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In vitro digestion of microplastics in human digestive system: Insights into particle morphological changes and
Keerthana Prabhu1, Sayanti Ghosh1, S Sethulekshmi1
1Environmental Science and Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400 076, India.
Abstract:
Despite the well-reported occurrences and established pathways for microplastics (MPs) ingestion by humans, the eventual fate of these particles in the human gastrointestinal system is poorly understood. The present study tries to gain a better understanding of the fate of four common food-borne MPs, i.e. Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Nylon, in a simulated in vitro human digestive system. Firstly, the changes in the physicochemical properties of 20-210 μm sized MPs as well as the leaching of chemicals were monitored using fluorescence microscopy, FTIR, and LC-QTOF-MS. Thereafter, the mass loss and morphological alterations in 3-4 mm sized MPs were observed after removing the organic matter. The interaction of PS and PP MPs with duodenal and bile juices manifested in a corona formation. The increase in surface roughness in PP MPs aligned with MP-enzyme dehydrogenation reactions and the addition of NO groups. A few fragments ranging from 30 to 250 μm, with negligible mass loss, were released during the MP digestion process. In addition, the leaching of compounds, e.g. capsi-amide, butanamide, and other plasticizers and monomers was also observed from MPs during digestion, and which may have the potential to accumulate and get absorbed by the digestive organs, and to subsequently impart toxic effects.
Insights
This study investigated the fate of common microplastics (MPs) in a simulated human digestive system. MPs showed surface changes and leached chemicals, posing potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly found in the human diet.
- The behavior and effects of ingested MPs within the human gastrointestinal system remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fate of common food-borne microplastics (Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Low-density Polyethylene, Nylon) in a simulated in vitro human digestive system.
- To understand the physicochemical changes, chemical leaching, and potential toxicological impacts of MPs during digestion.
Main Methods:
- Simulated in vitro digestion of four common MPs (Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Low-density Polyethylene, Nylon) in sizes of 20-210 μm and 3-4 mm.
- Analysis of physicochemical properties using fluorescence microscopy, FTIR, and LC-QTOF-MS.
- Monitoring of mass loss, morphological alterations, and chemical leaching after digestion.
Main Results:
- Polystyrene and Polypropylene MPs formed a corona upon interaction with duodenal and bile juices.
- Polypropylene MPs exhibited increased surface roughness, linked to enzyme reactions and NO group addition.
- MPs released small fragments and leached chemicals like plasticizers and monomers, with potential for absorption and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics undergo significant physicochemical changes within the simulated human digestive system.
- Leaching of chemicals from MPs during digestion is a key concern, potentially leading to accumulation and adverse health effects.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the toxicological implications of microplastic ingestion.
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