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Microplastics and nanoplastics in matched human blood, bone, and intervertebral discs: Accumulation patterns and risks
Summary
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in the blood, bone, and spinal discs of 21 patients undergoing back surgery—and the discs, which have poor blood flow and repair themselves slowly, tended to accumulate the most plastic. While the chemical risks appear low for now, the buildup of these particles in slow-healing tissue raises concerns that plastics could physically contribute to tissue damage or degeneration over time, something worth watching as plastic pollution continues to rise.
The presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the human has raised health concerns, yet their tissue-specific accumulation in avascular environments remains unclear. Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were employed to quantify MNPs from 21 donors undergoing spinal fusion. MPs showed a tissue-specific abundance gradient, with number concentrations of 6.74 ± 4.40 n/mL in blood, 13.26 ± 5.49 n/g in bone, and 13.55 ± 4.48 n/g in intervertebral disc, and mean particle sizes of 64.50 μm, 57.10 μm, and 77.60 μm, respectively; particles smaller than 100 μm accounted for 90.0%, 92.5%, and 62.5%, respectively. NPs (0.16–20.28 μg/g) were ubiquitously detected, with polyvinyl chloride and polyamide 66, accounting for 78.2% of the total mass, indicating distinct tissue-selective enrichment. A regulated accumulation pattern showed a dominant “disc-enriched” profile in nearly half the individuals. Fiber morphology, white color, larger size, and PET/PE polymers were identified as key drivers of tissue-selective retention. Although calculated chemical risks remain within safety limits, the substantial NPs sequestration in the avascular disc suggests an overlooked mechanism of long-term physical burden and potential tissue degradation. This study provides novel insights into the individualized MNPs accumulation and highlight the need to re-evaluate the health implications of plastic pollution in slow-metabolizing tissues.