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Revealing the neurodevelopmental toxicity of face mask-derived microplastics to humans based on neural organoids
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Using lab-grown human retinal tissue, researchers showed that microplastics released from face masks can interfere with early brain and eye development. The microplastics were absorbed into the neural tissue and disrupted cell growth, survival, and the formation of nerve connections in a dose-dependent manner. When combined with flame retardant chemicals commonly found in masks, the damage was even worse, raising concerns about the neurodevelopmental risks of face mask-derived microplastics.
The massive use of face masks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has raised global concerns about environmental issues. Microplastics released from face masks pose great threats to ecosystems and human health. However, the potentially hazardous effects of face mask-derived microplastics (FMMs) on humans remain poorly understood. Using neural organoid models aims to reveal the toxicity of FMMs to human early neural development. Retinal organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells were exposed to FMMs for 21 days during early retinogenesis. FMMs were internalized by retinal organoids. Exposure to FMMs disrupted the growth and development of retinal organoids in dose- and time-dependent manners, as evidenced by abnormal morphologies. Aberrant cell events, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation contributed to the disarrangement of the neural retina. Transcriptome data proved that the neurotoxicity of FMMs was closely related to disordered neurogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis, and axon guidance. Co-exposure to triphenyl phosphate (a common organophosphate flame retardant) and FMMs exhibited more pronounced neurotoxicity than FMM exposure alone. These findings are expected to uncover the potential threats of FMMs to human neurodevelopment and emphasize the importance of optimizing the management and safe disposal of used face masks.
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Polystyrene nanoplastics induced retinal toxicity: Size-, dose-, and developmental stage-dependent effects on human neural retina organoids
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Using lab-grown human retina organoids (miniature models of the developing eye), researchers showed that polystyrene nanoplastics can damage retinal cells in ways that depend on particle size, dose, and developmental stage. Smaller particles (100 nm) caused more severe harm than larger ones, reducing cell growth and disrupting the genes needed for normal eye development. When combined with cadmium, a heavy metal commonly found on microplastics, the damage was even worse, raising concerns about eye health effects from nanoplastic exposure.
Unraveling the potential human health risks from used disposable face mask-derived micro/nanoplastics during the COVID-19 pandemic scenario: A critical review
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This review examines the potential human health risks from micro- and nanoplastics released by disposable face masks as they degrade in the environment. Researchers found that mask-derived particles may cause gastrointestinal, lung, liver, and neurological toxicity, and can also carry toxic chemicals and pathogens through food chains. The study calls for advanced human organoid models to better assess these risks and urges development of eco-friendly strategies to reduce mask-related plastic pollution.
Micro- and nanoplastics alter electrophysiological brain patterns and reshape human neurodevelopmental trajectories
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Scientists exposed lab-grown mini brain models to common plastic particles and found they triggered inflammation, sped up cell aging, disrupted normal brain cell development, and changed electrical activity patterns. While this was done in organoids, not living humans, it offers early clues about how the microplastics we're constantly exposed to might affect brain health and development.
Early-life exposure to polypropylene nanoplastics induces neurodevelopmental toxicity in mice and human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids
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Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polypropylene nanoplastics through inhalation and found that their offspring showed impaired brain development, poor spatial memory, reduced motor coordination, and increased anxiety. Tests using human brain organoids (lab-grown mini-brains) confirmed that nanoplastics disrupt the growth and differentiation of neurons, raising concerns about fetal brain health from plastic pollution during pregnancy.
Toxic effects and mechanisms of nanoplastics on embryonic brain development using brain organoids model
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Using lab-grown brain organoids (miniature brain models), researchers found that nanoplastics exposure damaged developing brain cells, reduced the number of neural precursor cells, and disrupted connections between neurons. The damage appeared to work through the Wnt signaling pathway, which is critical for normal brain development. These findings raise concerns that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy could potentially harm fetal brain development.
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