Co-Exposure of Ambient Particulate Matter and Airborne Transmission Pathogens: The Impairment of the Upper Respiratory Systems

Abstract

Recent evidence has pinpointed the positive relevance between air particulate matter (PM) pollution and epidemic spread. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps in understanding the transmission and infection of pathogens loaded on PMs, for example, the interactions between pathogens and pre-existing atmospheric PM and the health effects of co-exposure on the inhalation systems. Here, we unraveled the interactions between fine particulate matter (FPM) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and evaluated the infection and detrimental effects of co-exposure on the upper respiratory systems in both in vitro and in vivo models. We uncovered the higher accessibility and invasive ability of pathogens to epithelial cells after loading on FPMs, compared with the single exposure. Furthermore, we designed a novel laboratory exposure model to simulate a real co-exposure scenario. Intriguingly, the co-exposure induced more serious functional damage and longer inflammatory reactions to the upper respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity and trachea. Collectively, our results provide a new point of view on the transmission and infection of pathogens loaded on FPMs and uncover the in vivo systematic impairments of the inhalation tract under co-exposure through a novel laboratory exposure model. Hence, this study sheds light on further investigations of the detrimental effects of air pollution and epidemic spread.

Enhanced Intrusion of Exogenous Airborne Fine Particles toward Eyes in Humans and Animals: Where Damaged Blood–Ocular Barrier Plays a Crucial Role

“…Air pollution has become one of the key environmental crises, , associated with considerable detrimental human health outcomes. − Among air pollutants, ambient fine particles (AFPs, commonly known as fine particulate matter or PM 2.5 ) are gaining increasing attention in public health. − Strikingly, emerging studies suggested that the AFP pollution could not only affect the eye surface, such as eye discomfort, aberrant tear morphology, and ocular surface inflammation, but also have indirect adverse effects on the inner structures of eyes through inflammatory cytokines. − Liu et al previously reported the presence of black carbon particles at the ocular surface and found a positive association with dry eye disease . AFPs are laden with various pollutants (e.g., heavy meal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pathogens) and will transform once in the biological microenvironment, − generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bringing unpredicted health risks . It should be noted that the inner structure of the eye is delicate and fragile, built up by muscles, collagenous fiber, thousands of vessels, and millions of neurons.…”

Multi-Protection from Microbial and PM Pollutants by Humidity-Resistant, Breathable and Self-Charging Nanofibrous Membranes

“…The particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) are characterized by large specific surface area, long propagation distance, and high susceptibility to carry various hazardous substances such as pathogens and heavy metal. − Exposure to PM 2.5 has been evidenced to ingress the respiratory and circulatory systems, thereby instigating a spectrum of ailments, encompassing cardiovascular diseases and asthma. , The use of polymeric air filters provide an economical and effective way to capture PM 2.5 in a variety of scenarios, such as medical workplaces and public transportation. , The melt-blown microfibers have been widely used for traditional filtration layer of air filters, such as polypropylene (PP) and poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). − However, the lifetime of these traditional air filters is relatively short because the electrostatic charge on the surface of fiber dissipates, when PMs and water vapor deposit on the filter during the process of utilization. The rapid dissipation of charge means inefficient protection and frequent replacement, which cause environmental burden. , Moreover, most air filters release microplastics, causing obstruction, inflammation and oxidative stress diseases. − Therefore, it is of paramount significance to develop high-performance air filters of good degradability, superior filtration efficiency, reliable humidity resistance and long lifetime.…”