Electron microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of airborne ultrafine particles: its effects on the cell viability

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most common air pollution sources causing various health-related conditions like cardiovascular diseases. However, among the three major PM types, UFPs have not yet been independently studied for their toxic effects on human health. In this study, we collected airborne dusts from Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea, and analyzed it to understand the structural and chemical features of UFPs by using transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The TEM result showed UFP size to be within 100 nm, with some even appearing about 10 nm in size, while the X-ray spectroscopic studies implied the presence of sulfur to be a part of the UFPs chemical composition. We extended our study by carrying out in vitro cell analysis to understand the cellular response upon UFPs treatment. Our results serve as an analytical platform providing the preliminary information about the structural and compositional aspects of UFPs that can be attributed to further understanding of sulfur-induced human diseases.