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Micro- and nanoplastics differ in particle-mucus interactions: The sight on rheological properties, barrier
Xuemei Meng1, Xue Zheng1, Wenting Mai1
1School of Food Science and Engineering, Ningxia University, Ningxia, Yinchuan 750021, PR China.
Abstract:
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in food can cross the intestinal barrier and accumulate in multiple organs. Mucus serves as a vital defense against such invaders, but the nature of its interaction with MNPs remains unclear. In this study, we investigated changes in the rheological properties of mucus and the physicochemical properties of MNPs in co-incubation. The effects of MNPs on the mucus layer and gut microbiota were also assessed in vivo at environmentally relevant doses. MNPs adsorbed proteins in mucus, increasing apparent particle size, and reducing the surface charges. They broke the selective permeability of barrier and destroyed the histomorphology and microenvironment of microbiota in mice. Notably, nanoplastics were wrapped in mucus. They induced mucus secretion, crosstalk of microbiota, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Microplastics reduced the composite viscosity of mucus and thinned the mucus layer, facilitating diversification of harmful bacteria. Size plays a crucial role in particle-mucus interactions: nanoplastics tend to penetrate the mucus layer and disrupt microbial colonization, while microplastics contribute to mucus depletion. The physicochemical properties of MNPs and mucus characteristics affect microbial community, modulating the MNPs biotoxicity. These findings provide insights into mucus barrier homeostasis in health risk of MNPs.
Insights
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) disrupt the gut mucus barrier, altering the gut microbiota and potentially posing health risks. Nanoplastics penetrate mucus, while microplastics deplete it, with size significantly impacting these interactions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are contaminants found in food.
- Their ability to breach the intestinal barrier and accumulate in organs is a growing concern.
- The interaction between MNPs and the protective mucus layer of the gut is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how MNPs affect the rheological and physicochemical properties of mucus.
- To assess the in vivo impact of MNPs on the mucus layer and gut microbiota at environmentally relevant doses.
- To elucidate the role of particle size in MNP-mucus interactions and subsequent biotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Co-incubation of MNPs with mucus to analyze rheological and physicochemical changes.
- In vivo studies in mice to evaluate MNP effects on the mucus layer and gut microbiota.
- Assessment of MNP adsorption, particle size, surface charge, and mucus secretion.
Main Results:
- MNPs adsorbed mucus proteins, increasing particle size and reducing surface charge.
- MNPs compromised intestinal barrier integrity and altered gut microbiota histomorphology.
- Nanoplastics were engulfed by mucus, inducing secretion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst; microplastics thinned the mucus layer, promoting harmful bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Particle size is critical: nanoplastics penetrate and disrupt microbial colonization, while microplastics cause mucus depletion.
- MNP physicochemical properties and mucus characteristics modulate MNP biotoxicity through effects on the microbial community.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing MNP health risks and maintaining mucus barrier homeostasis.
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