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The potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in the spread of viruses
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may act as vehicles that amplify the spread and infectivity of pathogenic viruses in humans and animals, explaining that the plastisphere (the microbial community living on plastic surfaces) can preserve viruses and that plastics weaken the body's natural barrier tissues. The authors warn that plastic particles carrying viruses could increase infection risk and potentially even help viruses develop new variants, calling for urgent interdisciplinary research.
The review presents recent materials about the growing influence of micro- and nanoplastics (MP/NP) on the spread of pathogenic viruses in humans and animals. The issue of the interaction of viruses with the plastisphere, the role of the virus envelope in the preservation of these microorganisms on microparticles in the composition of the biofilm has been elucidated. The issues of synergism of the pathogenetic action of MP/NP and viruses, studied on various models, are discussed. The article shows the negative effect of MP/NP on the permeability of the body's natural barriers, which can create favorable conditions for the penetration of viruses and the development of an infectious process. The authors draw attention to the need to expand interdisciplinary research in this area, given the fact that viruses residing on MP/NP can increase their infectivity and, possibly, form new genovariants.
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Microplastics and Nanoplastics as Carriers for Viral Transmission: Effects on Viral Properties, Infection, Immune Response, and Public Health
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This review examined how microplastics and nanoplastics can act as carriers for viruses, potentially influencing the spread of infectious diseases. Researchers found that plastic particles create a surface habitat called the plastisphere that promotes microbial growth and can serve as a reservoir for pathogens. The study suggests that micro- and nanoplastics may alter viral persistence, infection dynamics, and immune responses, though significant knowledge gaps remain about the real-world impact on public health.
Microplastics as Vectors for Viral Transmission: Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Ecological-Health Risks
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Tiny plastic particles floating in the environment can stick to viruses and help them survive longer and spread more easily, which could increase the risk of getting sick. This review article summarizes what scientists have learned about how plastics and viruses interact, and why it matters, because many of us are now exposed to both microplastics and viruses at the same time, which could be worse for our immune systems than facing either threat alone. Understanding this problem better will help researchers figure out how to protect public health as plastic pollution continues to grow worldwide.
Plastisphere-hosted viruses: A review of interactions, behavior, and effects
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This review examines how viruses attach to and thrive on microplastic surfaces in the environment, forming communities called the "plastisphere." These virus-laden microplastics can spread disease-causing agents through water and ecosystems, potentially reaching humans and posing public health risks that scientists are only beginning to understand.
Microplastics as emerging viral vectors: Nexus, mechanisms, ecological implications and health risks
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) aren't just harmless debris—they can act like rafts that viruses cling to, helping them survive longer and travel farther in water, soil, and air than they would on their own. This matters because it means microplastics could potentially help spread infections more easily, though scientists still need more real-world studies to figure out exactly how big a risk this poses to human health.
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This review examines how tiny plastic particles in the environment might weaken immune defenses and worsen viral infections. The authors synthesize existing research showing that these particles can stabilize viruses, trigger harmful inflammation in cells, and suppress the body's antiviral responses, potentially increasing susceptibility to severe infectious diseases.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.