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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of two different sources of biodegradable microplastics and the influence on gut microbiota
ClearSimulated gastrointestinal digestion of polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable microplastics and their interaction with the gut microbiota
Researchers simulated what happens when humans swallow polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, a common bioplastic labeled as biodegradable, by running them through an artificial digestive system. While PLA did not dramatically alter the overall gut bacterial community, it did increase certain bacteria and change how the microbial community metabolized nutrients. The study also found that stomach acid caused physical changes to the PLA particles, suggesting that even supposedly safe bioplastics may interact with our gut in ways we do not yet fully understand.
PET microplastics affect human gut microbiota communities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, first evidence of plausible polymer biodegradation during human digestion
Using a simulated human digestive system, researchers tracked what happens to PET microplastics as they pass through the stomach and intestines. The microplastics were structurally changed during digestion and appeared to alter the composition of gut bacteria, with some microbes forming biofilms on the plastic surfaces. This is the first evidence that microplastics may be partially broken down during human digestion and could disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a critical role in overall health.
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.
Effect of digestion system on microstructures of microplastics from biodegradable polyesters and impact of these microplastics on microorganisms in digestion system
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.
Incorporation of polylactic acid microplastics into the carbon cycle as a carbon source to remodel the endogenous metabolism of the gut
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria can break down so-called biodegradable PLA microplastics and incorporate the carbon into their own metabolism, fundamentally altering the gut's energy balance. This process reduced beneficial short-chain fatty acids that fuel gut lining cells and caused decreased appetite and weight loss in mice, suggesting that biodegradable plastics may not be as harmless inside the body as assumed.
Microplastics: What happens in the human digestive tract? First evidences in adults using in vitro gut models
Researchers used an advanced artificial gut model to study what happens when polyethylene microplastics pass through the human digestive tract under conditions mimicking repeated exposure. They found that microplastics altered the composition of gut bacteria and affected the intestinal barrier without causing overt toxicity. This is among the first studies to simulate realistic human digestive exposure to microplastics, suggesting subtle but meaningful effects on gut health.
Fate and impact of microplastics in in vitro human digestive environment and dialogue between epithelium, gut microbiota and mucus
This study used laboratory models of the human digestive system to track what happens to microplastics as they pass through the gut, and how they interact with gut bacteria and the mucus lining. The findings provide insight into how microplastics may disrupt the gut environment and potentially affect human health.
Investigation of Microplastics in Digestion System: Effect on Surface Microstructures and Probiotics
Researchers investigated how the digestive system affects five common microplastic types and found that digestion altered the surface microstructures of the particles while also negatively impacting probiotic bacteria, suggesting potential health risks from ingested microplastics.
What if you eat nanoplastics? Simulating nanoplastics fate during gastrointestinal digestion
Researchers simulated what happens to nanoplastics as they pass through the human digestive system, from the mouth through the stomach and intestines. They found that digestive conditions significantly altered the size and surface properties of the particles, which could affect how readily they are absorbed into the body. The study provides important insights into how the gut environment transforms nanoplastics and may influence their potential health effects.
Insights into mouse metabolic health and gut microbiota responses to conventional and biodegradable microplastics released from plastic food containers
Researchers compared how conventional polyethylene and biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics from food containers affect mice over four weeks. They found that both types disrupted lipid metabolism and increased harmful gut bacteria, but the biodegradable PLA microplastics actually caused more severe metabolic disruption than conventional polyethylene. The study suggests that biodegradable plastics may not be safer than traditional plastics when it comes to microplastic exposure from food packaging.
Influence of artificial digestion on characteristics and intestinal cellular effects of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics
Researchers simulated human digestion to study how micro-, submicro-, and nanoplastics change as they pass through the stomach and intestines. They found that the digestive process altered the surface properties and size distribution of the plastic particles, potentially affecting how they interact with intestinal cells. The study suggests that the body's digestive environment may transform plastic particles in ways that influence their biological impact.
Microplastics (MPs): Fate in in vitro human digestive environment and study of the dialogue between epithelium, microbiota and mucus
This study examined what happens to microplastics as they pass through the human digestive system in vitro, studying interactions between plastic particles, gut microbiota, and intestinal mucus. Understanding how the gut processes microplastics is a key step in evaluating their potential health effects.
Gut microbiota-mediated poly(ε-caprolactone) microplastic degradation exacerbates metabolic dysregulation
Researchers investigated the health effects of poly(epsilon-caprolactone), a biodegradable plastic commonly used in food packaging and medicine, and found that its microplastic form disrupted lipid metabolism and worsened metabolic problems in mice on a high-fat diet. They discovered that gut bacteria capable of breaking down this biodegradable plastic actually amplified its harmful metabolic effects. The study raises important questions about whether biodegradable plastics are truly safer than conventional plastics once they fragment into microplastics.
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.
Effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on the intestine, intestinal community composition, and metabolic levels in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Researchers exposed tilapia fish to both biodegradable (PLA) and conventional (PVC) microplastics for 14 days and compared the effects on their intestines and gut bacteria. Both types of microplastics caused intestinal inflammation and disrupted the gut microbial community, though the specific effects differed between the two plastic types. The study suggests that biodegradable microplastics may not be substantially safer for aquatic life than conventional ones.
In vitro digestion of microplastics in human digestive system: Insights into particle morphological changes and chemical leaching
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.
Hepatotoxicity induced by polylactic acid microplastics: The mediating role of gut microbiota and uric acid metabolism
Researchers found that polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, often marketed as biodegradable and eco-friendly, caused liver damage in a study by disrupting gut bacteria and raising uric acid levels. The gut microbiome changes triggered by PLA microplastics were the key driver of the liver injury, not direct contact with the liver. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are safe and highlights the gut-liver connection in microplastic toxicity.
From Foodborne Pollutant Carrier to Gastrointestinal Trojan Horse: Simulating the Bioaccessibility of Antibiotics Loaded on Aged Polylactic Acid Microplastics in Human Digestive System
Researchers simulated how environmentally aged polylactic acid microplastics transport the antibiotic tetracycline through the human digestive system. They found that aging significantly increased the surface porosity and adsorption capacity of the PLA particles, enhancing their ability to carry contaminants through gastrointestinal digestion. The study suggests that biodegradable food-contact plastics may act as carriers of co-ingested pollutants in the gut.
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.
Microplastics in our diet: complementary in vitro gut and epithelium models to understand their fate in the human digestive tract.
Researchers used complementary in vitro gut models to study how microplastics behave during human digestion, finding that digestive conditions alter microplastic surface properties and their interactions with gut cells. The work advances understanding of how ingested microplastics may affect the human digestive system.
Microplastics in the human digestive environment: A focus on the potential and challenges facing in vitro gut model development
This review explores how microplastics travel through the human digestive system and what effects they may have on gut health. Researchers found that microplastics can carry harmful hitchhikers like heavy metals, antibiotics, and bacteria, potentially disrupting the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier. The study emphasizes the urgent need to develop better laboratory gut models to accurately simulate how microplastics interact with human digestive physiology.
Fate of microplastics in human digestive in vitro environment and study of the dialogue between epithelium, microbiota and mucus
Researchers used an in vitro human digestive model to track the fate of microplastics through simulated gastrointestinal conditions, investigating how MPs interact with digestive physico-chemical parameters, the epithelium, gut microbiota, and mucus layer, with particular attention to the vulnerable infant population.
Polylactic Acid Microplastics Do Not Exhibit Lower Biological Toxicity in Growing Mice Compared to Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics
Researchers compared the health effects of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics to conventional polyvinyl chloride microplastics in growing mice over six weeks. Contrary to expectations, the biodegradable microplastics caused equal or more severe harm, including greater disruption of gut bacteria, stronger inflammatory responses, and more intestinal damage. The study suggests that biodegradable plastics may not be safer than conventional plastics once they break down into microplastic-sized particles.
Unraveling microplastic behavior in simulated digestion: Methods, insights, and standardization
This review evaluates 85 studies that used simulated digestion experiments to understand what happens to microplastics in the human gut. The authors found that methods vary widely between studies, making it hard to compare results and draw reliable conclusions about how microplastics behave during digestion. Standardized testing methods are needed to accurately assess whether and how microplastics release harmful chemicals or change form as they pass through the human digestive system.