Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance thrombosis through adsorption of plasma proteins

Plastic products offer remarkable convenience for modern life. However, growing concerns are emerging regarding the potential health hazards posed by nanoplastics, which formed as plastics break down. Currently, the biological effects and mechanisms induced by nanoplastics are largely underexplored. In this study, we report that polystyrene nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and enhance thrombus formation. Our findings show that polystyrene nanoplastics adsorb plasma proteins, particularly coagulation factor XII and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, play a key role in this process, as demonstrated by proteomics, bioinformatic analyses, and molecular dynamics simulations. The adsorption of these proteins by nanoplastics is an essential factor in thrombosis enhancement. This newly uncovered pathway of protein adsorption leading to enhanced thrombosis provides new insights into the biological effects of nanoplastics, which may inform future safety and environmental risk assessment of plastics.