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Inhaled Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Brain Exposure via the Olfactory Pathway and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities
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Researchers reviewed how inhaled airborne microplastics and nanoplastics can translocate from the nasal cavity directly to the brain via the olfactory pathway, and outlined potential therapeutic strategies — including nasal sequestration agents, lung-targeted approaches, and lipid nanoparticle drug delivery — to complement physical barriers in high-exposure settings.
Airborne microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent a significant but underappreciated inhalation exposure route, particularly in occupational settings such as plastic manufacturing, textile production, waste recycling, 3D printing, and polluted urban environments. Chronic exposure may contribute to respiratory inflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic translocation of particulate matter. Recent evidence identifying microplastics in the human olfactory bulb suggests a direct pathway from the nasal cavity to the brain. While masks, ventilation, and filtration remain important first-line defenses, they may be insufficient for chronic low-level exposure, incomplete nanoparticle capture, or already-deposited particles. This perspective outlines emerging therapeutic opportunities beyond physical barriers, including nasal sequestration systems, lung-targeted mitigation approaches, and brain-protective lipid nanoparticle (LNP) therapeutics under the Cythera Bio platform. These strategies may help reduce both particulate burden and downstream inflammatory consequences.
More Papers Like This
Inhaled Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Brain Exposure via the Olfactory Pathway and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities
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Researchers outline how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics can travel from the nasal cavity directly to the brain via the olfactory pathway, and propose emerging countermeasures including nasal sequestration systems and lipid nanoparticle therapeutics to address particulate burden beyond conventional masks and filtration.
Intranasal Therapeutic Strategies for Mitigation of Airborne Microplastic and Nanoplastic Exposure
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A technical note proposing an intranasal treatment platform for inhaled micro- and nanoplastics. The proposal cites findings of microplastics in the human olfactory bulb. No test results are reported, and the authors say safety, mechanism and clinical usefulness still need study.
Microplastics in the Olfactory Bulb of the Human Brain
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Researchers found microplastic particles in the olfactory bulb, the part of the human brain responsible for the sense of smell. This suggests that microplastics may reach the brain through the nasal passage, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The finding highlights a potential direct route for microplastics to enter the brain, raising concerns about neurotoxicity.
Intranasal Therapeutic Strategies for Mitigation of Airborne Microplastic and Nanoplastic Exposure
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This technical note outlines a proposed nasal treatment platform aimed at inhaled plastic particles, prompted by reports of microplastics in the human olfactory bulb. It is a concept, with no experiments reported. Safety and usefulness remain to be evaluated.
Bioeffects of Inhaled Nanoplastics on Neurons and Alteration of Animal Behaviors through Deposition in the Brain
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Researchers demonstrated that nanoplastics inhaled through the nose can travel along the olfactory nerve and deposit directly in the brain, causing neuron damage and altered behavior in mice. Using a microfluidic chip to study neuron interactions, they found that smaller particles with specific surface charges caused the most severe cell damage. The study provides direct evidence that airborne nanoplastics can reach the brain through inhalation and may pose neurotoxic risks.
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