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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Therapeutic apheresis: A promising method to remove microplastics?

Universität Zürich, ZORA 2025
Paul Knekt, Stefan R. Bornstein, Timo Gruber, Danai Katsere, Ayoub El Attaoui, Ayoub El Attaoui, Leopold Wohlsperger, Mohamad Nurman Yaman, Waldemar Kanczkowski, Gunther Piwernetz, Richard Straube, Karin Voit-Bak, Julio Licinio, Charlotte Steenblock

Summary

Researchers report the first evidence that therapeutic apheresis—an established extracorporeal blood-cleaning procedure—can physically remove microplastics and nanoplastics from human blood, suggesting a potential clinical method to reduce body burden of plastic particles.

Models

Microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as a major and growing health concern, with recent data revealing alarming levels of human exposure and contamination. Thus, there is a clear and urgent need for an effective method to remove microplastics and nanoplastics from the human body. Here, we provide the first evidence that extracorporeal apheresis, a therapeutic technique established around the world, may have the potential to achieve this goal.

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