Papers

Underestimated health risks: polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics jointly induce intestinal barrier dysfunction by ROS-mediated epithelial cell apoptosis

This mouse study found that when micro-sized and nano-sized polystyrene particles were present together, as they would be in the real world, they caused more intestinal damage than either size alone. The combined exposure increased gut permeability by killing intestinal lining cells through oxidative stress, weakening the barrier that keeps harmful substances out of the bloodstream. This is important because real-world microplastic exposure always involves a mix of particle sizes, meaning health risks may be greater than single-size lab studies suggest.

Brain single-nucleus transcriptomics highlights that polystyrene nanoplastics potentially induce Parkinson’s disease-like neurodegeneration by causing energy metabolism disorders in mice

In a mouse study, oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics caused brain changes resembling Parkinson's disease, including loss of dopamine-producing neurons and movement problems. Advanced single-cell brain analysis revealed that the nanoplastics disrupted energy production in brain cells, particularly in the brain regions most affected by Parkinson's disease. This research raises the alarming possibility that chronic nanoplastic exposure through food and water could contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

Intestinal Barrier Damage and Growth Retardation Caused by Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics Through Lactation Milk in Developing Mice

In a study on developing mice, polystyrene nanoplastics transferred from mother to pup through breast milk caused delayed weight gain and significant intestinal damage, including shortened gut lining structures and weakened barriers between intestinal cells. The gut was the primary target of damage even at relatively low doses, while organs like the liver and kidneys showed impaired development without obvious toxic injury. These findings are concerning because they suggest that infants could be exposed to nanoplastics through breast milk, with their developing gut being particularly vulnerable.

Integration of bifunctional silver dendrite membranes with surface-enhanced Raman scattering for sensitive detection of polystyrene microplastics in aquatic environments

Scientists created a new composite membrane made of silver dendrites on filter paper that can both capture and detect trace amounts of polystyrene microplastics in water. The method achieved detection at microgram-per-liter levels with recovery rates above 96% in real water samples. Better detection tools like this are important for accurately measuring the microplastic contamination levels in drinking water and aquatic environments that affect human health.

Research progress on distribution, sources, identification, toxicity, and biodegradation of microplastics in the ocean, freshwater, and soil environment

Visualized analysis of microplastics in residents' diets and regional investigation of China

Researchers developed an infrared spectral imaging method to detect microplastics in complex food samples without destroying them, then used it to survey dietary microplastic exposure across regions of China. They found microplastics present in a wide variety of foods, with concentrations varying by food type and geographic location. The study provides new data on how much microplastic people may be consuming through their everyday diets.

Impact of food matrices on the characteristics and cellular toxicities of ingested nanoplastics in a simulated digestive tract

Researchers investigated how different food components affect the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics as they pass through a simulated human digestive system. They found that fat molecules helped stabilize and disperse the nanoplastics during digestion, increasing their uptake by intestinal cells and worsening cellular damage. The study suggests that the type of food consumed alongside nanoplastic-contaminated items could significantly influence how much harm the particles cause in the gut.

Investigation of Microplastics (≥10 μm) in Meconium by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy

Researchers investigated the presence of microplastics in 16 meconium samples (a newborn's first stool) using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The study developed improved pretreatment methods for detecting microplastics in biological samples and contributes to the limited body of research on fetal microplastic exposure, an area that remains largely understudied.

The occurrence and exposure of microplastics in bivalves from Qingdao, China

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in bivalves such as clams and mussels from the coast of Qingdao, China, and assessed human dietary exposure from eating them. They found an average of about one microplastic particle per individual shellfish, with fibers and rayon being the most common types. The study suggests that regular bivalve consumption in the region contributes to ongoing human microplastic exposure.

Increased Microplastic Intake from Fry-Cooked Fish Muscle Tissue

Researchers compared how different cooking methods affect microplastic levels in fish muscle tissue and found that frying significantly increased microplastic abundance from 4 to over 36 particles per gram. Steaming and boiling did not cause significant changes in microplastic levels. The study identified PVC fragmentation during frying as a primary contributor and suggests that cooking methods should be factored into dietary microplastic exposure assessments.

Long-Term Co-Exposure to Nanopolystyrene and Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines Induces Neurotoxicity in Zebrafish via the MAPK Pathway

Researchers exposed zebrafish to a combination of polystyrene nanoplastics and a heterocyclic aromatic amine (Norharman) commonly found in cooked meat, simulating conditions relevant to takeout food consumption. Long-term co-exposure caused behavioral abnormalities, brain tissue damage, and activation of stress-response pathways more severe than either contaminant alone. The study suggests that nanoplastics and food-processing byproducts may interact to amplify neurotoxic effects.

Emerging tropane alkaloids: Global development and potential health threats

This bibliometric study maps the research landscape of tropane alkaloids, a class of plant-derived compounds with both pharmaceutical and toxic properties, by analyzing over 1,200 publications from 1953 to 2022. The study identifies an emerging trend since 2018 toward monitoring tropane alkaloid contamination in food products, suggesting growing concern about their potential health implications in the food supply.

Microplastics Pollution and Their Potential Impact in Marine Systems: A Case Study in Shandong Peninsula, China

Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in marine environments around China's Shandong Peninsula, documenting contamination levels and potential impacts on the region's important fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries.

Benchmark Dose Estimation from Transcriptomics Data for Methylimidazolium Ionic Liquid Hepatotoxicity: Implications for Health Risk Assessment of Green Solvents

Researchers used transcriptomics and benchmark dose modeling to assess the liver toxicity of the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium, which has been detected at high concentrations in soils. They identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes involved in inflammatory and metabolic pathways and established toxicity thresholds for health risk assessment. The study raises concerns about the safety of ionic liquids promoted as green solvents, given their potential environmental persistence.

The Occurrence and Exposure of Microplastics in Bivalves from Qingdao, China

Advancing food safety risk assessment in China: development of new approach methodologies (NAMs)

This paper is not about microplastics — it reviews the development and application of new approach methodologies (NAMs) — including in vitro and computational methods — for food safety risk assessment in China, focusing on reducing reliance on animal testing.

Editorial: Global excellence in toxicology: Asia, Australia and New Zealand

This editorial synthesizes findings from a collection of toxicology studies from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighting advances in next-generation risk assessment for emerging contaminants including microplastics, and discussing how the region is developing novel methodological approaches to address environmental health challenges from rapid industrialization.

Additional file 2 of Underestimated health risks: polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics jointly induce intestinal barrier dysfunction by ROS-mediated epithelial cell apoptosis

This is a supplementary data file providing numerical values for a study on how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics damage the intestinal barrier through oxidative stress-induced cell death. The underlying study is relevant to understanding how plastic particles ingested through food or water may harm the human gut lining.

A Soothing Study: There is No Evidence of Microplastics in Meconium