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Reduction in Circulating Microplastics in Humans Following Gastrointestinal Sequestration by Chitosan: A Pilot

Umberto Cornelli¹, Giovanni Belcaro², Claudio Casella³

¹Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Loyola University, 2160 1st Ave., Maywood, IL 60660, USA.

Journal of Xenobiotics

|May 27, 2026

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Oral chitosan supplementation may reduce microplastic (MP) levels in human blood by trapping them in the gastrointestinal tract. This pilot study suggests a potential method for lowering the body

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Toxicology
Biomaterials Science

Background:

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants found in human blood and tissues.
Concerns exist regarding systemic exposure and potential health effects of internal MP burden.
Effective strategies for mitigating internal MP accumulation are largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the efficacy of orally administered chitosan derived from Procambarus clarkii (PCC) in reducing circulating MPs in humans.
To assess the potential of PCC for gastrointestinal sequestration of MPs.
To evaluate the impact of PCC on MP concentration, size, and polymer type in human blood.

Main Methods:

A pilot, controlled study involving 11 healthy adults receiving PCC supplementation (0.8 g/day for 15 days) and 10 controls receiving a placebo.

Keywords:

Procambarus clarkii blood chitosan dietary intervention microplastics

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Quantification and characterization of blood MPs using stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR).

Analysis of MP concentrations, size fractions (11-50 µm), polymer types, and estimated mean residence time (MRT).

Main Results:

Microplastics were detected in all subjects at baseline.
PCC supplementation significantly reduced mean blood MP concentrations by 26.3% (from 1.84 to 1.34 µg/mL, p < 0.01).
Reductions were observed across major polymer classes, with preferential decrease in intermediate particle sizes (11-50 µm).

Conclusions:

Oral administration of PCC shows potential for reducing the systemic microplastic burden in humans.
Chitosan-based gastrointestinal sequestration is a promising strategy for mitigating internal MP accumulation.
Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and explore long-term effects.