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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.
The production and use of plastics has constantly increased over the last 30 years. Over one third of the plastics is used in disposables, which are discarded within three years of their production. Despite efforts towards recycling, a substantial volume of debris has accumulated in the environment and is slowly degraded to micro- and nanoplastics by weathering and aging. It has recently been discovered that these small particles can enter the food chain, as for example demonstrated by the detection of microplastic particles in honey, beer, salt, sea food and recently in mineral water. Human exposure has further been documented by the detection of plastic microparticles in human feces. Potential toxic consequences of oral exposure to small plastic particles are discussed. Due to lacking data concerning exposure, biodistribution and related effects, the risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics is still not possible. This review focuses on the oral uptake of plastic and polymer micro- and nanoparticles. Oral exposure, particle fate, changes of particle properties during ingestion and gastrointestinal digestion, and uptake and transport at the intestinal epithelium are reviewed in detail. Moreover, the interaction with intestinal and liver cells and possibly resulting toxicity are highlighted.
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This review assessed the toxicological risk of micro- and nanoplastics following oral exposure in humans, synthesizing available data on particle behavior in the gastrointestinal tract, absorption, biodistribution, and potential adverse effects. It identifies significant research gaps and calls for standardized risk assessment frameworks given rising global plastic production.
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This review examined the occurrence, human exposure pathways, and health implications of microplastics in food. Researchers found that microplastics have been documented in fishery products, drinking water, sea salt, and other foods, with intestinal absorption considered limited due to particle size. The study suggests that while direct toxicity from ingested microplastics requires further investigation, the chemicals added during plastic manufacturing could potentially cross the intestinal barrier.
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