Perspective: A Trojan horse: micro- and nano-plastics with a bio-corona

Recent data indicate plastics and associated chemicals pose risks to all forms of life - from plants, microbes, and animals to humans and their developing embryos. Plastics decompose over time into Micro and Nanoplastics (MNPs), which are present as particles or fibrils. MNPs are surrounded by other substances through hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, known as eco-coronas in the environment, and within living organisms as bio-coronas. We highlight key biological phenomena that may help us better understand the unique and complex impact of a Trojan horse-like exposure to the bio-corona’s cargo of MNPs. These could modify, enhance, or inhibit hormones and other active substances essential for homeostasis. The investigation of MNPs with bio-corona is of high public health relevance.