Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
49.4K
Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains
Alexander J Nihart1, Marcus A Garcia1, Eliane El Hayek1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Nature Medicine
|February 3, 2025
Summary
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly detected in human organs like the brain, liver, and kidney. Concentrations rose significantly between 2016 and 2024, with higher levels found in brains affected by dementia.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Global environmental microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) concentrations are rising, raising concerns about human exposure and health.
- MNPs have been detected in various human tissues, necessitating robust detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and quantify microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human kidney, liver, and brain tissues.
- To investigate factors influencing MNP accumulation and their distribution in different organs and patient cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized complementary methods: pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy.
- Analyzed MNP presence, polymer composition, and concentration in decedent tissues (kidney, liver, brain).
- Compared MNP concentrations across different demographics, time points (2016 vs. 2024), and dementia diagnoses.
Main Results:
- MNPs were confirmed in human kidney, liver, and brain tissues, primarily composed of polyethylene.
- Brain tissues showed higher polyethylene proportions and nanoscale shard-like fragments.
- MNP concentrations increased significantly in liver and brain tissues from 2016 to 2024.
- Elevated MNP accumulation, particularly in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells, was observed in brains with dementia.
Conclusions:
- Human tissues, especially the brain, accumulate microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs).
- There is a clear temporal trend of increasing MNP concentrations in human tissues.
- Further research is critical to understand MNP exposure routes, clearance, and potential health impacts, particularly neurotoxicity.
Related Concept Videos
00:58Plasticity
Plasticity is the property where an object loses its elasticity and undergoes irreversible deformation, even after the deformation forces are eliminated. If a material deforms irreversibly without increasing stress or load, then this is called ideal plasticity. For example, when a force is applied to an aluminum rod, it changes its shape, but it does not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Plastic deformation or ductility is thus a permanent deformation or change in the...
01:21Plastic Behavior
A material's elastic behavior is characterized by the disappearance of stress once the load is removed, allowing the material to return to its original state. However, when stress surpasses the yield point, yielding commences, marking the onset of plastic deformation or permanent set. This change from elastic to plastic behavior is influenced by the peak stress value and the duration before the load is removed. An intriguing observation occurs when a specimen is loaded, unloaded, and reloaded.
01:19Plastic Deformations
Plastic deformation represents a fundamental concept in materials science, which explains the irreversible change in the shape of a material when it experiences stress beyond its elastic capability. This phenomenon is important in structural engineering, especially in designing and analyzing cantilever beams—structures that are securely fixed at one end and bear loads at the opposite end. When these beams are subjected to loads within their elastic range, they will return to their original...
01:01Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
01:28Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...