Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Direct Quantification of Nanoplastics Neurotoxicity by Single‐Vesicle Electrochemistry

Using single-vesicle electrochemistry, this study provides the first direct measurement of how nanoplastics disrupt neurotransmitter release at the level of individual nerve cells. Polystyrene nanoplastics taken up by neurons disrupted the cellular machinery controlling how vesicles fuse and release catecholamines (like dopamine and norepinephrine), reducing both the amount of neurotransmitter released and the frequency of release events. These findings are concerning because they suggest nanoplastic exposure could interfere with normal brain signaling at concentrations that don't immediately kill cells.

2023 Angewandte Chemie 2 citations
Article Tier 2

The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the central nervous system: A new threat to humanity?

This review summarizes growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage the central nervous system through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of brain chemicals. The authors note that microplastic exposure has been linked to memory and behavior changes in animals and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, though direct human evidence is still limited.

2024 Toxicology 52 citations
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
Article Tier 2

Direct Quantification of Nanoplastics Neurotoxicity by Single‐Vesicle Electrochemistry

Using a precise electrochemical technique to measure individual brain cell vesicles, researchers provided the first direct evidence that nanoplastics disrupt how neurons store and release chemical messengers. Nanoplastic exposure reduced the amount of neurotransmitters in cell vesicles and impaired the process of releasing them during signaling. The study offers a detailed molecular-level look at how nanoplastics may interfere with brain cell communication.

2023 Angewandte Chemie International Edition 25 citations
Article Tier 2

Effect of nanoplastic intake on the dopamine system during the development of male mice

Male mice exposed to nanoplastics during specific developmental windows, particularly late pregnancy and adulthood, showed disrupted dopamine signaling in the brain and reduced social behavior. The nanoplastics altered brain activity in regions controlling reward, decision-making, and social interaction. This study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during critical periods of brain development could affect cognitive and social function, raising concerns about the impact on human brain health.

2024 Neuroscience 12 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
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

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

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

Nano- and Microplastics in the Brain: An Emerging Threat to Neural Health

This review summarizes evidence that nano- and microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, where they trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein clumping linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The findings suggest that plastic particles may also interfere with the brain's ability to heal from injury, though long-term human studies are still lacking.

2025 Nanomaterials 15 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 4 citations
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
Article Tier 2

Exposure to Nanoplastics Disrupts Neurotransmitter Release in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

Researchers exposed rat hippocampal neurons to polystyrene nanoplastics and measured neurotransmitter release using electrophysiology. Nanoplastic exposure disrupted synaptic transmission by impairing calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release at hippocampal synapses, providing direct evidence of nanoplastic interference with the neural signaling machinery involved in memory and cognition.

2025 Environment & Health
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

Assessing the Impact of Microplastics on Brain Chemistry: The Need for a Comprehensive Policy Framework to Mitigate Toxicity

This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics can cross biological barriers, accumulate in brain tissue, and affect neurological function. Researchers found that microplastic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain, with potential implications for neurotransmitter systems and cognitive function. The study calls for comprehensive regulatory measures to limit microplastic pollution and further research into the long-term neurological health effects.

2024 International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Nanoplastics induce neuroexcitatory symptoms in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae through a manner contrary to Parkinsonian's way in proteomics

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics caused hyperactive behavior in zebrafish larvae by disrupting dopamine signaling and inhibiting a key brain enzyme. Interestingly, the mechanism was the opposite of what is seen in Parkinson's disease, with nanoplastics increasing rather than decreasing dopamine activity. The study provides evidence that nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with nervous system function in developing organisms.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 22 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

Recent progress and future directions of the research on nanoplastic-induced neurotoxicity

This review summarizes current research on how nanoplastics cause damage to the nervous system, covering studies in cell cultures, zebrafish, mice, and other models. Nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in brain tissue, and disrupt nerve cell function. The authors highlight that understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing the long-term neurological risks of human exposure to nanoplastics through food, water, and air.

2023 Neural Regeneration Research 59 citations
Article Tier 2

The plastic brain part II: new insights into micro- and nanoplastics neurotoxicity

This systematic review evaluated neurotoxicity evidence from studies on micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure, covering a rapidly growing body of literature. The authors found consistent evidence of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and behavioral disruption across multiple model systems, though dose-response relationships and human relevance remain areas of uncertainty.

2025 Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Article Tier 2

Micro- and nanoplastics in neurological dysfunction

This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastic particles can interfere with the nervous system across multiple species, including humans. Researchers found that plastic particles may disrupt cellular metabolism, affect brain development, and increase vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. The authors highlight significant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to understand the long-term neurological impacts of plastic particle exposure.

2026 Trends in Neurosciences
Article Tier 2

Neurotoxicity Following Exposure to Micro and Nanoplastics

This review explores how micro and nanoplastics can reach the brain after being swallowed or inhaled, and what neurotoxic effects they may cause. Research shows these tiny particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, similar to metal nanoparticles, and potentially damage brain cells. While the full extent of brain harm from plastic particles is still being studied, early findings raise concerns about long-term neurological effects from everyday exposure.

2025 OBM Neurobiology 8 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

Alleviation of neurotoxicity induced by polystyrene nanoplastics by increased exocytosis from neurons

Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics accumulate in neurons and cause toxic effects on brain cells. They found that inhibiting a specific protein involved in transporting particles within cells promoted the export of nanoplastics from neurons, reducing their harmful effects. The study suggests that enhancing the cell's natural ability to expel nanoplastics could be a potential strategy for alleviating their neurotoxic impact.

2023 Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 17 citations
Article Tier 2

PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction.

This review assessed evidence for neurotoxic and reproductive effects of both biodegradable and conventional micro- and nanoplastics, finding that plastic particles and their chemical additives can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hormone systems, with concerning implications for nervous system and reproductive health.

2024 Current neuropharmacology