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Beyond microplastics - investigation on health impacts of submicron and nanoplastic particles after oral uptake in vitro
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Researchers compared how human intestinal and liver cells take up microplastics versus submicron and nanoplastics and found that smaller plastic particles (under 1 micrometer) pass through gut cells in larger amounts and behave differently depending on their chemical makeup. The findings suggest nanoplastics from contaminated food and beverages may be more bioavailable — meaning more likely to enter the body — than larger microplastic particles.
Abstract The continuously increasing use of plastics is supposed to result in a rising exposure of MNPs to humans. Available data on human health risks of microplastics after oral uptake increased immensely in the past years and indicates very likely only low risks after oral consumption. Concerning nanoplastics, uptake, transport and potential adverse effects after oral uptake are less well understood. This study aims to investigate differences between microplastic particles and particles in the submicron- and nanoscaled size derived from food-relevant polymers with a particle size range consistent with higher potential for cellular uptake, fate, and effects when applied to human intestinal and liver cells. This work includes the development of cellular and subcellular detection methods for synthetic polymeric particles in the micro- and nanometer-range, using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Small-Angle X-ray and Dynamic Light Scattering methods, Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation, octanol-water fractionation, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Polylactic acid (250 nm and 2 μm (polydisperse)), melamine formaldehyde (366 nm) and polymethylmethacrylate (25 nm) were thoroughly characterized. The submicro- and nanoplastic test particles showed an increased uptake and transport quantity through intestinal cells. Both types of particles resulted in observed differences of uptake behavior, most likely influenced by different lipophilicity, which varied between the polymeric test materials. Toxic effects were detected after 24 h only in overload situations for the particles in the submicrometer range. This study provides further evidence for gastrointestinal uptake of submicro- and nanoplastics and points towards differences regarding bioavailability between microplastics and smaller plastic particles that may result following the ingestion of contaminated food and beverages. Furthermore, the results reinforce the importance for studying nanoplastics of different materials of varying size, surface properties, polymer composition and hydrophobicity.
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Researchers investigated the uptake and toxic effects of micro-, submicro-, and nanoplastics using in vitro models of the intestinal barrier and liver to assess how plastic particles of different sizes interact with gastrointestinal and hepatic cells. The study examined cellular internalization, barrier integrity, and metabolic responses to characterize size-dependent toxicity mechanisms.
Complex intestinal and hepatic in vitro barrier models reveal information on uptake and impact of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics
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Using laboratory models of human intestinal and liver barriers, researchers studied how plastic particles of different sizes cross from the gut into the body. Smaller nanoplastics (25 nm) were more readily taken up than larger microplastics, and the intestinal mucus layer provided some protection against particle absorption. The study also found signs of oxidative stress and changes in how liver cells process foreign substances after plastic exposure, providing insight into how ingested microplastics could affect human organs.
Toxicity Differences Between Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Organs: From Molecular Mechanisms to Potential Therapeutic Strategies
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This review pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles from our environment—both microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics—affect the body differently based on their size. The smallest particles can slip into cells and damage energy-producing structures, causing harmful inflammation, while larger particles tend to physically damage tissue barriers and trigger immune responses, both of which can lead to problems in the gut, liver, kidneys, and brain. This matters because it suggests that not all plastic pollution poses the same health risk, and understanding these differences could help scientists develop targeted treatments (like special probiotics or natural compounds) to protect
Micro- and nanoplastics – current state of knowledge with the focus on oral uptake and toxicity
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This review examines the current state of knowledge on oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, covering how particles change during digestion, their uptake at the intestinal barrier, and potential interactions with intestinal and liver cells. The authors note that microplastics have been detected in honey, beer, salt, seafood, mineral water, and even human feces. However, the review concludes that due to lacking data on exposure levels, biodistribution, and health effects, a reliable risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics is still not possible.
Toxicity, uptake, and nuclear translocation of ingested micro-nanoplastics in an in vitro model of the small intestinal epithelium
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Researchers tested the toxicity and uptake of various micro- and nanoplastics in a laboratory model of the small intestinal lining. They found that carboxylated nanoplastics significantly reduced cell viability and increased intestinal permeability, with the smallest particles (25 nm) showing the greatest uptake. Strikingly, some nanoplastic particles were found inside cell nuclei, suggesting they can penetrate deep into cellular structures after ingestion.
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