A recent study highlights a worrying connection between nanoplastics from single-use plastic bottles (SUPBs) and the spread of antibiotic resistance (AR), revealing an emerging public health concern. Published in the journal Nanoscale by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, the study demonstrates how nanoplastics might exacerbate the AR crisis by enabling the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) between bacterial species, including beneficial gut bacteria and pathogens.
Key Findings:
- Nanoplastics as Vectors for ARGs:
- Nanoplastics derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, termed PBNPs, can facilitate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs.
- These plastic particles mimic real-world nanoplastic pollutants formed from discarded SUPBs.
- Impact on Gut Microbiota:
- The study reveals that beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, crucial for maintaining gut health, can acquire ARGs.
- This occurs through interactions with pathogens like E. coli, mediated by outer membrane vesicle (OMV) secretion in bacteria.
- Implications for Antibiotic Resistance:
- The introduction of ARGs into beneficial gut bacteria creates potential reservoirs for these genes.
- During infections, these ARGs can transfer from beneficial bacteria to pathogens, complicating treatment and exacerbating the AR crisis.
Methodology:
- The researchers synthesized environmentally relevant nanoplastic particles from used PET water bottles to simulate the pollutants typically generated by plastic waste.
- Laboratory experiments demonstrated that these PBNPs facilitated cross-species gene transfer between bacteria.
Broader Implications:
- Environmental Pollution and Public Health:
- Nanoplastics, a byproduct of plastic waste degradation, now emerge as a hidden contributor to AR, linking environmental pollution to public health crises.
- Antibiotic Resistance Crisis:
- AR, already a global threat, may worsen as nanoplastics enhance gene transfer mechanisms among bacteria, including in the human microbiome.
- Need for Action:
- The findings emphasize the urgency to address SUPB pollution and nanoplastic proliferation through stricter regulations, sustainable alternatives, and improved waste management systems.
source: PIB
