Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
08:21
Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
Published on: July 27, 2022
Micro and Nanoplastics and Obstetric Outcomes in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review
Blanca Novillo-Del Álamo1,2,3, Alicia Martínez-Varea1,2,4, Imelda Ontoria-Oviedo3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain.
Summary
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) exposure during pregnancy may be linked to adverse obstetric outcomes like low birth weight and miscarriage. More research is needed to confirm these associations and understand the clinical relevance of MNPs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are widespread environmental contaminants.
- Accumulation in placental tissues suggests potential risks to maternal-fetal health.
- Limited high-quality evidence exists on the clinical impact of MNPs during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the impact of MNPs exposure on obstetric outcomes.
- To synthesize current evidence on the relationship between MNPs and maternal/fetal health.
- To identify knowledge gaps in MNP research related to pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, Embase, MDPI, Google Scholar) up to September 2025.
- Inclusion of twelve studies: observational human studies and experimental murine models.
- Analysis of reported associations between MNPs and specific obstetric outcomes.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence suggests potential associations between MNPs exposure and premature birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage.
- Polyethylene was the most frequently detected polymer.
- Common detection techniques included Raman microspectroscopy and Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Conclusions:
- Current limited insights suggest possible associations between MNPs and adverse obstetric outcomes.
- Findings indicate potential links to low gestational age, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage.
- Causal inference is not possible due to study heterogeneity and methodological limitations.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...