Unravelling the in vivo biotoxicity of a green-biofabricated graphene oxide–microplastic hybrid mediated by proximal intrinsic atomic interactions

Summary

Researchers found that when graphene oxide, a nanomaterial used in many products, combines with polystyrene microplastics, the hybrid material is more toxic to zebrafish embryos than either substance alone. The increased toxicity was driven by oxidative stress, where the atomic interactions between the two materials amplified cell damage. This study highlights how microplastics can interact with other nanomaterials in the environment to create unexpected health risks.