Papers

61,005 results
|
Systematic Review Tier 1

A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown

This systematic review summarizes 234 research studies on how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the brain and nervous system. Evidence from animal and lab studies suggests these particles can reach the brain through the nose or by crossing the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and nerve cell damage.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicities induced by micro/nanoplastics: A review focusing on the risks of neurological diseases

This review summarizes evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain through the bloodstream and nerve pathways, where they trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The particles are found in air, water, soil, and food, meaning humans are constantly exposed through breathing, eating, and skin contact, making brain effects a serious long-term concern.

2024 Journal of Hazardous Materials 99 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown

This systematic review summarizes 234 research studies on how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the brain and nervous system. Evidence from animal and lab studies suggests these particles can reach the brain, potentially through the nose or by crossing the blood-brain barrier, and may cause inflammation and damage to nerve cells.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicity of nanoplastics: A review

This review examines the growing body of evidence on how nanoplastics may affect the nervous system. Researchers summarized findings showing that nanoplastics can cross biological barriers, accumulate in brain tissue, and trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in nerve cells. The evidence indicates that nanoplastic exposure may contribute to neurotoxic effects, though more research is needed to fully understand the risks to human brain health.

2024 F1000Research 5 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

The neurotoxic threat of micro- and nanoplastics: evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo models

This systematic review examined 26 studies showing that micro- and nanoplastics can cross into the brain, damage neurons, and trigger inflammation in lab and animal models. These findings raise concerns that long-term plastic exposure could contribute to neurological problems in humans, though more research is needed.

2025 Archives of Toxicology 23 citations
Article Tier 2

Overall effects of microplastics on brain

This review synthesizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the brain, finding evidence that these particles can cross critical biological barriers including the blood-brain barrier and placenta to reach the central nervous system. Researchers found that once in the brain, microplastics may trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems. The study suggests that microplastic exposure represents an emerging concern for neurological health, though more research is needed to fully characterize the risks.

2025 Frontiers in Toxicology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics/nanoplastics and neurological health: An overview of neurological defects and mechanisms

This review summarizes evidence that micro and nanoplastics can harm the nervous system, causing developmental abnormalities, brain cell death, neurological inflammation, and potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Animal studies show that these tiny plastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, where they trigger oxidative stress and disrupt normal brain function. While direct evidence in humans is still limited, the findings suggest that chronic microplastic exposure could be a risk factor for neurological health problems.

2024 Toxicology 19 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown

This critical review of 234 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain via olfactory translocation or by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where they may cause neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and behavioral changes in animal models. The evidence raises significant concerns about potential neurotoxic effects of chronic microplastic exposure in humans, though major knowledge gaps remain.

2025 Particle and Fibre Toxicology 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

This review examines emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in nervous tissue, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers summarized findings showing these particles may act as neurotoxicants that contribute to synaptic dysfunction and pathological changes in brain cells. The study highlights the need for further research into how chronic plastic particle exposure may affect central nervous system health over time.

2026 3 Biotech
Article Tier 2

The plastic brain: neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics

This review examines the emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain in both aquatic animals and mammals, potentially causing neurotoxic effects. Researchers found that exposure to these particles induces oxidative stress, inhibits key enzymes involved in nerve signaling, and alters neurotransmitter levels, which may contribute to behavioral changes. The study highlights that systematic research comparing different particle types, sizes, and exposure conditions is urgently needed to understand the neurological risks.

2020 Particle and Fibre Toxicology 691 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives

This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter signaling. While clinical studies have confirmed the presence of plastic particles in human brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, the authors note that methodological limitations and inconsistent quality controls currently prevent establishing a definitive causal link to neurological conditions.

2026 Toxicology
Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicityof Micro- and Nanoplastics: A ComprehensiveReview of Central Nervous System Impacts

This comprehensive review examines neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, synthesizing evidence that MNP exposure disrupts neural signaling, promotes neuroinflammation, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and may contribute to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

2025 Figshare
Systematic Review Tier 1

Additional file 2 of A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown

This is supplementary data supporting a systematic review on the potential brain and nerve damage caused by micro- and nanoplastics. The main study found evidence that these particles may reach the brain and cause neurotoxic effects in animal models.

2025 Figshare
Systematic Review Tier 1

Additional file 2 of A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown

This is supplementary data supporting a systematic review on the potential brain and nerve damage caused by micro- and nanoplastics. The main study found evidence that these particles may reach the brain and cause neurotoxic effects in animal models.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Comprehensive Review of Central Nervous System Impacts

This comprehensive review summarizes the evidence linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to damage in the brain and nervous system. The plastics can harm neurons, disrupt the protective blood-brain barrier, trigger brain inflammation, and promote the clumping of proteins associated with diseases like Alzheimer's. The review highlights the gut-brain axis as a key pathway, meaning microplastics swallowed in food and water could affect brain health through the digestive system.

2025 Environment & Health 9 citations
Systematic Review Tier 1

Neurotoxicity of microplastic particles in the human brain: a systematic review

This systematic review examines how microplastic particles may affect the human brain and nervous system. The research found that microplastics can reach the brain and cause changes in behavior and thinking, though more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects. This is an early but important signal that plastic pollution could impact brain health.

2024 Turkish Neurosurgery
Article Tier 2

From exposure to neurotoxicity induced by micro-nanoplastics with brain accumulation and cognitive decline

This review synthesizes evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier or traveling along nerve pathways, accumulating in regions critical for memory and thinking. Animal studies show that chronic exposure leads to cognitive problems, behavioral changes, and brain changes resembling neurodegenerative diseases, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of the gut-brain connection. The findings raise concern that long-term human exposure to nanoplastics through food and air could contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disease.

2025 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Deciphering the Neurotoxic Burden of Micro- and Nanoplastics: From Multi-model Experimental Evidence to Therapeutic Innovation

This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics damage the brain and nervous system, covering evidence from cell studies, animal experiments, and clinical observations. Plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, disrupt the gut-brain connection, cause oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation that leads to memory problems and cognitive decline. The review also discusses potential treatment strategies, making it a useful resource for understanding the brain health risks of plastic exposure.

2025 Molecular Neurobiology 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Environmental exposure pathways of microplastics and their toxic effects on ecosystems and the nervous system

This review examines the environmental pathways by which microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, with a particular focus on their effects on the nervous system. Researchers summarize evidence that microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and may trigger neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in brain tissue. The study highlights the nervous system as a key area of concern for microplastic-related health research.

2025 Frontiers in Toxicology 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on human health: focus on neurological effects from ingestion

This review compiles emerging evidence on how ingested microplastics and nanoplastics may affect the brain and nervous system. Researchers found that these particles can disrupt gut bacteria, cross the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in neural tissue, potentially triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein changes linked to cognitive problems. The study highlights an urgent need for more human research, as initial findings have associated elevated plastic particle levels in brain tissue with neurological concerns.

2025 Frontiers in Public Health 4 citations
Article Tier 2

From the Environment to Molecular Interactions of Nanoplastics: Unraveling the Neurotoxic Impacts and the Implications in Neurodegenerative Processes

This review examines how nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially contribute to brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nanoplastics have been found in food, water, and air, and once they reach the brain they can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. The review calls for more realistic lab studies and better detection methods to understand the true scope of nanoplastic effects on brain health.

2024 Applied Sciences 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics on blood-brain barrier crossing and neurotoxicity: Current evidence and future perspectives

This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective shield around the brain, through multiple pathways including disrupting the barrier's tight junctions and being transported inside cells. Once in the brain, these particles may cause damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted iron metabolism, with effects worsened when plastics carry other pollutants like heavy metals.

2025 NeuroToxicology 21 citations
Article Tier 2

Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications

This review summarizes what is known about the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, noting they can cross critical barriers in the body including the blood-brain barrier. Studies in lab animals show these particles can cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death, with potential effects on the brain, heart, lungs, and skin, underscoring the need for more real-world human studies.

2024 Toxicology Reports 22 citations
Article Tier 2

Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies of Neurotoxicity Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics

This review examined the pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics reach the brain—via the gut-brain axis, respiratory tract, and circulatory system—and the mechanisms by which they induce neurotoxicity, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems. The authors surveyed emerging therapeutic strategies, highlighting antioxidant supplementation and anti-inflammatory interventions as the most promising current approaches.

2025 Brain Sciences