Micro- and nanoplastic induced cellular toxicity in mammals: A review

Plastic based products are ubiquitous due to their tremendous utility in our daily lives. However, the limited biodegradable nature of plastics has recently raised pollution concerns globally, especially micro- and nanoplastics. These anthropogenic pollutants are eithermanufactured specifically in the small size range for various commercial applications or formed due to fragmentation of macro plastics in the environment. Micro- and nanoplastics are currently widespread in the oceans, freshwater bodies, land and even present in our food. The biological effects ofmicro- and nanoplastics on aquatic organisms arewell documented but their impacts onmammalian system have not been rigorously investigated. This review discusses the potential routes of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, biological effects of these particles inmammalian cells, factors influencing toxicity, and the probable mechanisms of cytotoxicity. In general, small size, positive charge, high dose, and presence of toxic additives or pollutants in themicro/nanoplastics appear to induce cellular toxicity through oxidative stress, membrane damage, immune response and genotoxicity. Understanding the cellular fate and toxicity of these materialsmay help extrapolate risks to mammals. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Plastic-based products are widely used in daily life but their limited biodegradability has raised pollution concerns globally, particularly micro- and nanoplastics. These pollutants are widespread in various environments and have well-documented biological effects on aquatic organisms, while their impacts on mammals remain insufficiently studied. Small size, positive charge, high dose, and presence of toxic additives or pollutants in micro/nanoplastics appear to induce cellular toxicity through oxidative stress, membrane damage, immune response, and genotoxicity.