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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Defining the size ranges of polystyrene nanoplastics according to their ability to cross biological barriers
ClearCellular 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.
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.
Cellular internalization and release of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics
Scientists studied how polystyrene plastic particles of different sizes enter and exit living cells. They found that particles 50 and 500 nanometers in size can penetrate cell membranes and get taken up through multiple pathways, while 5-micrometer particles are too large to enter cells. This research helps explain why smaller nanoplastics may be more harmful to human health, as they can more easily get inside our cells and accumulate there.
Multi-endpoint toxicological assessment of polystyrene nano- and microparticles in different biological models in vitro
Researchers assessed the toxicity and transport of polystyrene nano- and microparticles using multiple human cell models, including intestinal and placental barrier systems. They found that while neither size was acutely toxic, the nanoparticles were able to cross the intestinal barrier and showed some embryotoxic potential. The study suggests that nanoplastics may pose greater health concerns than microplastics due to their ability to penetrate biological barriers.
How small a nanoplastic can be? A discussion on the size of this ubiquitous pollutant
Researchers explored the question of how small nanoplastic particles can actually be, highlighting the lack of standardized size definitions for this emerging pollutant. They examined the analytical challenges involved in detecting and characterizing nanoplastics at the smallest scales. The study calls for a clearer framework around nanoplastic size boundaries, since particle size is a key factor influencing toxicity and environmental behavior.
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.
Correlation between cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in HeLa cells: A size-dependent matter
Researchers tested polystyrene particles of various sizes on human cells and found that only the smallest nanoplastics, those under about 25 nanometers in radius, could enter cells and cause toxic effects. Larger microplastic particles did not penetrate the cell membrane and showed no toxicity even at very high concentrations. The study provides a clear explanation for why smaller plastic particles tend to be more harmful, directly linking cell entry to cellular damage.
Polystyrene nanoplastics as an ecotoxicological hazard: cellular and transcriptomic evidences on marine and freshwater in vitro teleost models
Researchers tested the effects of two sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics on fish cell lines from both freshwater and marine species. They found that smaller 20-nanometer particles were significantly more toxic than larger 80-nanometer ones, causing cell death through apoptosis and disrupting multiple biological pathways. The study provides evidence that nanoplastic size is a key factor in determining toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Nanoplastics in the oceans: Theory, experimental evidence and real world
Researchers critically review over 200 studies on nanoplastic pollution — focusing predominantly on polystyrene — synthesizing knowledge on how nanoplastics form from polymer degradation, accumulate in seawater, and affect organisms in controlled conditions, while identifying key methodological standards needed for reliable ecotoxicological assessments.
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.
Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic modeling reveals the ecological risks of differently-sized polystyrene nanoplastics
Using advanced modeling, researchers determined safety thresholds for different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Smaller nanoplastics (30 nm) were the most toxic, while 80 nm particles were unusually persistent because they accumulated at the highest levels and were eliminated the slowest. The study provides important data for setting environmental safety standards that could help protect both aquatic ecosystems and the humans who depend on them for food.
Mechanisms Underlying the Size-Dependent Neurotoxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Zebrafish
Scientists discovered that smaller nanoplastics cause more severe brain and nerve damage in zebrafish than larger ones, and identified the molecular pathways behind this size-dependent toxicity. The smaller particles more easily crossed biological barriers and triggered greater oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system, which is important for understanding potential neurological risks of nanoplastic exposure.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastic size on zebrafish embryo development
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics of four sizes and found only the smallest (30 nm) caused mortality and altered oxidative stress and apoptosis gene expression, while larger particles (100–450 nm) were ingested and accumulated in the digestive system without causing developmental malformations.
Size-Dependent Toxicityof Polystyrene Nanoplasticsto Tetrahymena thermophila: A Toxicokinetic–ToxicodynamicAssessment
Researchers synthesized polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes (50–500 nm) and exposed the ciliated protist Tetrahymena thermophila to each, finding that smaller particles were more toxic and caused greater bioaccumulation, confirming a size-dependent relationship between nanoplastic properties and ecotoxicological risk.
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.
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.
Polystyrene nanoplastics induced size-dependent developmental and neurobehavioral toxicities in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and juveniles to polystyrene nanoplastics of three different sizes and found that all sizes crossed into the brain, eyes, and other organs. Smaller particles tended to cause different types of damage than larger ones, including changes in brain development and behavior. This size-dependent toxicity is relevant to human health because we are exposed to a wide range of nanoplastic sizes through food and water.
Biological interactions of polystyrene nanoplastics: Their cytotoxic and immunotoxic effects on the hepatic and enteric systems
Researchers exposed mouse and human liver cells and live mice to polystyrene nanoplastics of five different sizes and found that the smallest particles were most toxic in lab dishes, while medium and large particles caused the most liver damage in living animals. The larger particles triggered immune responses by recruiting inflammatory cells to the liver and intestines, causing tissue damage. This study reveals that nanoplastic size matters in unexpected ways, and that lab tests alone may not predict which particles are most dangerous in the body.
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.
How small a nanoplastic can be? A discussion on the size of this ubiquitous pollutant
This study examines the question of how small nanoplastics can actually be, noting that there is no well-established lower size limit for these particles. Researchers discuss how particle size significantly influences toxicity and environmental behavior, yet measuring extremely small particles remains analytically challenging. The study calls for clearer definitions and improved detection methods to better understand the smallest plastic pollutants.
Structure of soft and hard protein corona around polystyrene nanoplastics—Particle size and protein types
Researchers characterized the protein corona that forms around polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes, finding that particle size influences which proteins bind and how tightly, with implications for nanoplastic toxicity and biological uptake.
[Effects of nanopolystyrene nanoplastic exposure on the development and neurotoxicity of fetal rats during gestation].
Researchers found that gestational exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics in rats caused dose-dependent reductions in fetal body weight, body length, and brain development, with smaller 25 nm particles producing more pronounced neurotoxic effects than 50 nm particles.
Nano-plastics and gastric health: Decoding the cytotoxic mechanisms of polystyrene nano-plastics size
Researchers examined how different sizes of polystyrene nanoplastics affect human stomach cells in the laboratory. They found that smaller nanoplastics were more readily taken up by the cells and caused greater damage, including increased oxidative stress and reduced cell survival. The study suggests that nanoplastic particle size plays a critical role in determining their potential impact on gastrointestinal health.
Review of ecotoxicological studies of widely used polystyrene nanoparticles
Researchers reviewed ecotoxicological studies on manufactured polystyrene nanoparticles and their effects on aquatic organisms. They found that many studies used insufficiently characterized particles and short-term exposure conditions that may not reflect real environmental scenarios. The review recommends improved particle characterization, proper purification before testing, and longer-term exposure studies to generate more environmentally relevant toxicity data.