Polylactic acid (PLA) is the leading biodegradable microplastic globally, widely used in products like food packaging and clothing.
Biodegradable plastics have been hailed as an eco-friendly alternative to solve the global plastic pollution crisis. These are made from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane as compared to conventional plastics.
However, a new study is sounding an alarm, suggesting that eco-friendly materials might be secretly endangering our health.Polylactic acid is the leading biodegradable plastic globally, widely used in products like food packaging and clothing. However, its increasing use means more exposure to PLA microplastics. The effect of ingesting these microscopic particles has, until now, remained mostly a mystery.It’s now confirmed, for the first time, that microplastics from PLA are capable of entering the metabolic cycle of gut bacteria and cells.That’s right – they’re not just passing through.“Biodegradable polylactic acid plastics have been praised as an effective solution to the global pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. Their widespread use in food packaging and disposable tableware has resulted in increased oral exposure to PLA microplastics,” the researchers wrote in the study paper. This study was conducted by a joint research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Columbia University.Microplastics in the gut of a mouseRecent studies have identified microplastics in various human organs and bodily fluids, such as the brain, kidneys, blood, placenta, and breast milk. It clearly indicates a widespread presence that was previously underestimated.Another study suggests that the minuscule size of microplastics raises concerns about their potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. If they can indeed breach this protective barrier in the brain, it could have serious implications for neurological health.Now, this new study showcases the growing threat of microplastics in the human body.PLA is found to be more brittle than standard, meaning it breaks down into tiny particles more readily.The study used mouse models to track the journey of ingested PLA microplastics. And what they discovered is a cause for concern.Once swallowed, PLA microplastics are broken down by gut microbes of mouse. Specifically, certain gut bacteria, like Helicobacter muridarum and Barnesiella visceriocola, secrete an enzyme called esterase, which breaks down these microplastics.South China Morning Post explained that these fragmented microplastics then become a carbon source for the gut microbes’ metabolism.This process can lead to the formation of materials linked to serious health conditions, including diabetes and hyperuricemia, which leads to gout and kidney stones.Decreased appetite The damage doesn’t stop there. The study found that PLA microplastic fragments, when present in the gut epithelial cells , reduce the production of linear short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are important because they serve as the primary energy source for these vital gut cells.The study mice also showed decreased appetite and lost weight.“Although it is unclear how gut microbes distinguish PLA , one plausible reason is that frequent consumption of plastics through food and drinks has domesticated gut microbiota to recognise and break down these plastics,” the study noted. Furthermore, PLA microplastics may trigger the formation of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter muridarum. These could then displace beneficial microbes that typically process dietary fibers, potentially disrupting gut balance. The researchers stated that the damage might be reversible if exposure is ceased for six to twelve months, researchers say. This study raises important questions about the long-term impact of biodegradable plastics on human health. SCMP pointed out that more proof is needed to determine the toxicity of biodegradable plastics in the human body.The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Biodegradable Plastic Biology Health Microplastic
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