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Effect of digestion system on microstructures of microplastics from biodegradable polyesters and impact of these microplastics on microorganisms in digestion system
Summary
Researchers systematically examined how the digestive system alters the surface microstructure and chemical composition of biodegradable microplastics (including PBAT and PLA products), and reciprocally how these bio-microplastics affect probiotics and other digestive microorganisms, finding that both virgin and UV-aged biodegradable plastics interact with the gut environment.
The environmental impact from microplastics (MPs) has garnered increasing attention. All the biodegradable polymers developed for reducing plastics pollution will also generate bio-MPs. This study firstly explores systematically the bio-MPs from two key aspects: first, the effects of digestive system on these bio-MPs, particularly their surface microstructures and chemical composition; and second, the impact of these bio-MPs on the digestive system itself, particularly on probiotics and microorganisms. Both virgin and UV-aged bio-MPs from the most popular products in the market including poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) were studied. In vitro simulated digestion, encompassing oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, was conducted. The surface microstructures were analyzed using SEM and AFM, while their chemical compositions were examined via FTIR and XPS. The impact on the growth of tested strains was evaluated through in vitro culture methods, and the effects on microorganisms were assessed through fecal coliform analysis. It was found that the digestive system generally could not decompose these bio-MPs, even on surfaces, due to the chemical stable nature of the polymeric materials. However, detailed XPS analysis revealed some hydrolysis on surfaces. Notably, bio-MPs that have undergone UV aging seem to be more susceptible to hydrolysis during artificial digestion. Most bio-MPs had minimal effects on probiotics since their growth rates kept almost unchanged. Most bio-MPs suppressed fermentation and microbial activity in the large intestine. • Various bio-MPs (PLA, PCL, PBS, PBAT, PHA) with and without UV aging were systematically investigated. • Effect of digestive system on these bio-MPs is not significant except some hydrolysis. • Impact of these bio-MPs on the digestive system itself depend on type of MPs and treatments • All bio-MPs impeded fermentation and activity of microorganisms in the large intestine.
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