Impact of microplastics originating from formula preparation on protein digestion in infant digestion models

Microplastics (MPs) of various morphologies ranging from 1 m - 5.0 mm in size have been ubiquitously detected in the environment, food, drinking water, and biota and may pose a threat to food safety, and human health. The highest reported concentration of MPs comes from the processing of foods in plastic packaging.

MPs exposure to humans is more prevalent in infants than in any other age group due to the use of polypropylene (PP) based products in formula preparation.

The difference in food intake and digestive physiology between infants and adults have been indicated as key contributors to the distinct patterns of proteolysis.

In spite of MPs being frequently consumed with food proteins, data on the digestion process of cows milk in the presence of MPs are not available.

The broad aim of the proposal is to investigate the effect of MPs from plastic packaging material on the digestibility of proteins in adults and infants.

The project will focus on specific objectives: comparative digestibility of cows milk proteins in the presence of MPs (and aged MPs) in adult and infant digestion models; digestion of infant formulas in the presence of MPs in infant digestion models.The proposed study will use methodology applied in prior research and harmonised protocols for adult and infant digestion.

To achieve the proposed aims, the researcher will get training through know-how transfer and research in digestion models, protein analysis, and digestomics from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry and get knowledge on MPs preparation and characterization during the short visit to Maastricht University Polymer Department.

The proposed project aims to study an issue that has attracted global attention and therefore, the communication and dissemination measures will be oriented both to the scientific society and the wider public.

The project will generate new knowledge on the impact of MPs on human nutrition and provide data that may be adopted by policymakers.