Research progress on the cellular toxicity caused by microplastics and nanoplastics

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of a diameter of less than 5 mm and a major carrier of pollution. In accordance with its diameter range, MPs can be divided into microplastics (100–5 mm) and nanoplastics (<100 nm). In recent years, in addition to the impact of MPs on the environment, the ways in which MPs affect the body has also attracted continuous attention. However, relevant studies on the cytotoxicity of MPs are not comprehensive. Based on the current research, this paper summarizes four main cytotoxic mechanisms of MPs, inducing oxidative stress, damaging cell membrane organelles, inducing immune response, and genotoxicity. Generally, MPs cause cytotoxicity such as oxidative stress, damage to cell membranes and organelles, activation of immune responses, and genotoxicity through mechanical damage or induction of cells to produce reactive oxygen species. Understanding these toxic mechanisms is helpful for the evaluation and prevention of human toxicity of MPs. This paper also analyzes the limitations of current research and prospects for future research into cellular MPs, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and reference for further research into the toxic mechanism of MPs.

Microplastics and Oxidative Stress—Current Problems and Prospects

“…Plastic particles induce DNA damage that is dependent on the particles' size, concentration, and exposure time [61,62]. Çobano glu et al (2021) treated human peripheral lymphocytes with different amounts of MPs (PE-MPs, 10-45 µm).…”

Topic modeling discovers trending topics in global research on the ecosystem impacts of microplastics

“…Previous studies have proved the genotoxicity of microplastics, but the damage mechanism of microplastics to DNA needs to be further studied (He et al 2023). Most research on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of microplastics has been conducted using in vitro models, which may not fully capture the Temporal dynamics in topics of microplastic research Few papers on microplastics were published before 2006, whereas all nine topics appeared in the literature in 2014, and the number of microplastics-related papers has increased exponentially since then.…”