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Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a concern due to its ubiquitous presence. Recent studies have found MPs to be present in multiple human organs. This study was carried out to evaluate the presence and characterize MPs in indoor dust deposition. Deposited dust was collected from fifteen households in Dhaka city. The samples underwent quantification of MPs using stereomicroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to understand the polymer composition. MPs of the size group ranging from 50 to 250 μm were the most dominant. The deposition rates varied from 7.52 × 10³ MPs/m 2 /day to 66.29 × 10³ MPs/m 2 /day, with the mean deposition rate being 34 × 10³ MPs/m 2 /day. Notably, the number of occupants and the height of the sampling location above the ground level were found to influence the deposition rates. Various polymers, including polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), Nylon, and polypropylene (PP), were identified. The estimated mean inhalation exposure was 2986 ± 1035 MPs/kg-BW/day. This work highlights the need for additional research to explore indoor microplastic deposition and its potential effect on human health in the densely inhabited and severely polluted megapolis of Dhaka, Bangladesh., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Abdus Salam reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100015747University Grants Commission (UGC)- 10.13039/501100006523University of Dhaka. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The current study explores the potential of melatonin (MLT)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MLT-SLNs) for better neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. MLT-SLNs were prepared using lipid matrix of palmityl alcohol with a mixture of surfactants (Tween 40, Span 40, Myrj 52) for stabilizing the lipid matrix. MLT-SLNs were tested for physical and chemical properties, thermal and polymorphic changes, in vitro drug release and in vivo neuroprotective studies in rats using permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion ( p -MCAO) model. The optimized MLT-SLNs showed particle size of ∼159 nm, zeta potential of -29.6 mV and high entrapment efficiency ∼92%. Thermal and polymorphic studies showed conversion of crystalline MLT to amorphous form after its entrapment in lipid matrix. MLT-SLNs displayed a sustained release pattern compared to MLT dispersion. MLT-SLNs significantly enhanced the neuroprotective profile of MLT ascertained by reduced brain infarction, recovered behavioral responses, low expression of inflammatory markers and improved oxidation protection in rats. MLT-SLNs also showed reduced hepatotoxicity compared to p -MCAO. From these outcomes, it is evidenced that MLT-SLNs have improved neuroprotection as compared to MLT dispersion and thereby present a promising approach to deliver MLT to the brain for better therapeutic outcomes in ischemic stroke., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)