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