Prof. Andreja Rajkovic of Ghent University delves into the complex interactions between microplastics, nanoplastics, and food safety.

Each year, the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) hosts its Annual Meeting, a premier event for food safety professionals worldwide. This year, the meeting took place from July 14th to 17th at the Long Beach Convention Center, gathering over 3,500 experts from industry, academia, and government across six continents. The event is renowned for its robust program, featuring the latest science, innovative solutions, and opportunities for networking. Among the noteworthy contributions was a poster presentation by Imptox scientist, Prof. Andreja Rajkovic of Ghent University, who explored the intricate issues surrounding micro- and nanoplastics in our food.

On July 16th, Prof. Rajkovic presented his poster titled “Toxicological and Microbiological Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Food Safety.” The poster comprehensively addressed the various risks posed by micro- and nanoplastics, including their widespread presence in the environment and their concentrations in food and bottled water.

Prof. Rajkovic's research, conducted as part of the Imptox project, seeks to clarify these complexities. His team investigates how micro- and nanoplastics affect cellular health and interact with foodborne pathogens. By employing advanced technologies such as live cell imaging using the Sartorius Incucyte SX5 and mitochondrial analysis with the Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer, they discovered that the health impacts of these particles vary significantly based on their type, size, and concentration. Live cell imaging allows researchers to observe cellular processes in real-time, providing insights into how cells respond to microplastics over time.

The Seahorse XF Analyzer measures cellular metabolism, specifically how cells convert nutrients into energy and how they use oxygen during this process. This is crucial for understanding the toxic effects of microplastics on cell function. For example, experiments showed that certain nanoplastics can hinder boar semen motility, serving as a model for toxicological assessment.

The microbiological findings are equally compelling. Prof. Rajkovic explained how microplastics facilitate the formation of biofilms and enhance the virulence of pathogens like Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni. Furthermore, his team found that microplastics can act as carriers for marine microbiota, including antibiotic resistance genes, influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature and salinity.

Prof. Rajkovic's poster at the IAFP Annual Meeting highlighted the multifaceted risks associated with micro- and nanoplastics, shedding light on their complex interactions with cellular health and pathogen behavior. His research aims to deepen our understanding of how these particles impact food safety and public health. The insights shared at the conference foster dialogue and inspire action among food safety professionals.

Addressing these issues head-on, Prof. Rajkovic's findings emphasize the need for further research and effective strategies to mitigate the potential risks posed by microplastics in our food supply. It is clear that safeguarding our food requires both innovative research and collaborative global efforts to implement practical solutions. This knowledge is crucial to inform future regulations and to protect the health of our food systems and, ultimately, ourselves.

While Prof. Rajkovic’s research highlights critical areas of concern, it also invites further exploration and debate within the scientific community. How do we balance the benefits of plastic use with its long-term environmental and health impacts? What regulatory frameworks are most effective in managing these risks? These questions remind us that while we have made significant strides, the journey towards comprehensive food safety in the era of pervasive plastic pollution is ongoing.