Innovative Strategies for Microplastic Mitigation in the Food Chain

In recent years, the concern of microplastic contamination in the food chain has attracted growing attention from researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Emerging evidence highlights the potential health risks associated with microplastics in our food, prompting a need for innovative strategies to address this issue. Recent research demonstrates the limitations of traditional mitigation techniques and indicates the necessity for new approaches that leverage cutting-edge technologies. Advanced filtration and separation systems, biodegradable alternatives to fossil-based plastics in packaging, and real-time microplastic detection tools are among the promising options currently under investigation. Further, there is increasing interest in microbial and enzymatic degradation pathways, including the role of animal digestive microbiota, such as the ruminal microbiota in livestock, in breaking down microplastics within the food chain.

Despite recent advancements, substantial gaps remain. There is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the occurrence, release, and transformation of microplastics throughout the food chain, as well as the effectiveness and scalability of novel techniques, such as biorefinery and green extraction, in real-world situations. The absence of cohesive global policies and insufficient collaboration across industries continue to hinder the adoption of innovative mitigation solutions.

This Research Topic aims to explore and develop sustainable solutions for reducing microplastic contamination and enhancing degradation within the food chain. It seeks to address the efficacy and scalability of new technologies, investigate the application of biorefinery and green extraction techniques for managing plastic waste, advance understanding of microplastic occurrence and transformation within the food chain, and examine the role of animal digestive microbiota in microplastic breakdown. In addition, it considers how policy-making and industry collaboration can support effective mitigation efforts. By aligning with sustainable development goals, this topic aims to strengthen food system resilience against microplastic pollution and ultimately improve food safety and public health.

To encourage further insights into innovative strategies for microplastic mitigation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Quantification and characterization of microplastic release and transformation in the food chain
o Development and application of advanced microplastic separation and filtration technologies in food processing
o Role of biodegradable materials as replacements for fossil-based plastics in food packaging
o Microbial and enzymatic pathways, including animal digestive microbiota, involved in microplastic degradation and biotransformation
o Real-time microplastic detection tools and their integration in food safety protocols
o Application of biorefinery and green extraction techniques for managing plastic waste
o Policy instruments and industry collaborations that drive mitigation efforts

Original article types may include research articles, reviews, case studies, and policy analyses.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: microplastic mitigation, food chain, advanced filtration systems, microbial and enzymatic degradation, ruminal microbiota, biodegradable alternatives, real-time detection tools, biorefinery, green extraction techniques, sustainable development goals, food systems resilience, policy-making

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.