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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Comparative analysis of accumulation of microplastics of various sizes in the rat brain based on an automated morphometric approach
ClearSemiquantitative assessment of the distribution of microplastic particles in the body during acute exposure
Researchers developed and validated a semi-quantitative method to assess microplastic distribution across organs in rats under acute exposure conditions, using fluorescent particles of three sizes (100, 500, 1000 nm) to map accumulation patterns — finding size-dependent biodistribution with smaller particles reaching more tissues.
Size-dependent translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics across biological barriers in mammals
This study tracked radiolabeled nanoplastic particles in rats and found that smaller 20-nanometer particles could cross biological barriers that larger 100-nanometer particles could not, including reaching the brain. Both sizes were transferred from mothers to offspring, but through different pathways, revealing that nanoplastic size plays a critical role in determining which organs and tissues are exposed.
Size-dependent and tissue specific accumulation of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics in zebrafish
Researchers tracked size-dependent accumulation of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in multiple zebrafish tissues, finding that smaller particles distributed more broadly throughout the body compared to larger ones. Nanoplastics showed greater systemic distribution including into brain and reproductive tissues, raising concerns about size-dependent health risks.
Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
Researchers tracked potential pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics may enter the human brain, examining both in vitro cell models and post-mortem brain tissue. They found that human monocytes rapidly internalized polystyrene particles into endocytic vesicles and mitochondria, and detected plastic particles in brain tissue samples, providing evidence that nanoplastics may be capable of crossing brain barriers.
Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in tissues of vital organs including brain with histological and behaviour analysis on Swiss albino mice
Researchers exposed rats to polystyrene microplastics and examined accumulation in vital organs including the brain, liver, kidney, and gut, finding tissue-specific deposition that was associated with behavioral changes and organ-level pathological effects.
Semi-quantitative Assessment of the Distribution of Microplastic Particles of Different Size in the Liver of Rat
Researchers examined the distribution of microplastic particles of different sizes (500 nm and 1000 nm) in rat liver tissue using semi-quantitative fluorescent staining, finding that particle size influenced the distribution pattern and intensity of MP accumulation within hepatic tissue.
Size-dependent neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in flowing condition based on an in vitro microfluidic study
Researchers studied the size-dependent neurotoxicity of polystyrene micro- and nanoparticles on mouse hippocampal neuronal cells using a microfluidic system that simulates flowing conditions. The study found that both particle sizes were efficiently taken up by cells, but nanoparticles showed greater neurotoxic effects at the concentrations tested. Evidence indicates that particle size is an important factor in determining the neurological impact of plastic pollution.
Analysis of Biodistribution and in vivo Toxicity of Varying Sized Polystyrene Micro and Nanoplastics in Mice
This study found that smaller plastic particles spread more widely through the bodies of mice and caused more organ damage than larger ones, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Nanoplastics (under 1 micrometer) were especially concerning because they crossed biological barriers more easily than microplastics. The results suggest that the tiniest plastic particles in our environment may pose the greatest health risks.
Defining the size ranges of polystyrene nanoplastics according to their ability to cross biological barriers
Researchers systematically examined polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes to define the size ranges at which they can cross biological barriers, providing a more precise definition of nanoplastic dimensions relevant to toxicological assessment.
Blood uptake and urine excretion of nano- and micro-plastics after a single exposure.
Mice exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles (100 nm) and microparticles (3 µm) via different routes showed that smaller particles appeared rapidly in blood and were detected in urine, while larger particles cleared more slowly. The study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and enter circulation, with potential for distribution throughout the body.
Evidence on Invasion of Blood, Adipose Tissues, Nervous System and Reproductive System of Mice After a Single Oral Exposure: Nanoplastics versus Microplastics.
Researchers found that after a single oral exposure in mice, nanoplastics were rapidly absorbed into the blood, accumulated in fat tissues, and crossed both the blood-brain and blood-testis barriers. The study demonstrated that the distribution and behavior of plastic particles in mammals is strongly dependent on particle size, with nanoplastics showing substantially greater tissue penetration than microplastics.
A new insight of size-dependent plastics particles kinetics with regarding of metabolomics effects in liver and kidney
Researchers developed a comprehensive extraction and detection protocol to track polystyrene particles of three sizes (80 nm, 2 µm, and 20 µm) across multiple organs in exposed animals, finding that smaller particles accumulated more broadly — reaching the brain, liver, spleen, and kidney — while liver and kidney metabolism was disrupted in size-dependent but distinct ways.
Correlative spectroscopy and microscopy analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in complex biological matrices
Researchers combined fluorescence microscopy, second harmonic generation imaging, and coherent Raman scattering to detect and map micro- and nanoplastics in lung cells, zebrafish, and mouse tissues. Polystyrene nanoplastics were found to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in lipid-rich brain regions in animal models.
Cellular interactions with polystyrene nanoplastics—The role of particle size and protein corona
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics interact with mammalian cells, finding that particle size and the protein corona that forms around particles in biological fluids strongly influence cellular uptake and toxicity. Smaller nanoplastics penetrated cell membranes more readily and caused greater disruption, suggesting that the tiniest plastic particles may pose the greatest biological risk.
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.
Bioaccumulation of differently-sized polystyrene nanoplastics by human lung and intestine cells
Researchers examined how human lung and intestine cells take up polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes, finding that smaller particles were internalized in greater numbers but at lower total mass compared to larger ones. When compared on a surface area basis, the uptake rates were similar across sizes, suggesting that surface interactions with cell membranes play a key role. The findings indicate that particle size is an important factor to consider when evaluating the health risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Neurotoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics with different particle sizes at environment-related concentrations on early zebrafish embryos
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes at concentrations found in the environment and observed significant brain damage. The nanoplastics caused loss of neurons, shortened nerve fibers, and disrupted brain signaling systems that control behavior. Smaller nanoplastics caused the most severe damage because they could pass through protective barriers more easily, suggesting that the tiniest plastic particles pose the greatest risk to brain development.
Morphological and chemical characterization of nanoplastics in human tissue
Researchers developed methods to visualize and chemically characterize nanoplastics that have accumulated in human tissue samples. They were able to identify plastic particles smaller than one micrometer within tissue using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The study provides some of the first direct evidence of nanoscale plastic accumulation in the human body, which is essential for designing future health effects research.
Human bioaccumulation of micro- and nanoplastics is primarily determined by the organs' vascular volume
This modeling study examined how micro- and nanoplastic bioaccumulation in human organs relates to vascular blood volume, using recently published data showing elevated concentrations in the brain. The authors found that organ-level plastic accumulation is primarily determined by blood supply rather than organ mass or metabolic activity, explaining why highly vascularized organs accumulate disproportionately more particles.
Nanoplastics transport in zebrafish brain: Molecular and phenotypic behavioral impacts
This study tracked how nanoplastics of two sizes (50 nm and 200 nm) accumulate in and clear from zebrafish brains. Smaller nanoplastics built up more and lasted longer in the brain, causing greater damage to neurons and more behavioral changes like reduced activity and impaired learning. The findings suggest that the tiniest plastic particles may pose the most risk to brain health because they are harder for the body to remove.
Micro- and nanoplastic toxicity: A review on size, type, source, and test-organism implications
This comprehensive review analyzed 615 studies on the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics across different polymer types, sizes, and organisms. A major finding is that over 90% of nanoplastic research uses only polystyrene, leaving huge gaps in our understanding of other common plastics at the nanoscale. The review highlights that smaller particles are generally more toxic and that more research is urgently needed on the nanoplastics people are most likely to encounter in everyday life.
Human neurons are susceptible to the internalization of small-sized nanoplastics
Researchers studied how human neurons take up nanoplastics and found that the cells readily absorbed 50-nanometer polystyrene particles through specific cellular pathways. The nanoplastics accumulated in cell compartments and, at higher concentrations, triggered oxidative stress and reduced cell survival. The study provides evidence that very small plastic particles can enter human brain cells, raising concerns about potential neurological effects of nanoplastic exposure.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Brain: A Scoping Review Protocol on Their Presence, Neurotoxic Effects, and Implications for Human Health
This scoping review protocol outlines a systematic approach to mapping scientific evidence on the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain, their neurotoxic effects, and potential implications for human health. The review will chart findings from both human studies and experimental models to identify key mechanisms, affected brain regions, and knowledge gaps in this emerging field.
Micro/nanoplastics and human health: A review of the evidence, consequences, and toxicity assessment
This review summarizes evidence that micro and nanoplastics have been found in multiple human organs and body fluids, where they can alter cell shape, damage mitochondria, reduce cell survival, and cause oxidative stress. The health effects depend heavily on the size, shape, and chemical makeup of the particles, with smaller nanoplastics generally posing the greatest risk because they penetrate deeper into tissues. The review provides a framework for assessing how dangerous different types of plastic particles are to human health.