Microplastics and Nanoplastics in human tissues: Systematic review of evidence, analytical protocols, and methodological challenges

Microplastics and NanoPlastics (MNP) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants with potential implications for human health. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the occurrence of MNP in human solid tissues and critically evaluates the analytical protocols employed for their detection and quantification. A comprehensive literature search conducted in September 2025 across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, identified 26 eligible studies encompassing 564 human samples from diverse biological matrices, including placenta, lung, liver, blood, and bone. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride were the most frequently detected…

• MD
  Ministero della Salute
• IO
  Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli di Bologna