Nanoplastics and Neuroinflammation: Research from San Raffaele University

Plastic Free Onlus has launched an important scientific research project in collaboration with the San Raffaele University in Rome, focusing on the effects of nanoplastics in the human brain. This project aims to understand how these particles manage to cross the blood-brain barrier, influencing neuronal function and contributing to the development of neuroinflammation, potentially linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The fundraising goal to finance the study is set at 100,000 euros, which will be used for materials, analyses, and laboratory facilities. Professor Ennio Tasciotti will lead the research, emphasizing the urgency of addressing crucial issues related to the accumulation of nanoplastics in human brain tissue, as highlighted by recent studies published in Nature. These findings have revealed a growing presence of microscopic fragments, particularly polyethylene, over the past eight years. Luca De Gaetano, president of Plastic Free, stated that it is essential to uncover the effects of nanoplastics on our bodies and urged companies and citizens to support this scientific initiative to counteract the potential harm caused by these invisible particles. Italian Version