Microthreatenence

Microthreatenence is a two-year research project that investigates a growing but often overlooked food safety issue: the presence of microplastics in processed seafoods commonly sold in local markets. As microplastics continue to infiltrate marine environments, they increasingly make their way into the seafood that people consume. This project seeks to uncover how widespread this problem is and what it means for public health and food security.

Through systematic sampling of processed (sea)foods across Mindanao, the project will extract, identify, and characterize microplastics based on size, shape, color, and polymer type. Using advanced tools such as ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, the team will determine exactly what kinds of plastics are present and in what quantities.

Beyond detection, the project also explores a deeper question: What are the potential health impacts of these microplastics? To answer this, the research integrates molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on how identified microplastic types may interact with important biological proteins such as cytochrome P450 in zebrafish, a standard model for toxicological studies. These simulations aim to predict toxicity, binding behavior, and hazard scores, offering a scientific basis for understanding risks to both aquatic life and human consumers.

Ultimately, Microthreatenence aims to generate baseline data, toxicological insights, and science-based recommendations that can guide future analytical standards, support policy development, and strengthen food safety practices in the Philippines. By shedding light on a hidden threat, the project hopes to empower consumers, regulators, and industries to make informed and health protective decisions.