Can microplastics affect cell energy systems?
A 2026 lab study found polystyrene microplastics lowered ATP production and damaged mitochondria in mouse muscle cells. It does not prove that one package or bottle causes human disease.
Short answer
A 2026 lab study found that polystyrene microplastics disrupted cell energy systems in mouse muscle cells. This is not proof that one food package or bottle causes disease in people.
What the study found
The 2026 Toxicology study exposed differentiated C2C12 muscle cells to 1 micrometer polystyrene microplastics for 24 hours. The cells had more reactive oxygen species, lower ATP production, mitochondrial swelling, and disrupted cristae.
That is a real cell signal. It is also a lab model. Human exposure is messier, with different plastic types, doses, and routes.
What you can do
A 2025 Food Chemistry study found microplastics released from plastic food containers during rinsing and migration tests. High-fat foods, temperature changes, and longer contact times increased release.
Use glass storage for leftovers and warm foods. It will not remove every microplastic source, but it lowers one clear food-contact route.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Use glass storage for leftovers and warm foods. It reduces one plastic food-contact route while the human science develops.
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