Researchers in Italy and Germany, working with the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology, detected nanoplastic particles (smaller than 1 micron) inside cultured bovine granulosa cells and porcine myoblasts. The findings raise concerns that nanoplastics could affect cow reproduction and pig muscle development, potentially creating a pathway for human exposure via meat. These results come from cell-culture studies, so more in vivo research is needed to confirm health impacts. Practical precautions—such as choosing glass or stainless-steel containers—can reduce personal contact with microscopic plastics.
Nanoplastics Detected Inside Livestock Cells — Potential Food-Chain Risk
Researchers in Italy and Germany, working with the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology, detected nanoplastic particles (smaller than 1 micron) inside cultured bovine granulosa cells and porcine myoblasts. The findings raise concerns that nanoplastics could affect cow reproduction and pig muscle development, potentially creating a pathway for human exposure via meat. These results come from cell-culture studies, so more in vivo research is needed to confirm health impacts. Practical precautions—such as choosing glass or stainless-steel containers—can reduce personal contact with microscopic plastics.
10:42 AM, 11/10/2025Health
Researchers find nanoplastic particles inside cow and pig cells
Scientists working with the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology and teams in Italy and Germany report detecting nanoplastics inside cultured cells taken from farm animals, raising concerns about possible effects on animal and human health. The findings were publicized via Phys.org and highlight a growing body of evidence that microscopic plastics are infiltrating multiple levels of the food chain.
What was found
Investigators identified plastic particles smaller than 1 micron — known as nanoplastics — inside two types of cultured cells: bovine granulosa cells (involved in cow ovarian function) and porcine myoblasts (muscle precursor cells in pigs). For context, microplastics are generally defined as particles from 1 micron up to 5 millimetres, while nanoplastics are under 1 micron in size.
Possible implications
The presence of nanoplastics in these cell types suggests potential risks: compromised ovarian cells could affect fertility in cattle, and interference with myoblasts could slow or alter muscle development in pigs, which in turn could influence meat quality. Researchers caution, however, that these findings come from cell-culture experiments and that further research is needed to determine whether and how nanoplastics alter cell function in living animals and what that means for human consumers.
"Since we still know far too little about nanoplastics, and detection is difficult, our results are particularly important for better assessing the risks," said Dr. Anja Baufeld of the Cell Physiology and Reproduction group at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology. "When we saw that nanoplastics were entering the cells, we knew that this could have far-reaching consequences."
Broader context
Previous studies have detected microscopic plastics in other animal tissues, including chicken embryos, indicating that plastic fragments from everyday items — clothing, packaging and other petroleum-based materials — can break down into particles small enough to enter cells and tissues. Food is one likely route of exposure: micro- and nanoplastics can be ingested with seafood, produce, and, as this study suggests, products derived from livestock.
Practical steps and outlook
While scientists work to clarify the health implications, individuals can reduce personal exposure by taking simple steps: use reusable glass or stainless-steel water bottles, choose glass or stainless-steel food containers over single-use plastics, and avoid heating food in plastic containers. Reducing meat consumption may lower exposure from animal-based sources but will not eliminate contact with microscopic plastics altogether.
Bottom line: The detection of nanoplastics inside livestock cell cultures is an important early warning that merits further study. It underscores the need for improved detection methods, more in vivo research to confirm effects in whole animals, and steps to limit plastic pollution and personal exposure.