Portrait of Muriel Mercier-Bonin

How did you end up at INRAE?

Muriel Mercier-Bonin: "After graduating from the INSA Toulouse engineering school, I completed a thesis in microbiology-biotechnology (now the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute - TBI). Then, in 1998, I was recruited by the same laboratory as a research fellow to continue my work on the mechanisms of interaction between microorganisms and surfaces. From 2012 to 2014, I joined the Micalis Institute in Jouy-en-Josas to study the structural and functional role of mucus. These combined experiences led me to join the Toxalim laboratory in 2014, where I became director of research in 2019."

What is your research topic?

M. M-B.: "Within the neuro-gastroenterology & nutrition team, I lead a research project on the impact of emerging food contaminants, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, on the barrier function of the intestine, whether intact or weakened by psychological or nutritional stress. I am particularly interested in intestinal mucus, which is a protective gel that lines our epithelium and provides protection against chemical (micro- and nanoplastics) or environmental aggressions. For example, I will look at how a food contaminant can interact with this barrier function of the intestine and what protections are put in place against this contaminant.

Collective intelligence has a vital role to play in research.

To understand the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, we need to be able to detect and quantify them in biological fluids or tissues, particularly in the gut. To this end, I collaborate with colleagues who are particularly interested in analytical techniques for detecting these micro- and nanoplastics, given that nanoplastics can cross certain biological barriers. I value this interdisciplinary work especially because I strongly believe in collective intelligence and in working differently, considering others as resources rather than competitors.

As part of projects that I coordinate or participate in, I supervise doctoral students, such as Chloé Liebgott with the NanoPlastX project funded by ANSES. She studies exposure to nanoplastics present in food by analyzing their fate, physicochemical transformations, and toxicity on the digestive system. I also supervise Mélanie Mobley's thesis for the European ICEBERG project, on the toxicological impact of nanoplastics and other pollutants, particularly those present in the European Arctic environment, on the gut-liver axis using in vitro cell models. I enjoy sharing knowledge, and it is therefore an activity that I carry out with great pleasure.

Do you have any additional responsibilities?

M-B.: “Since January 2024, I have been the deputy director of the laboratory and work closely and in a complementary fashion with Hervé Guillou, the director. My main task is to prepare and draft the laboratory's evaluation report for the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres). Thanks to my two years of experience as a scientific advisor for Hcéres, I can bring my in-depth knowledge of the evaluation process to the laboratory. To prepare the evaluation report, I organized a two-day retreat in November 2024 with the Toxalim team cohesion committee for all volunteer staff members. This retreat fostered a real sense of team spirit!”

I also actively participate in projects supporting public policy. For example, I co-led a joint INRAE/CNRS scientific expert review on the uses and impacts of plastics in agriculture and food, the conclusions of which were published last May. This summer, I took part in the negotiating session (Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee 5.2) of the Global Plastics Treaty, which took place in Geneva. Along with other French colleagues from various organizations such as INRAE ​​and the CNRS, I am a member of the Coalition of Scientists for an Effective Plastics Treaty, which brings together more than 450 scientists from over 65 countries. Our role is to fill the gap left by the lack of an official scientific body by providing rigorous, independent, and immediately applicable expertise within the framework of the negotiations.

And after work?

M. M-B.: “I do Swedish gym with my friends! And no, these classes aren’t led by tall, blond Swedes; it’s simply a fitness session in a fun and friendly atmosphere. I’m also a regular audience member of the Compagnie du Grenier in Toulouse, which mainly presents theatre. More generally, I enjoy dance, classical music… art in all its forms, in short.”

Mini CV

• Since January 2024: Deputy Director, Toxalim, Toulouse
• 2019: Research Director, INRAE, Toxalim, Toulouse
• 1998: Research Scientist, INRAE, LBB (TBI), Toulouse
• 1997–1998: Temporary Lecturer and Researcher, LBB (TBI), Toulouse
• 1994–1997: PhD in Microbiology-Biotechnology at the Biotechnology-Bioprocess Laboratory (LBB), now the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), Toulouse
• 1994: Engineering Degree from INSA Toulouse