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Marine microplastic pollution has emerged as a major global concern, with growing implications for both marine ecosystems and human health [1]. Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) can induce significant biological responses, as demonstrated by combined in vivo and in vitro models. In zebrafish, exposure to PS-NPs resulted in marked changes in eye pigmentation patterns that were not associated with a reduction in melanin content or tyrosinase activity. In this context, Raman microscopy revealed structural differences between treated and untreated samples, possibly related to melanogenesis-inflammatory processes and oxidative stress - an interpretation supported by gene expression data showing strong upregulation of inflammation- and oxidative stress-related markers. In particular, increased expression of rpe65c, a gene associated with retinal health, suggests early signs of retinal dysfunction.
In parallel, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2), used as an in vitro epithelial model, show efficient internalization of PS-NPs, with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of Raman mapping data revealing a predominant cytoplasmic and perinuclear localization. Morphological changes consistent with cell death were also observed, indicating a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect. These findings highlight the potential of micro-Raman mapping to reveal the effects of PS-NPs in biological samples, showing their disruptive effects on both developmental and cellular processes, raising concerns about their impact on ocular physiology and epithelial integrity.
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