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Impact of Textile-Derived Micro- and Nanoplastics on Brain Health: An Emerging Environmental Risk
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This review examines the growing evidence that textile-derived micro- and nanoplastics shed from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon can reach the brain via inhalation or ingestion pathways. The study suggests these fibrous particles may cross biological barriers including the blood-brain barrier, and experimental evidence increasingly links them to oxidative stress and neurological effects, representing a critical gap in current research.
Textile-derived micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), primarily shed from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, and nylon, constitute a widespread yet underexplored class of environmental pollutants. Despite their pervasive presence in indoor air, household dust, and the human body, these fibrous MNPs have received considerably less attention than polystyrene-based particles, resulting in a critical gap in our understanding of their potential health impacts. This review examines the growing evidence that textile-derived MNPs can translocate across biological barriers following inhalation or ingestion, reaching the brain via both direct olfactory pathways and systemic circulation through the blood-brain barrier. Experimental studies increasingly implicate MNPs in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation, processes central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. We also explore the therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, in mitigating MNP-induced neurotoxicity. By consolidating current findings, this review highlights the urgency of advancing mechanistic studies, exposure assessment, and regulatory oversight to address the emerging threat of textile-derived MNPs to neurological health.
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This review examines emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in nervous tissue, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers summarized findings showing these particles may act as neurotoxicants that contribute to synaptic dysfunction and pathological changes in brain cells. The study highlights the need for further research into how chronic plastic particle exposure may affect central nervous system health over time.
Insights into the toxic effects of micro-nano-plastics on the human brain and their relationship with the onset of neurological diseases: A narrative review.
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This review examined toxic effects of micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) on the human brain, linking MNP exposure to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and progression toward neurodegenerative diseases. The authors synthesized evidence from cell studies, animal models, and emerging human data.
Assessing the Impact of Microplastics on Brain Chemistry: The Need for a Comprehensive Policy Framework to Mitigate Toxicity
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This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics can cross biological barriers, accumulate in brain tissue, and affect neurological function. Researchers found that microplastic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain, with potential implications for neurotransmitter systems and cognitive function. The study calls for comprehensive regulatory measures to limit microplastic pollution and further research into the long-term neurological health effects.
Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives
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This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter signaling. While clinical studies have confirmed the presence of plastic particles in human brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, the authors note that methodological limitations and inconsistent quality controls currently prevent establishing a definitive causal link to neurological conditions.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Human Brain: Mechanistic Plausibility, Translational Challenges, and Links to Neurological Disease Trends.
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Researchers synthesized evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in human brain tissue via multiple barrier-crossing routes and, once there, disrupt synaptic function, mitochondrial homeostasis, and neuroinflammatory pathways relevant to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and mood disorders — while emphasizing that longitudinal epidemiological evidence linking plastic exposure to neurological disease remains limited.
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