Influence of artificial digestion on characteristics and intestinal cellular effects of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics

Maxi B. Paul, Linda Böhmert, Andreas F. Thünemann, Katrin Loeschner, Lucas Givelet, Christoph Fahrenson, Albert Braeuning, Holger Sieg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

The production of plastics is rising since they have been invented. Micro, submicro- and nanoplastics are produced intentionally or generated by environmental processes, and constitute ubiquitous contaminants which are ingested orally by consumers. Reported health concerns include intestinal translocation, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Every digestive milieu in the gastrointestinal tract does have an influence on the properties of particles and can cause changes in their effect on biological systems. In this study, we subjected plastic particles of different materials (polylactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, melamine formaldehyde) and sizes (micro- to nano-range) to a complex artificial digestion model consisting of three intestinal fluid simulants (saliva, gastric and intestinal juice). We monitored the impact of the digestion process on the particles by performing Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation. An in vitro model of the intestinal epithelial barrier was used to monitor cellular effects and translocation behavior of (un)digested particles. In conclusion, artificial digestion decreased cellular interaction and slightly increased transport of all particles across the intestinal barrier. The interaction with organic matter resulted in clear differences in the agglomeration behavior. Moreover, we provide evidence for polymer-, size- and surface-dependent cellular effects of the test particles.
Original languageEnglish
Article number114423
JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology
Volume184
Number of pages16
ISSN0278-6915
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Microplastics
  • Nanoplastics
  • Oral uptake
  • Artificial digestion
  • Gastrointestinal barrier

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