Future Therapeutics—Engineering Solutions for Microplastic Burden
- Microplastics accumulate in diverse tissues, posing chronic health questions.
- Biocatalytic therapy (enzyme delivery) may clear plastics within the body.
- Encapsulation and cell-surface display increase stability, targeting, and safety.
- Filtration and diagnostic technologies complement enzyme-based therapies.
- Hybrid modalities promise personalized future treatments for microplastic health risks.
The discovery of microplastics in blood and tissues, including brain and breast milk, has sparked innovation in therapeutic approaches. Biocatalytic enzyme therapy—delivering PETase and other enzymes—offers promise for in situ breakdown of microplastics circulating in the body. Methods such as encapsulation and cell-surface display aim to stabilize enzymes, target specific tissues, and improve immune compatibility.
Therapeutic apheresis and super-sensitive diagnostics provide immediate solutions for removing microplastics, while future enzyme therapies unlock the potential for complete biodegradation. Engineered forms of PETase, tailored for high activity and low toxicity, lead candidate strategies for medical intervention.
Hybrid models combining enzymatic treatments with filtration could be adapted to match the individual’s burden and tissue distribution of microplastics. The key challenges remain delivery, stability, and patient safety, but the path is increasingly clear for clinical translation.