Impact of Nanoplastics\non the Functional Profile of\nMicroalgae Species Used as Food Supplements: Insights from Comparative\nIn Vitro and Ex Vivo Digestion Studies

The widespread use of plastics in the food industry raises\nconcerns\nabout plastic migration and health risks. The degradation of primary\npolymers like polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) can generate\nnanoplastics (NPs), increasing food biohazard. This study assessed\nthe impact of PS, PE, and PS + PE NPs on Chlorella\nvulgaris (CV) and Haematococcus pluvialis (HP) before and after in vitro and ex vivo digestion, focusing on\nparticle size, polydispersity index, and surface charge. The modulation\nof total phenolic content (TPC) induced by NP contamination was also\nevaluated. Results demonstrated that NP behavior varied with the microalgae\nmedium and persisted postdigestion, posing health risks. Significant\nsize increases were noted for PS + PE in the CV and HP. TPC increased\nsignificantly with NP exposure, especially PS + PE. These findings\nunderline the need for regulatory measures to ensure food safety in\ncases of plastic contamination and to address the behavior and toxicity\nof NPs.