tissues. By comprehending the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion mechanisms of MPs and NPs in relation to their physicochemical attributes, we established a foundational understanding of the link between external exposure and internal tissue dosimetry. We observed that particle size and surface chemistry have been thoroughly explored in previous experimental studies. However, certain attributes, such as polymer type, shape, and biofilm/biocorona, warrant attention and further examination. We discussed the fundamental disparities in TK properties of MPs/NPs from those of engineered nanoparticles. We proposed a preliminary PBTK framework with several possible modeling approaches and discussed existing challenges for further investigation. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive compilation of existing TK data of MPs/NPs, a critical overview of TK processes and mechanisms, and proposes potential PBTK modeling approaches, particularly regarding their applicability to the human system, and outlines future perspectives for developing PBTK models and their integration into human health risk assessment of MPs and NPs.

Simultaneous exposure to nanoplastics and cadmium mitigates microalgae cellular toxicity: Insights from molecular simulation and metabolomics.

In the severe pollution area of nanoplastics (NPs) and cadmium ions (Cd2+), the joint effects of their high environmental concentrations on primary producers may differ from those of low environmental doses. Thus, we investigated the physiological changes, cell morphology, molecular dynamic simulation, phenotypic interactions, and metabolomics responses of C. pyrenoidosa to high environmental concentrations of NPs and Cd2+ after 12-d acclimation. After 12-d cultivation, mono-NPs and mono-Cd2+ reduced cell density and triggered antioxidant enzymes, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production, and cell aggregation to defend their unfavorable effects. Based on the molecular dynamic simulation, the chlorine atoms of the NPs and Cd2+ had charge attraction with the nitrogen and phosphorus atoms in the choline and phosphate groups in the cell membrane, thereby NPs and Cd2+ could adsorb on the cells to destroy them. In the joint exposure, NPs dominated the variations of ultrastructure and metabolomics and alleviated the toxicity of NPs and Cd2+. Due to its high environmental concentration, more NPs could compete with the microalgae for Cd2+ and thicken cell walls, diminishing the Cd2+ content and antioxidant enzymes of microalgae. NPs addition also decreased the EPS content, while the bound EPS with -CN bond was kept to detoxicate Cd2+. Metabolomics results showed that the NPs downregulated nucleotide, arachidonic acid, and tryptophan metabolisms, while the Cd2+ showed an opposite trend. Compared with their respective exposures, metabolomics results found the changes in metabolic molecules, suggesting the NPs_Cd2+ toxicity was mitigated by balancing nucleotide, arachidonic acid, tryptophan, and arginine and proline metabolisms. Consequently, this study provided new insights that simultaneous exposure to high environmental concentrations of NPs and Cd2+ mitigated microalgae cellular toxicity, which may change their fates and biogeochemical cycles in aquatic systems.

Freeze-thaw aged polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics alter enzyme activity and microbial community composition in soil.

In cold regions, microplastics (MPs) in the soil undergo freeze-thaw (FT) aging process. Little is known about how FT aged MPs influence soil physico-chemical properties and microbial communities. Here, two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg) of 50 and 500 µm polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs treated soils were subjected to 45-day FT cycles (FTCs). Results showed that MPs experienced surface morphology, hydrophobicity and crystallinity alterations after FTCs. After 45-day FTCs, the soil urease (SUE) activity in control (MPs-free group that underwent FTCs) was 33.49 U/g. SUE activity in 50 µm PE group was reduced by 19.66 %, while increased by 21.16 % and 37.73 % in 500 µm PE and PP groups compared to control. The highest Shannon index was found in 50 µm PP-MPs group at 50 mg/kg, 2.26 % higher than control (7.09). Compared to control (average weighted degree=8.024), all aged MPs increased the complexity of network (0.19-1.43 %). Bacterial biomarkers of aged PP-MPs were associated with pollutant degradation. Aged PP-MPs affected genetic information, cellular processes, and disrupted the biosynthesis of metabolites. This study provides new insights into the potential hazards of MPs after FTCs on soil ecosystem in cold regions.

Effects of polystyrene nano- and microplastics and of microplastics with sorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in adult zebrafish.

The presence of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) in the environment is recognised as a global-scale problem. Due to their hydrophobic nature and large specific surface, NPs and MPs can adsorb other contaminants, as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and modulate their bioavailability and hazard. Adult zebrafish were exposed for 3 and 21 days to: (1) 0.07 mg/L NPs (50 nm), (2) 0.05 mg/L MPs (4.5 µm), (3) MPs with sorbed oil compounds of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of a naphthenic crude oil (MPs-WAF), (4) MPs with sorbed benzo(a)pyrene (MPs-B(a)P), (5) 5 % WAF and (6) 21 µg/L B(a)P. Electrodense particles resembling NPs were seen in the intestine lumen close to microvilli. MPs were abundantly found in the intestine lumen, but not internalised into the tissues. After 21 days, NPs caused a significant downregulation of cat, and upregulation of gpx1a and sod1, while MPs upregulated cyp1a and increased the prevalence of liver vacuolisation. No histopathological alteration was observed in gills. In this study, contaminated MPs did not increase PAH levels in zebrafish but results highlight the potential differential impact of plastic particles depending on their size, making it necessary to urgently address the ecotoxicological impact of real environmental NPs and MPs.

From cradle to grave: Deciphering sex-specific disruptions of the nervous and reproductive systems through interactions of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and nanoplastics in adult zebrafish.

4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are common in personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs) and consumer goods; however, they have become pervasive environmental contaminants. MNPs serve as carriers of 4-MBC in both PCCPs and the environment. Our previous study demonstrated that 4-MBC induces estrogenic effects in zebrafish larvae. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the sex- and tissue-specific accumulation and potential toxicities of chronic coexposure to 4-MBC and MNPs. Herein, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of 4-MBC (0, 0.4832, and 4832 µg/L), with or without polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50 nm, 1.0 mg/L) for 21 days. Sex-specific accumulation was observed, with higher concentrations in female brains, while males exhibited comparable accumulation in the liver, testes, and brain. Coexposure to PS-NPs intensified the 4-MBC burden in all tested tissues. Dual-omics analysis (transcriptomics and proteomics) revealed dysfunctions in neuronal differentiation, death, and reproduction. 4-MBC-co-PS-NP exposure disrupted the brain histopathology more severely than exposure to 4-MBC alone, inducing sex-specific neurotoxicity and reproductive disruptions. Female zebrafish exhibited autism spectrum disorder-like behavior and disruption of vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, while male zebrafish showed Parkinson's-like behavior and spermatogenesis disruption. Our findings highlight that PS-NPs enhance tissue accumulation of 4-MBC, leading to sex-specific impairments in the nervous and reproductive systems of zebrafish.

Unraveling the interplay between environmental microplastics and salinity stress on Mytilus galloprovincialis larval development: A holistic exploration.

The rise of plastic production has triggered a surge in plastic waste, overwhelming marine ecosystems with microplastics. The effects of climate change, notably changing salinity, have shaped the dynamics of coastal lagoons. Thus, understanding the combined impact of these phenomena on marine organisms becomes increasingly crucial. To address these knowledge gaps, we investigated for the first time the interactive effects of environmental microplastics (EMPs) and increased salinity on the early development of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae. Morphological assessments using the larval embryotoxicity test revealed larval anomalies and developmental arrests induced by EMPs and increased salinity. Transcriptomic analyses targeting 12 genes involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA repair, shell formation, and stress proteins were conducted on D-larvae uncovered the potential effects of EMPs on shell biomineralization, highlighting the role of Histidine Rich Glycoproteine (HRG) and tubulin as crucial adaptive mechanisms in Mytilus sp. in response to environmental shifts. Furthermore, we explored oxidative stress and neurotoxicity using biochemical assays. Our findings revealed a potential interaction between EMPs and increased salinity, impacting multiple physiological processes in mussel larvae. Our data contribute to understanding the cumulative effects of emerging anthropogenic pollutants and environmental stressors, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to assessing their impact on marine ecosystems.

In situ profiling reveals spatially metabolic injury in the initiation of polystyrene nanoplastic-derived intestinal epithelial injury in mice.

Despite increasing concerns regarding the harmful effects of plastic-induced gut injury, mechanisms underlying the initiation of plastic-derived intestinal toxicity remain unelucidated. Here, mice were subjected to long-term exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) of varying sizes (80, 200, and 1000 nm) at doses relevant to human dietary exposure. PS-NPs exposure did not induce a significant inflammatory response, histopathological damage, or intestinal epithelial dysfunction in mice at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days. However, PS-NPs were detected in the mouse intestine, coupled with observed microstructural changes in enterocytes, including mild villous lodging, mitochondrial membrane rupture, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction, suggesting that intestinal-accumulating PS-NPs resulted in the onset of intestinal epithelial injury in mice. Mechanistically, intragastric PS-NPs induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and specific bacteria alterations, accompanied by abnormal metabolic fingerprinting in the plasma. Furthermore, integrated data from mass spectrometry imaging-based spatial metabolomics and metallomics revealed that PS-NPs exposure led to gut dysbiosis-associated host metabolic reprogramming and initiated intestinal injury. These findings provide novel insights into the critical gut microbial-host metabolic remodeling events vital to nanoplastic-derived-initiated intestinal injury.

Comparison of gut toxicity and microbiome effects in zebrafish exposed to polypropylene microplastics: Interesting effects of UV-weathering on microbiome.

Weathered microplastics (MPs) exhibit different physicochemical properties compared to pristine MPs, thus, their effects on the environment and living organisms may also differ. In the present study, we investigated the gut-toxic effects of virgin polypropylene MPs (PP) and UV-weathered PP MPs (UV-PP) on zebrafish. The zebrafish were exposed to the two types of PP MPs at a concentration of 50 mg/L each for 14 days. After exposure, MPs accumulated primarily within the gastrointestinal tract, with UV-PP exhibiting a higher accumulation than PP. The ingestion of PP and UV-PP induced gut damage in zebrafish and increased the gene expression and levels of enzymes related to oxidative stress and inflammation, with no significant differences between the two MPs. Analysis of the microbial community confirmed alterations in the abundance and diversity of zebrafish gut microorganisms in the PP and UV-PP groups, with more pronounced changes in the PP-exposed group. Moreover, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis confirmed the association between changes in the gut microorganisms at the phylum and genus levels with cellular responses, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage. This study provides valuable insights regarding the environmental impact of MPs on organisms.

Polyethylene microplastics alter root functionality and affect strawberry plant physiology and fruit quality traits.

Strawberry, a globally popular crop whose fruit are known for their taste and health benefits, were used to evaluate the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on plant physiology and fruit quality. Plants were grown in 2-L pots with natural soil mixed with PE-MPs at two concentrations (0.2% and 0.02%; w/w) and sizes (⌀ 35 and 125 µm). Plant physiological responses, root histochemical and anatomical analyses as well as fruit biometric and quality features were conducted. Plants subjected to ⌀ 35 µm/0.2% PE-MPs exhibited the most severe effects in terms of CO2 assimilation due to stomatal limitations, along with the highest level of oxidative stress in roots. Though no differences were observed in plant biomass, the impact on fruit quality traits was severe in ⌀ 35 µm/0.2% MPs treatment resulting in a drop in fruit weight (-42%), soluble solid (-10%) and anthocyanin contents (-25%). The smallest sized PE-MPs, adsorbed on the root surface, impaired plant water status by damaging the radical apparatus, which finally resulted in alteration of plant physiology and fruit quality. Further research is required to determine if these alterations also occur with other MPs and to understand more deeply the MPs influence on fruit physio-chemistry.

The masking phenomenon of microplastics additives on oxidative stress responses in freshwater food chains.

The variability and intrinsic mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by microplastics at different trophic levels in freshwater food chains are not well understood. To comprehensively assess the oxidative stress induced by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in freshwater food chains, the present study first quantified the oxidative stress induced by PS-MPs in organisms at different trophic levels using factorial experimental design and molecular dynamics methods. Then focuses on analyzing the variability of these responses across different trophic levels using mathematical statistical analysis. Notably, higher trophic level organisms exhibit diminished responses under PS-MPs exposure. Furthermore, the coexistence of multiple additives was found to mask these responses, with antioxidant plastic additives significantly influencing oxidative stress responses. Mechanism analysis using computational chemistry simulation determines that protein structure and amino acid characteristics are key factors driving PS-MPs induced oxidative stress variation in freshwater organisms at different nutrient levels. Increased hydrophobic additives induce protein helicalization and amino acid residue aggregation. This study systematically reveals the variability of biological oxidative stress response under different nutrient levels, emphasizing the pivotal role of chemical additives. Overall, this study offers crucial insights into PS-MPs' impact on oxidative stress responses in freshwater ecosystems, informing future environmental risk assessment.

Aged polystyrene microplastics exacerbate alopecia associated with tight junction injuries and apoptosis via oxidative stress pathway in skin.

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in the natural environment and contribute to increased levels of illness in both animals and humans. However, thespecific impacts of MPs on skin damage and alopeciaare not yet well understood. In this study, we have examined the effects of two types of polystyrene MPs (pristine and aged) on skin and hair follicle damage in mice. UV irradiation changed the chemical and physical properties of the aged MPs, including functional groups, surface roughness, and contact angles. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, skin and cell injuries related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, tight junctions (TJs), alopecia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other damages were observed. Mechanistically, MPs and aged MPs can induce TJs damage via the oxidative stress pathway and inhibition of antioxidant-related proteins, and this can lead to alopecia. The regulation of cell apoptosis was also observed, and this is involved in the ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Importantly, aged MPs showed exacerbated toxicity, which may be due to their elevated surface irregularities and altered chemical compositions. Collectively, this study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for alopecia and hair follicle damage caused by MPs pollution.

Microplastics' toxic effects and influencing factors on microorganisms in biological wastewater treatment units.

Prior to entering the water body, microplastics (MPs) are mostly collected at the sewage treatment plant and the biological treatment unit is the sewage treatment facility's central processing unit. This review aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the detrimental impacts of MPs on the biological treatment unit of a sewage treatment plant and it covers how MPs harm the effluent quality of biological treatment processes. The structure of microbial communities is altered by MPs presence and additive release, which reduces functional microbial activity. Extracellular polymers, oxidative stress, and enzyme activity are explored as micro views on the harmful mechanism of MPs on microorganisms, examining the toxicity of additives released by MPs and the harm caused to microorganisms by harmful compounds that have been adsorbed in the aqueous environment. This article offers a theoretical framework for a thorough understanding of the potential problems posed by MPs in sewage treatment plants and suggests countermeasures to mitigate those risks to the aquatic environment.

Polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups and charges have different impacts on type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Increasing attention is being paid to the environmental and health impacts of nanoplastics (NPs) pollution. Exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) with different charges and functional groups may have different adverse effects after ingestion by organisms, yet the potential ramifications on mammalian blood glucose levels, and the risk of diabetes remain unexplored. RESULTS: Mice were exposed to PS-NPs/COOH/NH2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day for nine weeks, either alone or in a T2DM model. The findings demonstrated that exposure to PS-NPs modified by different functional groups caused a notable rise in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in a mouse model of T2DM. Exposure to PS-NPs-NH2 alone can also lead the above effects to a certain degree. PS-NPs exposure could induce glycogen accumulation and hepatocellular edema, as well as injury to the pancreas. Comparing the effect of different functional groups or charges on T2DM, the PS-NPs-NH2 group exhibited the most significant FBG elevation, glycogen accumulation, and insulin resistance. The phosphorylation of AKT and FoxO1 was found to be inhibited by PS-NPs exposure. Treatment with SC79, the selective AKT activator was shown to effectively rescue this process and attenuate T2DM like lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PS-NPs with different functional groups (charges) induced T2DM-like lesions. Amino-modified PS-NPs cause more serious T2DM-like lesions than pristine PS-NPs or carboxyl functionalized PS-NPs. The underlying mechanisms involved the inhibition of P-AKT/P-FoxO1. This study highlights the potential risk of NPs pollution on T2DM, and provides a new perspective for evaluating the impact of plastics aging.