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Single exposure of food-derived polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics profoundly affects gut microbiome in an in

Lorenzo Nissen1, Enzo Spisni2, Renato Spigarelli3

  • 1DiSTAL - Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, P.za G. Goidanich, 60 47521, Cesena, Italy; CIRI - Interdepartmental Centre of Agri-Food Industrial Research, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, P.za G. Goidanich, 60 47521, Cesena, Italy; CRBA, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna 40100, Italy.

Environment International
|July 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) in food disrupt the gut microbiome, causing opportunistic bacteria to overgrow and beneficial microbes to decline. This single meal exposure significantly alters colon microbiota ecology and metabolic function in humans.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants found in food and beverages.
  • Human ingestion of MPs is a growing public health concern, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal system.
  • MP exposure can alter gut physiology, beginning with changes to the gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of a single intake of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on the colon microbiota of healthy volunteers.
  • To analyze changes in microbial ecology and metabolic activity using an in vitro intestinal model.
  • To assess the effects of food-derived MP loads on human gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • An omic approach was employed to study the effects of MPs.
  • A mixture of PE and PS MPs was digested using the INFOGEST system.
  • The digested MPs were fermented in a multi-unit in vitro colon model (MICODE) with human fecal microbiota.

Main Results:

  • A significant shift in colon microbiota composition was observed.
  • Opportunistic bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Desulfovibrio spp., Clostridium group I, Atopobium - Collinsella group) showed overgrowth.
  • Beneficial bacterial taxa, except Lactobacillales, decreased in abundance, correlating with altered metabolic activity.

Conclusions:

  • A single meal's worth of PE and PS microplastics can significantly alter the human colon microbiota's ecological balance.
  • MP exposure promotes the growth of potentially harmful bacteria while suppressing beneficial ones.
  • These shifts in microbiota composition are linked to changes in bacterial metabolic functions, highlighting a potential health risk.
Keywords:
Colon microbiotaDysbiosisFood-pollutantsMicroplasticsVolatilome

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