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Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have made an important discovery. They found out how nanoplastics and PFAS (also called forever chemicals) can harm important human proteins. This discovery helps us understand the bad effects of these small particles and chemicals.
Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., is a professor and the head of the Division of Biochemistry. He works at UTEP’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Narayan led the team. They investigated how these compounds affect three essential proteins. beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), alpha-lactalbumin, and myoglobin.
Effect of nanoplastics and PFAS on Protein
Sheep and cows’ milk contains BLG, a protein that infant formula commonly uses. It is essential for vision and brain development because it binds to retinol (vitamin A) and fatty acids. However, the research team made a discovery. The binding efficiency of BLG to these crucial nutrients decreases when exposed to nanoplastics and PFAS. Binding efficiency means how well one substance sticks to another. Nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than a grain of salt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in products like waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware.
Lela Vukovic, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She explains that a decrease in binding efficiency can cause significant developmental issues. This happens to infants who consume formula or breast milk contaminated with toxic compounds.
The researchers discovered something important. Nanoplastics and PFAS greatly affect these proteins. They break down the alpha-helix part. This turns them into beta sheets. This change in amyloid proteins is very concerning. It can lead to brain degeneration and toxic effects. This happens if the synthetic chemicals get into the brain.
The Solution
Scientists can develop safer alternatives to nanoplastics and forever chemicals. They do this by understanding the molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms explain how nanoplastics and forever chemicals disrupt cellular functions. Nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles. Forever chemicals are dangerous substances that do not break down easily. Narayan shared this information. The insights gained from this research have far-reaching implications.
The researchers published their findings in two journals: the Journal of the American Chemical Society and ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. These findings stress the urgent need for stricter environmental policies. They also call for the development of safer material alternatives. This is important to protect human health. It is especially important for vulnerable groups like infants and children.
As nanoplastics and PFAS continue to fill our environment, researchers want to draw attention to their dangers. Nanoplastics are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 100 nanometers. PFAS are chemicals used in products like non-stick pans and water-resistant fabrics. These compounds can harm important processes in our bodies. This research warns us about these hidden dangers that affect our health.
The insights gained from this research have far-reaching implications.
– Mahesh Narayan, Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Biochemistry in UTEP’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
For more information, please visit SciTech Daily.
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