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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to PET microplastics affect human gut microbiota communities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, first evidence of plausible polymer biodegradation during human digestion
ClearPET 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.
Intestinal Microplastic Retention Reshapes Gut Microbial Ecology through Surface-Associated Colonization and Additive Leaching
Researchers used an advanced gut simulation model to study how retained PET microplastics affect the human intestinal microbiome. They found that microplastics promoted colonization by potentially harmful bacteria on their rough, hydrophobic surfaces while displacing beneficial gut microbes. Additionally, chemical additives leaching from the plastics independently shifted microbial composition, suggesting that microplastics may alter gut ecology through both physical and chemical mechanisms.
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.
Simulated 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.
Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of two different sources of biodegradable microplastics and the influence on gut microbiota
Researchers used a simulated human digestive system to study what happens to biodegradable microplastics when we swallow them. They found that PLA (polylactic acid) microplastics started breaking down in stomach acid, while PCL (polycaprolactone) microplastics stayed intact until reaching the large intestine, where both types disrupted beneficial gut bacteria. This is concerning because biodegradable plastics, often marketed as safer alternatives, may still harm gut health when ingested.
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.
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.
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.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics affect gut microbiota distribution and intestinal damage in mice
Mice exposed to PET microplastics, the type commonly found in plastic bottles, developed intestinal inflammation, changes in gut bacteria, and signs of a weakened gut barrier. Even at relatively low doses, the microplastics increased liver stress markers and disrupted the protective mucus layer in the colon, suggesting that everyday PET plastic exposure could contribute to digestive health problems.
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.
Identification of a PET hydrolytic enzyme from the human gut microbiome unveils potential plastic biodegradation in human digestive tract
Researchers discovered a new enzyme in the human gut microbiome that can break down PET plastic, the material used in most drink bottles and food packaging. The enzyme, called HGMP01, was identified through analysis of gut bacterial DNA and confirmed to hydrolyze PET nanoparticles in laboratory tests. The finding suggests that gut bacteria may play an unexpected role in processing the microplastics that humans inevitably ingest through food and beverages.
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.
Differential Effects of the Human Digestive Process on Petroleum- and Bio-Based Microplastics Following an In Vitro Approach to Determine Polymer Integrity and Seafood Digestibility
Researchers used an in vitro human digestion model to assess how PET and PLA microplastics affect the digestibility of three seafood species, finding that both plastic types partially resisted gastrointestinal degradation and that they differentially altered nutrient absorption from the seafood.
Impact of particulate microplastics generated from polyethylene terephthalate on gut pathology and immune microenvironments
Researchers generated particulate microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and investigated their impact on gut health using mouse models, histological examinations, and multi-omics analysis. The study found that while chronic low-dose PET microplastic exposure did not cause visible intestinal damage, it did alter the gut immune microenvironment and microbiota composition, suggesting subtle but measurable biological effects.
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.
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.
Property evolution and secondary microplastic release of plastic film MPs in simulated digestive fluids
Researchers placed polyethylene and biodegradable PBAT film microplastics into simulated digestive fluids and tracked how their surface properties changed and whether they released smaller secondary particles. Both types released secondary microplastics and underwent surface chemical changes in the digestive environment, raising concerns about what happens to ingested plastic film fragments in the human gut.
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.
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.
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 from Food Packaging: Polymer Degradation Pathways, Environmental Distribution, and Effects on the Human Gastrointestinal Tract
This review examines how microplastics from common food packaging materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene break down and enter the human digestive system. Researchers found that these particles are now commonly detected in human digestive tracts and may contribute to health issues through physical toxicity, chemical exposure, and disruption of gut microbes. The study underscores the growing relevance of food packaging as a direct route for human microplastic exposure.
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.
Influence 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.
Interactions of microplastics with the human gut microbiota of adults and infants using in vitro gut models
Using in vitro gut models mimicking adult and infant digestive systems, researchers studied how microplastics interact with the human gut microbiota, finding that plastic particles can alter microbial community composition. These disruptions to the gut microbiome could have downstream implications for immune function, digestion, and overall health, particularly in vulnerable infants.