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Microplastics and probiotics: Mechanisms of interaction and their consequences for health
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This review explores how microplastics interact with probiotics and what that means for gut health. Researchers summarized evidence showing that microplastics can disrupt the gut lining, alter the microbiome, and trigger inflammation, while certain probiotic strains may help counteract these effects by reducing oxidative stress and supporting the intestinal barrier. The study also discusses the emerging possibility of using engineered probiotics for environmental microplastic cleanup.
Microplastics (MPs), synthetic polymer particles less than 5 mm in size, are an emerging contaminant with implications for both human and ecosystem health. Being widespread in food and water sources, MPs can disrupt gastrointestinal integrity, alter the microbiota composition, and provoke oxidative and inflammatory responses. Probiotics, live microorganisms known for their gut health benefits, are now being explored for their ability to mitigate these effects. This review synthesizes evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on how MPs impact probiotic viability, adhesion, and biofilm formation, and how certain strains may counter MP-induced toxicity by modulating oxidative stress, immune function, and the epithelial barrier integrity. Additionally, this manuscript discusses emerging applications in environmental microbiology, such as the potential use of native and engineered probiotics for microplastic bioremediation. Although the current data highlight promising avenues, key gaps remain in our understanding of strain-specific mechanisms, long-term efficacy, and real-world applicability. Addressing these will be essential to advance probiotic-based strategies in both human and environmental contexts.
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Probiotics as Modulators of Microplastic-induced Toxicity: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review found that probiotics can reduce microplastic-induced toxicity in animal models by restoring gut microbiota balance, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory responses. The findings suggest that probiotic supplementation may help mitigate the harmful effects of unavoidable microplastic exposure, though human clinical trials are still needed.
Probiotics in the Management of Microplastics-Induced Enteritis
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This review discusses probiotics in the context of gut inflammation linked to microplastics. It describes four proposed mechanisms, covering gut microbiota, the mucosal barrier, immune balance and the fate of the particles themselves. The authors say specific strains, dosing and long-term safety still need study.
The microplastic-crisis: Role of bacteria in fighting microplastic-effects in the digestive system
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This review describes how micro- and nanoplastics may affect the digestive tract, including the gut microbiota, digestive enzymes and the mucus layer. The authors compared probiotic genomes with known plastic degraders and found no probiotic able to degrade plastic. They discuss probiotics instead for effects on microbial diversity, the gut barrier and inflammation.
Probiotics an emerging therapeutic approach towards gut-brain-axis oriented chronic health issues induced by microplastics: A comprehensive review
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This review examines how microplastics disrupt the gut-brain axis, the communication system between the digestive system and the brain, leading to chronic health problems like inflammation and neurological issues. The authors highlight probiotics as a promising treatment approach, since beneficial bacteria can help repair gut damage caused by microplastic exposure. The findings suggest that supporting gut health through probiotics may help counteract some of the harmful effects of microplastics on both digestion and brain function.
Gut microbiota, a key to understanding the knowledge gaps on micro-nanoplastics-related biological effects and biodegradation
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This review explores how micro- and nanoplastics affect the community of microorganisms living in the gut, and how those same gut microbes might be able to break down plastic particles. Swallowed microplastics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to various diseases. On the other hand, some gut bacteria can actually degrade plastics into smaller, less harmful molecules, opening a possible avenue for biological cleanup.
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