Indian Study Reveals First Direct Evidence of How Nanoplastics from PET Bottles Harm the Human Body

New Delhi - A new Indian study has uncovered the first direct evidence that nanoplastics released from single-use PET bottles can disrupt vital biological systems in the human body. The research was led by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali — an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Nanoplastics, which are increasingly detected in food, drinking water, and even inside the human body, are a growing global concern. However, their exact impact on human health has remained unclear.

While earlier studies mostly focused on environmental pollution or damage to human tissues, almost nothing was known about how nanoplastics affect beneficial gut microbes — a key pillar of human health.

The research team, led by Prashant Sharma and Sakshi Dagariya from INST’s Chemical Biology Unit, has now provided strong evidence of significant health risks.

According to the study, long-term exposure to PET-derived nanoplastics reduces the growth and colonisation of beneficial bacteria and weakens their protective roles. It also increases bacterial stress responses and even heightens their sensitivity to antibiotics.

“Together, these findings show that nanoplastics from everyday plastic items act as biologically active particles capable of interfering with gut health, blood stability, and cellular functions,” the researchers said. The study was published in the journal *Nanoscale Advances*.

The team recreated PET-based nanoplastics in the laboratory and tested their impact using three biological models.

One test focused on the probiotic *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* to assess how the gut microbiome is influenced. At high concentrations, nanoplastics were also found to damage red blood cell membranes and trigger premature cell destruction.

Additionally, prolonged exposure caused DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis (cell death), and disruptions in the body’s energy and nutrient metabolism.

“The nanoparticles induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in human epithelial cells during prolonged exposure — posing previously unrecognised risks to human health,” the researchers reported.

Beyond human health, the findings may have implications across agriculture, nutrition, and environmental studies, especially where microbial ecosystems and plastic pollution intersect.

—With inputs from IANS