As one of the biggest environmental problems of our time, micro and nanoplastic particles (MNP) enter the body, among other things. How these tiny particles manage to cross the blood-brain barrier and thus enter the brain has now been demonstrated for the first time in a research project from Vienna.
Small micro- and nanoplastic particles (abbreviated MNP) are one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. As is already known, they enter not only the body through food, but even the brain, as a study by the Medical University (MedUni) Vienna shows for the first time.
In a research project, MedUni scientists were able to demonstrate for the first time how these particles manage to cross the so-called blood-brain barrier. For the study, animals were given oral doses of MNP made from polystyrene. This is a widespread plastic that is also used in food packaging, for example.
Detectable in the brain after two hours
The research team led by Lukas Kenner from the Clinical Institute of Pathology at MedUni Vienna and the Department of Laboratory Animal Pathology at Vetmeduni found that small polystyrene particles can be detected in the brain as early as two hours after they are absorbed. Using computer models, the researchers discovered that a certain surface structure – the so-called biomolecular corona – is crucial for the passage of the plastic particles to the brain.
The blood-brain barrier is an important cellular barrier that protects the brain from invading pathogens or toxins. Intensive research is being done into the health effects of plastic particles in the body.
Do microparticles cause cancer and Alzheimer’s disease?
MNPs in the gastrointestinal tract have already been associated with local inflammatory and immune responses and with cancer development. “In the brain, plastic particles can increase the risk of inflammation, neurological disorders or even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” explains Kenner. However, further research is required.
Entered the food chain via waste
Nanoplastic is defined as smaller than 0.001 millimeters, while microplastics are sometimes still visible to the naked eye at 0.001 to five millimeters. MNP enters the food chain through packaging waste, among other things. According to the researchers, not only solid, but also liquid food plays a role.
According to a study, those who drink the recommended 1.5 to 2 liters of water from plastic bottles every day consume around 90,000 plastic particles per year alone. However, those who use tap water can – depending on their geographical location – reduce their intake to 40,000, the MedUni explains in a press release.
Source: Krone
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