Eco-corona: A new frontier in understanding micro- and nanoplastic-gut interactions

Plastics released into natural environments undergo complex transformations, ending in the spontaneous formation of an "eco-corona", a dynamic layer of adsorbed organic molecules, biomolecules, and microorganisms. This eco-corona profoundly alters the physicochemical identity of micro- and nanoplastics, modulating their environmental fate, pollutant adsorption, cellular uptake, and toxicity. Emerging evidence shows that eco-corona-coated plastics can act as vectors for environmental pollutants and microbial pathogens, raising significant concerns for ecosystems and human health, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Eco-corona dynamics influence colloidal stability, pollutant vectorization, immune responses, and interactions with the gut microbiota, potentially contributing to barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and microbiota dysbiosis. However, major knowledge gaps persist regarding the real-world composition and evolution of eco-coronas, their interplay with biological coronas, and their long-term impacts on health. This mini review synthesizes current insights into eco-corona formation, its modulation of micro- and nanoplastic behavior and toxicity, and highlights critical research priorities to better understand and mitigate the emerging risks at the interface between plastic pollution and gastroenterology.