Papers

Microplastics and nanoplastics increase major adverse cardiac events in patients with myocardial infarction

In a study of 142 heart attack patients, researchers found microplastics and nanoplastics in the coronary blood of nearly all participants, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) detected in over 95% of samples. Higher PVC levels were linked to increased inflammatory markers and a significantly greater risk of major heart complications over the 31.5-month follow-up period. For every 10-unit increase in PVC concentration, the risk of a major cardiac event more than doubled.

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces lysosomal enlargement and lipid droplet accumulation in KGN human ovarian granulosa cells

Researchers exposed human ovarian cells to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles entered the cells and caused abnormal enlargement of lysosomes (cellular recycling structures) and accumulation of fat droplets. These changes occurred even at concentrations that did not kill the cells outright, suggesting subtle but potentially significant damage. The findings point to a possible mechanism by which nanoplastics could impair female reproductive health.

Microplastic exposure in daily life and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: A study on the association between environmental pollutants and maternal-fetal health outcomes

In a study of pregnant women, those with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure had 1.46 times more microplastics in their umbilical cords than healthy pregnant women, with polyethylene and polycarbonate being especially elevated. Microplastic exposure was linked to use of plastic containers and takeout meals, and higher levels were associated with worse outcomes for newborns. While this preliminary study has limitations, it suggests that everyday microplastic exposure during pregnancy may be connected to dangerous blood pressure complications.

In Vitro Assessment Reveals the Effects of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals on the Toxicity of Photoaged Tire Wear Particles

Researchers examined how tire wear particles change when exposed to sunlight and found that the aging process generates environmentally persistent free radicals on their surfaces. These radicals significantly increased the toxicity of the particles in laboratory cell tests, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study suggests that weathered tire particles may be more harmful than freshly released ones, adding a new dimension to microplastic pollution concerns.

Dysregulation of the microbiota-brain axis during long-term exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics in rats and the protective role of dihydrocaffeic acid

Researchers exposed rats to low doses of polystyrene nanoplastics over 24 weeks and observed disruptions in the gut-brain connection, including changes in gut bacteria, intestinal damage, and altered brain function. A natural compound called dihydrocaffeic acid showed protective effects against these nanoplastic-induced harms. The study suggests that long-term nanoplastic exposure may disrupt the communication between gut microbes and the brain, with potential implications for neurological health.

Short-term microplastic exposure: A double whammy to lung metabolism and fecal microflora in diabetic SD rats

Researchers studied the effects of short-term polystyrene microplastic exposure on diabetic rats and found that the particles caused lung tissue damage and significant changes to gut bacteria composition. The microplastic exposure disrupted metabolic processes in the lungs and altered the balance of beneficial and harmful microbes in the gut. The findings suggest that individuals with diabetes may be particularly vulnerable to the health effects of microplastic exposure, even at low doses over short periods.

Polystyrene microplastic exposure induces selective accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes in gut microbiota and its potential health risks

Researchers used advanced genomic techniques to examine how polystyrene microplastic exposure affects antibiotic resistance genes in the gut bacteria of rats. They found that microplastic exposure selectively increased certain types of antibiotic resistance genes and promoted their ability to transfer between bacterial species. The study suggests that microplastic ingestion could contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance within the gut, posing potential health risks.

The adverse effects of developmental exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles on cognitive function in weaning rats and the protective role of trihydroxy phenolacetone

Researchers exposed weaning rats to low doses of polystyrene nanoplastics for four weeks and found hippocampal damage and cognitive deficits in adulthood linked to apoptosis via the MAPK3 signaling pathway, and identified the plant compound trihydroxyphenolacetone as a candidate therapeutic that directly binds MAPK3 to reduce cell death.

Omaveloxolone Prevents Polystyrene Microplastic-Induced Ovarian Granulosa Cell Apoptosis via the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Rats

Researchers exposed female rats to polystyrene microplastics for 90 days and found significant oxidative damage and cell death in ovarian tissue. They discovered that the drug omaveloxolone could protect against this damage by activating a cellular defense pathway called Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may pose risks to reproductive health, but also identifies a potential protective mechanism worth further investigation.

Generation of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) enhances ecotoxicological effects of the disposable face mask waste with the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed the environmental risks of disposable face masks discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding they release microplastics, metals, and organic pollutants into the environment. They discovered that the masks also generate environmentally persistent free radicals, an emerging risk factor that contributes to cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. The study found that surgical masks released more contaminants and posed higher environmental risk than N95 respirators.

Evaluating the toxicological effects of PET-MPs exposure on atherosclerosis through integrated network toxicology analysis and experimental validation

Researchers used network toxicology analysis and laboratory experiments to investigate how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics may contribute to atherosclerosis. They identified several molecular targets and biological pathways through which these microplastics could promote plaque formation in blood vessels. The study provides preliminary evidence that a commonly encountered type of microplastic may interact with cardiovascular disease mechanisms, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Microplastic exposure reshapes the virome and virus–bacteria networks with implications for immune regulation in Mytilus coruscus

Researchers exposed mussels to microplastics for seven days and analyzed how the pollution affected viral communities in their tissues. They found that microplastic exposure suppressed DNA virus diversity while activating RNA viral metabolism, and restructured interactions between bacteria-infecting viruses and opportunistic pathogens. The study suggests that microplastics may influence immune function in shellfish by reshaping the viral community and virus-mediated immune interactions.

Multi-omics Analysis Uncovers Lifespan Effects of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics Coexposure in Drosophila melanogaster

Researchers used fruit flies (Drosophila) to investigate the combined effects of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics on lifespan. They found that co-exposure at high concentrations significantly reduced lifespan and impaired climbing ability, intestinal barrier function, and hunger resistance. Multi-omics analysis revealed disruptions in metabolic pathways and immune signaling, suggesting that combined microplastic exposure may be more harmful than single-type exposure alone.

High-concentration polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics co-exposure shorten insect lifespan and impose ecological risk: Multi-omics evidence from Drosophila melanogaster

Researchers used fruit flies as a model organism to study how co-exposure to high concentrations of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics affects insect lifespan. Multi-omics analysis revealed that microplastic co-exposure significantly shortened lifespan and disrupted key biological pathways, suggesting potential ecological risks from cumulative microplastic exposure in the environment.

Effects of Polyethylene and Polystyrene Microplastics Co-Exposure on Lifespan in Drosophila Melanogaster Via Combined Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analysis

Microplastic Exposure in Daily Life and Risk of PIH: A Study on the Association between Environmental Pollutants and Maternal-Fetal Health Outcomes

Microplastic Exposure In Daily Life and the Risk of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: A Study on the Association between Environmental Pollutants and Maternal-Fetal Health Outcomes

Distinctive metabolic disturbances associated with redox homeostasis, nervous and hormonal functions during gut microbial enrichment upon polystyrene microplastic exposure

Researchers tracked gut microbial enrichment, virome shifts, and metabolomic changes in organisms exposed to polystyrene microplastics, finding Eubacteriales-dominated dysbiosis accompanied by colitis. Microplastic exposure activated polyamine synthesis pathways, altered serotonin and thyroxine metabolism, and increased cholesterol-derived hormone synthesis, revealing complex hormonal and neurochemical disruption.

Micro/nanorobots for remediation of water resources and aquatic life

Not relevant to microplastics — this review covers micro/nanorobot technologies for water pollution control, focusing on propulsion methods and decontamination mechanisms for biological and chemical pollutants broadly, with only passing mention of plastics.

Knowledge mapping of research on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response: a bibliometric and visual analysis

This bibliometric and visual analysis maps the global research landscape on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), identifying key contributing countries, institutions, and authors, and calling for stronger international collaboration in this growing field.

Advances in Polyethylene Terephthalate Beverage Bottle Optimization: A Mini Review

This review examines advances in the optimization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles across three dimensions: material formulation, structural design, and manufacturing process improvements. Researchers found that recent innovations focus on barrier enhancement, weight reduction, and recyclability while maintaining the transparency, mechanical strength, and food safety properties that make PET dominant in beverage packaging.

Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study

This study measured microplastics released from three types of plastic take-out food containers — polypropylene, polyethylene, and expanded polystyrene — when filled with hot water. Expanded polystyrene released the most particles by far (up to 2.8 million per liter), and over 96% of particles from all containers were smaller than 10 micrometers, small enough to be absorbed into the gut.

Magnetic Microdimer as Mobile Meter for Measuring Plasma Glucose and Lipids

Researchers demonstrated a magnetically propelled microdimer device that can measure glucose and lipid levels in blood plasma in real time. This medical sensing technology is focused on health diagnostics rather than environmental monitoring.

Self-Propelled Janus Microdimer Swimmers under a Rotating Magnetic Field

Researchers designed self-propelling microscopic swimmers powered by rotating magnetic fields, with potential uses in medicine and environmental monitoring. While not directly about microplastics, this micro-robotics technology could eventually be applied to detecting or removing contaminants at the microscale.