Study finds nanoplastics from PET bottles can harm gut microbes, human cells

New Delhi, Dec 5: A new study by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, has provided the first clear evidence that nanoplastics generated from single-use PET bottles can directly disrupt key biological systems essential for human health.

Nanoplastics are increasingly being detected inside the human body, yet their specific health impacts remain poorly understood.

The INST team conducted a multi-system investigation to examine how these particles affect beneficial gut bacteria, red blood cells, and human epithelial cells.

In laboratory tests, nanoplastics recreated from PET bottles were found to hinder the growth, colonization, and protective functions of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a gut-friendly bacterium, while increasing bacterial stress and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Red blood cell studies showed membrane disruption and haemolytic changes at higher concentrations.

Human epithelial cells exposed to nanoplastics exhibited DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic alterations.

The study concludes that everyday plastic-derived nanoplastics are biologically active and can interfere with gut health, blood stability, and cellular functions, posing previously unrecognised risks.

The findings, published in Nanoscale Advances, highlight growing concerns about nanoplastic presence in food, water, and the human body, and may inform future health, environmental, and policy decisions.