A lab study from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam used a three-layer human cell placental model and found that several micro- and nanoplastics crossed the barrier within 72 hours. The research, led by Jeske van Boxel and published in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, also linked some plastics to changes in steroid hormone activity—reduced etiocholanolone and polystyrene-associated changes in estrogen. While not proof of real-world harm, the findings add to evidence that microplastics are pervasive in human tissues and justify further study.
New Lab Study Finds Micro- and Nanoplastics Can Cross a Human Placental Model and Alter Pregnancy Hormones
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A laboratory study from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam suggests several micro- and nanoplastics can cross a human cell–based placental model within 72 hours and may affect steroid hormone production. The research, led by Jeske van Boxel and published in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, adds to growing evidence that tiny plastic particles are pervasive in human tissues and could have biological effects during pregnancy.
Study Design
The researchers built a three-layer, living human cell system to better mimic the placental barrier and examined how different polymer particles behaved over a 72-hour period. Using this tri-cell model, they tested multiple micro- and nanoplastic types to observe whether particles could traverse the layers and whether hormone activity changed in response.
Key Findings
Most of the polymers tested were detected on the far side of the placental model within 72 hours, indicating they crossed the barrier. Polyamide was the single polymer that did not appear in measurable amounts beyond the model's layers. The experiment also found shifts in steroid hormone activity: several plastics were associated with reduced etiocholanolone levels, while polystyrene in particular was linked to altered estrogen concentrations.
Our study shows that several types of micro- and nanoplastics can cross a human placental model and influence hormone production, van Boxel said. While this does not directly mean they cause harm during pregnancy, it highlights the urgent need to better understand how these particles may affect fetal development.
Context And Significance
Previous studies have detected microplastics in human blood, placental tissue, amniotic fluid and even newborns' first stool (meconium); one report found particles in all 30 placentas examined. While the new laboratory evidence does not establish that microplastics cause adverse pregnancy outcomes in real-world human populations, it strengthens the case for further research into possible mechanisms and exposure pathways during sensitive life stages.
Limitations
Laboratory models cannot fully recreate the complexity of pregnancy. Findings from cell-based systems and animal studies do not always translate directly to human health outcomes. The tri-cell placental model narrows that gap by offering a more human-relevant experimental platform, but additional epidemiological and experimental work is needed to determine clinical significance.
Practical Steps To Reduce Exposure
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers — use glass or stainless steel for hot foods and drinks.
- Limit use of single-use plastics when possible and opt for natural-fiber textiles.
- Reduce indoor dust accumulation with regular wet dusting and vacuuming using HEPA filters.
- Minimize direct handling of plastic-packaged hot food and avoid microwaving plastic-wrapped items.
These measures will not eliminate exposure but may help lower ingestion of plastic particles. Broader policy and manufacturing changes will be needed to address the widespread presence of micro- and nanoplastics in consumer environments.
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