Tiny plastic, big trouble: how polystyrene nanoparticles impact DNA-damage repair deficient cervical cancer cells

Soft Matter 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jordan D Berezowitz, Mira C Fish, Lauren E. Mehanna, Breanna Knicely, Claire E Rowlands, Eva M Goellner, Brittany E. Givens
DOI: 10.1039/d5sm01095k
Cited by: 1
References: 59

Abstract

of HeLa cervical cancer cells, including those with DNA damage repair deficiencies in MLH1 and MSH2. High concentrations of polystyrene were required for observable decreases in cell viability, particularly in esterase activity measured with calcein AM. Cellular internalization of the nanoparticles was confirmed quantitatively using intracellular fluorescence and qualitatively using confocal microscopy for fluorescent polystyrene. Overall, these results indicate that high concentrations of polystyrene are required to elicit toxicological effects in cervical cells within 24 hours.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microplastics and Plastic Pollution Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Soft Matter
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
22
Issue
7
Pages
1643–1654
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN