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Microplastics and Nanoplastics as Emerging Modifiers of Human Drug Pharmacokinetics: Implications for Adme and Therapeutic Outcomes
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This research review found that tiny plastic particles we're exposed to from the environment might change how medicines work in our bodies by affecting how drugs are absorbed, broken down, and eliminated. The plastic particles can stick to medications and disrupt the normal processes that control drug levels in our blood, which could make some medicines less effective or more dangerous. This is especially concerning for critical medications like blood thinners and seizure drugs, though scientists still need more studies in humans to understand the full impact.
Introduction: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that may influence human drug pharmacokinetics. Their small size, large surface area, and diverse surface chemistries enable adsorption of drugs, modulation of intestinal barriers, and interactions with metabolic enzymes and transporters, potentially altering absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords including “microplastics,” “nanoplastics,” “ADME,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “drug–particle interactions.” In vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring studies, along with relevant physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, were reviewed to evaluate mechanistic evidence and clinical implications. Results: Experimental data indicate that MPs/NPs can adsorb drug molecules, disrupt tight junctions, modulate transporter activity (e.g., P-gp, OATP), and alter hepatic enzyme expression (CYP450 isoforms). Nanoplastics can translocate across epithelial barriers, interact with plasma proteins, and accumulate in tissues, affecting systemic drug exposure. Drugs with narrow therapeutic windows—including antiepileptics, anticoagulants, and biologics—are particularly vulnerable. Co-exposure with environmental pollutants such as heavy metals or endocrine disruptors may exacerbate these effects. While mechanistic insights from cellular and animal studies are substantial, human pharmacokinetic evidence remains limited. Conclusion: MPs and NPs represent emerging modulators of drug disposition, with potential consequences for efficacy and safety. Integrating biomonitoring, PBPK modeling, and multi-omics approaches is essential to assess real-world impacts. Recognition of particle-mediated drug interactions is critical for precision pharmacotherapy, regulatory evaluation, and development of mitigation strategies for populations chronically exposed to environmental plastics.
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Microplastics and Nanoplastics as Emerging Modifiers of Human Drug Pharmacokinetics: Implications for Adme and Therapeutic Outcomes
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**TLDR:** This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles we're exposed to from the environment might interfere with how medications work in our bodies. These microplastics and nanoplastics can potentially make some drugs less effective or change how they're absorbed, which could be especially risky for critical medications like blood thinners and seizure drugs. While scientists need more human studies to fully understand the impact, this suggests our plastic pollution problem might also be affecting how well our medicines work.
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