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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. Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Remediation Sign in to save

Gastrointestinal Incomplete Degradation Exacerbates Neurotoxic Effects of PLA Microplastics via Oligomer Nanoplastics Formation (Adv. Sci. 28/2024)

Advanced Science 2024 9 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 55 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Boxuan Liang, Yanhong Deng, Yizhou Zhong, Xiaohong Chen, Yuji Huang, Yuji Huang, Zhiming Li, Xiyun Huang, Xiaohong Yang, Xiaohong Yang, Jiaxin Du, Rongyi Ye, Hongyi Xian, Hongyi Xian, Yujie Feng, Ruobing Bai, Bingchi Fan, Xingfen Yang, Zhenlie Huang

Summary

Researchers discovered that PLA microplastics, widely considered a safer biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, partially break down in the gastrointestinal tract into even smaller oligomer nanoplastics. These breakdown products proved more easily absorbed by the body and more toxic to brain tissue than the original microplastics. The findings suggest that biodegradable plastics may pose underappreciated risks to human health, particularly regarding neurotoxic effects.

Polymers
PLA
Body Systems
Digestive Nervous
Study Type In vivo

Oligomer Nanoplastics The health impact of replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable alternatives requires further investigation. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, Zhenlie Huang and co‐workers discovered that PLA microplastics degrade in the gastrointestinal tract, transforming into oligomer nanoplastics. This transformation increases their bioavailability and toxicity in the brain, exacerbating overall neurotoxic effects. These findings described in article number 2401009 suggest that supposedly environmentally friendly biodegradable plastics may not be as benign for human health. [Image: see text]

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