Nanoplastics exacerbate cadmium toxicity in Mytilus coruscus through bioenergetic exhaustion and tissue disintegration

What Can Model Polystyrene Nanoparticles Can Teach Us on the Impact of Nanoplastics in Bivalves? Studies in Mytilus from the Molecular to the Organism Level

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Researchers used model polystyrene nanoparticles to study how nanoplastics affect mussels at the molecular and whole-organism level, shedding light on the potential harm of plastic particles smaller than one micrometer. Because nanoplastics can penetrate cells more easily than larger microplastics, these findings suggest they may pose distinct biological risks to aquatic life and potentially humans.

Nanoplastic exposure alters oxidative stress, immunity, and digestive function in Pinctada fucata martensii

Cellular and Animal Toxicities of Micro- and Nanoplastics

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Researchers reviewed evidence from cell and animal studies on the toxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics, finding that these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage in laboratory models, raising concern about what chronic low-level human exposure might mean for long-term health.

Molecular mechanisms of microplastics toxicity

Cytotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and DNA Damage in Hemocytes of the Pacific Oyster

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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can damage the immune cells of oysters by harming their mitochondria, the "batteries" that power cells, leading to DNA damage even at low exposure levels. While this study was done in oysters, not humans, it adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics can disrupt basic cell functions, raising questions about what similar exposure might mean for human health given how widespread plastic pollution has become in our food and water.