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Microplastics in simulated digestion: Surface modifications, enzyme interference, and chemical migration
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Researchers simulated gastrointestinal digestion of four common plastic polymers alongside food components, finding that microplastics — especially smaller polystyrene particles — inhibit digestive enzymes in a size- and concentration-dependent manner and release phthalate plasticizers, with protein-rich conditions driving pronounced surface charge shifts indicating strong protein adsorption.
The transformation of microplastics (MPs) under gastrointestinal digestion conditions and their associated risks to human health remain unclear. This study investigated the behavior of four food-grade polymers, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under simulated in vitro human digestion with dietary components (starch, protein, and lipids). MPs of ≈200 μm and ≈50 μm size were analyzed for chemical modifications, enzyme interactions, and additive migration. Zeta potential significantly decreased after digestion, with PET showing the largest shift from -10.22 mV to -48.17 mV in protein-rich conditions, indicating strong protein adsorption. Enzyme inhibition was size and concentration dependent, with 50 μm PS strongly inhibiting α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase, while pepsin showed minimal inhibition. LC-MS revealed higher di-n-butyl phthalate release, particularly during gastric digestion. These findings demonstrate that MPs interact with digestive components, impair enzyme function, and release harmful additives, highlighting need for further in vivo research.
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In vitro digestion of microplastics in human digestive system: Insights into particle morphological changes and chemical leaching
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Researchers simulated human digestion on four common types of microplastics and found that stomach acid and digestive enzymes changed the particles' shape, surface texture, and caused them to release chemical additives. The study shows that microplastics are not inert once swallowed -- they are actively transformed in the gut, which could increase their ability to interact with intestinal tissues and release potentially harmful chemicals.
Unraveling the impact of polystyrene microplastics with varying particle sizes and concentrations on lipid in vitro digestion and ex vivo absorption
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Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations affect fat digestion and absorption using laboratory and tissue-based models. They found that microplastics interfered with the digestive process by interacting with digestive enzymes and bile salts, and that smaller particles at higher concentrations had the greatest inhibitory effect on fat absorption. The findings suggest that microplastics consumed with food could alter how the body processes dietary fats.
Digestion of plastics using in vitro human gastrointestinal tract and their potential to adsorb emerging organic pollutants
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Researchers simulated human digestion of polystyrene and polyethylene plastics and found that digestive processes fundamentally altered plastic surfaces, creating new functional groups and generating micro- and nanostructures that can detach. The study suggests that digested plastics have enhanced capacity to adsorb certain pollutants like triclosan and diclofenac, potentially increasing health risks from ingested plastic.
Microplastics Reduce Lipid Digestion in Simulated Human Gastrointestinal System
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Researchers found that five common types of microplastics all significantly reduced lipid digestion in a simulated human gastrointestinal system, with polystyrene causing the greatest inhibition at 12.7%. The microplastics interfered through two mechanisms: forming clumps with fat droplets that reduced their availability, and adsorbing digestive enzymes in ways that altered their structure and function. The study suggests that ingested microplastics may impair nutrient absorption by disrupting normal fat digestion processes.
Small polystyrene microplastics interfere with the breakdown of milk proteins during static in vitro simulated human gastric digestion
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Researchers found that small polystyrene microplastics interfere with the digestion of milk proteins in a simulated human stomach environment. The microplastics adsorbed the digestive enzyme pepsin onto their surface, reducing its activity and slowing the breakdown of proteins like casein and whey. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in food could impair normal digestive processes in the human gut.
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