Environmentally Relevant Polylactic Acid Microplastics from 3D Printing Induce Germline Apoptosis and Reproductive Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans
Chiara Angelyn O. Maldonado, Dana M. Farley, David M. Mares, Ryan J. Rutledge, Maria F. Gamez, Laila R. Sosa, Viviana Palacios, Amy Gutierrez, Ryan Loren Peterson, Jennifer C. Harr
This study shows that polylactic acid microplastics from 3D printing reduce fertility and cause germline damage in C. elegans, with no effect on lifespan.
bioRxiv · Jul 28, 2026 · PreprintPharmacology & Toxicology