Researchers at Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) have found that nanoplastics, which are even smaller than microplastics, impair energy metabolism in brain cells. The results offer new information on the possible health hazards that environmental plastics could pose. The Trinity team focused on mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of cells that produce the energy required for brain activity. Dr. Gavin Davey, Enzymologist, Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteHe added, “Our results here show a clear mitochondrial mechanism by which nanoplastics can impair brain energy metabolism. (2025) Polystyrene nanoplastics target electron transport chain complexes in brain mitochondria.