Papers

Neurotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on memory and microglial activation: Insights from in vivo and in vitro studies

In a mouse study, tiny nanoplastics (30-50 nanometers) that were swallowed reached the brain and caused memory problems by activating the brain's immune cells, called microglia, which triggered inflammation. This is concerning because it shows that nanoplastics small enough to be found in everyday products like cosmetics could cross into the brain and impair cognitive function.

Evaluation of size-dependent uptake, transport and cytotoxicity of polystyrene microplastic in a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model

Using a lab model of the blood-brain barrier, researchers found that smaller microplastics (0.2 micrometers) crossed into brain tissue far more readily than larger ones, increasing barrier permeability by up to 27 times after 72 hours. This suggests that the tiniest microplastics may pose the greatest risk to brain health, especially when inflammation is already present.

Synthetic bacteria for the detection and bioremediation of heavy metals

This review covers how scientists are engineering bacteria to detect and clean up heavy metal contamination in the environment. Synthetic biology tools allow researchers to create microbes that can sense specific metals and either absorb or transform them into less toxic forms. While focused on heavy metals, this bioremediation approach is relevant to microplastics research because microplastics often concentrate heavy metals, and cleaning up one pollutant could help address both.

Identification and characterization of microplastics in human nasal samples

Researchers collected samples from human nasal cavities and confirmed the presence of microplastics, with polyethylene, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene being the most common types. This finding adds the nose to the growing list of human body sites where microplastics have been detected, raising questions about potential health effects on the respiratory system.

Deciphering the links: Fragmented polystyrene as a driver of skin inflammation

Researchers tested fragmented polystyrene particles on human skin using cell cultures, live mice, and donated human skin samples, finding that these microplastics can penetrate skin layers and trigger significant inflammation. The particles were taken up by skin cells and caused the release of inflammatory signals, suggesting that everyday skin contact with microplastics in cosmetics, textiles, and dust could contribute to skin irritation and inflammatory skin conditions.

Polypropylene microplastics promote metastatic features in human breast cancer

Researchers found that polypropylene microplastics, one of the most common types found in human tissue, promoted the spread and invasion of human breast cancer cells in laboratory experiments. The microplastics activated specific signaling pathways that help cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body. While this is a lab study and not proof that microplastics cause cancer in people, it raises important questions about how chronic microplastic exposure might influence cancer progression.

Identification and Characterization of Microplastics in Human Cervicovaginal Lavage Fluids Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Study

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers detected microplastic particles in the cervicovaginal fluid of all 10 women tested, with polypropylene and polystyrene being the most common types. One participant who regularly used a menstrual cup had significantly more microplastic particles than others. The findings confirm that the female reproductive tract is exposed to microplastics, raising questions about potential effects on reproductive health.

Pre/post-natal exposure to microplastic as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder

Researchers investigated whether microplastic exposure could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder by testing the effects of polyethylene particles on mice at different life stages. They found that microplastics accumulated in the brain and that prenatal exposure in particular led to behavioral changes in offspring resembling autistic traits. The study suggests a possible link between early microplastic exposure and neurodevelopmental effects, though more research is needed to understand the relevance to humans.

Peptide-Decorated Microneedles for the Detection of Microplastics

Researchers developed a new sensor using tiny microneedles coated with specially designed peptides that can capture and detect microplastics. The peptides bind to the hydrophobic surfaces of plastic particles, and Raman spectroscopy confirms the capture. This technology could make it easier and faster to test for microplastic contamination in water, food, and other environmental samples.

Potential toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles

Researchers investigated the cellular-level toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles and found that they stimulated immune responses in a size- and concentration-dependent manner. The particles triggered the production of cytokines and chemokines, which are signaling molecules involved in inflammation. The study challenges the common assumption that microplastics pose minimal risk to human health, suggesting they may have immunological effects upon direct contact with cells.

An assessment of the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics in human derived cells

Researchers assessed the toxicity of polypropylene microplastics on human-derived cell lines and found that the particles triggered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at concentrations relevant to environmental exposure. The microplastics also affected cell viability and caused measurable changes in immune-related gene expression. The study raises concerns about potential health effects from chronic human exposure to one of the most commonly produced plastic types.

The Emerging Threat of Micro- and Nanoplastics on the Maturation and Activity of Immune Cells

This review examines how micro and nanoplastics affect the immune system, focusing on their impact on immune cell development and function. Studies show that these tiny plastic particles can alter how immune cells mature and respond to threats, potentially weakening the body's defenses or triggering excessive inflammation. Since humans are constantly exposed to microplastics through food, water, and air, understanding these immune effects is critical for assessing long-term health risks.

Tracing the journey of nano- and microplastics: from environmental prevalence to human intake

Unveiling the impact of microplastics: a perspective on size, shape, and composition in human health

Biofilm–microplastic interactions in food safety: mechanisms, risks, and control strategies

This review investigates how microplastics in the food industry serve as surfaces where bacterial biofilms can form, creating complexes that resist cleaning and disinfection. Researchers found that these biofilm-microplastic combinations can shield harmful bacteria and promote the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes. The study evaluates strategies for preventing and controlling this form of contamination in food systems.

Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on endothelium senescence and its underlying mechanism

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics can promote premature aging of endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls, using porcine coronary artery cells as a model. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may affect cardiovascular health by accelerating cellular senescence in the endothelium, a process linked to vascular dysfunction.

Quantitative Raman analysis of microplastics in water using peak area ratios for concentration determination

Researchers developed a new method using Raman spectroscopy to measure microplastic concentrations in water. By analyzing the ratio of plastic-specific signals to the water signal, they created a reliable calibration model for detecting polyethylene and PVC microplastics, even when multiple plastic types are mixed together. This approach could make it faster and easier to monitor microplastic contamination in real-world water sources.

In vitro toxicity from a physical perspective of polyethylene microplastics based on statistical curvature change analysis

Researchers investigated the in vitro toxicity of polyethylene microplastics of two different shapes using statistical analysis of particle curvature. They found that irregularly shaped microplastic fragments caused greater cellular damage than more uniformly shaped particles, suggesting that physical characteristics beyond size influence toxicity. The study demonstrates that the sharp edges and irregular surfaces of environmentally degraded microplastics may contribute to their harmful biological effects.

Microplastic polyethylene induced inner ear dysfunction in murine model

Researchers exposed mice to polyethylene microplastics and found evidence of inner ear dysfunction, including hearing loss and balance problems. The microplastics triggered changes in gene activity and brain metabolism associated with auditory processing. The study provides the first evidence suggesting that microplastic exposure may affect hearing and balance, opening a new area of health concern.

Not just fish, but the future

This review discusses the sustainability challenges facing global fish supplies due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution including microplastic contamination, and examines cell-based or laboratory-grown fish as a potential solution. Researchers note that clean-room-produced fish would avoid contaminants like microplastics found in wild and farmed fish. The study covers the current state of cell-based fish technology, including the edible components, production methods, and commercialization prospects.

Surface Pattern Analysis of Microplastics and Their Impact on Human-Derived Cells

This study analyzed the surface patterns of PVC and ABS microplastics to create a standardized reference, then tested their effects on human-derived cells, finding potential cytotoxic impacts that varied by polymer type.

Uncertainty quantification of granular computing-neural network model for prediction of pollutant longitudinal dispersion coefficient in aquatic streams

Researchers developed an AI model combining granular computing and neural networks to better predict how pollutants spread through rivers, achieving highly accurate estimates of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient across a wide range of stream conditions. Improved predictions of pollutant mixing are critical for protecting water quality in natural waterways.

Consumers’ Value and Risk Perceptions of Circular Fashion: Comparison between Secondhand, Upcycled, and Recycled Clothing

A survey of 850 Korean consumers in their 20s–30s found that emotional value was the strongest driver of circular fashion purchase intention across secondhand, upcycled, and recycled clothing, while economic risk was the most significant barrier.

Amplified Lung Cancer Hazards from Surface Defects in Aged Polypropylene Microplastics