Nanoplastics Can Penetrate Egg Cells and Delay Embryo Development
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Nanoplastics small enough (50 nm) can penetrate the protective barrier around an egg cell. Once inside, they delayed both egg maturation and early embryo development.
Plastic Inside the Egg
A 2026 study in Reprod Toxicol exposed egg cells (cumulus-oocyte complexes) to polystyrene nanoplastics of two sizes: 50 nm and 200 nm. Confocal microscopy confirmed both sizes entered the surrounding cumulus cells, but only the 50 nm particles made it through into the egg itself.
At 3 µg/mL, the 50 nm nanoplastics significantly delayed nuclear maturation of the egg and slowed early embryo development after fertilization. The larger 200 nm particles stayed in the outer cell layer and didn't cause the same effects.
What This Means for Fertility
For an egg to be fertilized and develop into a healthy embryo, it needs to mature properly. A delay in nuclear maturation means the egg isn't ready when sperm arrives. Even if fertilization happens, the embryo develops slower, reducing its chances of successful implantation.
Nanoplastics this small come from the breakdown of everyday plastics: bottles, food packaging, synthetic textiles. They're in drinking water, food, and air. And now we know they can get inside the cells responsible for creating the next generation.
How to Protect Fertility
Reduce nanoplastic exposure, especially if you're trying to conceive. Don't heat food in plastic. Filter your water. Use glass containers. Avoid single-use plastics. Check out non-toxic baby products for a cleaner start to family planning.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.