Work

Role of Nanoplastics in Decreasing the Intestinal Microbiome Ratio: A Review of the Scope of Polystyrene

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Exposure to micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) can result in poor gut health, leading to a myriad of diseases. A review of the MNP literature from 2000-2025 was completed and focused on studies that reported intestinal microbiome dysbiosis and poor gut health after exposure to plastic. Discussions on the inter-relatedness of the microbiome bacteria and on the differences between the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes cell walls prepares the reader for the arguments of how and why nano- rather than micro- plastic decreases the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and suggests that the results lead to ill gut health. Future directions are proposed for studies that could provide more information about this relationship and potentially lead to better long-term human health outcomes.

Source: Toxics

DOI: 10.3390/toxics13121036

Authors: Steven C. Sutton, Ronald D. Hills Jr.

Institution: University of New England

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137