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Microplastics: challenges of assessment in biological samples and their implication for in vitro and in vivo effects
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This review covers how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion and inhalation, the challenges of detecting and measuring them in biological samples, and the evidence for harmful effects ranging from inflammation to hormonal disruption. Standardising methods for measuring microplastics in tissues and bodily fluids is a key obstacle to advancing human health research. The review provides a useful framework for understanding what we know and what still needs to be established about microplastic risks to people.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global interest because they have been recognized as emerging pollutants that require urgent attention. MPs are plastic particles with a size between 1 micron and 5 millimeters (1 µm-5mm); those measuring less than 1 µm are known as nanoplastics (NPs). MPs are distributed in the environment in various physical forms that depend on the original morphology of the primary plastics, the degradation process, and the erosion factors to which they were subjected. Humans may be exposed to these pollutants mainly by ingestion or inhalation, which could adversely affect human health. This review focuses on exposure pathways, sources, and evidence of adverse effects reported in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition , we highlight the application of methods and techniques to assess the precise levels of exposure to MPs in biological samples to generate knowledge about their potential threat to human health.
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Microplastics: challenges of assessment in biological samples and their implication for in vitro and in vivo effects
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This review examines the challenges of detecting and assessing microplastics in biological samples, noting that analytical limitations and lack of standardized methods hinder our understanding of health effects. The study highlights that humans are exposed to microplastics primarily through ingestion and inhalation, and that more long-term studies with standardized protocols are needed to understand the full scope of potential biological impacts.
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Scientists have found tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) throughout human organs and body fluids, but this review of existing research shows we still lack reliable, standardized tools to accurately measure them—different labs get different results depending on how they prepare and test samples. While lab studies suggest very small plastic particles can cause cell stress and inflammation, there isn't yet solid evidence directly linking plastic exposure to specific diseases in people—so the biggest takeaway is that we urgently need better testing methods before we can truly understand the health risks these particles pose.
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