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Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics on Bird Embryo Development by Hatching without Eggshell

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Published on: August 14, 2021

Overall effects of microplastics on brain.

Su-Jun Fang^1,2, Zhao-di Yin³, Li-Fan Li¹

¹Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian University, Fujian, China.

Frontiers in Toxicology

|December 8, 2025

Summary

Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution poses a significant threat to brain health, crossing barriers to induce neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Further research is needed to understand human risks from environmental exposures.

Keywords:

blood-brain brain microplastics nanoplastics neurotoxicity

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Published on: July 28, 2018

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Neuroscience
Toxicology

Background:

Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) pollution is a global environmental concern.
Growing evidence suggests potential neurotoxic effects and impacts on brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and synthesize current research on the effects of MPs/NPs on the brain.
To provide a comprehensive overview of mechanisms, outcomes, and research gaps.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent scientific findings.
Synthesis of evidence on MP/NP translocation, neurotoxic pathways, and observed effects in experimental models.

Main Results:

MPs/NPs can cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta, accessing the CNS.
They induce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotransmitter disruption.
NPs promote protein aggregation linked to neurodegeneration; observed outcomes include cognitive and behavioral impairments.

Conclusions:

MPs/NPs exhibit neurotoxic potential, contributing to pathologies resembling human neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Toxicity is influenced by particle properties, co-exposures, and host factors; the gut-brain axis plays a role.
Significant research gaps exist regarding human risk assessment for chronic, low-level exposures and aged particles.