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Cellular responses to micro- and nanoplastics exposure: mechanisms and pathophysiological implications
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles interact with cells in lab and animal studies, finding repeated signs of cell stress, including damage to cell structures and inflammation. Studies also detected plastic material in human blood and tissue samples, but the review states this does not prove the particles cause specific diseases.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly detected in environmental matrices and human biological samples, raising concern about their potential effects on cellular function and human health. This structured narrative review critically evaluates evidence from in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and human studies, with emphasis on the mechanisms governing particle–cell interactions and the methodological limitations that affect interpretation. Cellular contact, uptake, intracellular trafficking, and delivered dose are influenced by particle size, shape, polymer composition, surface chemistry, environmental aging, aggregation state, and biocorona formation. Experimental studies have recurrently reported lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, impaired autophagic clearance, genomic instability, metabolic disruption, and barrier dysfunction following MNP exposure. These responses are highly interconnected and may form self-reinforcing stress networks rather than independent pathways. However, their magnitude and biological relevance vary substantially according to particle characteristics, exposure concentration and duration, and experimental model. Human studies demonstrate the presence of plastic-associated material in blood and selected tissues, supporting systemic exposure and possible translocation, but do not by themselves establish intracellular toxicity or causal relationships with specific diseases. Translation of experimental findings is further limited by inconsistent particle characterization, non-equivalent dose metrics, contamination risk, and the frequent use of short-term exposures at concentrations exceeding reported human burdens. Greater mechanistic and translational confidence will require standardized exposure and dosimetry frameworks, chronic low-dose studies, environmentally relevant particles, human-relevant multicellular models, organoids and organ-on-chip platforms, multi-omics integration, and validated imaging and biosensing approaches. Overall, current evidence supports the biological plausibility of MNP-induced cellular injury, but remains insufficient to establish direct causation between MNP exposure and specific human diseases. Graphical abstract
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Research progress on the cellular toxicity caused by microplastics and nanoplastics
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This review summarizes current research on how microplastics and nanoplastics cause damage at the cellular level. Researchers identified four main ways these particles harm cells: triggering oxidative stress, damaging cell membranes and organelles, causing inflammation, and disrupting DNA. The findings highlight growing evidence that plastic particles small enough to enter cells can interfere with fundamental biological processes.
Cellular Impact of Micro(nano)plastics on Human Health: A Review.
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This review examined how micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) entering the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact affect cells and tissues. It synthesized evidence of oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption associated with MNP exposure.
Micro- and nanoplastic exposure and human health
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics, which have been found in human tissues and fluids. Lab and animal studies link exposure to cell stress and inflammation, but human studies remain limited, so the review states that a causal link to disease has not been established.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Health Concerning Cellular Toxicity Mechanisms, Exposure Pathways, and Global Mitigation Strategies
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This review synthesizes current knowledge on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular damage in the human body, covering mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruption of cell signaling pathways. Researchers note that exposure occurs through multiple routes including ingestion and inhalation, allowing particles to reach organs throughout the body. The study highlights significant gaps in understanding long-term and low-dose exposure effects that are most relevant to everyday human contact with these particles.
Micro- and nanoplastic induced cellular toxicity in mammals: A review
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This review examines research on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular damage in mammalian systems, covering both laboratory and animal studies. Evidence indicates that these particles can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage in cells, with smaller nanoplastics generally showing greater toxicity due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes more readily.
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