Papers

Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda

This article explores how sustainable practices in dentistry can reduce waste and environmental impact, in line with the UN's 2030 sustainability goals. While not directly about microplastics, the dental industry generates significant plastic waste from single-use items and disposable materials that can break down into microplastics. The push for greener dental materials and waste reduction could help decrease one source of microplastic pollution entering the environment.

Nanoplastics activate a TLR4/p38-mediated pro-inflammatory response in human intestinal and mouse microglia cells

Researchers exposed human intestinal cells and mouse brain immune cells to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the particles activated inflammatory pathways through a specific receptor called TLR4. The nanoplastics increased production of the inflammatory signal IL-1 beta in gut cells and triggered inflammation-promoting enzymes in brain immune cells. This study provides a mechanism by which nanoplastics swallowed in food or water could trigger inflammation in both the gut and the brain.

Influence of Coca-Cola® on Thermoplastic Degradation in Clear Orthodontic Aligners

This pilot study tested the effect of Coca-Cola exposure on microplastic release from clear orthodontic aligners made of two commercial thermoplastic brands, finding that the acidic beverage accelerated polymer degradation and increased MP particle release during simulated oral use.

P17-33: Interaction of nanoplastics with intestinal epithelia: effect on permeability

P17-25: Nanoplastics effect over co-cultures of intestinal and immune cells