Formation and Transformation of Micro(nano)plastics: Mechanisms and Environmental Health Implications

Micro-(nano)-plastics (MNPs; <5 mm plastic particles including nanoscale fractions) are increasingly recognized as pervasive environmental pollutants, with risks arising not only from their original emission sources but also from ongoing transformations. This review systematically integrates current evidence on the formation and transformation of MNPs under mechanical, photochemical, thermal, oxidative, and biological processes, highlighting that environmental MNPs are predominantly aged rather…

Capturing nanoplastics through a collagen fibrous membrane with hierarchical functional surfaces

Nanoplastics (NPs) pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human health due to their diminutive size and high potential for bioaccumulation. Most existing membranes for NPs separation, however, are composed of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based polymers that are difficult to recycle. This study introduces the development of an eco-friendly collagen fibrous membrane (CFM) with a hierarchical structure designed for NPs capture, achieved through crosslinking CFM with a polyphenol-Al^(3 +)…

Using simple to more robust in vitro methods based on human pulmonary models to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics derived from 3D printing materials

Mechanical recycling and other processes involved in the end-of-life treatment of 3D-printed plastic polymers can lead to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). As the use of these materials continues to grow, the mechanical degradation of plastics from 3D printing may increase human exposure to MNPs, raising concerns about potential health risks for users and environmental impacts. One of the main routes of exposure to MNPs is via inhalation. For regulatory purposes, most of…

Micro/nanoplastic-induced alterations in cellular fate and full-cycle spermatogenesis: A mechanistic review and perspective on intergenerational risks

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), ranging from 25 nm to 10 μm, have emerged as ubiquitous environmental pollutants, with an increasing body of research exploring their potential risks to male reproductive health. This review provides a synthesis of the observed impacts of MNPs on spermatogenesis, focusing on cellular fate, homeostatic disruption, and potential intergenerational consequences. Evidence from experimental models, utilizing dosages from 50 μg/kg/day to 75 mg/kg/day, suggests that MNPs may…

Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Plastic Problem

People walk into stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s believing they are making safer, healthier choices.
The lighting feels softer. The signs talk about wellness, sustainability, clean ingredients, natural living, organic sourcing, and environmental responsibility. The branding communicates trust before customers even place a single item into their carts.
Consumers pay premium prices because they believe these stores represent something fundamentally healthier than conventional grocery chains.
But once you begin looking closely, another reality becomes difficult to ignore.
Plastic is everywhere.

Bioplastics Toxicity upon Ingestion: A Critical Review of Biotransformation and Gastrointestinal Effects

In response to the plastic pollution crisis, bioplastics emerged as a sustainable alternative. However, low degradation rate and abiotic decomposition generate micro- and nanoplastics. These particles enter the food chain, establishing oral intake as a key route of human exposure. This review gathered studies on the biotransformation of bioplastics in the gastrointestinal tract and on their toxicity in human cells and murine models. Most studies focused on polylactic acid particles due to…

Sub-chronic exposure to nanoplastics in vitro disrupts hepatic lipid homeostasis in human hepatocytes

Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics is increasingly recognized as a global concern, yet their long-term effects on human health remain poorly understood. Defining the cellular consequences of chronic exposure is essential for reliable risk assessment and informed environmental and public health strategies. Here, we investigated the impact of prolonged culture in presence of nanoplastics, using an in vitro hepatocyte model (HepG2) exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (10⁴ and…

Micro/nanoplastic-induced gut dysbiosis: A key driver of systemic toxicity via the gut-organ axes in animals

Micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) are ubiquitous emerging contaminants that have permeated all trophic levels of global ecosystems. The gut microbiota, which serves as the central hub for host metabolic homeostasis, immune defense, and neuromodulation, is a confirmed critical amplifier of M/NP-induced toxic effects. This review describes the links between M/NP exposure, gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier impairment, and systemic multiorgan injury. We compared microbial changes across diverse aquatic and…

Tea bags as hidden source of micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic review for food safety

CONCLUSION: This systematic review confirms that tea bags, particularly those containing plastics, are a notable source of MNPs release into beverages and environment. While considerable quantities of MNPs are released, future systematic efforts should highlight developing and implementing standardized detection methodologies to improve the reliability of findings, alongside focused investigations into the biological and toxicological effects of MNPs and human health risk assessment….

Respiratory risks of microplastics and nanoplastics: Where? What? How?

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive and persistent environmental pollutants raising growing concerns regarding their potential hazards to human respiratory health. This review systematically summarizes current epidemiological evidence and experimental findings concerning the respiratory toxicity of MPs and NPs. Exposure to these particles is associated with various pulmonary disorders, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other pathological…