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Measuring Artificial Sweeteners Toxicity Using a Bioluminescent Bacterial Panel
Dorin Harpaz1,2,3, Loo Pin Yeo4, Francesca Cecchini5
1School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technology University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore. DORIN001@e.ntu.edu.sg.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 28, 2018
Summary
Artificial sweeteners show varying toxicity to E. coli bacteria, impacting gut health and the environment. This study used bioluminescent bacteria to assess sweetener toxicity, revealing distinct response patterns for different sweeteners.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Artificial sweeteners are widely used in foods, but their health and environmental impacts remain unclear.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects, including metabolic disorders and environmental pollution.
- There is a lack of consensus on the consequences of artificial sweetener consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relative toxicity of six FDA-approved artificial sweeteners and ten sport supplements containing them.
- To investigate the effects of artificial sweeteners on a genetically modified bioluminescent E. coli model.
- To understand the potential environmental risks and impact on gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Used genetically modified bioluminescent E. coli strains as a sensing model for toxicants.
- Measured induced luminescent signals and bacterial growth upon exposure to artificial sweeteners.
- Assessed toxicity response patterns, including signal induction and inhibition.
Main Results:
- Toxic effects were observed at specific concentrations of artificial sweeteners.
- Sucralose and neotame showed an inhibition response pattern in tested E. coli strains.
- Saccharin, aspartame, and ace-k exhibited an induction response pattern in specific strains.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the relative toxicity of artificial sweeteners on E. coli, a model for gut bacteria.
- Bioluminescent bacteria can serve as a detection tool for artificial sweeteners in environmental samples.
- Distinct toxicity patterns suggest specific modes of action for different artificial sweeteners.
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