Papers

Human Vocal Fold Tissue Modifications Related to Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review

Researchers systematically reviewed 24 studies on how laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (stomach acid reaching the throat) damages vocal fold tissue, identifying inflammation, cell junction breakdown, DNA damage from the digestive enzyme pepsin, and early signs of tissue remodeling that may link reflux to voice disorders and precancerous lesions.

Acute and multigenerational toxicity of polylactic acid microplastics on a copepod bioindicator

Are bio-based and biodegradable microplastics impacting for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)?

Researchers tested whether polylactic acid microplastics, a bio-based and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, cause toxicity in blue mussels over eight days of exposure. Standard biomarkers for oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity showed no significant effects. However, metabolomic analysis revealed changes in glycerophospholipid levels, suggesting subtle biochemical alterations that warrant further investigation into the safety of biodegradable microplastics in marine environments.

Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics

Researchers used advanced multi-omics techniques — simultaneously analyzing the DNA, proteins, and metabolic activity of microbes — to study the complex communities of bacteria and other microorganisms that colonize marine plastic debris (the "plastisphere"). The work reveals new ecological functions of these microbial films beyond plastic breakdown, including potential biotechnology applications and risks from pathogen hitchhiking on ocean plastic.

Multigenerational exposure of microplastics on the microbiota of E. affinis (copepod): a comparative study between biodegradable and nonbiodegradable microplastics

Researchers compared multigenerational effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on copepod microbiota, finding that both types altered microbial communities and that microplastics served as substrates for pathogenic bacteria across generations.

The plastisphere in marine ecosystem hosts potential specific microbial degraders including Alcanivorax borkumensis as a key player for the low-density polyethylene degradation

Researchers found that ocean-floating plastics host unique communities of bacteria — called the "plastisphere" — that differ significantly from those in seafloor sediments, with the bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis shown for the first time to form thick biofilms on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic and begin breaking it down, pointing toward potential biological tools for plastic degradation.

Microbial biofilm composition and polymer degradation of compostable and non-compostable plastics immersed in the marine environment

Researchers submerged compostable (PBAT, PLA) and conventional plastics in the Mediterranean Sea for 82 days and found no significant bacterial degradation of any polymer, though enrichment cultures specifically grew Marinomonas bacteria on PBAT with a 12% weight loss, suggesting marine biodegradation of compostable plastics is far slower than in industrial composting conditions.

The Urgent Need to Assess and Prevent the Deposits of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Our Brain

This peer-reviewed commentary argues for urgent research into the deposition of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human brain, calling for standardized methods and more investigation into potential neurological consequences.

Micro‐ and Nanoplastic Toxicity in Upper Respiratory Tract: A Scoping Review

This scoping review found that both exposed and unexposed humans have microplastics and nanoplastics detectable in nasal tissue and fluids, with mask wearing and old nasal lavage devices contributing to deposition, and experimental studies suggesting inflammatory tissue changes from upper respiratory tract NMP accumulation.

Differentiation of petro-sourced plastic microfilaments from organic microfilaments by SEM-EDX in environmental samples

Researchers developed methods to differentiate petrochemical-sourced plastic microfilaments from natural and biogenic fibers in environmental samples, improving the accuracy of microplastic identification. The approach reduces misclassification errors that have complicated comparisons across monitoring studies.

Protecting public health and the environment: towards a general ban on cellulose acetate cigarette filters in the European Union

This paper reviewed evidence on cellulose acetate cigarette filters, finding that they encourage smoking, are inhaled more deeply, and are a significant source of persistent plastic pollution, supporting calls for a general ban on cellulose acetate filters.

Unseen riverine risk: Spatio-temporal shifts of microplastic pollution and its bioavailability in freshwater fish within the Ikopa River urban system

This study tracked spatio-temporal shifts in microplastic pollution concentrations in a river system, linking concentration changes to seasonal flow dynamics and identifying hot spots of accumulation that pose elevated risk to aquatic biota.

Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan

Researchers and European experts identified 21 emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees used in agriculture, spanning pesticide exposure, climate stress, new parasites, and trade policies, highlighting that protecting pollination services requires coordinated action across local, national, and continental scales.

Effect of extrusion and fused filament fabrication processing parameters of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) on the crystallinity and mechanical properties

Degradation of Film and Rigid Bioplastics During the Thermophilic Phase and the Maturation Phase of Simulated Composting

Researchers tested how well commercially certified compostable bioplastics (starch-based, PBAT, and PLA) actually degrade under realistic industrial composting conditions, finding that PLA degradation was highly sensitive to both plastic thickness and the duration of the high-temperature composting phase. The results suggest that current industrial composting timelines may be insufficient to fully break down certified compostable plastics, raising questions about real-world end-of-life claims.

New insights into the functioning and structure of the PE and PP plastispheres from the Mediterranean Sea

Researchers used metagenomics and metaproteomics to characterize the plastisphere — the microbial community colonizing marine plastic debris — on polyethylene and polypropylene fragments from the Mediterranean Sea, confirming it functions as a self-sufficient ecosystem while finding no evidence that hydrocarbon-degrading or pathogenic bacteria were actively breaking down the polymer or causing disease.

Hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) - Towards an understanding of microplastics fragmentation

Influence of Green Nanofillers on the Morphological, Mechanical Properties, and Degradation Kinetics of <scp>PBS</scp>/<scp>PBAT</scp> Blends: A Potential Sustainable Strategy for Fisheries Applications

Researchers developed biodegradable polymer blends reinforced with nanochitin and nanocellulose — materials derived from natural sources — as a potential replacement for synthetic nylon fishing nets. The bio-based nanofillers improved the mechanical strength and altered degradation rates of the PBS/PBAT blends, bringing performance closer to what is needed for real fishing applications. Replacing synthetic nylon with biodegradable alternatives could meaningfully reduce ghost fishing and the microplastic pollution that comes from fragmenting nets in the ocean.

Can Polyhydroxyurethane-Derived Covalent Adaptable Networks Provide Environmental Benefits in Composite Applications?

Despite its title referencing sustainable composites and covalent adaptable networks, this paper studies the environmental life cycle assessment of advanced thermoset polymer composites using bio-derived materials — not microplastic pollution. It evaluates carbon footprints and recycling pathways for epoxy and polyhydroxyurethane composite materials and is not directly relevant to microplastic contamination or human health.

COST Action PRIORITY: An EU Perspective on Micro- and Nanoplastics as Global Issues

This opinion paper from the EU COST Action PRIORITY network argued that micro- and nanoplastics are persistent global environmental pollutants requiring immediate management strategies across the entire plastics lifecycle. The authors called for development of an effective international networking platform to coordinate research and policy responses to this worldwide challenge.

Using Molecular Dynamic Simulation to Understand the Deformation Mechanism in Cu, Ni, and Equimolar Cu-Ni Polycrystalline Alloys

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to compare deformation mechanisms in copper, nickel, and equimolar copper-nickel alloy, finding that the alloy develops the highest density of Shockley dislocations and stacking faults — producing a distinct gliding stage in its stress-strain curve — while grain boundaries act as dislocation sinks differently across the three materials.

From rivers to marine environments: A constantly evolving microbial community within the plastisphere

Researchers sampled 107 plastic pieces across four aquatic ecosystems in southern France and found that the sampling location and polymer chemistry were the strongest drivers of plastisphere microbial community composition, while only 11% of samples showed elevated Vibrio pathogen levels compared to surrounding water.

Predicting Valproate-Induced Liver Injury Using Metabolomic Analysis of Ex Ovo Chick Embryo Allantoic Fluid

This paper is not about microplastics; it evaluates chick embryo allantoic fluid metabolomics as a model for predicting drug-induced liver injury from valproate.

Reactive Extrusion (REx): Using Chemistry and Engineering to Solve the Problem of Ocean Plastics

Researchers explore reactive extrusion — a manufacturing process that uses chemical reactions during melting and shaping — as a way to transform ocean plastic waste into useful materials. This approach combines chemistry and engineering to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution in marine environments.