We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Macrogenomes reveal microbial-mediated microplastic degradation pathways in the porcine gut: a hope for solving the environmental challenges of microplastics
ClearInfluence of selected dosages of plastic microparticles on the porcine fecal microbiome
Researchers fed pigs different doses of PET microplastics for 28 days and analyzed changes in their gut bacteria. Higher doses of microplastics increased certain bacterial groups that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are important for gut health and immune function. Since pig digestive systems are similar to humans, these results suggest microplastic exposure could alter our gut microbiome in ways that affect digestion and overall health.
Review of microplastic degradation: Understanding metagenomic approaches for microplastic degrading organisms
This review explores how metagenomics, the study of genetic material from environmental samples, is helping scientists identify microorganisms that can break down plastics. The paper covers the methods used to find and characterize plastic-degrading bacteria, as well as the environmental consequences of plastic degradation including health risks from inhaling and ingesting microplastics. While biological solutions to plastic pollution show promise, the review notes that more research is needed to develop effective, scalable approaches.
Discovering untapped microbial communities through metagenomics for microplastic remediation: recent advances, challenges, and way forward
This review explores how metagenomic approaches are uncovering microbial communities capable of degrading microplastics in various environments. Researchers found that diverse bacteria and fungi in soil, water, and waste systems produce enzymes that can break down plastic polymers, though degradation rates remain slow. The study highlights metagenomics as a powerful tool for discovering new biological solutions to microplastic pollution.
Deciphering Gut Microbiome Responses upon Microplastic Exposure via Integrating Metagenomics and Activity-Based Metabolomics
Using advanced metagenomics and metabolomics techniques, researchers studied how polystyrene microplastic exposure affects the gut microbiome in mice. The study found that microplastics disrupted the balance of gut bacteria and altered metabolic pathways related to amino acids and lipids. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure could influence gut health and metabolism, though more research is needed to understand the implications for human health.
Gut microbiota, a key to understanding the knowledge gaps on micro-nanoplastics-related biological effects and biodegradation
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.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases in Human Gut Microbiota and Their Implications for Human Health
Researchers searched the genomes of healthy human gut bacteria and discovered enzymes capable of breaking down PET, one of the most common plastics found in food and drink packaging. They identified multiple bacterial species in the human gut that produce these PET-degrading enzymes. This discovery suggests that gut microbes may play a role in processing the microplastics people swallow, though it also raises questions about whether the breakdown products could affect human health.
Effects of Microplastic on Human Gut Microbiome: Detection of Plastic-Degrading Genes in Human Gut Exposed to Microplastics—Preliminary Study
Researchers analyzed stool samples from Indonesian coastal and highland populations to examine the relationship between microplastic contamination and gut microbiome composition. While microplastics did not significantly alter overall gut microbial diversity, specific plastic types correlated with changes in certain bacterial genera including Roseburia and Prevotella. Notably, the study detected genes encoding plastic-degrading enzymes in the human gut microbiome for the first time, suggesting the gut microbial community may be adapting to microplastic exposure.
Microplastic biofilms as potential hotspots for plastic biodegradation and nitrogen cycling: a metagenomic perspective
Researchers used genetic analysis to study the microbial communities that form biofilms on different types of microplastics in an estuarine environment. They found that these plastic-associated communities contained genes for both plastic degradation and nitrogen cycling, suggesting the biofilms may play dual roles in the ecosystem. The study indicates that microplastic surfaces in waterways create unique microbial habitats that could influence both pollution breakdown and nutrient processing.
PET Microplastics Affect Human Gut Microbiota Communities During Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion. First Evidence of Plausible Polymer Biodegradation During Human Digestion
Researchers simulated gastrointestinal digestion and found that PET microplastics altered human gut microbiota community composition, and provided first evidence of plausible partial polymer biodegradation during passage through the human digestive tract.
Role of Microbes in Microplastic Removal and Its Effect on Human Health
This review examines the role of microbes in microplastic removal from environmental matrices and food systems, covering both degradation pathways and the health implications of microplastic-microbiome interactions for humans and other organisms.
Identification of plastic-degrading bacteria in the human gut
Scientists discovered bacteria in the human gut that can break down common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, though all the plastic-degrading species identified were opportunistic pathogens. The bacteria could physically and chemically alter plastic surfaces but only achieved limited depolymerization. This finding raises the question of whether microplastic exposure in the gut could promote the growth of potentially harmful bacteria while they attempt to digest the plastic.
Study on the association between microplastic exposure and gut microbiota based on metagenomics: A pilot study on 66 young college students in China
In a pilot study of 66 young college students in China, researchers analyzed stool samples to examine the relationship between microplastic exposure and gut microbiota composition. Participants with higher microplastic concentrations in their stools showed increased abundance of potentially harmful intestinal bacteria, with polystyrene microplastics having the most pronounced effect on gut microbial community structure.
Interaction between microplastics and microorganism as well as gut microbiota: A consideration on environmental animal and human health
This review explores how microplastics interact with microorganisms in the environment and within the gut, examining implications for both animal and human health. Researchers found that microplastics can alter gut microbiota composition, promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and amplify the toxicity of other environmental pollutants. The study suggests that the interaction between microplastics and gut microorganisms is an important emerging area for understanding health risks.
Multi-omics association pattern between gut microbiota and host metabolism of a filter-feeding fish in situ exposed to microplastics
Scientists exposed filter-feeding fish to environmentally realistic levels of microplastics and found that the particles reshaped gut bacteria communities, which in turn altered the fish's liver metabolism through changes in amino acid processing. This gut-microbiome-to-organ connection matters because it shows microplastics may affect human health not just through direct toxicity but by disrupting the beneficial bacteria in our digestive systems.
Gut Check: Microbiota and Obesity in Mice Exposed to Polystyrene Microspheres
Researchers found that gut microbiota appeared to play a mediating role in the obesity outcomes observed in mice fed manufactured polystyrene microspheres, suggesting that microplastic-induced alterations to the gut microbiome may be a mechanism linking microplastic exposure to metabolic dysfunction and weight gain.
Unleashing multi-omic approaches to address environmental microplastic hazards in marine polychaetes
Researchers used a multi-omic approach (metagenomics and metabolomics) to study how an environmental microplastic mixture affects the gut microbiome and metabolism of marine polychaetes, identifying disruption of specific bacterial taxa and altered metabolite profiles (indoles, flavonoids, terpenes) that indicate physiological stress.
Impact of microplastics on human gut microbiota: first evidences from in vitro gut models
Researchers investigated the impact of microplastics on human gut microbiota using in vitro gut models, providing early experimental evidence of how microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal microbial communities. The study offers foundational data on microplastic-microbiome interactions that are difficult to study directly in humans.
Association between microplastics exposure and gut microbiota and metabolites in older adults: A cross-sectional study
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 45 older adults to assess the relationship between microplastic exposure and gut microbiota. They found an average of 70 microplastic particles per gram of feces, primarily PVC, butadiene rubber, and polyethylene, and observed that microplastic exposure was associated with changes in gut microbial diversity and metabolite levels. The study suggests that microplastics may influence gut health in older adults by altering bacterial community composition and metabolic pathways.
Unveiling microplastic's role in nitrogen cycling: Metagenomic insights from estuarine sediment microcosms
Researchers used metagenomic analysis to examine how polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics affect nitrogen cycling in estuarine sediments. They found that microplastics altered the abundance of genes involved in key nitrogen transformation processes like nitrification and denitrification. The study reveals that microplastic pollution in estuaries may disrupt important biogeochemical cycles that support aquatic ecosystem health.
Biodegradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastic in the Rumen of Cattle
Researchers incubated PET microplastics in cattle rumen fluid and found evidence of microbial colonization and partial polymer degradation by rumen microbiota, suggesting that ruminant digestive systems may harbor plastic-degrading microorganisms with potential bioremediation applications.
Polystyrene microplastics induce gut microbiome and metabolome changes in Javanese medaka fish (Oryzias javanicus Bleeker, 1854)
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastic exposure altered gut microbiome composition and metabolic profiles in Javanese medaka fish, with effects on amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways suggesting microplastics can disrupt gut health in aquatic organisms.
Microbiome: A forgotten target of environmental micro(nano)plastics?
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics affect the microbiome of various organisms, an area that has received less attention than other toxicological endpoints. Researchers found that most studies focused on polystyrene particles and that exposure consistently disrupted microbiome composition, triggered immune responses, and altered enzyme activity across organisms including crustaceans, fish, and mammals. The study highlights the microbiome as an important but often overlooked target of microplastic pollution.
Metagenomic exploration of microbial and enzymatic traits involved in microplastic biodegradation
A metagenomic study of agricultural soil microcosms containing low-density polyethylene and polylactic acid mulch films revealed the diversity of plastic-degrading enzymes and associated microbial communities capable of microplastic biodegradation.
Plastics and the microbiome: impacts and solutions
This review examines how plastics affect microbial communities in the environment and in living organisms, including the human gut. Microplastics can carry harmful bacteria, disrupt natural microbial balance, and affect immune responses in host organisms. While some microbes have been reported to degrade plastics, the evidence for breaking down common types like polypropylene, polystyrene, and PVC remains weak, meaning we cannot rely on natural biodegradation to solve the pollution problem.