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The degradation of plastic products leads to the release of tiny plastic particles, which have the potential to affect human health when inhaled or ingested. Researchers have been exploring alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics, turning to plant starch to create biodegradable options. A recent study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry investigates how animals exposed to these starch-derived plastics exhibited serious health issues, including liver damage and disruptions in their gut microbiomes.
According to Yongfeng Deng, the study’s lead author, “The safety profile of biodegradable starch-based plastics may be less favorable than previously believed.”
Microplastics, defined as fragments of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, are increasingly entering human systems through contaminated food, beverages, and even intravenous infusions. Research has linked the presence of these particles in bodily fluids to various potential health concerns. For instance, people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease have demonstrated higher concentrations of microplastics in their feces. Originally, biodegradable plastics were presented as a safer, eco-friendlier choice compared to conventional plastics derived from petroleum, with starch-based plastics being among the most prevalent. Despite this, there has been limited research regarding their physiological effects. To address this gap, a research team led by Deng investigated the health implications of consuming starch-based biodegradable plastics using animal subjects.
The research compared three sets of five mice: one group was given regular chow, while the other two consumed diets supplemented with starch-based microplastics at different dosages (low and high), calculated to reflect estimated human consumption. After three months, the health of the mice was evaluated by examining their organ tissues, metabolic responses, and variations in gut microbiota.
The findings revealed that mice exposed to starch-based microplastic particles experienced:
- Noticeable organ damage, particularly in the liver and ovaries, with the most severe effects observed in the high-dose group, while mice on a standard diet exhibited normal organ health.
- Anomalies in glucose regulation and significant elevations in triglyceride levels, along with disruptions in metabolic markers associated with glucose and lipid management compared to their normal chow counterparts.
- Disturbances in genetic pathways and shifts in gut microbiota, which the researchers suggest might disturb the circadian rhythms of the affected animals.
“Extended exposure to low doses of starch-based microplastics may result in a wide range of health issues, especially affecting circadian rhythms and metabolic processes,” Deng stated. However, the researchers note that this study represents a preliminary investigation into the effects of starch-based microplastics, signaling the need for more in-depth research to further understand how these biodegradable materials interact within the body.
The study received support from various funding agencies including the Natural Science Foundation of China and the Jiangsu Province Young Science and Technology Talent Support Program, among others.
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