Exposure to PET micro- and nanoplastics induces size-dependent interactions and microbial biotransformation in a human gut model

Impact of Micro-nanoplastics on Gut and Immune Function

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This review examined how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt gut microbiota and immune function across aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, with implications for human health. Because the gut microbiome governs immune regulation and metabolic health, microplastic-induced dysbiosis represents a plausible mechanism by which plastic ingestion could drive systemic inflammation and disease beyond the GI tract.

PET Microplastics Affect Human Gut Microbiota Communities During Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion. First Evidence of Plausible Polymer Biodegradation During Human Digestion

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Researchers simulated gastrointestinal digestion and found that PET microplastics altered human gut microbiota community composition, and provided first evidence of plausible partial polymer biodegradation during passage through the human digestive tract.

Microplastics and nanoplastics in the human gut: from signals to standards

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Researchers outlined major methodological gaps in current studies on microplastic and nanoplastic exposure through the human gastrointestinal tract, proposing minimum standards for study design and reporting to move the field from preliminary signals toward causal evidence linking gut plastic exposure to specific health outcomes.

Oligomer production and effects on gut microbiota of PLA and PBAT biodegradable microplastics in in vitro digestion model

Gut microbiome alterations associated with microplastics: Underestimated risk from tiny particle

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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles, found in our food, water, and even air, can disrupt the balance of bacteria living in our gut, and this disruption has been linked to problems ranging from digestive diseases to effects on the brain, liver, and reproductive system in animal studies. The catch: scientists still struggle to accurately detect and measure these particles in the body, meaning our real-world exposure and its health effects are likely underestimated. Bottom line, microplastics may be quietly messing with your gut health in ways we're only beginning to understand and measure.