Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable interest on account of their ubiquitous presence in the environment in recent years. In particular, nanoplastics (NPs), with smaller sizes, seem to obtain more attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Humans are inevitably exposed to MPs and NPs, whereas the potential adverse effects on human health have been little explored. In this review, we provided a systemically overview of recent in vitro studies related to the impacts of MPs and NPs on human health. The uptake mechanisms of MPs and NPs and affecting factors at the cellular level were first discussed. The toxic effects of plastic particles themselves as well as the cytotoxic mechanisms of MPs and NPs were elaborated subsequently. Furthermore, we summarized the toxicity of adhering contaminants and plastic leachates. In general, the MPs and NPs exert adverse effects in various cell types through multiple toxic mechanisms. Nonetheless, challenges on MPs and NPs toxicity still remain hindering the risk assessment on human health. Key challenges and further research needs are also suggested in this review as more studies are needed to perform and explore the potential impacts of MPs and NPs on human health in the future.

摘要

近年来，由于微塑料（MPs）在环境中无处不在，因此引起了人们的极大兴趣。特别是尺寸较小的纳米塑料（NPs），由于其独特的物理和化学性质，似乎受到了更多的关注。人类不可避免地暴露于 MPs 和 NPs，而对人类健康的潜在不利影响却很少被探索。在这篇综述中，我们系统地概述了最近的体外有关 MPs 和 NPs 对人类健康影响的研究。首先讨论了细胞水平的 MPs 和 NPs 的摄取机制和影响因素。随后详细阐述了塑料颗粒本身的毒性作用以及 MPs 和 NPs 的细胞毒性机制。此外，我们总结了粘附污染物和塑料渗滤液的毒性。一般来说，MPs 和 NPs 通过多种毒性机制对各种细胞类型产生不利影响。尽管如此，对 MPs 和 NPs 毒性的挑战仍然阻碍着对人类健康的风险评估。本综述还提出了主要挑战和进一步的研究需求，因为需要更多的研究来执行和探索未来 MP 和 NP 对人类健康的潜在影响。