Work

Microplastics—The Microbiota Interactions: Mechanisms, Multi-Omics Insights and Health Implications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants detected in terrestrial, aquatic, and human systems. Emerging evidence indicates that MPs interact dynamically with microbiota across ecosystems, including host-associated microbiota such as the human gut, influencing microbial composition, metabolic activity, and functional potential. These interactions contribute to dysbiosis, altered immune responses, and increased dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), posing health risks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on mechanisms of microplastic–microbiota interactions, highlighting evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and environmental studies. We discuss methodological challenges, including variability in particle types, concentrations, aging, and analytical approaches. Recent advances in multi-omics techniques provide deeper mechanistic understanding and reveal functional consequences of MP exposure. We outline critical knowledge gaps and propose future research directions, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating ecological and human health consequences of microplastic exposure.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16094110

Authors: Martina Valachovičová, Csilla Mišľanová

Institution: Slovak Medical University

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: $2,896