Discover how microplastics affect human health and how bioplastics from NantBioRenewables offer a safer, sustainable alternative.
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. Smaller than this size, nanometric-scale plastic particles are referred to as nanoplastics (NPs). Both categories are emerging topics in packaging and health sciences and are significant concerns for human health. These particles are usually derived from the breakdown of larger plastic products during the degradation process, plastic surface scratching, and nanoparticle migration to hot liquids. Microplastics can also be found in contaminated food, where plastic particles already exist inside fresh fish, cows, plants, and drinking water (Ziani et al., 2023; Osman et al., 2023). For example, a study published by Zangmeister et al. (2022) found that single-use plastic containers, like ordinary coffee cups, can release trillions of nanoplastics per liter, especially when holding heated liquids. Microplastics are found not only in soil, water, and polluted air but also inside our bodies—in blood vessels, the heart, the brain, and the reproductive system (Leslie et al., 2022; Wu et al., 2022; Roslan et al., 2024; Winiarska et al., 2024). Packaging waste is one of the largest sources of MPs released into the environment. Given the increasing prevalence of microplastics, it is essential to explore their impact on human health and the potential risks they pose, as well as to find and apply new materials that do not leave MP traces after use.
How Microplastics Penetrate Our Bodies
Recent studies have shown that MPs can enter the human body through several routes: ingestion of contaminated food and beverages due to microplastics and nanoparticles migrating into food from plastic packaging during food treatment, and inhalation from polluted air. Plastic nanoparticles are so tiny that they can penetrate even through cell membranes and interact with DNA (Dzierzynski et al., 2024). This ability makes plastics associated with many health risks. Several major health risks are highlighted below.
Health Risks Associated with MPs
Cancer Risks
Cancer epidemiology coincides with the spread of plastic production since the 1960s, when oil-sourced plastic-based products started appearing on the market (Li et al., 2023). For example, studies carried out by Li et al. (2023) show a link between MPs and early-onset colorectal cancer, which corresponds to the time when MPs rapidly increased. The authors provided possible mechanisms for MPs penetration into the colonic mucus layer. Absorption of MPs by mucus reduces its protective function, thus increasing the possibility of colorectal cancer (Li et al., 2023). Similar results were obtained by Bruno et al. (2024), who studied the effects of orally ingested MPs and NPs. Park et al. (2023) studied the effect of fragmented polypropylene MPs with sharp edges on breast cancer cell formation. It was found that MPs enhance metastasis-related gene expression and cytokines in cancer cells, which leads to breast cancer metastasis. Wang et al. (2023) reported that microplastic exposure promotes the proliferation of skin cancer cells but inhibits the growth of normal skin cells by regulating the inflammatory process. MPs trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation and ensuing tissue growth, which can lead to various cancers affecting the lungs, blood, breasts, prostate, and ovaries (Goswami et al., 2024).
Neurological Effects
Researchers suggest that the brain accumulates more MPs and NPs than other organs, especially NPs (Kopatz et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2024; Huang et al., 2025). Usually, the central nervous system is protected from penetration by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) against substances that can enter through the blood. A group of researchers from Vienna performed a study on mice with orally administered polystyrene MPs and NPs. They found that NPs reach the brain in just 2 hours (Kopatz et al., 2023)! Interestingly, a link was found between MPs accumulation and the progression of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases (Liu et al., 2024; Huang et al., 2025). MPs and NPs trigger inflammatory responses, affect acetylcholinesterase activity, and can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain (Liu, 2024).
Microplastics’ Impact on Reproductive Health and Birth
Microplastics may affect reproductive health. Several studies indicate potential harm to fertility and offspring development. In numerous medical literature studies reviewed by Sharma et al. (2024), which included a total of 2,809 citations for the final qualitative analysis report, MPs were found in the placenta and fetal body. The review established a correlation between the level of microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birth weights, affected gestational age, and fetal growth. The authors concluded that MPs can be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy (Sharma et al., 2024). MPs can penetrate through the placenta. In four of six placentas studied, MPs were found to be 5-10 microns in size, mostly consisting of plain packaging polymers, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane. Large MPs were found in the placenta and meconium studied after cesarean birth delivery (Sharma et al., 2024). In research carried out by Liu and Liu et al. (2023), which included 18 infant-mother pairs, MPs were found in samples taken from baby food, breast milk, meconium, and newborn feces. Polyurethane and polyamide were commonly used materials in plastic packaging and were prevalent among other polymers in these samples (Liu and Liu et al., 2023).
The Impact of NantBioRenewables LLC to Reduce Microplastics in the Environment
There are just a few reviews reported here about how MPs and NPs affect our health. There are many other health risks associated with MPs reported to other organs, which would require writing an entire book. Considering all the above-mentioned points, the negative health effects of MPs and NPs are clear. Consequently, it is necessary to reduce MPs and NPs from the environment, mitigate the risk of environmental contamination, and minimize their formation from plastic packaging waste. The application of biodegradable materials reduces MPs and NPs formation because of their faster degradation process to CO₂ and water, minimizing contamination. Biopolymer materials can also degrade inside the body naturally if accidentally consumed. For example, a widely used material in industrial compostable packaging is polylactide, or PLA. PLA, even when it breaks down to its monomers—lactic acid—is not toxic, and its monomer is considered Generally Recognized as Safe by the US FDA and EU. As reported in a new meta-study conducted by HYDRA Marine Science, if PLA particles enter our body, they biodegrade, whereas non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the body over time, causing all the aforementioned health problems (Sustainable Plastics, 2024). More research is needed to focus on the health and environmental effects of bioplastic particles.
Among many companies producing compostable materials and packaging, it is necessary to highlight NantBioRenewables LLC (Gadsden, AL, USA), a producer of compostable biopolymer-based trays, plates, and straws sold under the Wave Ware™ brand. NantBioRenewables takes care of microplastics in the environment by promoting compostable packaging solutions at the heart of its marketing strategy. NantBioRenewables’ innovative approach involves developing sustainable compostable products that not only mitigate the risks associated with microplastics but also utilize materials that substantially reduce MP traces. Fillers that NantBioRenewables applies reduce biopolymer content, making compostable packaging even more environmentally friendly through the use of Ocean Calcium Sand (OCS), which is a carbon-negative mineral filler. This means that the packaging component, OCS material, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its natural formation by plankton photosynthesis and can help to speed up the biodegradation process of the final packaging. Wave Ware™ products are designed to be home or industrially compostable (BPI and TUV certified) and environmentally friendly, reducing reliance on traditional oil-based plastics and consequently reducing microplastic traces in the environment. Thus, each NantBioRenewables product substitutes one non-degradable product made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, making the environment less polluted by MPs.
MPs and NPs have been found everywhere in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, especially plastics derived from oil-sourced materials. Numerous studies have shown their negative effects on human health, including cancer formation and neurotoxic effects. MPs are found even in the placenta and can negatively affect reproductive organs and offspring. NantBioRenewables is working hard to deliver compostable materials to the market that are dedicated to combating plastic pollution, developing solutions that not only meet consumer needs but also protect human health and the environment.
For further inquiries or to learn more about products and NantBioRenewables initiatives, please contact sales@nantbr.com or visit www.nantbr.com.
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