Fig. 1

ASNP fate after oral intake. A schematic sketch showing the evolution of ASNP from synthetic (as present in the food matrix) to biological identities (the entities that interact with the gut wall). After ingestion, ASNP are modified by the biological fluids of various gastrointestinal sections, and their surface adsorbs a variety of endogenous, exogenous, and microbial bioactive molecules (e.g. PAMPs (Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns acting as macrophage activators), metabolites, nutrients….), forming a dynamic biocorona and providing an array of biological identities that are responsible for the effects. See the text for further explanation