Nanoparticles in our heads: How microplastics penetrate our brains
Tiny plastic particles are now everywhere. An international team of researchers has now discovered how microplastics even overcome the protective blood-brain barrier and enter our brains in a very short time.
Bouncer in front of the brain: how the blood-brain barrier works
In order for our brain to function properly, not everything in our blood is allowed to enter the brain unhindered. This is why there is a kind of admission control: the blood-brain barrier. Everything that enters the central nervous system (CNS) must first overcome this barrier of special cells that are tightly packed together and connected. This protects the brain from harmful substances such as toxins, viruses and bacteria that are dissolved in the blood.
The blood-brain barrier works by what is known as selective permeability. This means that it allows certain substances that the brain needs to pass through, such as oxygen and glucose, and excludes other substances. This selectivity is achieved by a combination of physical barriers (the tightly packed cells) and a special membrane that surrounds the brain. However, fat-soluble substances such as alcohol and nicotine can cross the blood-brain barrier.
And so can microplastic particles. They can cross the blood-brain barrier if they are small enough and interact with other substances. How exactly this works was previously unclear. In their study "Micro- and Nanoplastics Breach the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Biomolecular Corona's Role Revealed", the scientists now prove one way.
From the plastic bottle to the brain in just two hours
Well packaged: How plastic gets into the brain
Avoid microplastics in everyday life wherever possible
The effects of microplastics in our bodies and especially in the brain have not yet been sufficiently researched. However, it is clear that there are potential dangers for the environment and humans associated with the spread of small plastic particles and that everyone is advised to protect themselves as much as possible.
Three tips on how you can reduce the amount of microplastics that end up in your body:
Avoid single-use plastic: Don't buy single-use plastic items such as plastic bottles, bags and straws. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as stainless steel bottles, cloth bags and glass straws.
Avoid synthetic clothing: Synthetic clothing such as polyester, nylon and fleece releases tiny microfibres during washing, which end up in waste water and are often not filtered out. Instead, try to choose clothing made from natural materials such as cotton, linen or wool to minimise the spread of microplastic particles.
Caption photo:chayanuphol
Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
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