Microfluidic-based in vitro thrombosis model for studying microplastics toxicity

Lab Chip. 2022 Mar 29;22(7):1344-1353. doi: 10.1039/d1lc00989c.

Abstract

The potential impact of microplastics (MPs) on health has caused great concern, and a toxicology platform that realistically reproduces the system behaviour is urgently needed to further explore and validate MP-related health issues. Herein, we introduce an optically assisted thrombus platform to reveal the interaction of MPs with the vascular system. The risk of accumulation has also been evaluated using a mouse model, and the effect of MPs on the properties of the thrombus are validated via in vitro experiments. The microfluidic system is endothelialized, and the regional tissue injury-induced thrombosis is then realized through optical irradiation. Whole blood is perfused with MPs, and the invasion process visualized and recorded. The mouse model shows a cumulative risk in the blood with continuous exposure to MPs (P-value < 0.0001). The on-chip results show that MP invasion leads to decreased binding of fibrin to platelets (P-value < 0.0001), which is consistent with the results of the in vitro experiments, and shows a high risk of thrombus shedding in real blood flow compared with normal thrombus. This work provides a new method to further reveal MP-related health risks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microfluidics
  • Microplastics / toxicity
  • Plastics
  • Thrombosis* / chemically induced
  • Thrombosis* / metabolism
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / metabolism
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / toxicity

Substances

  • Microplastics
  • Plastics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical