We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Foodborne pathogens in the plastisphere: Can microplastics in the food chain threaten microbial food safety?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines whether microplastics in the food chain can serve as carriers for dangerous foodborne bacteria, potentially threatening food safety. Researchers found that pathogenic bacteria can colonize microplastic surfaces and that these "plastisphere" communities may survive food processing steps that would normally eliminate them. The study raises concerns that microplastic contamination in food and water could introduce a new route for foodborne illness transmission.
Microplastics (MPs) contaminate the global marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This environmental contamination can enter the food chain, with MPs found in drinking water, fishery products and other food categories. Consequently, ingestion is considered the main route of human exposure to MPs. Concerns exist on the potential of MPs to act as vectors for pathogenic bacteria, possibly threatening microbial food safety. Starting from the current evidence on foodborne pathogens associated with MPs, we review the state of knowledge on the putative role of MPs in enhancing harmful bacterial traits and transporting them to humans. Finally, we focus on the simultaneous uptake of MPs and pathogens in the human gut. Overall, we identify major knowledge gaps, both on the mechanisms and the possible health outcomes. The scarce and inconclusive results regarding the effect of MPs on microbial virulence and evolution, together with the insufficient knowledge about the attachment of microbial toxins to MPs, highlight the need for further studies. We conclude that biofilm-coated MPs in foodstuffs may pose several risks to food safety, but further research will be essential to determine the extent of their effect on human health.
More Papers Like This
Foodborne pathogens in the plastisphere: Can microplastics in the food chain threaten microbial food safety?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the potential for microplastics to act as vectors for foodborne pathogens in the food chain, synthesizing current evidence on pathogen attachment to the plastisphere, the effects of microplastics on bacterial virulence and evolution, and the implications for simultaneous uptake of microplastics and pathogens in the human gut.
Uncovering the hidden risks of microplastics in the food chain
AI summary Read the abstract
This review highlights how microplastics in the food chain serve as surfaces for microbial colonization, potentially acting as vehicles that transfer harmful pathogens through seafood, produce, and food processing environments. The authors argue that current food safety standards are inadequate to address this microplastic-driven microbial risk and that urgent regulatory and research action is needed.
Potential impact of marine-derived plastisphere as a Vibrio carrier on marine ecosystems: Current status and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics in the ocean serve as floating platforms for Vibrio bacteria, which are significant pathogens threatening aquaculture and marine ecosystem health. Researchers found that the so-called plastisphere, the microbial community that colonizes plastic surfaces, can enhance the survival and spread of these harmful bacteria. The study highlights a concerning link between plastic pollution and the potential amplification of waterborne disease risks.
Microplastics in agriculture – a potential novel mechanism for the delivery of human pathogens onto crops
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper explores how microplastics in agricultural soil could carry human pathogens onto food crops, creating a new route for foodborne illness. Plastic surfaces quickly become colonized by bacteria, including dangerous species from wastewater and animal manure, forming a community called the plastisphere. Since microplastics can stick to ready-to-eat crops and are difficult to wash off, they could transfer harmful bacteria directly to people through the food supply.
Oceanic Hitchhikers – Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the emerging concern that microplastics in the ocean could serve as vehicles for transporting harmful bacteria, particularly into shellfish destined for human consumption. Researchers synthesized current knowledge about the distinct microbial communities that form on plastic debris and how microplastics are taken up by bivalves like mussels and oysters. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps around whether microplastic-associated pathogens represent a meaningful food safety risk.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.