With support from the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, Dr. Ilana Brito at Cornell University led a study examining how human intestinal mucus serves as a barrier against ingested microplastic particles (MPs) and their damaging effects on gut cells. The researchers found that while the mucus layer effectively reduced particle movement, cellular uptake, and inflammation, certain types of plastic particles with specific surface coatings were able to penetrate the barrier and cause harm. These findings are critical in understanding how microplastics interact with the human body and highlight the protective role of mucus in gut health. The study also offers insights that could inform future research on exposure risks, microplastic toxicity, and even drug delivery technologies. The full study by Dr. Brito and her team is published in Biomaterials Science and is available open access here.