Cited by 811Microplastics and Plastic PollutionEnvironmental Toxicology and EcotoxicologyNanoparticles: synthesis and applications

The plastic brain: neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics

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Prüst, Minne, Meijer, Jonelle, Westerink, Remco H. S.·2020·Particle and Fibre Toxicology

Abstract

Given the global abundance and environmental persistence, exposure of humans and (aquatic) animals to micro- and nanoplastics is unavoidable. Current evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by aquatic organism as well as by mammals. Upon uptake, micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain, although there is limited information regarding the number of particles that reaches the brain and the potential neurotoxicity of these small plastic particles. Earlier studies indicated that metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as gold (Au) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles, can also reach the brain to exert a range of neurotoxic effects. Given the similarities between these chemically inert metal(oxide) nanoparticles and plastic particles, this review aims to provide an overview of the reported neurotoxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in different species and in vitro. The combined data, although fragmentary, indicate that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, potentially resulting in cellular damage and an increased vulnerability to develop neuronal disorders. Additionally, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can result in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and altered neurotransmitter levels, which both may contribute to the reported behavioral changes. Currently, a systematic comparison of the neurotoxic effects of different particle types, shapes, sizes at different exposure concentrations and durations is lacking, but urgently needed to further elucidate the neurotoxic hazard and risk of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.

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  • Once taken up, nanoplastics are translocated to different organs where they might be hazardous for human health.

    “Once taken up, they are translocated to different organs where they might be hazardous for human health.161”

    From The fate of plastic in the ocean environment – a minireview (2021) · cites this paper as [161]

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Authors
Prüst, M., Meijer, J., & Westerink, R. H. S.
Affiliations
Utrecht University (NL)
Corresponding author
Westerink, Remco H. S.
Venue
Particle and Fibre Toxicology
Published
2020-06-08
Volume
17
Issue
1
Pages
24-24
ISSN
1743-8977 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3033000954
Cited by
811
References
116
Citations by year
2026: 167 · 2025: 219 · 2024: 162 · 2023: 114 · 2022: 98 · 2021: 43 · 2020: 8
FWCI
2.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Particle and Fibre Toxicology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
ZonMw (458001002)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
Keywords
microplastics, nanoplastics, neurotoxicity, brain uptake, oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, neurotransmitter levels, behavior change, metal oxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, aquatic organisms, particle size and shape, exposure duration
MeSH terms
Microplastics, Animals, Brain, Humans, Particle Size, Surface Properties, Tissue Distribution, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Food Chain, Nanoparticles, Aquatic Organisms

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