Fig. 4.

Transformation of nanoplastics in human barriers. Nanoplastics undergo aggregation, formation of protein-corona and degradation at the nano-bio interface. Protein-coronas are formed upon nanoplastic internalization by a biota with endogenous proteins. With the biodegradation, the additives, pathogens and other contaminants in nanoplastics are released. Nanoplastics come across the cell membrane by endocytosis and potentially other pathways, which are highly dependent on the polymer type, size and shape, and surface charge and chemistry. AgNPs, metallic silver nanoparticles; POPs, persistent organic pollutants.