Search Results (213)

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants posing potential risks to human health. Recent evidence highlights the potential of food-grade microbial strains to bind these particles and facilitate their removal, suggesting a promising probiotic-based strategy for mitigating their adverse health effects. This study investigated the adsorption and biodegradation capabilities of Bacillus subtilis DCP04, a strain isolated from Korean fermented soybean paste, cheonggukjang, on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) particles. Biofilm formation assays and morphological observations confirmed the strain’s ability to adhere to the surface of LDPE. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that DCP04 effectively adsorbed LDPE particles in a size-, time-, and concentration-dependent manner. This interaction induced significant morphological changes and increased hydrophilicity on the polymer surface. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the activities of laccase and manganese peroxidase and a measurable weight loss in LDPE films, suggesting direct enzymatic involvement in polymer degradation. Crucially, the DCP04 strain also met key safety and functional criteria for use as a probiotic. These findings highlight the potential of DCP04 strain as a functional probiotic agent for mitigating the accumulation of MPs and NPs within the human body. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with increasing evidence of bioaccumulation in human tissues and potential toxicological effects. While extensive studies in the literature have investigated MNP exposure and health risks in adult populations, data specific to pediatric age remain scarce and fragmented. This narrative review represents the first integrated synthesis of current evidence on MNP exposure during early life, including the critical period of the first 1000 days, examining routes of absorption (oral, inhalational, dermal, and iatrogenic), biological distribution, and organ-specific effects in infants and children. Special attention is given to the presence of MNPs in pediatric lungs, thyroid, and intestinal microbiota, as well as to emerging non-invasive biomarkers for exposure assessment. The developing physiology of children, characterized by immature detoxification systems, critical windows of vulnerability, and prolonged life-course exposure, amplifies concern for long-term health consequences, including endocrine disruption, immune dysregulation, and neurodevelopmental impairment. This work fills a critical knowledge gap by consolidating pediatric data into a single comprehensive resource, and it is intended to serve both as a reference point for clinicians and researchers and a catalyst for future studies aimed at safeguarding child health in an increasingly plastic-contaminated world. Full article

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have limited efficiency in removing emerging pollutants (EPs), meaning these pollutants persist and lead to widespread ecological contamination. In this study, real effluents from a WWTP were characterized using TOC and Py-GC/MS, which indicated the presence of various organic compounds that could be indicative of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) or plastics additives. To address this challenge, we propose the use of a photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR) as an advanced treatment system capable of achieving high degradation efficiency under mild operating conditions. Preliminary experimental tests were conducted using various commercial photocatalysts (TiO₂, WO₃, Nb₂O₅), four UV lamps, and oxidants (air, O₂) using added Gemfibrozil (GEM) as a drug model compound. Real effluent samples collected from WWTP were tested with and without pretreatment to remove coarse particles prior to photocatalysis. Mineralization was achieved in both cases, but it occurred at a higher rate for the pretreated effluent. The mineralization of GEM and EPs in real effluent was achieved within five hours under UV irradiation using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a low-cost photocatalyst in a PMR. The results highlight the potential of photocatalytic systems, and particularly PMRs, as a promising technology for removing recalcitrant pollutants in real effluents offering a viable solution for improved environmental protection. Full article

Insulin resistance is a condition of impaired tissue reactivity to insulin. This state is primarily associated with obesity and the lifestyle of modern Western societies, which favors abnormalities of glucose and lipid homeostasis. As a result, more and more people suffer from illnesses that develop because of the disturbed metabolic function of insulin, including type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome. There are many studies describing the relationship between declining sensitivity to insulin and insufficient physical activity or unhealthy dietary habits. However, there is a vast number of other factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. In recent years, more attention has been paid to environmental pollutants as promoters of insulin resistance. As the overall grade of waste accumulation in the environment rises, factors like toxic metals, pesticides, dust, harmful gases and micro- or nanoplastics are starting to pose an increasingly serious threat in the context of metabolic disorder development. This review gathers data concerning the influence of the mentioned pollutants on the metabolic health of living organisms, with particular emphasis on the impact on carbohydrate processing, insulin resistance and molecular pathways associated with these processes. Full article

Background: Abiogenesis is hypothesized to have occurred in the aquatic environments of the early Earth approximately 3.8–4.0 billion years ago, in oceans containing high concentrations of ions (Na⁺ ≈ 470 mmol/L, Cl⁻ ≈ 545 mmol/L, Mg²⁺ ≈ 51–53 mmol/L, Ca²⁺ ≈ 10 mmol/L, K⁺ ≈ 10 mmol/L, SO₄²⁻ ≈ 28–54 mmol/L, HCO₃⁻ ≈ 2.3 mmol/L). Primitive membranes evolved ion-regulatory mechanisms to sustain electrochemical gradients, enabling metabolic activity. Objectives: This review compares the composition of amniotic fluid (AF) to seawater, framing AF as a “biological ocean” for the fetus, and evaluates the impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on this protected milieu. Methods: We synthesized data from published studies on concentrations of and ions and other important substances in AF during pregnancy and compared them with marine values. Reports of MNPs detected in placenta, AF, and human organs were systematically reviewed. Results: AF exhibits high ionic similarity to seawater, although the absolute concentrations of ions are lower, reflecting evolutionary conservation. Recent analytical studies identified MNPs in samples of human placenta (4–10 particles per 1 g of tissue), meconium (median 3–5 particles per g), and AF (detectable in >60% of tested samples). Co-exposure to heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and endocrine disruptors were reported in 20–40% of maternal–fetal samples. Conclusions: The analogy between oceans and AF underscores a conserved evolutionary continuum. However, the infiltration of MNPs into intrauterine environments is a novel toxicological challenge with potential implications for neurodevelopment, immune programming, and epigenetic regulation. Within the One Health framework, protecting AF from anthropogenic contaminants is as critical as safeguarding marine ecosystems. Full article

The increasing concern over micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution has extended into the field of dentistry, where polymer-based materials and clinical procedures may contribute to environmental and occupational exposure. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on MNPs in dentistry and identify gaps that hinder high-quality evidence generation. Methods include a critical appraisal of existing literature across dental disciplines, including orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics, with emphasis on experimental designs, sampling strategies, and analytical methods. Results reveal that while in vitro studies suggest measurable particle release from common dental materials, real-world exposure data remain sparse, especially regarding airborne and ingested microplastics. Furthermore, inconsistencies in study design, lack of standardized detection methods, and underrepresentation of clinical settings limit the generalizability of findings. This review highlights that while micro- and nanoplastic release from dental materials is evident in laboratory studies, real-world exposure data remain limited and inconsistent. To advance the field, harmonized research protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardized detection methods are urgently required. Practical measures, such as improved clinical practices and sustainable material choices, can already help reduce emissions. By outlining both current knowledge gaps and actionable strategies, this work provides a foundation for informed decision-making in clinical, regulatory, and environmental contexts. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles are constantly formed through plastic fragmentation by sunlight, friction, or oxidation. MNPs potentialize health risks when entering the human body by ingestion, infusion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Still, the translocation among intracellular compartments must also be considered because MNPs can reach the circulatory system and be found in virtually all body fluids, tissues, and organs, potentially causing significant health impacts. The ability of MNPs to interact with macromolecules and cause damage to intracellular structures results in several physiopathological conditions, such as inflammation, oxidative imbalance, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. One major challenge in MNP research is the development of reliable detection and quantification methods and effective sample separation processes. Although there is evidence directly linking MNPs to heart disease, the same cannot be said for diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and reproductive system disorders. Therefore, the impact of MNPs on human health was examined, and a careful evaluation of their effects was carried out. We reviewed the extensive scientific literature from the past years, focusing on exposure, aging, interactions, and effects on entering MNPs into human metabolism and the physiological systems, which makes these particles particularly hazardous. Full article

Soil microorganisms play pivotal roles in biogeochemical cycling and plant growth promotion, directly impacting crop productivity and ecosystem stability. While assessing their responses to emerging contaminants like micro/NPs is critically important, research remains challenging due to highly variable effects contingent upon (1) soil physicochemical properties and (2) plastic characteristics (type, size, morphology, concentration, and other parameters). A one-month laboratory incubation experiment using 0.55 µm polystyrene latex nanoplastics (NPs) allowed us to investigate the microbial communities in soils in the southern taiga zone (near Saint Petersburg, Russia) react to the addition of polystyrene NPs. It was found that sandy Podzols were more resistant to the addition of NPs than loamy Retisols and Fluvisols. The most responsive components of the soil microbiome were those that were initially more abundant. These include representatives of the following phyla: Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, Actinomycetota and Planctomycetota. The alpha diversity parameters of the microbial community, expressed in the number of operational taxonomic units and bio-diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson), decreased under the influence of NPs. The dynamics of alpha diversity of the microbial community were the least pronounced in Podzol soil. Beta-diversity parameters changed the most in Hortic Retisol, slightly less in Fluvisol, and not at all in Podzol. Thus, it was found that agricultural soils were most affected by NPs (in terms of microbial community dynamics) compared to the region’s two zonal soils. Studies carried out indicate that, in the future, a threshold for the harmfulness of NPs in relation to soils should be developed, taking into account the differentiation of soils as standardized objects in terms of particle size distribution. Full article

Micro(nano)plastics are important emerging contaminants and a current research hotspot in the environmental field. Micro(nano)plastics widely exist in various organic wastes such as waste sludge, food waste (FW) and livestock manure and often enter into digesters along with anaerobic digestion (AD) treatment of these wastes, thereby exerting extensive and profound influences on anaerobic process performance. This study reviews sources of micro(nano)plastics and their pathways entering the anaerobic system and summarizes the quantities, sizes, shapes and micromorphology of various micro(nano)plastics in waste sludge, FW, livestock manure, yard waste and municipal solid waste. The current advances on the effects of multiple micro(nano)plastics mainly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) with different sizes and quantities (or concentrations) on AD of organic wastes in terms of methane production, organic acid degradation and process stability are comprehensively overviewed and mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics affecting AD involved in microbial cells, key enzymes, microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes are analyzed. Meanwhile, coupling effects of micro(nano)plastics with some typical pollutants such as antibiotics and heavy metals on AD are also reviewed. Due to the extreme complexity of the anaerobic system, current research still lacks full understanding concerning composite influences of different types, sizes and concentrations of micro(nano)plastics on AD under various operating modes. Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics affecting organic metabolic pathways and the expression of specific functional genes of microorganisms, exploring the fate and transformation of micro(nano)plastics along waste streams including but not limited to AD, investigating the interaction between micro(nano)plastics and other emerging contaminants (such as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulphonate) and their coupling effects on anaerobic systems, and developing accurate detection and quantification methods for micro(nano)plastics and technologies for eliminating the negative impacts of micro(nano)plastics on AD. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are becoming an increasingly common environmental pollutant. They have been detected in fruit, vegetables, drinking water, seafood, meat, dairy products, and cereals, with particularly high levels often being found in processed foods. The presence of MNPs varies significantly depending on the type of food, geographical region, method of food preparation, and packaging materials used. Of the three main routes of human exposure to MNPs, ingestion is the most important. This article provides a comprehensive review of food contamination by MNPs, including an assessment of the impact of various factors on the MNP abundance. For the first time, it also evaluates the differences in MNP intake among individuals following three typical European dietary patterns: the Mediterranean, Western, and lacto-ovo-vegetarian. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet was found to result in the highest MNP intake (69.1 × 10⁶ particles/day), almost doubling that of the other tested patterns. This is mainly due to the very high proportion of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts in daily meals. Taking into account both health concerns and MNP quantity consumed with meals (37.5 × 10⁶ particles/day), the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest. The review also highlights the need to raise awareness of food-related sources of MNPs. Full article

Background: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as increasing environmental and public health concerns. Dentistry contributes to this exposure through polymer-based materials and personal oral care products. This review summarizes the current evidence on the sources, release mechanisms, physicochemical properties, and toxicological and biological effects of MNPs derived from dental sources and oral care products, as well as the synergistic effects of MNP oral exposure with environmental exposure. Methods: An electronic search was performed across the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies investigating the source, release mechanisms, physico/chemical properties, and toxicological/biological impact of MNPs related to dental materials, oral care products, and the synergic effects of MNPs oral and environmental exposure. Results: MNPs are released in the dental setting from resin-based composites, clear aligners, and prosthetic and impression materials through degradation, wear, and handling processes. Home-use products like toothpastes, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwashes contribute to chronic oral exposure. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring studies supports the biological activity and systemic distribution of MNPs. Despite this, clinical awareness remains limited, and regulatory oversight insufficient. Conclusions: Dentistry is both a source and vector of MNP exposure. Encouraging the use of safer, MNP-free materials, and raising awareness among dental professionals, may support more responsible and health-conscious practices. Further research and alignment with global policy strategies could help guide future innovation and risk mitigation in the dental field. Full article

Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment and their potential health effects are of growing public interest. Regarding water, that interest grows because multiple studies found MNPs in different matrices including tap and bottled water. We intended to (i) understand how MNPs enter freshwater systems and drinkable water, (ii) assess the evidence of human exposure to MNPs in water, and (iii) identify data gaps to support the determination of potential health effects. We searched the literature and selected studies via rigorous inclusion criteria, analyzed the data assessing the reliability of findings, and identified data gaps associated with human exposure to MNPs in water. The lack of standard sampling and analytical methods for testing MNPs in water constitutes a barrier to make accurate comparisons. The diverse analytical methods to fully characterize MNPs led to different findings in samples of similar matrices. Current drinking and wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove MNPs. However, efforts to enhance the precision and accuracy of MNPs’ characterization and their removal by treatment systems are promising. Therefore, addressing data gaps could produce reliable data for conducting exposure and risk assessments, protect our communities, and control the mobility of MNPs to minimize exposures. Full article

To investigate the effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on spinach seed germination and sprout growth, this study employed polyvinyl chloride micro-nanoplastics (PVC-MNPs) as the treatment factor. Six concentration gradients were established under two cultivation conditions—hydroponic and soil. Two spinach cultivars grown in different seasons—the winter cultivar cv. xinbofeit and the autumn cultivar cv. connaught—were evaluated for germination characteristics, sprout morphology, and antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that low to moderate PVC-MNP concentration (1–100 mg/L in hydroponics or 0.1–1.0% in soil) moderately promoted seed germination and seedling growth, with cv. Xinbofeit exhibiting stronger stress tolerance. Conversely, high concentrations (200 mg/L in hydroponic or 2.0% in soil) inhibited germination and root development in both cultivars and induced oxidative stress responses. Principal component analysis identified germination rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities as key response indicators. Significant inter-cultivar differences and cultivation method dependencies were observed: cv. xinbofeit showed higher sensitivity to elevated PVC-MNPs level, whereas cv. connaught demonstrated greater overall stress resistance. This study demonstrates that micro-nanoplastics exert a dual effect on spinach seed germination and sprout growth, with low to moderate concentrations promoting growth, while high concentrations inhibit development and induce oxidative stress. Moreover, significant differences in response were observed among different cultivars, highlighting the complex risks of micro-nanoplastics in agricultural ecosystems and their cultivar-dependent impacts. Full article

The growth in the production and use of biodegradable plastics, positioned as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polymers, has led to an increase in their distribution in the environment. However, in conditions other than industrial composting facilities, biodegradable polymers can persist for a long time, fragment, and form biodegradable micro- and nanoplastics (BioMNP) with potential toxicity. Unlike traditional microplastics, the impact of BioMNP on human health has been poorly studied. This review summarises the available data on the cytotoxicity of BioMNP, including mechanisms of interaction with human cells, routes of entry into the body, induction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of microplastics with cells of various body systems, including the digestive, respiratory, immune, and urogenital systems, as well as with the skin. The identified knowledge gaps highlight the need for further research to assess the risks associated with the impact of BioMNP on humans and to develop safer forms of biopolymers. Among biodegradable plastics, PLA-based particles tend to exhibit stronger cytotoxic effects. Nanoplastics generally induce more severe cellular responses than microplastics. Organs such as the liver and lungs appear particularly vulnerable. Full article

Plastic pollution represents a persistent global issue, with catastrophic effects on ecosystems. Due to unique properties, these synthetic materials do not break down into biodegradable compounds when naturally dispersed, but degrade into smaller fragments, known as micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), that easily enter the food chain. Among plastics, polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common, whose consumption has dramatically increased in recent years for single-use packaging and surgical masks. In this context, given the widespread detection of PP-MPs and NPs in various biological matrices, investigating their toxicity in living organisms is crucial. For these reasons, this study aims to assess how PP-MPs and NPs affect tissue regeneration following injury, proposing the freshwater leech Hirudo verbana as an established experimental model. Injured leeches were examined at different time points after plastic administration, and analyses were conducted using microscopy, immunofluorescence, and molecular biology techniques. The results demonstrate that plastic exposure induces fibrosis, disrupts tissue reorganization, delays wound repair, and activates the innate immune and oxidative stress responses. In summary, this project provides new insight into the adverse effects of PP particles on living organisms, highlighting for the first time their negative impact on proper tissue regeneration. Full article