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PET microplastics affect human gut microbiota communities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, first evidence

Alba Tamargo1, Natalia Molinero1, Julián J Reinosa2,3

  • 1Institute of Food Science Research, CIAL, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera, 9, 28049, Madrid, Spain.

Scientific Reports
|January 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) alter the human gut microbiome and undergo biotransformation in the digestive tract. This study reveals potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion and gut microbial interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
  • Their impact on human microbiota and gastrointestinal biotransformation remains largely unknown.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial due to widespread human exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biotransformation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics in the human gastrointestinal tract.
  • To assess the effects of microplastics on the composition of the human colonic microbial community.
  • To evaluate potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion at the digestive level.

Main Methods:

  • Simulation of gastrointestinal transit using a harmonized static model combined with the dynamic simgi model.
  • Physiological recreation of different digestive tract regions.
  • Analysis of PET microplastic structural changes and impact on colonic microbiota.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics underwent biotransformation within the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Microplastics appeared structurally altered by the time they reached the colon.
  • Ingestion of microplastics led to alterations in the human colonic microbial community composition.
  • Evidence suggests microbial adherence to microplastic surfaces, potentially forming biofilms.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics can induce digestive-level health effects.
  • The gut microbiome's composition is altered by microplastic exposure.
  • Further research into plastic biodegradation by gut bacteria and impacts on microbiome functionality is warranted.

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