Inhibitory Risks of Nanoplastics on Glucose and Peptide Uptake: Molecular Docking Insights into SGLT1 and PePT1

AbstractPlastic pollution is increasing worldwide and this has caused nanoplastics (NPs), which are smaller than 100 nm, to spread inenvironmental systems. Because of their small size NPs can pass through the cell membrane and accumulate in different tissues.Nanoplastic exposure has been reported to be related to structural damage, inflammation and reduced nutrient absorption in intestinal tissue. It is also stated that NPs may negatively affect protein and carbohydrate metabolism and slow down digestion processes.The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular interactions and inhibitory potential of Polyethylene terephthalate NPs withSGLT1 and PePT1 transporter proteins which are responsible for glucose and peptide absorption in the small intestine. For thispurpose, the molecular docking method was used. Molecular analyses show that PET nanoplastics may block the transport mechanism by occupying the substrate binding sites of both transporter proteins. The results showed that PET nanoplastics have a highbinding affinity to the SGLT1 transporter (∆G = −9.8 kcal/mol; Ki ≈ 123 nM) and a stronger inhibitory potential compared toPePT1 (∆G = −7.4 kcal/mol; Ki ≈ 5.96 µM).